If I had to describe what my newborn sessions feel like, I would say they feel like an easy Sunday morning.
I always schedule my sessions around 10:00 am. The reason is that I have learned over the years from being a mama to three babies, from caring for hundreds of newborns in my former career as a NICU nurse, and also from photographing hundreds of newborns, that they tend to be calmer in the morning. Also, light indoor is typically better in the am.
So when I arrive the house is usually just getting going. Coffee is typically brewing, mama is getting ready perhaps for the first time since having her baby, if there are siblings they are usually running around in their undies or diapers, and dad is usually laid back and helping get things in order. It feels just as it should.
I never ask my families to do any strange or uncomfortable poses and I allow the baby to lead the session 100%. Baby needs to nurse 10 times, great. Baby wants to be awake the whole time, beautiful. Baby is sleepy and allows me to unfold her in a beautiful and natural way, wonderful.
When I leave, I feel like I just had a cup of coffee with an old friend who had just given birth. I don't feel stressed or like I just worked in the least. In fact, I feel invigorated and grateful that I get to do this for a living.
So, easy like Sunday morning, is how I would describe my newborn sessions. :)
