Choosing the Right Location for Your Newborn Session
Your baby is here, and now it’s time to choose a location for their newborn photos! With little sleep and a million new things to think about, it can feel like a daunting task.
Don’t worry — I’ve got you.
In this post, I’ll clearly and concisely break down the options for your newborn photos. These are the locations I offer at Jess Palmer Photography. If you’ve booked your newborn session with another photographer, be sure to verify your choices with them.
In-home
A common setting for newborn sessions is in your home. The biggest advantage? You don’t have to go anywhere! No worrying about what to pack up or rushing to get somewhere on time. And in the case of a blowout or spit-up emergency, you’ll be close to everything you need.
For in-home sessions, the master bed is a great space to use, especially at the beginning of the shoot when your baby will be captured alone. The nursery is another special place for your newborn photos. I love seeing all the special details carefully chosen for your sweet little one. If neither of those spaces is available, we’ll simply choose an area in your home with beautiful natural light.
Some clients choose not to do an in-home session because of unfinished projects or the feeling that baby gear has taken over. Just know that we can work around anything — but if you’d prefer another option, that's totally fine!
Studio
Another popular option for newborn photos is a studio space. A studio offers privacy for your family and provides a clean, uncluttered backdrop for your photos. This option will require you to pack up a few items and may even be your first outing with your baby. (Don’t worry — you can find a list of suggested items to bring in my blog post How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session.)
I have two studio spaces located in and near downtown Rochester, NY, that I absolutely love working in. When you book a studio session with Jess Palmer Photography, we’ll work together to decide which studio is the best fit for you and your newborn.
Outdoors
Have a summer baby? If so, it’s possible to have your newborn session outdoors! This can take place in your yard or at another outdoor location we select together. Of course, your baby's comfort is the top priority, so the weather needs to cooperate. If you choose this option, it’s a good idea to also select a backup indoor location just in case.
Birth Space/Hospital
Often called a Fresh 48, this session takes place in your birth space — typically within the first 48 hours after your baby is born. Because of the timing, this option is an add-on for clients who have booked a maternity, newborn, or family session.
Fresh 48 sessions are shorter than full newborn sessions and focus primarily on your baby’s tiny details and early moments. Before booking, it’s important to check with your hospital or birth center to make sure visitors (including photographers) are allowed.
Scheduling
Currently pregnant? It’s never too early to schedule your newborn photos! When booking, we’ll set a tentative session date based on your due date. I always leave flexibility in my schedule both before and after your due date, so we can adjust as needed depending on when your little one actually arrives.
Newborn sessions are ideally done within the first 10 days of birth, but they can absolutely be done later, too. No matter how many days, weeks, or even months have passed, you’ll never regret capturing these precious memories.
The first year — and the time leading up to it — is such a unique and fleeting season. Many families choose to have a few sessions throughout their baby’s first year. Check out my bundle options for popular photo session combinations — and save yourself some money too!