What actually happens during a newborn session? Whether you’re nervous about how your baby will respond or just curious about the process, I’m pulling back the curtain today to give you a behind-the-scenes of a newborn session look at what goes into creating those dreamy, snuggly newborn portraits.

As a newborn photographer in Cedar Rapids, I’ve developed a process that ensures a stress-free, relaxed experience for new parents—even when your baby decides to poop, pee, and spit up (yes, it happens!) in the middle of the session. The beauty of newborn photography is that we roll with whatever your little one throws our way—literally!

My Journey to Newborn Photography

Before we dive in, let me share a little bit about how I got here. My journey into newborn photography started with a love for capturing the tiniest details—the wrinkled fingers, the sleepy yawns, the way a newborn instinctively curls up in their parents’ arms.

At first, I tried it all—from highly posed in-home sessions to studio setups with intricate props. But over time, I found that my heart was in capturing unposed, natural newborn moments—the kind where babies settle into their parents’ embrace, stretch out in the most adorable ways, and show off their tiny personalities without being forced into a particular pose.

Now, my approach is all about gentle, baby-led sessions that focus on connection, warmth, and authenticity.

The Secret Prep Behind Every Session

A lot of work happens before you even walk through the door for your newborn session. Here’s how I make sure everything is set up for success:

For Studio Sessions

• The Perfect Temperature: If you’ve ever walked into a newborn studio and thought, Wow, it’s warm in here!—that’s intentional! Babies love warmth, and keeping the space cozy helps them stay sleepy and content.
• Safety First: I avoid unnatural posing and unnecessary props. Your baby’s comfort always comes first.
• Sanitization Process: Every blanket, wrap, and surface is cleaned and sanitized between sessions to keep everything safe and hygienic.
• Pre-Session Checklist: I prepare everything in advance—soft wraps, cozy blankets, and the perfect lighting—so we can go with the flow once you arrive.

When you show up, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience!

Baby Whispering Magic: How We Capture the Sweetest Moments

Newborn sessions may look peaceful in the final images, but behind the scenes, they’re a blend of baby-led cues, feeding breaks, and soothing snuggles.

• Timing is Key: The best time for a newborn session is within the first 5-14 days after birth when babies are naturally sleepier and curl up easily. But if your little one is older, don’t stress—we’ll still get beautiful images!
• Gentle Transitions: Since I focus on unposed newborn photography, there’s no stressful posing involved. Instead, your baby will be in your arms for most of the session, with some solo shots in their most natural, comfortable positions.
• Feeding & Soothing Breaks: We’re on baby’s schedule, not mine. If your baby needs to eat, be rocked, or take a break, we do just that—no rush, no pressure.
• Including Parents: Some of the most cherished images come from simple, intimate moments with you. Whether it’s a snuggle, a soft kiss on their forehead, or holding their tiny hand, these moments tell the real story of your family.

The Unexpected Moments (And Why They’re My Favorite!)

Let’s be real—newborns are unpredictable! Sometimes they sleep soundly the entire session, and sometimes they make us work for it.

• Poop, Pee, and Spit-Up? No Big Deal! Seriously, it happens all the time, and I promise, it doesn’t faze me one bit.
• What If Baby Won’t Sleep? Some babies are naturally more alert, and that’s totally okay! Often, once they’re snuggled into mom or dad’s arms, they drift right off.
• Changing Directions Mid-Session: If your baby isn’t loving a certain setup, we switch it up! The beauty of unposed newborn photography is that we embrace what’s natural—no forcing, no stress.
• Unplanned = Magic: Some of my favorite images happen when babies stretch, yawn, or make the tiniest expressions. These little moments are pure gold!

The Transformation Process: From Camera to Final Gallery

Once the session wraps up, the work isn’t over yet! Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

• Culling & Selecting: I go through hundreds of images to choose the absolute best moments—the ones that tell your baby’s story.
• Editing with Care: Each image is hand-edited to enhance the softness, warmth, and details while keeping everything looking natural and timeless.
• Gallery Delivery: Within about 14 days, you’ll receive a link to your online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints.
• Popular Products: Many families choose a coffee table photo book to turn their newborn session into a lasting keepsake. These albums make the perfect family heirloom that you can pass down for generations. here’s a great article on How Kids Benefit from Family Photos Displayed at Home.

Your baby will only be this tiny for a short time. In just a few weeks, they’ll already start changing, growing, and developing new expressions. That’s why newborn photography is so special—it freezes those tiny details, sleepy stretches, and first cuddles in a way that you’ll cherish forever.

A professional newborn session isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about preserving this once-in-a-lifetime stage so you can relive it for years to come.

Let’s Capture Your Baby’s First Days!

Have questions about what happens during a newborn session? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to chat!

Ready to book your newborn session? Contact me today to secure your date and let’s create something beautiful together!

P.S. Want to know how to prepare for your session? Check out my guide on How to prepare for your studio newborn photoshoot for tips on what to bring, what to wear, and how to make the experience as stress-free as possible!