Good luck! You have a baby, you’re just sleeping, and someone tells you to get ready for the camera. I’ve heard it, and I’m here to tell you, don’t worry. I found you. That’s really my job.
As a Boston-based baby photographer who has been doing this since 2012, I know what goes through a new parent’s mind from stage to stage. Can the child get along? Will I look good? What if my house isn’t big or bright enough? What do I wear? These are all very reasonable questions, and I’m going to walk you through everything so that when I knock on your door, you can sit back, have a cup of tea in your pajamas, and let me handle everything.
Here’s everything you can expect from a newborn photography session with me.
You Don’t Have to Leave Your House (Seriously, Stay in Your Pajamas)
The first thing that sets my Boston newborn sessions apart is that I come to you. Don’t carry a diaper bag, don’t strap your three-day-old baby in a car seat, don’t drive in Boston with an infant. I have come to you, your home, your place, your holy place.
This is the best part of working with me, and families always tell me how relaxing it is. Whether you’re in Cambridge, Newton, Westwood, Lexington, or anywhere in between, I’ll bring everything you need for a relaxing and professional time to your doorstep. All you need is a child. I’ll take care of the rest.
Storage Time and Preparation Time
If you are currently pregnant, now is the time to arrive. I work around your day with complete flexibility, because babies have their own plans! Newborn photos are best taken within a few weeks of life. In the early days, babies are naturally sleepy, curled up, and incredibly tired, which makes for fleeting, loving photos that you’ll cherish forever.
If your baby is a few weeks old, please don’t worry. It’s not late! We can focus on spontaneous shots, smiling instead of sleeping, and honestly, these are beautiful and worth having.
What I Bring So You Don’t Have To Worry
One of the things that makes my sessions easy for families is that I take care of all the styling. Here’s what I bring to your session:
- Soft, light and bright fabrics to create a timeless, sophisticated look that never goes out of style.
- Studio clothes available for women, because you need to feel beautiful and happy
- Studio lights if your home needs a little warmth and light
- Years of soothing, comforting, and positioning newborns so that every pose is as comfortable as they like
The only thing you have to give? That beautiful baby of yours.
What Happens During the New Birth Period
When I arrive, the first thing we do is get comfortable. There is no rush. Newborn sessions last about two hours, and I let your baby lead the whole way. Each session is customized based on your family’s lifestyle, your home’s lifestyle, and your child’s mood that day.
Here’s what the flow of the session usually looks like:
We start with a child.
I start with the newborn look when your baby is sound asleep. I work slowly and gently, always prioritizing safety and comfort above all else. There is plenty of time dedicated to feedings, diaper changes, and relaxing moments.
Then we bring the family.
I always encourage parents and siblings to get involved. These are your family’s memories, and they should be shared. Even the family dog is very welcome. As a Frenchie mom, I know that fur babies are family.
Mom, you’re included too.
I know many women feel unattractive in the early days after giving birth, and that’s okay. I have dresses in your hands, and I will make you beautiful. You’ll be glad you were in those pictures. Every now and then, even shy mothers can have beautiful pictures of themselves and their baby.
Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
I can’t tell you how many families have cleaned their house before I moved in. Please stop. It doesn’t matter if your space is small, has little light, or still has boxes piled up in the corner. I’ve been shooting indoor scenes in Boston and Greater Massachusetts for over ten years, and I’ve worked in every type of space imaginable.
I bring studio lighting when needed, and I know how to work with what you have to create something warm, beautiful and timeless.
Your house is the background, but the love in it is what brings these pictures to life.
A Little Homework Goes a Long Way
Before you start your session, I send each family a checklist so you can edit your experience. It’s quick and easy, but it makes a real difference in helping me understand your style, brand preferences, and special requests you may have. Think of it as the secret behind a smooth and seamless session. If you want a sneak peek at what to expect, you can also check out my style guide for the latest photos for tips on what to wear.
For women, I recommend bold, bright tops or dresses in oil, soft gray, or soft pastels. These shades focus on your words and moments rather than clothes. For men, a solid shirt that complements the women’s palette works beautifully. You are welcome to wear one of my studio dresses if you want to keep it simple.
After This Section: Converting Your Images to Assets
About an hour after we finish the session, we sit down and go through your photos. This is one of my favorite things because this is where the magic becomes real for families. I work with you to help you choose what you love and how you want to display and store it.
I offer several beautiful products that are designed to be in your home and enjoyed every day, not buried in a USB drive in a drawer somewhere. This includes:
- Wall pictures that become the foundation of your family
- Heirloom albums are designed to be passed down from generation to generation
- Gallery arrangements are pre-arranged for your home
- A digital photo collection of images you want to share and keep
I make albums and wall mirrors for you, because this is part of the complete experience that I give to every family.
Prices in a nutshell
My newborn section starts with a fee and a collection that includes your favorite digital photos and beautiful colorful artwork. Visit my pricing page for full details, and feel free to ask me any questions. I love talking with families and helping you find what works for you.
Ready to Book Your Boston Birthday Party?
If you are expecting and want to close your session before your due date, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me, and we will arrange everything so that when your baby arrives, all you have to do is send me a text message. I will do the rest.
And if you want to keep looking before you book, check out my new photo gallery to see the types of memories we create together, or take a look at my maternity events if you’re thinking of getting your scroll painted before the big day.
Small, fleeting moments go by so quickly. Let me help you hold them forever.
Isabel Sweet is a full-time professional, newborn, newborn, mother, and family photographer based in Boston, Massachusetts. She has been serving Boston families since 2012 and loves making every session as fun, stress-free, and beautiful as possible. To book your session or find out more, visit isabelsweet.com or research photographing the newborn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photography Sessions in Boston
Do I need to book a newborn photography session in advance?
I recommend booking your session while you are still pregnant. I keep your schedule updated around your due date, so there’s nothing to worry about. When your baby arrives, you just let me know and we schedule from there. Sessions are scheduled within the first two weeks of life for best results.
What if my baby is older than two weeks?
It’s not too late to get your baby photos ready! Although the first few weeks are good for newborns, older babies are also good for photography. We just change our approach and capture more of their personality and what they are saying.
How long does a newborn photography session take?
Plan for about two hours of the session itself, followed by about an hour of pre-order where we go through your photos and prepare your designs together. I always walk at your child’s pace, so there is no rush.
Should I clean my house or organize a special place?
Not at all! I am completely flexible and have worked on every type of building imaginable in Boston and surrounding towns. I bring my lighting and everything I need to create a beautiful scene wherever you are. Nice house, very nice house.
Can siblings and pets be included?
Yes to both! The brothers create valuable and inspiring images of the whole field. And pets are always welcome. I am a Frenchie mom, so I really believe they run in families.
What should I wear to my newborn session?
I recommend dresses for women, so you don’t have to think too much. If you love your clothes, light, bold colors, soft pastels, and soft pastels work beautifully and put the focus on you and your baby. See my style guide for more information.
What items do I receive after completing my session?
My full service experience includes everything from digital photography to heritage art. I offer wall art, albums, and custom gallery arrangements. We design everything together at the time of ordering so that what ends up in your home fits your space and style.
Do you only paint in Boston?
I serve families in Boston and surrounding Massachusetts areas, including Newton, Cambridge, Lexington, Westwood, Chestnut Hill, Sharon, Somerville, Malden, Fenway, and beyond. If you’re not sure if I’ll be there, just reach out and I’ll let you know!