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Grace Layne Photography - 5 Things Parents Don't Know to Expect at a Newborn Session!

I just wanted to start by saying this sweet little gal was so teeny tiny and perfect! She was not a fan of being unwrapped for long, so we went with what she liked and got so many sweet smiles!! I love getting sleepy smiles 😍

Miss M is mom and dad's first little one, and you can tell she is absolutely adored by them both! The love and adoration was so apparent just in the short time we were together! I loved getting to chat with them about their lives and how the new family of 3 lifestyle was going! This is honestly one of my favorite parts, getting to connect with other families. ❤



I always love adding in some great information that not everyone knows about bts things with different sessions! For this post, I wanted to touch on some great things not many parents realize are a "thing" with newborn sessions!


  1. It's HOT

Not many realize that the studio is going to be prepared for the baby, and keeping that little one super duper comfortable! He/she is going to not only be messed with a bunch, but also naked for some of the time! So we need it to be a nice toasty 80-85 degrees in there so when they're naked or being changed etc, they will not get so mad at me! Typically with this nice and toasty room, they like to sleep through it all!

I like to warn my parents to how warm it will feel for them, because the last thing I want is for someone to wear a big ole sweater in the studio and get super sweaty before pictures! Many times parents dress in layers, making it easy to stay comfortable.


2. It can take up to 3.5 hours!


So many people are shocked when I tell them the time frame to expect! But yes, I have had sessions that last up to 3.5 hours. BUT I also have had sessions that last 1.5 to 2 hours! It all depends on the baby, how sleepy they are, how much they want to eat, and if they have any tummy troubles.

I send a prep guide to all of my parents to give them tips and tricks on how to prepare the baby for the session, and many times if it is followed baby sleeps through 90% of the session!


3. I provide EVERYTHING for you!


I know getting out that door after you have a newborn is next to impossible! I have been there myself many times and know how challenging leaving the house with a baby, diaper bag, and nearly everything but the kitchen sink! This is why I want to let parents know that I provide props, wraps, headbands, hats, outfits, allllll the things! If there is something sentimental you would like incorporated, then lets absolutely add that! But you never need to worry about purchasing anything for your session!

I absolutely love that I have specific newborn prop vendors that I use to get size specific props, outfits, headbands, etc. uniquely created with newborn photography in mind, that you won't be able to find at a local store! So all you need to worry about is staying comfy and relaxing while I take care of everything for your session!


4. We start newborn sessions at 10AM


Yep, in the morning! When I first started doing newborn sessions, I would do 10AM, 12pm, 3pm, and even 6pm! 🤦‍♀️ Yikes! I had no idea about the "witching hour" that newborns went through. Yes, I had had my own newborns, but it didn't register that it would be difficult to photograph a sleepy baby later in the day. Well I figured out real quick that if I wanted a content and sleepy baby, 10 AM was the sweet spot. They will be ready to sleep again after morning feeds, but have not yet gotten over stimulated from the day. So this is now when my newborn sessions begin!

I have pushed it back to 12pm with success (it can be rush and roulette though) and understand this may be needed to accommodate certain circumstances! But I do know, the later the session, the riskier it gets trying to get a sleepy baby!


5. Family Photos are ALWAYS included in my newborn sessions!!


I have always dreamed of the day I could be a mom and have a family with lots of kids. My dream came true! Being a mom has made me realize though just how much I treasure that family photo! Or heck, even one where me, as the mom, is even IN a photo! Us moms are the photo TAKERS, not the subjects. This is one of the reasons I am such an advocator for the family and parent shots in newborn sessions!

Yes, yes, yes, I KNOW you just had a baby, and you are probably feeling the least photo ready you've ever felt! But I promise you, I have posing and lighting techniques that will make it so you are in LOVE with the images of you and your little one!

This is something that moms always love and appreciate even when they initially do not want in the photo after having a baby!


There's five of about 1million things most people don't know about my newborn sessions! Now on to my favorite part where I get to show you a beautiful gallery with a sweet new family of 3 ❤



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