What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session | Lansing MI
What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve never done a newborn session before, it’s completely normal to wonder what the experience will be like.
As a Lansing newborn photographer, I’ve designed my sessions to feel calm, simple, and fully guided—so you can relax and enjoy the experience while I take care of the details.
Here’s exactly what you can expect from start to finish.
Before You Arrive
A little preparation can make a big difference in helping your session go smoothly.
Keep baby awake for a couple of hours before your session
Try a bath, diaper-only kick time, talking to them, or gently keeping them stimulated. Babies who “always sleep at this time” often wake once they’re undressed and moved around, so a little awake time beforehand helps.
Feed baby right before you leave
A full tummy helps baby stay sleepy and settled once you arrive.
Dress in layers
The studio is kept warm for baby, so light, comfortable clothing works best for parents.
Bring a pacifier
Even if your baby doesn’t usually take one, it can be incredibly helpful for soothing during posing. (Soothie-style pacifiers work especially well and don’t leave marks.)
Dress baby in a loose diaper and zip/snap outfit
Avoid clothing that goes over baby’s head—this helps keep them sleepy during transitions.
When You Arrive at the Studio
All sessions take place in my Laingsburg studio, which is fully prepared before you arrive.
Everything is set up in advance, so there’s no stress or decision-making needed during your session. The space is warm, quiet, and designed to keep both baby and parents comfortable.
We Start with Family & Sibling Photos
For my most popular Newborn Full Session, we always begin with family and sibling images.
This allows us to:
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capture those important connection moments first
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give siblings a chance to participate early
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and keep the session flowing smoothly
If you’ve brought older siblings, many families choose to have one parent take them home or out for a quick outing once their portion is finished.
Baby-Led Newborn Posing
After family images, we move into baby-only portraits.
Your baby will be gently wrapped and posed in a natural, relaxed way. I typically use three different wraps, gradually unwrapping baby as the session progresses.
We work toward:
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wrapped poses
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partially unwrapped images
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and, if baby is comfortable, fully unwrapped (naked baby) posing
A Calm, Baby-Led Approach
Every session is guided by your baby.
I never force a baby into a pose or prop they don’t like. If baby needs to eat, be soothed, or take a break, we simply pause and follow their lead.
This approach keeps the experience calm and results in more natural, peaceful images.
During the Session
Sessions are relaxed and unhurried. There is plenty of time for:
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feeding
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soothing
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settling baby
You can sit back, relax, and watch while I guide the entire process.
After Your Session
Once your session is complete, I’ll carefully edit your images and deliver your gallery for viewing and selection.
Planning for Siblings
If you’re bringing a sibling, a little planning helps:
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Consider driving two vehicles so one parent can leave after sibling photos
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Or plan a fun outing nearby (a park, coffee shop, or quick treat works great)
This helps keep the session calm and focused for baby.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Session?
Most families book their newborn session during the second trimester to ensure availability around their due date.
If you're expecting and looking for a Lansing newborn photographer, I’d love to help you plan a calm, simple, and beautiful session for your baby’s first days.