Tips for Classy Breastfeeding Photos | Spokane Newborn Photographer
Breastfeeding photos. We all want them, but we don’t want our goods to be shared with the world, just our baby. I have a handful of tips that keep breastfeeding pictures classy so that you can share pictures of this intimate relationship without sharing your intimates.
Number 1 tip, hire a professional lifestyle newborn photographer to take the pictures for you. Preferably someone with a lot of experience in these types of pictures. We know what you want to share and what you don’t. We can take beautiful nursing pictures for you to cherish that you' won’t mind sharing, because your nips will be covered. We know how to take the angles and keep everything discreet.
Tip number 2, do not make the boob, the center of the focus. The baby should be the focus in these pictures. Focus on the back of the head, the hands, the forehead and eyes, the other family members being around and supporting mom. I like to be very careful to ensure the pictures don’t look like a baby nursing unless you look closely at them. This keeps other viewers from feeling like they’ve seen something they don’t want to see and also keeping the memory for the mom who wants to remember the time when she nursed her babies.
Tip Number 3, wear a nursing friendly top. Everything in photography comes back to wardrobe when you are the one being photographed. Choose a shirt with the right amount of coverage and stretch, with some pretty features. You’ll want your baby to have easy access, but without showing off more than you need to.
Spokane Breastfeeding Pictures | Spokane Newborn Pictures | Spokane Lifestyle Newborn Photography
3 pictures to take of your new baby | Spokane Newborn Pictures
We all take tons of pictures of our new baby with our phones, but I think there are a lot of pictures that parents forget to take of details that they will want to remember later. Straight from a newborn photographer, here are some of my favorite poses or pictures to take of babies and none of them require uncomfortable or unsafe posing.
Mom and Dad together holding their new baby. This is one of my favorites and a good reason to hire a professional to take pictures of your family with your new baby. Mom and Dad together in a picture with their new baby is a priceless keepsake. So many pictures only have one parent in them and babies deserve to see pictures of themselves with both parents together .
Your new baby’s feet. I’ve photographed hundreds of babies and I can say with certainty, no two have feet that are alike. They curve differently, they wrinkle differently. Feet are a huge point of connection with your little one, babies love to have their feet touched. Moms and Dads can’t help but kiss their babies feet. Our feet ground us and connect us. Don’t forget to take pictures of your baby’s feet.
Baby in Dad’s hands. I love pictures of dads holding their babies. Pictures like this serve as a reminder of how tiny our baby once was. Babies just don’t keep and this is an excellent way to remember.
Spokane Newborn Pictures | Newborn Photography | Lifestyle Photographer
How to dress for Newborn Photos at home? | Spokane, Washington
As a photographer, I’ve seen so many wardrobe combinations for newborn photos. I see how dressing can be overwhelming. Here’s what I recommend for dressing your family for newborn pictures.
Book Early.
My first little tip that you did not ask for is to book your pictures early, like end of the second trimester early. The earlier you book, the earlier you can start styling. You’ll have all the tips from your photographer and plenty of time to shop. You likely, won’t want to be planning photos with your newborn in your arms because you’ll be focused on your baby at this point, so earlier is best.
Keep it simple.
Keep your outfits simple. Newborn photos should be intimate and you do not want outfits to be distracting from your new baby. Use minimal accessories like hats, too many layers, or high heels.
Keep it comfortable.
In the early days, you’ll be healing and not sleeping too much, so you’ll want to be relatively comfortable. Think comfortable, but not embarrassed if the doorbell rings.
Colors for any home.
Colors will make a huge difference in your pictures. I recommend choosing colors that are as neutral as possible, because they will not clash with the colors in your home. Wear things like white, cream, black, charcoal, gray, denim, tan, muted blues. These types of colors tend to work in any home and are rarely too trendy.
The baby.
There’s no need to fuss with baby’s outfit too much. Dress them in a white or neutral, fitted, onesie. Have some cute or plain white diapers on hand. Some families like to use a muslin swaddle for a few pictures in a cute color. There’s no need to try to find hats or over the top outfits. The baby is the focus of these pictures, not the outfit. We may take some nearly nude photos as well, so keep everything natural and true-to-life.
Mom.
For mom, I suggest maternity leggings or jeans and a nice sweater or cardigan. Most mamas have a baby bump after the baby is born, so make sure that what you plan to wear will be comfortable. Bare feet or some cozy knitted socks. Be comfortable and cozy. Take a shower and do your hair and makeup in a natural way.
Dad.
For dad, I like comfort. A good pair of jeans or joggers. A nice t-shirt in a slightly darker color than what mom is wearing. Choosing a shirt with texture can add a little bit of elevation to this look, like a comfortable long sleeved thermal. Dad can go barefoot or wear some moccasin slippers. Just keep it natural and comfortable.
Other kiddos.
For your older kiddos, dress them casual but in the same neutral color scheme. Jeans, t-shirts, casual dresses are all great options. Don’t put too much pressure on them, they’re going through changes too.
Spokane area newborn lifestyle shoot: what to expect
What to expect from your lifestyle newborn session.
Lifestyle newborn sessions take place within the comfort of your home. My style is Fine Art Lifestyle photography, which means I will come into your home and beautifully photograph this fleeting time in your life in a laidback and comfortable way. I bring nothing with me but my camera. I do not use flashes, beanbag chairs or any other props. These sessions are very relaxed and calm as I do not like to disturb the household more than necessary or overstimulate the baby.
Day of the Session: When I arrive, I will take a quick tour around your home to look for the area with the best light for our shoot. I most often use the master bedroom, but the couch and nursery can also be great options. I completely understand how the first few weeks are with a newborn, so please don’t clean the house before I arrive. I want you to focus on your new little love as much as possible. I’ll help you tidy up the room that we decide to use for the session.
Your Baby: Your baby is perfect exactly the way he or she is. I do not try to make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. My sessions are baby-led, so what your baby needs, your baby gets. I suggest that you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. You may need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. We will likely remove the onesie for nude or nearly nude photos as long as you’re comfortable with that to catch the fine newborn details. Also, please gather some swaddle or muslin blankets for the baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants 15 minutes prior to my arrival. Sometimes newborn sessions take a bit longer than typical sessions, that is okay. I let the baby guide the session, so feedings, changing, and a lot of holding is common. I do not do any major posing or have any high expectations for how the baby should behave (awake or asleep). What is important is that we document this beautiful stage of life in a comfortable and safe way.
Siblings: A new baby is a big change for siblings in the house. I usually try to get the family shots first during the shoot, often older siblings lose interest in me quickly, so I try to catch them before that happens. I have no major expectations for siblings and will never force them to do anything that they are uncomfortable with. It is best to prepare the siblings by letting them know that a friend is coming over to take some pictures of the family. It is always best not to surprise them.
Mom & Dad: You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful at the same time. It is not my job to make everything look perfect in this season of life, but to show you how beautiful it really is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while I photograph your family. I do not expect you to be anything but yourselves.
Wardrobe: I recommend neutral colors and comfort. What is important is that you are comfortable, think: leggings, sweaters, denim, bare feet. I am always happy to advise you on wardrobes, please ask me!
This is the information that I send my families when they book a newborn session with me, I like to keep things as simple as possible. If you’re ready to book your newborn session, click the link below and I’d love to talk with you!