What if my Newborn baby cries through my newborn photoshoot? | Spokane newborn photographer
What if my baby cries through my newborn photoshoot? | Spokane newborn photographer
Sometimes babies cry, it’s inevitable, it’s the only way that they have to communicate. I’ve been a newborn photographer for around decade in the Spokane area and here’s a little secret. Every baby I have photographed has cried or fussed at some point during their newborn session and that’s OKAY. I have ZERO expectations for your newborn baby at your photoshoot and you shouldn’t either. Let’s dive in a little deeper.
Don’t panic.
First and foremost, if your baby is fussy during your newborn session, do not panic. It is incredibly common for babies to fuss during their newborn photos, and honestly I’ve worked with more fussy babies than calm and content ones. I know the sleepy newborn photos littered all over the internet can be very misleading when your photoshoot day rolls around and your baby is crying through most of it. The best thing you can do is keep calm and not worry about your photos being ruined, because I promise they won’t be.
Lean into your instincts.
Lean into your instincts, what does your baby need? You are mom and you know your baby best, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. My newborn sessions are baby-led which means we move at the pace of your baby. We can always take a break or I can take photos while your hold or nurse your baby. Diaper changes happen frequently during my sessions. I once had a baby who got 10 diaper changes during his photos! Just know I’m a mom too and I am on your side. I want you to address your baby’s needs the whole time and we will work around it. Whatever it is that your baby needs, say it out loud and I will work with you.
Trust my expertise in newborn photography
I have been a newborn photographer for over a decade and I can say with confidence that I know how to work around fussy babies. I do not get stressed out by crying or fussing, because I, myself had a colic baby and that part of my brain still engages when I hear a baby crying. I know how to work calmly despite crying and not many photographers can do that.
I know how to pose and work with babies while they fuss and most of the time, you’d never know based on the photos. I do occasionally catch a crying baby face and sometimes include it in your photo gallery, because these are your memories and some day you might miss that gummy wail of your newborn.
I believe strongly that babies belong in their parents arms and this is a part of why I don’t use props in my work. I don’t use many of the soothing tactics that the studio newborn photographers use to reduce crying like heaters, overfeeding and ultra-tight swaddle wraps, because those items are not in the best interest of your baby. I have been safety trained by a NICU nurse in everything I do with newborn photography and I would never put your baby at risk with these soothing tactics. Mom is the best soother there is.
Know that it will be okay.
Your photos will be okay. Your baby will be okay. Your family will be okay. Know that newborn photos in reality don’t always feel easy while they are happening and it’s so incredibly common and good to expect it. It is not a sign that anything is going wrong. Choose an experienced photographer and hang in through the experience. I have never had a mother hate her newborn photos.
Please don’t worry about your baby crying during your newborn photoshoot. Parenthood has plenty of things to stress about in the early days and this should not be one of them.
Ready to book? You can book your newborn photoshoot here. I’ll help guide you through the entire process so that you feel completely prepared for your newborn photos.
FAQ: In-home Newborn Photoshoots and Crying Babies
1. Is it normal for a newborn to cry during a photoshoot?
Yes! It’s completely normal and very common. Babies communicate by crying and in general newborns cry a lot in the early days. While, I don’t do the soothing for you during your newborn session, I encourage mom and dad to do whatever they feel they need to to to help soothe the baby. Just know that crying often has little impact on the photos at my newborn photoshoots, because of the way that I pose them and their families.
2. What happens if my baby won’t stop crying during the photoshoot?
We take breaks as needed for cuddles, feeding, or soothing. Sessions are always baby-led to ensure your newborn feels safe and calm. You are welcome to hold your baby through the entire photoshoot. You baby will be out of your arms for about 5 minutes during the entire session and only if baby will tolerate it.
3. How do you keep babies calm during a newborn photoshoot?
I keep babies calm, by heavily involving parents in all of the photoshoot. I myself do not do the soothing, because I believe babies belong in their parents arms and no one soothes a baby better than mom and dad. I’m a big believer in attachment parenting and never want to encroach on that sacred space. I encourage parents to cuddle, feed, nurse, sing, and rock their babies. I’m open to whatever soothing tactics that parents prefer to use for their baby. I do not use heat, overfeeding or tight swaddling to soothe babies.
4. Should I reschedule if my newborn is extra fussy?
There’s no need to reschedule for a fussy baby. Fussing and crying doesn’t heavily impact the look of your photos. I allow plenty of time during each session to work around your baby’s needs. However, if your little one is sick or very uncomfortable, we can definitely consider a reschedule.
5. How long does a typical newborn session take?
Newborn sessions typically last about an hour, but I set about 2 hours aside for your session to allow for plenty of time to soothe and care for your baby. I try to work very quickly to allow families to both get their photos done and get back to relaxing and soaking in their new baby. I never want to tire anyone out.
6. Is there anything I should have on hand to help if my baby gets fussy?
I don’t recommend anything above and beyond normal care for your infant. I’m not a photographer who believes in interfering with the normal routine of your baby. I work within your home to keep as much of your baby’s environment the same and allow for your to have all your care essentials right there the whole time, no need to pack up the nursery.
Curious to see what a full newborn session looks like? You can view my newborn portfolio here.
I serve families all over Spokane, Liberty Lake, and the greater Inland Northwest with relaxed, full-service newborn photography sessions in the comfort of your home.