As a newborn photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing many beautiful and unforgettable moments of a baby’s first days of life.
One thing never fails to leave a lasting impression on me and the families I see is the joy of celebrating new life and baby’s first everything. First bath, first sleep, first car ride, and yes, baby’s first photography experience. Usually, mom and dad are a little sleep deprived so I try to keep newborn photography sessions under 2 hours, while making sure we capture all the things from the new mother lovingly looking at the new life she brought into the world, to capturing those tiny toes and baby’s finger gripping on to hers.
Newborn photography is indeed a celebration. It’s ooohing and aaahing over the sweetness of baby’s flaky skin, and proud mom and dad joyfully looking on.
Here is a look behind the scenes. I love the expression on the parent’s faces! They were positively glowing over their baby! The expression on my face is typical too, it’s such a joy to work with families and babies!
The studio for newborn photography is located in midtown Bend, OR with the perfect white paint color and filled with lots of natural light, all making it the perfect place for a newborn session.
I have carefully curated a client wardrobe of beautiful dresses mothers are encouraged to wear during their sessions. The closet has a lot of flattering and stretchy-waisted dresses so mothers are comfortable and the colors are a neutral palette so they are classic and timeless. Clients can also add on hair and makeup, I work with one of Bend’s best (Katie Marie Artistry). I highly recommend it for moms, so they feel completely pampered and gorgeous (and along with wearing a pretty dress it can feel a whole lot like a princess for a day!)
For newborn photography, I keep it simple with minimal props. I have some gorgeous wraps and neutral textured outfits, but we try to keep the entire focus on the baby instead of stuff. Again, timeless and classic. I had an opportunity to get my hands on an outfit, blanket, and the cutest little bloomers from our local children’s shop Oat Children. Seriously, their outfits are so soft and cozy. (PSA, also offers clothes for moms too!).
I indulged in the trends and babies with oodles of props for many years. Now, they look dated. I want parents to have images that stand the test of time (you guessed it, classic and timeless).
Before baby’s due date, I always have a consultation with the parents. This is a good time to get to know each other, have moms try on dresses and show the beautiful products that are available.
I want every family to have something tangible to remember their baby’s first portraits.
I offer incredible heirloom albums (simply gorgeous!), beautiful wall portraits to hang in the nursery along with a few other carefully chosen high-end products. Such a special occasion requires more than digital images sitting on a hard drive, they deserve to be seen and cherished.
The day of the session is always magical. My goal is for parents to relax and enjoy their baby. I don’t overly fuss with posing, but act as a guide for natural expression and imagery that will take you back to the very special season of having a newborn.
A few weeks after the session, parents come back to the studio for a design and ordering appointment. This is where they watch a slideshow and see images for the first time. Together we select our favorite images and decide which ones will go on the wall or in an album. I will see mom and baby again soon if they are a part of The Motherhood Membership. The Motherhood Membership is a wonderful option for baby’s first year or the toddler years.
Now you know a little bit more about Natalie Stephenson Photography, my newborn sessions, and that the studio is the perfect place to have newborn portraits done! I have been in business for over 19 years and continue to love to serve families now more than ever. Childhood is such a special time in a family and something that we never want to forget. For more in-depth information on the process and to see more of my work, click here: Motherhood
If you have a newborn or are expecting, I would love the opportunity to serve you.
– Natalie
Photographer
NATALIE STEPHENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Dress
Baby’s Clothes / knit Blanket / bloomers
Oat Children
Venue
Natalie Stephenson Photography Studio
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