When you are having a baby, there are so many decisions to be made. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of choices. From baby items to medical decisions, the list is endless. Having four kids of my own, I remember the standing in BabiesRUs (that ages my daughter 😅) feeling completely overwhelmed with all the decisions. When it’s your first baby especially, you feel like you are going in blind!
In my opinion, portraits is a decision that should be easy! First things first, book the session, whether with me, the other photographer or the hospital photographer. Don’t miss out on newborn portraits! These are lasting memories that you forever cherish. If having a newborn session done in studio by a professional photographer is not your thing, that’s fine but do make sure you let the hospital photographer snap a few shots. And don’t forget to ask that YOU are in them! It’s a moment in time you can never get back!
Now, if you are planning on having professional studio or in-home portraits done, do you still need hospital photos? While this is a personal choice, my vote is that it’s not necessary. A professional newborn session will still allow you to capture the itty bitty stage of your baby. They will document all the sweet newborn moments even if take 2-3 weeks after birth. You will receive much more out of your studio newborn session when compared to in hospital photos. Those photos are usually quick, they come in, take their pictures and leave. As a professional studio newborn photographer, I am able to spend more time with the baby and you to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free. You have also had some time to adjust to life with baby as opposed to when you are still in the hospital and everything feels like a whirlwind.
If you skip the hospital photos, here are Five shots I recommend you taking that are easy to do with your own camera and definitely are babybook worthy! –
- baby in hospital bassinet (near the window for good lighting)
- baby in Mom’s arms in the bed to capture the newness of the moment.
- Dad sitting bedside holding baby
- baby’s little feet with his/her identity bracelet on
- siblings holding baby
Bonus tip – purchase a litter board to spell out baby’s name and birth stats. Here is a really cute one that you can purchase ahead of time – https://www.amazon.com/Felt-Inches-Changeable-Include-Plastic/dp/B073QGFC18/ref=asc_df_B073QGFC18/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198056821841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3299711803021781965&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007210&hvtargid=pla-353547297259&th=1
Photos are always time well spent and forever worth the memories they hold. Make sure you document you baby whether it be by newborn hospital photos or a professional studio or in-home photographer. I promise you, these photos will mean more than you can imagine!
Ashley is a Philadelphia newborn photographer with 9 plus years of experience. She specializes in newborn and maternity photography. Her studio located in Newtown, PA – Bucks County.
If you are looking for a newborn photographer, I would love to begin planning the perfect session for you. My sessions are built around serving each client fully by creating a stress-free and enjoyable experience. From the option of hair and makeup to borrowing a dress from my curated studio wardrobe, I am here to help you and make this a memorable time for you ! Contact me here to learn more about the experience and to reserve your session with me or email directly at AshleyBlairPhotography@gmail.com! If you would like to see more of my portfolio and learn more about me, please click here and take a look around my website
