6 frequently asked questions about newborn sessions answered
Why have you become a photographer?
This is why:
I have become a mother twice, and it was everything I have ever wanted and dreamed off, and I fell so completely in love with motherhood that I turned my camera (that I had wielded for about 8 years then) from perfectly styled macarons and cakes to my children. And I fell in love with photography all over again, as it was such a challenge to photograph them and to learn (again) how to use and utilise light, and later on how to be able to capture the moment when all they do is constantly be on the move.
But essentially, motherhood. After my second birth, which was amazing and so empowering, I decided to jump head first into building a business on my passion. And this is where my heart really is, capturing the bond of mother and newborn.
What kind of photographer are you?
I am a lifestyle photographer infused with a little bit of classic fine art.
My style can be best described as organic and sentimental, showing real emotions, capturing real connections.
My newborn style is simple and respectful, as I think newborns are perfect just the way they are, and when a mother looks at her newborn, she stares in adoration at the features of her child, her newborn’s features, searching herself and his partner in their baby. My mission is to capture the raw love and the sweet beginning of family life in my client's home, where it really take place, where their story trully begins. I strive to capture authentic moments of the newborn baby in his/her parents arms, where they truly belong.
How do you pose newborns?
I am all about organic, connection and emotion based lifestyle photos. I would like to capture how it feels to have a newborn, not only how it looks. I would like you to look back on the photos and really be able to feel how it felt to hug your baby close, to nuzzle in their hair, how they streatched their little arms, yawned and smiled in their sleep - and how it all made you feel like the happiest person in the whole world. So much so, that you wanted to stop the time, so you asked me to. :)
I understand that your baby belongs in your loving arms and my mission is to photograph the love you share. I do believe that our most treasured memories are the ones that are made with our parents. Hence, I will take tons of images when you cuddle your baby.
However, when baby is fed and happily sleeping, I do like to take my time to capture how perfect and beautiful your newborn is. From all the angles, macro details as well. I will not however pose the baby in any of the propped styles (buckets, froggy, etc) other than what is natural and comfortable for them, which is laying on their tummy, back and side. I like these photos to be pure and simple, because babies are perfect just the way they are and the simplicity and sophistication of these images will never go out of style, and will always, always highlight how truly perfect your baby is.
How do you photograph siblings?
Siblings are amazing to photograph and I just love the dynamic! The younger they are, the most they show their excitement for me and for their newborn sibling, and I love how they want to please their parents and me, so they most often are in their best behaviour.
The great thing is, that since my newborn sessions take place in the mornings, everybody is well rested (khmm, as much as you can be) but especially siblings they are not tired yet, they are excited and fresh, so I like to start off with sibling images and family images, so once the images are captured successfully, grandma or even dad can go and take off with brothers and sisters for a “well done” playground session or ice cream treat and I get to concentrate on mama and baby. It’s a win-win and I like to highlight it to my clients to prepare this way.
As far as posing goes, I take what I can, and as much as I can but I do not like to push toddlers, as they can be pretty unpredictable and especially unpredictable about how they will react for your newborn baby, so please keep it in mind, that baby’s safety is our top priority, and also, happy toddler = happy life. :D (Can you tell I have a toddler? Gotta love them!)
What if they misbehave or tend to not be so excited for the newborn? This happens a lot and is totally normal (I’ve been there, we had to separate my boys for so long.) and please don’t feel bad about it. I always keep treats with me and let me tell you, a little bit of bribery goes a long long way! :)
Do you take feeding images?
I love love love taking breastfeeding or bottle feeding images of you and your baby. Whether you do one or the other, this is going to be a beautiful bonding time that will take majority of your time together and I always tell my mamas to embrace it and have a photo taken of this moment as it is so precious and I promise you, you will cherish these images so much! And sometimes, it can happen, that all your baby want to do is latch on and stay there snuggled close to you, so it comes naturally that I capture it for you.
When and where do you provide newborn sessions?
Your newborn session will be held at the comfort and convenience of your home and preferably within the first 3 (max4) weeks of life most probably in a weekend morning.
However, if you have given birth to your baby already and just realised that you do want professional photos captured of this precious time, do not hesitate to contact me, I believe that even with a 4-5 weeks old baby should be captured as a newborn. No one has ever regretted having their babies photos taken! Only missed opportunities are regretted.
When I became a mother, both times, I could not imagine leaving my house in the first weeks of postpartum and that is when newborn photography usually would happen. I also believe that 1) rest is super important for postpartum mamas and 2) your baby should be captured in the most authentic way: in his/her parents loving arms in your home, where it all begins. Those will be the memories your child will love to look back on, the reality of his/her first weeks of life. Having a newborn photo session in the comfort of your home is truly a luxury that also yields the most authentic and cherished photos. It helps all of you to be more relaxed in your own settings, and while I capture your baby’s unique features, you can relax in your own home.
Please do not worry if your home is not Pinterest worthy or all white, one good big window and you all are enough for me to capture the magic. Whether the images will be white and bright and airy or moodier and cosier will depends on your home and settings. However, my style remains the same.
That’s all for now. If you liked what you’ve read and the images, please check out my newborn portfolio.
If you want to know more about me and just check out more of my work, and be updated with promotions and news, please check out (and follow) my Facebook www.facebook.com/baloghbona and on Instagram as @baloghbona !
