Real advice from newborn photographers in Grand Rapids, MI and across the world
You’ve seen the sweet, sleepy baby photos—the tiny toes, the squishy cheeks, the cozy little setups that make you want to cry a little bit (or a lot). But what you don’t see is all the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into creating those images, and if we are doing our jobs right, you never will. (Spoiler alert: it’s not always as peaceful as it looks.)
At Honeywild Photography, I specialize in newborn photography right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan—and after years of working with brand new babies (and sleep-deprived parents), I’ve learned that there’s so much more to a session than just showing up. Whether you’re preparing for your first session or just curious what goes on behind the scenes, I reached out to fellow newborn photographers across the country and asked them to spill the tea on what they wished parents knew before their newborn sessions. Their answers made me nod, laugh, and say “YES” out loud more than once.
Be in The Photos (Even if You Don’t Feel Ready)
“No matter how gross you think you look after just having a baby, TAKE THE FAMILY PHOTOS ANYWAYS! If you hate them, you don’t have to show them to anyone. But I would put money on it that you WON’T hate them and will actually love them, and one day they will be priceless to you and to that tiny newborn baby in your arms. To see the very beginning of their family captured in photos to last forever. To see just how very loved and cherished they were from the minute they arrived.”
Lauren Poss, Enterprise, AL Lauren Poss Photography
“You might be running on two hours of sleep, unsure what day it is, and wondering if you’re doing any of this “right.” I see you. I’ve been there. And I promise—when you look back on these photos one day, it won’t be the chaos you remember. It’ll be the way your baby curled into your chest. The way their fingers wrapped around yours. The way you loved them through every exhausted breath.”
Marlee Thornton, North Mississippi Moments By Marlee
“You will never regret being in the photo.”
-Eryn McBride Youngsville, LA Eryn Laviolette Photography
“Just because you didn’t do newborn photos with your first baby doesn’t mean you can’t start now with your second! Your first will absolutely be included — it’s such a sweet bonding moment for siblings, and you can even capture a few solo portraits of your oldest. Every memory deserves to be made, and the only photos you’ll regret are the ones you didn’t take.”
Ariel Ross, Chicago, IL REL Portraits
Trust the Process (and Your Photographer)
“Trust your photographer with everything. They know what they are doing. Also, rest and relax…and possibly take a nap.”
-Amy Skarzenski, Erie, PA Amy Skarzenski Photography
“Remember to relax and be in the moment, that perfect image is not as important as what your family is and looks like in the moment you are in. That Pinterest image you have screenshotted on your phone for inspiration is just that, inspiration, it’s not you and your family. Embrace you and your babies in the moment you are in now and you’ll end up with images more perfect than that Pinterest photo!”
Arielle Kowal, East Jordan, MI Arielle Elizabeth Photography
“So much of newborn photography comes down to the editing. It’s not like an outdoor session where you might deliver 100-200 images with basic adjustments. With newborns, I’m carefully selecting and refining each image, applying specialized techniques I’ve developed specifically for newborn skin and tones. It’s not just the 2-3hrs we spend in the studio with your baby, so much of the magic happens after the baby has left, and it’s what sets our work apart as a specialized art form.”
Paige McLeod, Boise, ID Glean and Co
“I love when clients give me a little free rein with some of the details. I almost always have a new prop/outfit/color combo I’m dying to use.”
-Stephanie Brandenburg, Pensecola, FL Tender Roots Studio
“This can be a stressful time, for sure, but please don’t worry about your newborns session. I’ve got EVERYTHING! And I love every second of it. From the spit up to all the toddler energy and everything in between. Leave it all to me”
-Sarah Billera, Centenial, CO Sarah Billerala Photography
“It’s ok to change your mind. If you want to change something at the session, please tell me. I want you to love your photos, and I am nothing if not adaptable. If you want to swap something out or use something different, you won’t hurt my feelings or annoy me. These are your photos, I want you to be happy!”
Ashtyn Goheen, Colorado Springs, CO Ashtyn M Photography
Babies Are Gonna Baby (and That’s Ok)
“Your 20 month old is going to be a hot mess express during your newborn session, but we will capture it all anyway. There may be goldfish bribes involved.”
Kate Mcord York Haven, PA Kate McCord Photography
“There are several moments when we have the baby’s diaper removed for the pictures. I know what you’re thinking, “but what if they pee?” Guess what – they will! And they’ll poop. But we see this with every session and it’s absolutely normal. And we’re prepared to handle it. No stress.” 😎
– Andrea Hartstein, Granger, Indiana Hartstein Photography
“Babies will pee or poop on everything (I’m a mom too, so I know how it goes!). It’s expected. Honestly, if I didn’t get peed on at least once every few sessions, I’d be worried I wasn’t doing my job right. I’m just going to laugh, so should you!”
Shae Roy Nest N Bloom Photography
Being born isn’t easy! All babies have blemishes, flakey skin, red spots, etc! You don’t need to lotion, bathe or reschedule your session because of how baby’s skin looks. You are paying us for the session, but also our expertise in editing and all the work we put into that too!
Christine Leonard, MA Life Capture by Christine
“Baby is in charge and I’ll follow their lead! When you enter the studio we are on baby time. There is no rush! We can take breaks to feed them and have snuggle time, too. Taking the extra time to burp them and give them a full feed is also always encouraged.”
Jordan Kuhn, Brookfiled, WI Jordan Lynn Photography
Timing Isn’t Always Perfect – But Photos Still Matter
“It’s not too late! Sure, I usually suggest booking during your second trimester, but let’s be real… life is a lot. If your baby’s already here and you’re just now thinking, “Crap, I need newborn photos!” I’ll do my best to squeeze you in. No judgment at all (I procrastinate like it’s my superpower). Let’s make some magic and freeze this sweet little chapter before it’s just a blur of diapers and coffee.”
Amber Lokemoen, Wausau, WI Eternal Images Photography
“Mine would be that it is never too late to take photos. It makes me sad when I read about parents who think that just because their baby is over a month old that they are too old. Take the photos! Whether your baby is days, weeks, or months old, every stage of their little life is a masterpiece worth capturing.”
Ginny Duncan, Seneca, SC Ginny Duncan Photography
“Babies change and grow so much in the first couple of weeks, that is why it is so important to book their session early. I know that mom brain is a real thing and that those last few weeks/months of pregnancy are really hard but those first couple of weeks are so special”
Tammy Crabtree-New, Worthington, OH My Loves Photography
YOU Matter To Us Just as Much as Your Photos
“I love hearing client’s pregnancy/birth stories! If clients want to tell their story, I want to hear it. Every single one is unique and I feel so honored to hear about their journey of how their little bundle made their way into the world.”
-Marissa Booth-Nisbet FL Baby Steps Photography
I am when they choose ME in a sea of other photographers I’ve been obsessed with babies my entire life and I really do love my job!
Stacey Westbrook BYP Studios
“Your memories deserve nothing less than to be printed, displayed, and cherished—day in and day out. A constant reminder on your walls and throughout your home of this beautiful little life. A digital file will never compare to the tangible joy of holding these moments in your hands, experiencing the beauty and detail in a way digitals will never compare- true heirlooms of the most loved people in our lives.”
-Vanessa Godoy, Moline, IL VGP Photography
The Weird Stuff (We Secretly Love)
“I love when parents capture bts videos of me with their baby. It’s so special to see what I do through the eyes of my clients.”
-Carri Mullins, Detroit, MI Carri Beth Photography
“The absolute best thing is “pacifier lips”! When you slowly take out the pacifier and their lips are still pursed. It makes for the CUTEST shot”
-Lacey Andreae KS Lacey Andreae Photography
Getting a giant burp out of a baby! It’s so satisfying when they’re fussy and parents are stressed- they always ask how I did that.
-Kathryn Armstrong, Dothan, AL Kathryn Armstrong Photography
I LOVE it when parents cry when I show them the back of my camera. Oh and I genuinely don’t care if a baby pees on me I’ve had 2 boys of my own so it doesn’t phase me in the slighted!”
-Rachael Lynch, Edinburgh, Scotland Beautiful Bairns
Those “imperfect” images, are my personal favorites The wild toddler making funny faces, the silly faces your newborn makes, the tongues sticking out, those are the best!
-Jackie Scully, Grand Rapids, MI Honeywild Photography
Every newborn photographer I know pours their heart into this work—not just for the pretty pictures, but for the real moments they represent. Whether your baby sleeps through the entire session or keeps us all on our toes, your story deserves to be remembered. So take the photos. Be in them. Let it be a little messy, a little magical, and completely yours.
If you’re expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in Grand Rapids, MI, I’d be honored to help you freeze this beautiful, sometimes less than perfect, fleeting chapter. Click here to get in touch and start planning your session.
xoxo
Jackie
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