Honeywild | Grand Rapids Newborn Photographer
This spring has been full of bright-eyed babies—and honestly, I’m not mad about it. While many parents hope for those dreamy, sleepy newborn shots (and yes, we love those too!), there’s something incredibly special about capturing wide-awake wonder during these early days.
If you’re a new parent wondering, “What if my baby won’t sleep during their session?”—you’re not alone. It’s a question I hear all the time. And if you’ve been scrolling late at night, searching for things like how to get my baby to sleep for photos or newborn photographer near me who works with awake babies, this post is for you.
As a Grand Rapids-based newborn photographer, I’ve seen it all—tiny snoozers, alert little charmers, and everything in between. Here’s the good news: no matter how your baby shows up to their session, we’re going to create something beautiful.
First Things First: It’s Totally Normal
Babies have their own rhythm. Some sleep through their whole session, while others are more alert and curious. Either way, your newborn session is still going to be beautiful. The most important thing is capturing your baby as they are right now—tiny fingers, soft skin, that brand new personality just beginning to show.
What I Do When Baby Won’t Sleep
As a professional newborn photographer, I’ve learned to work with whatever the baby brings to the session, in fact i take pride in the fact that my newborn sessions are baby led. I often tell parents that their baby is in charge when it comes to newborn sessions. Here’s how I handle it when your baby decides it’s a wide-eyed kind of day:
1. I Follow Baby’s Lead, But Also Have a Few Tricks Up My Sleeve To Help Soothe Baby To Sleep
Sessions are intentionally slow-paced so your baby can eat, snuggle, or take breaks as needed. There’s no pressure—just a calm, quiet space with warm lighting and soft white noise that helps set the tone.I also use soothing tools that mimic the comfort of a familiar car ride, a gentle “shusher” or a soft forehead stroke—to help calm those curious little ones who don’t want to miss a moment.
2. Wrapped Posing Works Wonders
When babies are awake, wrapping is key. Snug, secure swaddling helps them feel safe and soothed, and it allows me to get those classic, peaceful poses even if their eyes are open.
3. We Still Get Gorgeous Shots
Some of my favorite images have been of wide-awake babies looking right into the camera or snuggling into a parent’s chest. Awake photos can be incredibly expressive—capturing alertness, curiosity, and even little yawns or smiles.
How You Can Help Before Your Session
There are a few things parents can do to help encourage a sleepy baby, but again—there’s no perfect formula, and we roll with whatever the day brings.
Keep Baby Awake 1–2 Hours Before
Some awake time before the session can help baby be sleepier once we begin. A bath or some quiet play can be a gentle way to do this.
Feed Right Before You Arrive (Or As Soon As You Get Here)
A full tummy often means a content, sleepy baby. I always allow time for feeding at the studio if that’s easier for you.
Dress in Something Easy to Remove
Avoid tight onesies or complicated outfits. I’ll handle the styling, and quick outfit changes help keep baby cozy and calm.
Bring a Pacifier If You’re Using One
Even if baby doesn’t normally take one, it can be helpful for settling during transitions.
But What If Baby Cries?
It happens, and we hate to hear it but, babies cry sometimes—that’s just part of being a newborn. If your little one is fussy or needs breaks, we take them. I’ve got plenty of soothing techniques and lots of patience. My priority is keeping your baby safe and comfortable the entire time. If your baby cries during a session, my first priority is always their safety and comfort. I’ll gently check that their position allows for a clear airway and good circulation to their hands and feet. Some poses simply aren’t comfortable for every baby, and that’s perfectly okay—I’ll always follow their lead. And if your little one isn’t fully settled, my hands never leave them. Your baby’s safety is always at the heart of everything I do.
Sessions are flexible and baby-led. If we need to pause for a feed, a snuggle, or just a reset, we do. No stress, no rush.
Why Parents Still Choose to Book—Even If Baby Might Be Awake
Here’s the truth: these early days are fleeting. Whether your baby sleeps through the session or spends most of it wide-eyed and alert, this season is still incredibly special—and so worthy of being remembered. The soft stretches, tiny yawns, curious gazes, and little snuggles all tell the story of who your baby is right now.
At Honeywild, newborn sessions are never about perfection. They’re about presence. I design every session with intention, centered around patience, experience, and a cozy, welcoming space where new parents can breathe a little easier. You won’t be rushed. You won’t be judged. And whether your baby snoozes peacefully or just wants to take it all in, we’ll go with their rhythm.
My hope is that you walk away from your session feeling not just seen, but cared for—like you just experienced something beautiful, calm, and full of love. Because that’s exactly what this season deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best for newborn photos?
The ideal window is 7–14 days old, but I’ve photographed newborns as old as 8 weeks. Every baby is different, and we can adapt the session to suit their stage.
Can you get sleepy shots if my baby is 4 weeks old?
Yes! Older newborns may take a bit longer to settle, but we often still get those beautiful sleepy poses with some extra patience.
What if my baby has baby acne or flaky skin?
Totally normal, and nothing to stress over. I gently retouch final images to minimize any temporary blemishes while keeping your baby’s natural features intact. My general rule of thumb is: if it a mark, or object wont be there in two weeks I will edit it out, unless asked not to do so.
Do you photograph awake babies differently?
A little, yes. I adjust posing, lighting, and wrapping to suit each baby’s mood and energy level so we get the best possible images, whether they’re awake or asleep.
A Few More Tips for a Smooth Session
- Try to arrive a little early so you have time to settle in.
- Bring extra diapers, burp cloths, and anything your baby loves.
- Don’t worry about bringing outfits—I have everything we need at the studio.
- And remember: calm parents help create a calm baby. Your energy matters, so try to take a breath and trust the process.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Grand Rapids, MI?
If you’re expecting or have a brand new baby and you’re wondering when the best time is to schedule your newborn photos—it’s usually in the first 2-3 weeks. But I’ve photographed newborns well beyond that age, and we can still capture beautiful images at any stage.
Booking early is always a good idea. My calendar fills quickly, and I want to make sure I have space for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re worried your baby won’t sleep during their session? No big deal. I’ve got it covered. You don’t have to worry about a thing. My job is to take the pressure off and deliver photos you’ll fall in love with.
📨 Have questions? Want to check availability? Click here to contact me or email me at honeywildphoto@gamil.com.
Let’s make some magic—sleep or no sleep.
xo,
Jackie
