Documentary Newborn Sessions: What to Expect

The newborn days are one of my favorite to document. Why? Because they really truly are a blur. Without photos, videos, or strict journaling, you’ll reflect in a few years and wonder: “How’d we do it?” and “What did we really do during those days?” If you’re considering a documentary newborn session but wondering exactly what to expect, here’s a quick run down of what you need to know!

1. We’re on Baby Time. This means, whatever happens, happens, I don’t arrive with a schedule, instead I just go with the flow. Photos happen naturally as you go about your new routine.

2. Don’t stress about “getting the shots.” I have a mental checklist I go through of things and moments to document in a natural way. I also love to capture those moments that just can’t be scripted, so when those happen I’ll be ready! I’ll also ask ahead of time if there are any must have memories you want documented.

3. Two hours allow for a good mix of you going about your normal family routine. When I see some nice light and I also see a quiet moment, I may ask you to move into the light for a family portrait. If you all happen to cuddle together in some beautiful light all by yourselves I may not even need to step in!

4. This is not a photoshoot you have to prep or clean for. Seriously. I know you just had a newborn. Embrace the rawness of this time. It is fleeting. Let the mess be. On a similar note, just wear comfortable clothes. Or if you really want to embrace the rawness I do not mind you wearing the same clothes you’ve been in for the past two days. That’s very often part of newborn life and I do not judge! However you want to remember this time I’m here for.

5. I’ll arrive, chat about how your morning is going and then start taking photos when it feels natural and I see you in your normal routine. We’ll just go from there. Easy peesy!

6. Think of this session as a friend with a camera is coming over. And do not “host” me! You have a new baby and I show up already caffeinated.

7. I’ll check in with you ahead of time if you’d like me to document you nursing or pumping.

8. Due to being vigilant about germs and newborns, I won’t be touching baby at all. And by default I always mask up for newborn sessions as well.

9. I love to start newborn sessions around 9am or 10am because babies are often ever so slightly more alert at that time of day. I can get some natural interactions and photos with their little eyes open and also some of them fast asleep as well.

10. Trust the process. I know documentary isn’t the normal pose and smile for the camera photo session, so you might be still wondering if it’s this simple. Often people remark afterwards that their documentary session was the least stressful of any photo session ever. My job is to let you see the beauty in these hazy newborn moments. Because like everyone says, it really does pass by faster than you can imagine.

P.S. - I love pets! I always make sure to include them in your story as well.

Ready to book a newborn session or have a few more questions? Let’s chat!

Bothell Newborn Photographer - Settled in at Home

So I was originally suppose to photograph the birth of this sweet little doll. But the universe had some other plans. She and her parents are finally home and settling into their new life as a family of three!

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Cozy and Relaxed In-Home Newborn Session - Shoreline, Wa

With her friendly and furry doggie sibling nearby at all times, this little girl seemed so peaceful, cozy and completely settled in at home even though it had only been two weeks. I’m sure someday she will look back at these photos and see how enamored her parents were during those first days with her.

When we chatted on the phone prior to their session, her parents were looking forward to a laid-back low-stress newborn session. The great thing about the documentary approach is that I just come over and hang out with your family, just like a friend would. We go with baby’s flow and I document your daily lives in this season. My goal is to create a visual time capsule of those sweet newborn days that speed by in a blur.

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Nova's Documentary Newborn Session - Duvall, Wa

When I walked in to their house I knew this session was going to be special. Not only was baby Nova just the cutest thing ever, but the grandparents were there too! There’s something really special about having grandparents in your family’s newborn photos.

During a documentary newborn session we plan and time your session for the most active/alert time of day for baby. Hint: It’s typically during the morning. I come in, take a few minutes to meet your family, and just start documenting your family as we chat.

During baby Nova’s session he nursed, the grandparents oohed and awed over him (trust me, this would have happened even if I wasn’t there), he had his first bath, led by grandma who was a former labor and delivery nurse, they got him dressed and brushed his amazing hair (seriously check it out!) Then it was time for more baby cuddles, a quick walk around the neighborhood, and then some sleepy time cuddles in the house with everyone, including their pup.

Nova, you are so loved.

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Thierry and Marisa - Newborn Day in the Life Session

There’s nothing so sweet, tiring, and fleeting as those first newborn days. Marisa and Thierry welcomed beautiful little Ella and about two weeks later I swung by their home to document their life as a family of three.

As I was documenting their sweet family and watching them take in every little moment with Ella I was transported back to the hazy newborn days with my son. I have a million pictures of my son but very few of our family and myself with our new family member in our new daily routine. I so wish I could look back on some photos and see how beautiful those moments were, because as most parents will tell you, those first days and weeks are hard but amazing.

The joy of having a documentary session of those first few days with a new baby really comes later. When the baby has grown and is crawling or walking or talking and you view those photos with a new set of parent eyes and see how glorious those days were when you were just meeting this perfect sweet little family member. The secret all parents know is that those days are numbered and never last long enough.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the few hours I spent with newborn Ella and her parents. Scroll down to see their slideshow.

Full Slideshow