Getting ready for newborn photographs can bring up plenty of questions. What should you bring? Can older siblings be included? What happens if your baby doesn’t sleep?
At Elizabeth Fontecchio Design, newborn sessions give your family time to get comfortable while we capture the little details you’ll want to remember.
As a mom of five, I know how unpredictable a day with children can be—especially when you’ve just welcomed a new baby. You don’t need to arrive with everyone perfectly settled. I’ll guide your family through the photographs, follow your baby’s cues, and make room for breaks along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a newborn photographer near Harrison City, Greensburg, or Pittsburgh, or you’ve already booked your session, this guide will help you know what to expect.
Your Newborn Session at a Glance
| What to expect | Details |
|---|---|
| Session length | 90 minutes, allowing time for settling, outfit changes, and breaks |
| Family and sibling photographs | Usually taken first, during the opening 15–20 minutes |
| Baby’s individual portraits | The remaining time focuses on your newborn, following their cues |
| Outfits, swaddles, and props | Full collection available at the studio; a selection brought to in-home sessions |
| Personal touches | Meaningful outfits, blankets, and props are welcome but optional |
| For older siblings | A playroom is available during studio sessions |
| The Baby Session package | 40 downloadable digital images with full printing rights |
| Location options | My Harrison City studio or your home, with an additional travel fee based on location |
How Does a Newborn Photography Session Begin?
I usually begin with family and sibling photographs, which take about 15–20 minutes. This gives us a chance to capture everyone together before turning our attention to baby’s individual portraits.
Parents and siblings are included in your newborn session. These photographs preserve more than how tiny your baby was—they capture your family at the beginning of a new chapter.
At the studio, there’s also a playroom where siblings can take a break from photographs while we continue with baby. A longer visit can feel like a lot for little ones, and having somewhere to play helps make the experience more comfortable for the whole family.
What Does a Baby-Led Newborn Session Mean?
A baby-led session means I pay attention to your newborn’s cues and adjust as we go.
Some babies settle comfortably into a swaddle. Others need more time between outfit changes or positioning. I’ll watch how your baby responds and use that to guide the session, including whether we try wrapped portraits or photographs in an outfit.
If your baby needs feeding, comforting, or a diaper change, we pause. Those moments are an expected part of photographing a newborn.
Why Does a Newborn Session Take 90 Minutes?
Ninety minutes may sound like a long time, especially when you’re planning an outing with a new baby. That time gives us room for family photographs, different setups, and the settling that happens in between.
Your baby may need a little while to get comfortable after being moved, swaddled, or changed into an outfit. Allowing time for those transitions helps us work at their pace.
You don’t need to worry that a feeding break or a few unsettled minutes means the session is going wrong. We’ll take things as they come.
Do I Need to Bring Outfits, Swaddles, or Props?
The studio has newborn outfits, swaddles, and props available for your session. You don’t need to buy a collection of photo outfits or arrive with a bag full of accessories.
If there’s something special you’d like to include, you’re welcome to bring it. A meaningful blanket, a favorite outfit, or a family keepsake can add a personal touch. We can look at what you’ve brought and see how it fits into the photographs.
For in-home sessions, I bring a selection of props, swaddles, and outfits with me.
How Should We Prepare for Our Newborn Photos?
A little preparation can help you feel more comfortable on session day. You don’t need to plan every moment of your baby’s routine.
Feeding Before the Session
I suggest aiming for a feeding about an hour before your appointment, if that fits your baby’s usual routine. The hope is that your little one will feel content and sleepy when we begin.
Continue to follow your baby’s hunger cues. If they need another feeding during the session, we’ll make time for it.
What to Bring to the Studio
Keep these essentials in mind as you pack:
- Diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit for your baby.
- A bottle, if you use one, so you’re prepared for a feeding.
- A pacifier, if you’re comfortable offering one. Even if your baby doesn’t usually use one, it can sometimes help them settle briefly. It’s optional.
- Any special outfit, blanket, or prop you’d like me to consider including.
Outfits, swaddles, and props for your baby’s photographs are already available at the studio.
What Should Parents and Siblings Wear?
Choose comfortable clothing in colors that work well together. Simple patterns and coordinated tones help keep the attention on your faces and your connection with your new baby.
Studio backdrops are usually neutral, often white, which gives you a simple starting point when choosing outfits.
You don’t need to match exactly. Choose a few colors that complement one another and clothing everyone feels comfortable wearing while sitting close, holding baby, and cuddling together.
What if My Baby Doesn’t Sleep?
An awake baby is welcome, too.
Sleepy portraits are lovely, but open eyes and little expressions are also part of your baby’s story. If your newborn stays awake, we’ll follow their cues and work with how they’re feeling.
The awake moments can give you photographs you love just as much as the sleepy ones.
Can You Come to Our Home for Newborn Photos?
Yes! If you’d feel more comfortable having your newborn session at home, I can come to you.
After delivery and those first busy days with your baby, getting everyone ready to leave the house can feel like a lot. An in-home session lets you stay in familiar surroundings while I bring a selection of props, swaddles, and outfits for your baby’s photographs.
You don’t need a perfectly styled home or a bright, sun-filled room. I bring flash lighting, so a darker room is something I can work with.
We can use your home as the background, find a simple blank wall, or step outside for family photographs if conditions allow. Your home can become part of the story of your baby’s earliest days.
In-home sessions have an additional travel fee that varies based on your location. When you inquire, let me know where you’re located so we can discuss the fee and plan your visit.
Where Is the Studio?
My studio is located at 1004 Harrison City Export Road, Harrison City, PA.
I welcome families from Harrison City, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and throughout Westmoreland County. A studio session gives you access to the full collection of newborn outfits, wraps, and props, along with the sibling playroom.
If staying home feels easier for your family, ask about an in-home session when you reach out.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Session?
Those tiny fingers, sleepy expressions, and the way your newborn fits into your arms will change so quickly. Your session is a chance to preserve this beginning—and to be in the photographs together.
Whether you join me at the studio or welcome me into your home, I’d love to help you capture these first memories with your new baby.
Explore newborn photography packages or contact me to plan your session.
Already booked? Save this guide to revisit before your appointment, and reach out with any questions about preparing your family.
