Glen Carbon Newborn Photographer: What to Expect During Your Baby's First Photoshoot with Conner James Photography

Now that your precious newborn has finally entered the world, you’re ready to capture every single sweet moment. If you’ve scheduled your newborn photo session with Edwardsville photographer Conner James Photography, you’re in great hands! Owner and photographer Christine is more than just a pro in newborn photography. Get comfortable while she tells you what to expect during your baby’s first photography session.

What is the process during a typical newborn photoshoot?

Once the family arrives at my home studio, I undress and swaddle the newborn in a colored wrap of the parent’s choosing. My studio is heated and kept that way during the entire photoshoot. I do this by design to keep newborns very warm and very comfortable. The warmer the baby is, the better they will fall asleep (if awake) and stay asleep if already catching a snooze. A sleeping newborn makes for a better session and better photos.

Photo sessions are two hours long. In that time I will change the newborn’s wrap up to three times. Nearly 100% of the time, the newborn stays asleep during all wardrobe changes. I attribute this to:

1). The baby having a full belly, and

2). Keeping the studio extremely warm

I will try to get each newborn photographed in 5-6 different studio props while they are wrapped. The end of each session is when I take nude photos (per the parents request). Newborns burn calories to keep themselves warm so I have an assistant making sure there is adequate heat directed at the baby during all nude sessions. After being a professional newborn photographer for nearly 13 years, I’ve learned how to move quickly while still achieving the parent’s dream of flawless, beautiful newborn photos.

What suggestions do you have for keeping the baby calm and comfortable?

I stand by three of the same answers for this question. If parents want their newborn to be calm, comfortable and sleepy throughout the photo session, the baby MUST be:

Freshly fed

Successfully burped

Kept very warm

I understand newborn’s can be finicky with feedings. They can cluster feed, eat several ounces then spit it all up and want more right after, etc. New mom’s can’t help this, and that’s okay! But if mom’s can get their newborn to eat even a little bit right before the photo session, it’s a big help. Sometimes, all the baby needs is a little bit to top them off.

I also need to stress how important it is that the newborn gets burped and actually burps. Many times my newborns may need a quick meal but don’t get a good burp or two out. This typically turns into a very gassy, uncomfortable, fussy newborn that won’t and can’t fall back asleep. No matter how well they are wrapped or how warm they are, a gassy baby will never be a settled baby. If my newborn is fed and burped, parents can leave the “keep the newborn warm” part to me! Because once they hit my super warm studio, it’s all sweet dreams from photo start to finish!

What types of props and settings do you use to create such beautiful images?

In my many years as a newborn photographer, I have gathered some of the cutest, most unique props and backgrounds. Everything from adorable wooden beds and hammocks to crescent moons, dreamcatchers and baskets. I love to showcase just how tiny each newborn is and that can be easily done by placing them inside of a bucket or a bowl. When I start my sessions with a newborn, I don’t go in with a plan. I just let my creativity fly and spark new ideas for capturing the most beautiful milestone of that new life. Chances are, if the parents want it or dream it - I can achieve it!

So, there it is! Just a few things to expect during your newborn’s first photoshoot. If you haven’t already, book your spot with the expert - Glen Carbon photographer Conner James Photography.

Outgoing Links:

1. [Collinsville, IL Chambers of Commerce](https://www.collinsvilleil.org/business/chamber-of-commerce)

2. [Once Upon A Child Edwardsville](https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/edwardsville-IL)

3. [Expertise](https://www.expertise.com/)

4.[Professional Photographers of America](https://www.ppa.com/)

5.[Village of Glen Carbon IL Website](https://www.glencarbonil.gov/)

6.[The Wooden Nickle Pub and Grill](https://www.woodennickelglencarbon.com/)

How To Vet Your Newborn Photographer Ahead Of Time from Edwardsville IL Newborn Photographer Conner James Photography

Choosing a newborn photographer can seem like a daunting task. Everywhere you turn, there’s this baby photographer and that baby photographer. But there are a few things you really need to take into consideration when making your final selection. After all, your newborn is precious cargo so naturally you want a photographer with the right level of experience. In the next few paragraphs, we’ll tell you what to look for and how to vet your newborn photographer ahead of time.

Experience: You certainly want a newborn photographer with more than just a few years of experience taking pictures of newborns. This type of photography is very different from wedding photography, for example. Make sure you seek out someone with an extensive portfolio that proves how good they are. Glen Carbon, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography is on that list. Photographer Christine has been professionally taking pictures of newborns for almost 12 years - so over 1,000 babies. How’s that for experience?

Safety Measures: Not all baby photographers are trained in newborn posing and safety but this is a huge deal when it comes to your photographer search. Think about it, a baby that’s just a few days old is extremely delicate and needs to be treated as such. First aid and CPR are reassuring but what about newborn posing and safety? Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography is triple certified in newborn posing and safety. Photographer Christine continues to attend workshops and trainings to ensure her qualifications are at the highest level of perfection.

Editing / Retouching: When it comes to photographing newborns, the level of editing and/or retouching your chosen photographer provides can certainly influence your decision. Some may edit and not provide retouching. Editing may only include adjusting photo sharpness, light, toning colors, etc. Retouching involves more work and can include correcting hair, skin, body, props, and changing colors. This can be huge for some newborn parents who want their baby’s acne or jaundice removed from their final images.

Reviews: This one may seem pretty obvious, but you’d be shocked if we told you just how many people select a newborn photographer without checking any customer reviews. Now keep in mind, there’s always going to be an unsatisfied customer somewhere. So don’t let one negative review throw you off if you’ve found a baby photographer you really like. But don’t brush these off either because reviews can make or break your final decision. That’s one really great thing about Glen Carbon photographer Conner James Photography. Christine’s reviews (for the past 12 years) consistently average five stars.

So, when it’s time to search for and vet your newborn photographer, don’t fret. Make the easiest and best decision of your life and choose St. Louis photographer Conner James Photography. The experience, safety, editing measures and reviews photographer Christine has backing her name are indisputable. And we encourage you to fact check us, browse through her website and we’re sure you’ll agree.

Outgoing Links:

1.[Conner James Webpage Newborn portfolio](https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/newborn-family)

2.[Edwardsville IL & Glen Carbon IL Chamber of Commerence](https://www.edglenchamber.com)

3.[T&C Ultrasound](https://www.tncultrasound.com)

4.[Village of Glen Carbon IL Website](https://www.glencarbonil.gov/)

5.[Expertise](https://www.expertise.com/)

6.[Professional Photographers of America](https://www.ppa.com/)

Edwardsville IL Newborn Photographer Conner James Photography The Best Age for Newborn Photos

You’re lying in your hospital bed. You’re swollen. You’re sore. You’re exhausted. And you’re in love. You’re not laying there alone. A very tiny baby is in your company, and not just any baby - YOUR newborn. Congratulations! You’re a mommy! 

The first few days after having your baby is a complete whirlwind. All these things (and a whole lot more) are on your mind:

• Feeding

• Pumping

• Sleeping

• Pediatricians

But wait, there is one more important thing you MUST add to that list; newborn photos. Don’t worry though, we’ve done your homework for you so you can spend less time searching the web. Glen Carbon, Illinois baby photographer, Conner James Photography is your go-to newborn and even family photographer. Just make sure you get your little bundle of joy scheduled sooner rather than later.

The best age to take newborn photos is within the first two weeks (6-14 days) of the baby being born. Why? Because this is when your newborn sleeps the most, which makes it easier to get the best poses. It’s true, though, that this recommendation may differ from photographer to photographer, but it’s pretty well agreed upon that the best newborn pictures are taken when the baby is sleepiest and still curled up like in the womb.

Usually by the time your newborn is six days old, he/she is on a pretty consistent feeding schedule of every two to three hours. This is great for photos so the session isn’t interrupted every 20-30 minutes for the newborn to eat. Not to mention, it’s also less stressful for mom.

Most parents want those “melt-your-heart” newborn pictures where their baby is fast asleep, wrapped up like a ball, placed in a bucket or a bowl, and adorned with the sweetest headband or hat. While this is pretty effortless when your newborn is in the 6-14 day window, there are a few talented baby photographers who can successfully achieve these poses when the baby is older. Edwardsville, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James Photography is proudly among those few. 

If your photos get taken when your newborn is 15+ days old, that’s okay! They just might need more settling to fall asleep and require a bit more work to pose. Also, don’t be surprised if your newborn is awake and alert in many of the photos. It’s always sweet to capture your little ones open eyes when they’re so young, however, since they can’t focus yet, they could appear cross-eyed in pictures. But with Glen Carbon, Illinois newborn photographer Conner James as your pro behind the lens, you don’t have to worry. You will receive the most beautiful newborn photos once it’s all said and done. 

When you hit the 30 day (or one month mark), your newborn will certainly be awake during their photo session. At this point, the baby may resist those swaddled, sleepy poses that parents yearn for. Also, that adorable newborn curl is likely more stretched out by now, meaning the poses for your baby will differ from younger newborns. Don’t worry though, you can trust the talent behind Edwardsville, Illinois baby photographer Conner James to deliver the most precious newborn photos of your newfound love. 

Outgoing Links:

1.[Conner James Photography Inc](https://www.youtube.com/@connerjamesphotography)

2.[Edwardsville IL & Glen Carbon IL Chamber of Commerence](https://www.edglenchamber.com)

3.[T&C Ultrasound](https://www.tncultrasound.com)

4.[Professional Photographers of America](https://www.ppa.com/)

5.[Conner James Photography Mentoring](https://www.connerjamesphotography.com/mentoring)

6.[Glen Carbon Centennial Library](https://glencarbonlibrary.org/)

What's new with Conner James Photography Inc ?

There are a lot of new things going on with Conner James Photography. All good things! I am so excited and grateful. The studio has been updated once again. For newborns and small clients I have bought white neutral backdrops. Also do have some white props to go along with the white backdrops. It will still create that classic clean style I love.

I have also added a flat screen in the studio. It is definitely an added bonus. Clients who have been to the studio recently have loved the new addition. With the flat screen you can view your images while I take them! I think it will be a big hit with the Christmas Mini Sessions this year.

Speaking of Christmas Mini sessions, They will be be release for booking in July like always. I will release them July 1st, 2021 in my Facebook Client VIP Group. The group will be the first to get the desired times and dates. I will release the Christmas Mini Session booking here on my website on July 15th,2021. These sessions will go super fast. I will be photographing these session in November. This way you can have your images back quickly. Sanitation precautions will be taken between clients. Here is this year’s Christmas backdrop. You can join my Facebook Client VIP group too! Just email me and I will get you added to the group.

I am now working with the Edwardsville Living Magazine. I photograph the featured family. My work will be on the cover and inside pages of the magazine. This magazine is delivered by mail in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon area. The Edwardsville Living Magazine is a local community magazine. I am thrilled to be apart of this magazine. I really enjoy meeting new families and creating memories with them. If you would like to be a featured family please contact me. It is free of course!

Thank you to all my amazing clients and supporters. I truly love my job and love meeting your wonderful family! You guys are the best!