A Quick Disclaimer, Mum:
Before we dive into any tricks or tips, please know this: No one knows your baby better than you do.
I’m here as an experienced professional newborn photographer to offer a safe, warm environment and techniques honed over years, but you are the boss, not me. If something doesn’t feel comfortable to you, or if your instincts tell you something different, or simply you have preference, we always follow your lead, always! Your comfort, confidence, and the wellbeing of your baby dictate everything we do.
If you’re a new parent, you know the sound of a baby crying, and hearing your baby crying can instantly raise your stress & anxiety levels. It’s completely natural, and it happens in my studio too! The secret to a successful and relaxed newborn photoshoot is a calm, patience approach by all, and a few tricks I’ve learned over my years of experience (and as a mother of three!).
As your photographer, my primary job is to create an environment where both you and your baby feel safe, secure, and understood. This not only promotes an overall wellbeing but is also the key to capturing those peaceful, beautiful images we all love.
1. The Power of Swaddling (The Fourth Trimester Hug)
While swaddling might seem purely physical, its effect is deeply psychological.
According to some paediatricians and child development specialists,such as Dr. Harvey Karp, swadding mimics the secure, tight feeling of the womb, activating the calming reflex and helping the baby feel contained.
My Method: I use only soft, breathable fabrics and ensure the swaddle is secure but never too tight around the hips, allowing for healthy hip movement. This technique, made popular by experts like Dr. Harvey Karp, helps decrease the baby’s startle reflex and promotes longer periods of quiet sleep, which is ideal for a gentle photoshoot [1].
2. The Soothing White Noise Environment
My studio isn’t silent, it’s actually quite noisy!
I use continuous white noise that replicates the rhythmic sounds a baby heard in utero.
The Psychology: This sound is familiar and comforting. Research suggests that the right kind of white noise (a rumbly, low-frequency sound) can reduce fussiness by helping babies mentally “tune out” new environmental sounds [2].
I keep the volume safely regulated but loud enough to be effective and keep the baby settled during transitions.
3. The Magical ‘Shush’ Technique
Although the White Noise is effective I tend to use the Magical Shush Technique more than any other. The classic ‘shush’ is effective because, when done correctly, it is a low-frequency, continuous sound similar to the blood flow they heard inside their mother.
The Technique: I often combine this with gentle, rhythmic patting on the baby’s back or bottom. The goal is rhythm and consistency. This dual sensory input, auditory and tactile, acts as a beautiful reset button for an overstimulated or unsettled newborn.
Studies have shown that the combination of swaddling, sound, and movement can promptly induce a calming response in infants [3].
4. Continuous, Gentle Motion
Newborns are used to motion, they spent nine months floating and rocking!
Placing a baby down on a stationary surface can sometimes trigger an alert or crying response.
The Approach: Even when posing, my movements are slow, deliberate, and gentle, encouraging my mums to partake. I rarely stop moving entirely. Continuous, flowing movement keeps their sensory system calm and reinforces the feeling of security. This patience in movement ensures their wellbeing is always prioritised over rushing the shot.
5. Temperature Regulation (The Warmth Cue)
As discussed in my commitment to safety, maintaining a warm studio temperature (≈25−28 ∘ C) isn’t just for their physical comfort, it’s a powerful psychological cue for settling.
The Link: When a baby is undressed or lightly covered, the elevated temperature prevents them from using energy to regulate their body heat. This energy is then spent on relaxing and sleeping. A happy, warm baby is a settled baby, and that’s the foundation for any successful newborn shoot.
Remember, my experience as a former nursery nurse means I have a calm, trained hand and an ultra-relaxed approach. I love chatting with my mums and partners, after all we have circa 3 hrs to 4hrs together and we both want it to be fun and a giggle.
I’ve refined these techniques over countless sessions to ensure your baby is comfortable, safe, and happy.
Sources and Further Reading:
[1] Dr. Harvey Karp. The “5 S’s” and the Calming Reflex are detailed in The Happiest Baby on the Block. [Source link not provided for safety/commercial reasons; reference Dr. Karp’s method].
[2] White Noise and Sleep: Research supports white noise’s efficacy in helping babies settle and stay asleep. (As referenced in academic reviews of the “5 S’s”).
[3] The Calming Response Study: PLOS ONE, Infant crying and the calming response: Parental versus mechanical soothing using swaddling, sound, and movement. (Research supporting the combined effect of soothing techniques).
Remember, I started this blog by stating that you are the boss and in control at all times, I will respond to your wishes and if you wish to do things differently, that’s exactly what we will do.
I have had some very nervous or tentative mums, and I absolutely respect that mum knows best, even if it is very different to my normal style and approach. The only time I will step in is if I believe a Newborn’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.
Ready to book a peaceful, baby-led photoshoot experience?