What to Expect During a Studio Newborn Session

If you’ve never done newborn photos before, it’s completely normal to wonder what actually happens during a session. This post is meant to give you a clear, realistic look at how my newborn sessions work, whether you’re actively considering booking or comparing newborn photographers in Connecticut. Newborn photography can sound a little intimidating on paper, especially when you’re pregnant and trying to plan ahead for a lot of unknowns.

If you decide to choose me as your newborn photographer, you won’t be left guessing. Every client receives a detailed session guide that walks through exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and all the little things that help the day run smoothly.

My goal is to make the experience feel calm, flexible, and manageable. I’ve been photographing newborns for nearly twenty years, and trust me, I’ve seen it all. Sessions are designed for real babies and real families, not perfection, and everything about the process is built to support that.

When You Arrive at my Farmington Studio

Getting to my Farmington studio is easy, with relatively no traffic from all directions and plenty of free parking. When you arrive, the first thing I want you to do is relax. Getting out of the house with a newborn baby (and maybe even a toddler in tow) is a feat all on it’s own! Take a minute to decompress. You’ll have plenty of time to get comfortable, feed your baby if needed, and settle in. We’ll chat through the overall plan for the session so you know exactly what to expect before we get started.

This is also when we talk through any preferences you have, like whether you’re hoping to prioritize family photos, sibling photos, or baby-only images. Nothing is rushed, and there’s no pressure to jump straight into photographing if your baby needs a few minutes.

Deciding Where to Start: Family Portraits or Newborn Portraits?

Family, Sibling, and Newborn Photos

If your session includes family or sibling photos, we’ll capture those in a relaxed, low-pressure way. Choosing an experienced photographer that Connecticut parents trust means you’re in good hands. I’ll guide you through simple positioning, tell you where to look and place your hands, and encourage easy interaction so nothing feels awkward or overly posed.

Posed newborn photos always put your baby’s comfort first. My approach is baby-led, meaning I never force poses or rush transitions. Some babies love being curled up and sleepy. Others prefer stretching, movement, or being held. My “go with the flow” approach means the session adjusts based on what your baby is comfortable doing that day.

Tips for Including Older Siblings

If you’re bringing older siblings, planning ahead can make the experience much smoother. I’m happy to talk through options with you, but here are a few that work well:

• Starting with sibling photos so they can be finished early

• Bringing snacks, quiet activities, or screen time for breaks

• Taking a short walk along the river near the studio

• Having a grandparent or extra adult come along

• Bringing a separate car so siblings can head out once they’re done

There’s no single right approach. We’ll choose what makes the most sense for your family.

How Long Do Newborn Sessions Last?

Like most things with a newborn, the honest answer is: it depends. The short version is anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. The exact length usually comes down to two things: the session type you’ve chosen and how well your baby tolerates me. Kidding about that last part. Mostly.

Some babies are completely content being handled and settle quickly. Others have strong opinions about even the slightest adjustment. Both are normal, and both are workable. When a baby needs time to settle, we slow down. Those in-between moments often become the perfect opportunity to capture close-up details like tiny hands, feet, and lashes that parents always end up loving.

If a break is needed for feeding, changing, or pacing the room like it’s 2 A.M., we take it. There’s no rushing and no pressure to “stay on schedule.” The goal is to move at a pace that works for your baby while still capturing the photos you’re hoping for.

What If My Baby Doesn’t Cooperate?

I’ve got you. I’ve been called the baby whisperer more than once, which is funny but also true 😉 What might feel like a session going completely off the rails to you is usually just a normal Tuesday in my world.

Here’s the honest truth: babies don’t always cooperate, and that’s completely expected. If your baby is fussy or wide awake, we slow things down. Feeding, rocking, and a little patience usually do the trick. I’ll talk you through what I’m seeing and the options we have as we go, so you’re never left wondering if things are “working.” They are.

There’s no such thing as a failed newborn session. We adjust, we pivot when needed, and we keep going. The process is flexible by design, and it almost always comes together in the end.

What to Bring to a Studio Newborn Session

Simply put, you really don’t need to pack much out of the ordinary for a studio newborn session. One of the benefits of photographing newborns in the studio is that most of what we need is already here and ready to go.

For your newborn, no clothing is necessary. The studio is stocked with a selection of soft, neutrally colored wraps, and white onesies and sleepers for use during your session, as well as simple wardrobe options for the whole family.

For Baby

Bring what you’d normally leave the house with (diapers, wet wipes, etc.), plus a few helpful extras:

• A pacifier*
• Nursing or feeding supplies: bottles, formula, breastmilk, nursing cover, etc.
• Any special items you would like included in the photo session (optional)

*Even if your baby has not learned to take a pacifier yet, or you do not plan to use one, it can be extremely helpful to have one on hand for the session.

For Parents and Siblings

The studio is set up to make things easier for everyone, not just the baby. I keep a few helpful basics on hand so you’re not scrambling if you forget something. In the studio you’ll find:

• coloring books and crayons
• bottled water
• a spray bottle for taming flyaway hairs
• scissors (because tags and loose threads happen)
• small, post-session treats for siblings once they’re done (or bribery … if we’re being real)

Here’s what I recommend bringing with you:

Bring any outfits you plan to wear for the session. There’s a changing room in the studio, so you don’t need to arrive dressed for photos. If you’d rather not wear outfits in the car, feel free to bring them on hangers.
(If wardrobe planning feels like a whole separate mental task, you’re not wrong. More in-depth information, you can visit What to Wear for Newborn and Family Photos.)

For Moms

• Nude and/or strapless undergarments (this helps avoid editing out bra lines later)

• Optional touch-up items like lip gloss, powder, or blush

For Dads

• A plain white undershirt (great for simple, clean family photos and skin-to-skin images)

For Kids

• Entertainment such as books or an iPad

• A favorite toy or stuffed animal
  (Quick note: anything you bring may end up in photos, so choose wisely.)

• A small amount of non-messy snacks

• A hairbrush

The goal isn’t to bring everything you own, just the few things that help everyone feel comfortable and settled. If you’re unsure about what to bring or leave at home, I’m always happy to answer questions ahead of time.

A Final Note About Newborn Sessions

Newborn sessions are meant to feel supportive, not stressful. My role is to guide the process, communicate clearly, and adjust as needed so you can focus on your baby and your family.

If you have questions ahead of time or want to talk through what makes the most sense for your session, I’m always happy to help. And if you want a broader overview of my approach to newborn photography, you can also visit Your Guide to Timeless Newborn Photography in Farmington and Central Connecticut.

Please contact Kelli Dease Photography today to find out about session availability.

To see more of Kelli’s photos, please follow her on Instagram.