What to Expect During a Studio Newborn Session | Denver Newborn Photographer
Why yes, sometimes I do take a shot with the pacifier 😂
There is a very short window when your baby is this tiny. They're still curled up, sleepy, brand new—and somehow changing every day.
My studio newborn sessions are designed to keep things simple. You don't need to know how to pose, you don't need to worry about whether your baby will cooperate, and you definitely don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive. My job is to guide you through it.
New baby snuggles as a family of three
Studio Newborn Photography in Denver: What to Expect
Booking and timeline
Newborn sessions are best scheduled during pregnancy, ideally by around 34 weeks. Once baby arrives, you will e-mail to let me know baby is here and how soon you are hoping to do the session. I will send over a few dates for you to choose from - typically I like to start studio sessions around 11 am, however we can work around a sibling’s nap time if needed
Session length and pace
Expect around 75-90 minutes in the studio — longer if needed. Newborn sessions are unhurried and we will work around feeding, changing, and soothing as needed. Sometimes older sibling need more time and convincing, sometimes everything flows so smoothly and easily that we are done in 60 minutes. A session may stretch towards two hours but if everything is flowing smoothly then I know you want to go home and grab a nap if you can.
Before you arrive
Feed baby right before leaving for the studio if possible; a full belly helps sleep. Bring a few basics: diapers, wipes, a hat, pacifier (if used), and a soft blanket from home if you want it included in images. You are welcome to bring a second outfit for baby as well as any accessories like bows, hats and booties. A knit sweater can also add variety . Bring a book or stuffy or special blanket if you would like.
What the studio is like
The studio is warm and quiet to keep baby comfortable and sleepy; expect the ambient temperature to be a bit higher than usual. I provide some blankets, several baskets, an antique cradle, and a clean minimalist space with a couch, daybed and natural light coming through white curtains. We can do very simple images against the white wall. Cleanliness and safety are priorities — all blankets, and surfaces are sanitized between sessions.
Safety
Your baby’s safety and comfort guides everything we do. Because this is a lifestyle/minimally posed session typically I will ask you to pick up and move your baby as we move through the session.
Parents and siblings
You’re encouraged to be part of the session. Parent and sibling images are included and often become favorites. Comfortable, coordinated clothing in neutral or muted tones works best —avoid busy patterns and logos. We’ll guide simple posing so images feel natural and connected.
Feeding, temperature, and comfort
We’ll keep the room warm for baby and have soft white noise available or we can play music. We can pause to feed baby if needed. If baby needs extra time to calm or feed, we’ll pause — no rush. I am more than happy to step out of the studio and give you time to do whatever you need to do before re-joining you when you are ready to resume.
Baby toes!
What we photograph
A mix of close-up details (hands, feet, lashes), posed sleepy images, simple lifestyle newborn shots, family and sibling portraits, and lifestyle poses on the couch and bed to create an in-home feel in the studio. You’ll receive a curated gallery of the best images.
Wardrobe for parents and siblings
Choose solids or subtle textures in neutral or muted colors (creams, grays, soft blues, earth tones). Coordinate — don’t match exactly. Avoid bright colors, busy prints, and logos. Bring an extra outfit for babies and children in case of spit-ups or accidents.
Timing around baby’s age and temperament
Newborns around 5–14 days old are often sleepier but it’s ok if they are awake for some of the session — when baby is alert and awake, we’ll capture more snuggled, wide-eyed images and parent-baby connection shots. I have done newborn sessions as late as 6 weeks and these are adorable too!
On the day: what to expect during the shoot
Warm greeting and quick review of session plan. Getting comfortable in the space and choosing white noise or music - if you have a toddler we can choose music they like to help them feel more comfortable.
Time to settle baby (feeding, diapering, calming).
Variety of areas to take photos in— chairs, sofa, daybed, white wall, a few simple props.
Pauses for feeding and comfort as needed.
Guidance for light-posing of parents and siblings for relaxed, connected images.
Turnaround and delivery
Typical gallery delivery is 2 weeks, depending on the season and any retouching required. You’ll receive a password-protected online gallery with high-resolution downloads. Fine retouching (blemish removal, color correction) is included; more extensive edits can be requested. I can send a sneak peek of around 8-10 images upon request.
Health and safety policies
We ask anyone feeling unwell to reschedule. The studio follows strict cleaning protocols between sessions. If you or baby have specific health concerns, let us know in advance so we can accommodate.
Final tips
Relax and trust the process — newborn sessions take patience, and the best images come from calm, gentle moments.
Bring snacks and water for yourself; sessions can run long. Special treats for your older child to encourage (bribe) are always a good idea.
Consider booking a follow-up milestone (3 months, 6 months) to document early baby growth.
