5 details not to miss in your newborn photos.

Newborns are so sweet and have so many little fresh details to be captured in pictures. While I wish pictures could capture the quickly fleeting, snorty little breaths and squeaks, that’s not the reality so soak those in as much as you can. Pictures can capture so many other special details that may be quickly forgotten otherwise. Here are 5 details that you don’t want your photographer to miss, when photographing your newborn.

The Umbilical Stump

I believe that the umbilical stump is a powerful reminder of where we come from. The stump typically falls off within the first 5 days after birth, so pictures usually have to be done early to catch it. If you can swing it, I highly recommend it. Make sure you tell your photographer that you want it photographed. I do take nearly nude photos of newborns, so I don’t usually miss it, but it’s always good to be clear. Some photographers only photograph dressed babies. I love biological details and sprinkling very primal elements into my photographs.

Skin Flakes

Skin flakes are a reminder of how new our baby is. The flakes leave quickly, usually by the end of the first month. I love to catch those fresh little details. Many parents forget that their babies skin ever had flakes, this is what is so special about hiring a newborn photographer for your baby. Preserved memories for a lifetime.

Mouth Bubbles

Sweet little mouth bubbles, another fresh detail not to miss. Bubbles come and go during the early days, so I think it’s a special thing to photograph if there’s an opportunity to do so. I still look back at pictures of my daughters lips covered in bubbles and think it is the sweetest thing. One more bonus thing to catch while we’re talking about lips is nursing blisters. While it is a sign that your latch may need some work, I also think it is a special reminder of the special breastfeeding bond and how the mother’s hard work is paying off in breastfeeding, especially during those early days when nursing can be painful.

Forehead Wrinkles

The forehead wrinkles are a very subtle newborn feature that so many people never even notice. I still remember the golden hour when my midwife was teaching me how to nurse my baby, she helped me latch my daughter and said “look at those happy baby forehead wrinkles”. Those little wrinkles quickly became my favorite thing to look at while I nursed my daughter.

Breastfeeding

One final thing to photograph is mom, breastfeeding her new baby. There is so much sweetness to photograph here. So if you are comfortable and a nursing mom, ask your photographer to take some photos while you nurse your baby. I know many of us have seen some not-so-flattering nursing photos circulating on social media, but the pictures truly do not have to be so National Geographic. I pride myself on my classy and discreet nursing photos. So if you desire to have some taken, please ask! So much work and effort and learning goes into breastfeeding, it is absolutely something to be honored and documented. I nursed my daughter for 17 months, so I can say I am not shy about breastfeeding and you shouldn’t be either.

Like what you read? I do my best to capture all of these details during newborn photo sessions and more. Reach out if you’re in the Spokane area and would like to learn more about my newborn photography.