Newborn Photography in Orange County: What to Expect From Your Session
I remember searching for newborn photographers soon after giving birth to my daughter, Violet. Of course I took photos of her, but I wanted to capture our interactions, our cuddles, and our growing bond...ASAP. As an Orange County newborn photographer myself, the decision mattered to me a lot-- what would the session feel like? What was their photography style? And I definitely didn’t want my baby in a basket or a gauzy wrap.
I have hired three different family photographers over the course of my pregnancy and first two years of my daughter's life. I know what it's like to love the photos and want to immediately make them into wall art...and I know what it’s like to wish I had hired someone else.
So I want to make the newborn photoshoot process as clear as possible for mamas who are looking at photographers in Orange County, California, and trying to make a choice. I’m an in-home lifestyle photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and families, and I often get the same few questions: When should we take newborn photos? Is my home too messy, too small, or too dark for photos? And what will we do the whole time?
I’ve got you. I'm going to answer all of that in this article, and share what you can expect when booking with a photographer like me (documentary-style, in-home, unposed). By the end, you'll know if we're the right fit for each other.
When Is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos?
The ideal age to do newborn photos when your baby is 2-4 weeks old. The baby in the photo above is 1 week old, and others in this blog post are 3 months. Schedule your newborn photos as soon as you can, well before your due date-- you can even bundle it with a maternity session.
That said, lots of moms email me in a panic after their baby is a few months old and they’re realizing how fast it all goes. I get it! If you’re staring at your six-month-old who suddenly looks huge, still reach out to a photographer-- it’s not too late.
Here's why 2-4 weeks after the baby is born is the best time for newborn photos:
Your baby is as little as they'll ever be: Capture this stage while you’re in it-- it’s as close to freezing time as we can get. Seriously, it's SO crazy how fast they grow. The baby you birthed will not be the same as your 8-week-old. A newborn photoshoot at this age will capture those tiny nails, squinty eyes, wrinkly hands, and scrunched body.
It gives you some time to recalibrate: It’s so important to give yourself time to rest and care for yourself after giving birth. Some new moms feel up for a photoshoot the first few weeks after their baby is born, and others take a few months to come out of the fog and feel ready.
Your baby will be nice and sleepy: Even though I do unposed photo sessions, I love a tiny, curled-up newborn photo. Your baby will most likely sleep, yawn, stretch, and feed through the photos, with a few precious, alert moments in between. It’s the best.
Where Should You Take Newborn Photos?
When it comes to locations for newborn photos, I always recommend that my Orange County families do the session in their home. You’ll look back on these photos and be able to see the place where you raised your baby instead of a random stretch of Laguna Beach coastline or a photography studio.
You, your partner, your older kids, and your baby will feel comfortable and safe at home, which leads to more natural photos where you look like you. You'll have everything you need for diaper changes, feeds, swaddles, snacks for you (breastfeeding hunger is so real), and new clothes for the baby-- or you, in case you get spit-up all over your cute top.
I am a family lifestyle photographer, so I am a bit biased, but it’s true: an at-home newborn photoshoot captures your real environment and your real life, exactly as you are.
My Own Experience With Newborn Photos (as the Subject)
Tears are welling up right now as I look at this photo of my daughter asleep right after a feed.
Violet breastfed for 2 years, and when I was in the thick of it, it felt like life would be this way forever. When I thought of weaning, I couldn’t even imagine another way to comfort her.
Photos from this season are endlessly meaningful to me. They feel like a trophy: a representation that I can do hard things. I was able to breastfeed my daughter for 24 months, and then I was able to wean her and find new ways to comfort her. I’m so proud of myself and so nostalgic for the phase this photo represents.
We got through it! And now we are deep in toddler life. These days, she’s running around with her own baby doll, who she pushes in a stroller and “feeds” throughout the day.
With my family portrait clients, I love to learn what milestones they’re excited about so I can photograph those. It might not be breastfeeding-- a milestone session for your newborn could capture them lifting their head, making eye contact, and offering those first precious smiles. I know how emotional it is to feel like you want to freeze time. A newborn session helps you do just that. I wonder what part of this newborn season you’ll most want to remember?
Newborn Photo Session FAQs
Let’s cover a few more FAQs! Here’s what you can expect from me as a newborn photographer in Orange County, CA:
How long is a newborn session? Family sessions are usually about two hours long. My approach is natural: We’ll hang out as you care for your baby, and I’ll direct you as needed so you can just relax and be with your baby. Crying, feeds, naps, and changing are all welcome-- we’ll follow baby’s lead!
What should I wear? What to wear for family pictures is one of the most common questions I get asked.My answer is always: Wear something you love that makes you feel like yourself. The postpartum season is such an in-between time for your wardrobe, but is there one thing you’ve been wearing lately that lights you up? I ended up wearing leggings and a T-shirt to my newborn session with my daughter. It definitely doesn’t have to be fancy-- maybe you want to wear overalls, your favorite sweats, or a flowy dress. Do your hair and makeup however you normally would, which could even mean not doing them at all.
What should the baby wear? For your baby, have two outfits ready, a simple onesie and then one other option that you love. We will probably do a couple in just a diaper too.
Where in the house will we go? We’ll capture your family as you go about your routine with your new baby. I’ll find good light, don’t worry-- your house is not too dark. We’ll probably spend our time in the nursery, your bedroom, and the main living area. No elaborate prep or cleanup required, promise.
Can I bring props to my newborn session? Will you bring props? I won’t bring any props or studio lighting. No baskets or costumes or newborn poses with my photography style! However, I love using the blankets, toys, and heirlooms that are special to you.
Can we include siblings in the photos? Big brothers and sisters will be part of this! I love family photography because I get to capture kids being kids. Their wild play is welcome here (scroll up to see what I mean). We’ll capture them as they are so you can always remember their first days as an older sibling.
Newborn Photographer Serving Families Across Orange County, California
If you feel like I’d be a good fit for your family, here are the areas I work in:
Orange County: I live with my husband and daughter in Fullerton, and I can travel throughout South Orange County and all over North Orange County: Irvine, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Brea, Yorba Linda, San Clemente-- you get it!
Los Angeles: I adore LA and have lived in South Pasadena, La Mirada, and the Valley (Woodland Hills and Canoga Park!). I love making the drive for my Los Angeles families for maternity photography, newborn shoots, and milestone sessions at any age.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Photo Session?
Postpartum is such a delicate and beautiful time, and I’m here to honor and celebrate you as mom with your new little one. If you want an unfussy session that turns into artful photos of your newborn baby, I’d love to meet you.
Whether you’re a solo parent, a queer parent, a mom of multiples, a first-time mom, or a busy mom with kids running at your feet as you read this-- I hope you find the right Orange County newborn photographer for your family.
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