How to Bring Presence to Your Newborn Photos
Cary Baby and Newborn Photographer | SMA Photography
The topics of mindfulness and presence are hugely popular right now, and for good reason. Research shows it’s not only important for handling emotions and dealing with stress, it actually makes you happier - both in the moment and longer term. But what does that have to do with newborn photography?
The choice to hire a newborn photographer is truly about so much more than pretty photos. Newborn photography is a chance to really soak in this newborn baby stage.
It begins with turning over the work of capturing the moment to your professional photographer. This is the most important magic step that frees you to actually BE in the moment with your newborn baby, while also getting to have those incredible memories in photos and video.
When you are truly present in the moment during your baby’s newborn photography session, your photos really are that much more beautiful.
But I also understand that in addition to a wonderful experience, my clients are also choosing me for the final product - beautiful newborn photos! This can make it difficult for some parents to be completely present, without thinking ahead to what each photo might look like.
During your newborn photo shoot with SMA Photography, one of the ways I help you to return to that joy of the present moment with your baby - which in turn, creates those beautiful connections and images - is to help you focus on your senses during your photo shoot.
How to Be Fully Present During Your Newborn Photo Session
1. Look at your baby, and truly take in all of their physical details. This is an easy one for parents because your baby is such an incredible little person! Every little bit of them is brand new, and it’s such a joy to spend time gazing at their face - not to mention fingers and toes.
Along the lines of “sight,“ making eye contact with your spouse during your newborn photo shoot can be a lovely way to build on your connection. You made this miracle together, and it can pull you into the present moment together.
2. Smell your baby’s hair. Babies have the most wonderful smell, as we all know, and the top of their head is just divine. Smelling your baby’s hair can bring you right into the present moment.
3. Touch your baby’s skin, toes, hands, and hair. A baby’s skin is so unbelievably soft, as is their hair. And as you’re actively taking care of and cuddling your baby, you’ll be present in the moment, too.
4. Listen to your baby’s coos and cries. While cries can put you into problem solving mode right away, really listening to the sounds your baby is making can pull you into the present moment and help you discern what to do, whether that’s a feeding, a little “hello,” or another communication. I love to capture mom and dad’s delighted response to baby’s coos!
I know personally how difficult it is to be fully present in the moment. It’s something I work on every day, myself. One thing I know for sure though, is that when you can be truly present in the moment during your baby’s newborn photography session, you will have so much more fun, and you’ll love your photos that much more. Even better, when you’re looking back at these photos in the future, you’ll find yourself able to relive the joy in these beautiful moments.
Stacey Adams, of SMA Photography, is a Lifestyle Newborn Photographer, specializing in Baby, Fresh 48, Maternity, and Family Photography and Video. She serves the Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville, Apex, and Holly Springs areas. Connect with her through her website at SMA Photography | Albuquerque Newborn Photography.