Updated for Newborn Clients on October 15, 2026
Quick Summary
Newborn sessions are scheduled for two hours, allowing flexibility for feeds, soothing, and breaks. The flow starts with baby, then includes siblings, dad, mom, and full family moments. With babies aged 6-14 days, their natural rhythms create a calm environment. Parents simply relax while Alicia leads a peaceful, connection-filled experience.
As we continue along in our newborn series, this blog post we will chat about what to expect during your newborn photography session with Alicia Nicole Photos. It is so helpful to clients to know what to expect during the session so that everyone’s expectations are met and there are no surprises in an already very new and raw season.
Table of Contents
The Flow of Your Session Experience
There is a general flow I like to follow when photographing newborns. But here is the real deal: the name of the game for a smooth and pleasant session experience is flexibility. That said, this is the reason we schedule out 2 hours for a newborn session. The actual amount of time that we are photographing is not 2 hours, but this gives us wiggle room for feeds, soothing, diaper changes, and some water/snack breaks for the family.
What you can expect during the session
As you read in my previous two blogs about preparing for your newborn photography session, ideally, your babe is changed and fed just prior to the session start time. The goal is to start our time with a fully belly and sleepiness post-milk. The newborn will be the star of the show to kick off the session. We will focus on a series of swaddled poses and detail shots for your baby. After this series, I typically welcome the sibling(s) if any to join their baby for a few photographs, as they are fresh and eager to participate. Once we wrap up sibling images, I bring along dad to get his solo photographs with the baby. This is where mom joins for some mom, dad, and babe images. I will then bring the siblings back in to get the full family. After the full family, mom will get her solos with the baby. We will then end on another round of solo photographs of baby in different swaddling techniques. I like to finish the session by capturing the nursery details (sometimes I will do this at the beginning if the family is still finishing last minute getting-ready details). This flow is outlined in pencil, as I like to remain flexible for the baby’s needs and/or even the siblings needs.
Posing and safety protocols
When it comes to posing your baby, there are a variety of posing pillows used to ensure your babe is secured and safe during the photos. Breaks are expected and built into our scheduled time so that baby is given ample time to nurse, have a diaper change, or take breaks as necessary.
Working with Your Baby’s Natural Rhythms
With baby being in that golden age range of 6-14 days old, we are able to rely on baby’s natural ability to fall back asleep after nursing or soothing. This is why we schedule newborn sessions for 2 hours; so that we are not rushing but rather following baby’s natural rhythms. This produces a calm and peaceful environment for everyone and ultimately: better imagery!
Capturing Authentic Family Connections
I often remind my clients that newborns sessions are truly the easiest in front of the camera for parents because most often your job is to snuggle your new baby – there is no better prop or pose than that!
Parent and sibling involvement
As I shared in the previous sections, both parents and siblings play a role in newborn photoshoots. I offer newborn sessions that focus on the “lifestyle” element of families with a newborn, which provides a gallery that is full of connection, details, and sweet moments between the new addition and her family. If I were to break it down, about 60% of the session is focused solely on baby where 40% involves the rest of the family.
Behind the Scenes: Professional Techniques
There are a variety of techniques that come into play during a newborn session like utilizing the best natural light, certain wrap techniques with swaddling, and poses that will highlight connection and elegance on-camera.
The Elevated Portrait Experience Difference
As the client, it is not your responsibility to know or be prepared for the flow of the session. We will certainly be discussing these details in the Planning Appointment prior to our time together, however, I do not expect anything of you on session day except to sit back, relax, and enjoy! Try to slow down and take it all in. It is my job (and my honor) to lead you and your family through a smooth, peaceful session experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session
How long does a newborn photography session take?
Sessions are scheduled for two hours. While the actual photographing time is shorter, the extra time allows room for feeds, soothing, diaper changes, and breaks so the experience never feels rushed.
What is the typical flow of a newborn session?
The newborn photography session begins with baby in a series of swaddled poses and detail shots. From there, siblings join for a few photographs, followed by dad and baby, then mom, dad, and baby together, the full family, and finally mom’s solos with baby. The session closes with additional baby poses and nursery details.
Do parents need to know how to pose for the photos?
Not at all. Parents are guided every step of the way. The only expectation on session day is to relax, enjoy the experience, and snuggle the new baby.
Is it safe for my newborn during posing?
Yes. A variety of posing pillows are used to keep baby secure and comfortable, and breaks are built into the schedule for nursing, diaper changes, and soothing as needed.
Why are newborn sessions best between 6 and 14 days old?
Babies in this age range are able to fall back asleep easily after feeding or soothing, which creates a calm, peaceful environment that results in better imagery.
How much of the session focuses on the baby versus the family?
About 60 percent of the session centers on the newborn, while the remaining 40 percent captures connection between baby, parents, and siblings for a gallery full of authentic, lifestyle moments.
What techniques are used during the session?
Natural light, specific swaddling and wrap techniques, and poses designed to highlight connection and elegance are all part of the elevated portrait experience with Alicia Nicole Photos.
If you found this to be helpful, check out my blog When to Schedule Your Newborn Session for Perfect Results for more.
Alicia Nicole offers full-service Phoenix Newborn Photography for young families who value light & airy baby portraits and artwork from home or studio. With years of experience working with newborns and children, she is passionate about serving families and creating artwork that will be handed down for generations. Learn more about Alicia Nicole here.
