As a newborn photographer here in Victoria, I often get asked how do I keep baby asleep while changing positions, props and hand/feet placement. There are definitely a few tricks. If parents have listened well to the prep instructions to keep baby awake for a couple of hours before heading into their session, then are given a full feed before heading over, we are already in good stead for a sleepy session. The addition of a little warmth, some white noise & a comfy wrap often help baby settle and the session begins!

I usually start with a few props where baby is wrapped, adjusting his little hands and placement in each set-up. When these are finished, I move onto the beanbag set-ups where we try to get an unwrapped baby photo before adding on some sweet wraps and hats.

I’ve definitely had my fair share of babies that are wide awake for part of their session though. What happens if they don’t want to sleep anymore?… just go with it!! How adorable is a newborn baby that is looking straight at you, so deeply??!! I think it’s fantastic to get the variety of awake and asleep, so if baby opens his/her eyes and it’s the end of the session, we honestly just go with it! We open up the wrap a little, often get the cutest yawns, a few arm stretches and leg stretches and baby most often is quite content to peer at me, we complete our set-ups and then he/she is ready for family photos or to head home. 

This sweet little guy was just the same. We got the cutest little sleepy set-ups for his newborn photo session and then got the bonus of the best wide awake looks too. I mean, “feet in the air don’t care” is in right now, right??!!

If you would like to book a newborn session for your upcoming arrival, please don’t hesitate to call me at 250-885-6860 or email amandahaddow@gmail.com to find out more!