Why Most Newborn Photos Are Done Asleep | Best Newborn Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio
Why are most newborn photos are done asleep? I’m sure you’ve looked over many newborn photos and noticed they are usually sleeping. You might also be wondering will my baby sleep, what if they don’t, what if they cry most of the session. I hear these exact questions from many moms who are worried the session might not go well. I can reassure you, that 95% of the time the baby does fall asleep and I’m able to capture some amazing photos.
Best Cleveland Newborn Photographer
The truth is with a little planning and timing this will equal the best newborn session! I also recommend the sessions to take place anytime from day 5 to day 15 of their life. Why is that? During that time period, babies are just more naturally sleeping and easier to sooth back to sleep. Once the baby gets closer to the 1 month age, they are more alert and harder to settle for sleepy poses. Why are sleeping poses so important?
Newborns, by definition, are brand new and still figuring things out.They also clearly have no motor control so while there are opportunities for them to stretch in a cute way, its a lot more likely that their arms and legs will move around somewhat randomly. Given that they’re used to being all snug and they have no idea what arms and legs are so they’re just random things moving near them, this can make them feel a bit unsettled. Anytime they are not wrapped, chilly or able to move their arms or legs around they are most likely to get fussy and harder to photograph.
Do I have some tip and tricks?
Of course! I always tell the parents to plan on the baby to eat more, mess their diaper more, and want to sooth more at the session than at home. I don’t know why this is, could be the constant handling during the 2 hours but they do seem to eat a lot!. I always recommend to bring a pacifier. Even if they don’t take it at home, it can be very helpful to sooth them just for 5 seconds to get the shot. Sometimes that is all I need!
What if the baby is fussy?
If I know the baby has ate, clean diaper and still fussy? This is when the baby is wrapped nice and snug and we focus on the family, mom and dad shots. I can create many cool shots with mom and dad and you would never know the baby is crying! Also, during the family shots the baby is constantly being moved and handled and this usually helps them fall asleep. Its always a win win because we didn’t wast tons of time trying to the sooth the baby for their solo shots and we were able to finish all of the family shots!
Once the baby is sleep I then can move quickly through the solo shots of the baby and macro detailed shots.
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
It’s also important to note all of my Newborn sessions are baby led! What does this mean? I’m never going to force them to go in any position or spend tons of time soothing them to sleep. I will follow their cue. If they are fussy, it’s the best time for family shots or sibling shots. Honestly, it’s nice to have a little mix of both awake and sleepy photos. I can guarantee this will happen for your newborn shoot as well.
Have more questions, or learning more about my style of photography? Please check out my gallery here and I’d be happy to chat with you about the process of newborn photography with me.
Take care,
Danelle
Capturing all the tiny details in Newborn Photography!
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
As your Cleveland Newborn Photographer I Love for you to leave the session with a wide variety of Portraits. This is including all the tiny little macro shots of those baby hairs, tiny toes and little finger nails. These precious little details are only here for so long and are worth documenting.
Capturing the details in newborn photography is essential for showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of each newborn. Newborns possess delicate features and tiny characteristics that can easily be overlooked — the soft curls of hair, the delicate eyelashes, the tiny fingers and toes, and even the unique patterns of their skin.
Here are my tips and tricks in creating those soft beautiful detailed shots!
Close-Up Shots: I always use my macro lens and adjust the camera settings in order to get super close-ups of the newborn’s features. I like to focus on their eyes, lips, and a small hand clutching a finger. These shots create a connection and evoke emotion.
Natural Light: Utilize soft natural light to enhance the softness of their skin. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide a warm glow that highlights the newborn's features without harsh shadows.
Textures and Props: I like to Incorporate blankets, hats, or wraps with interesting textures. These props can create a sense of warmth and provide a pleasing contrast with the smoothness of the baby's skin, adding depth to the images. As you can see from my galleries, my images are very soft, light with an artistic point of view.
Patience and Timing: Newborns often have unpredictable schedules. Allow ample time for breaks and changes in position. A calm environment will result in more natural and relaxed photographs, allowing you to capture those fleeting expressions and gestures.
Editing: I take a lot of pride in my post processing editing. Each photo from every gallery is Hand Edited in order to provide nothing but the best for my families.
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
Baby Sutton is ONE | Willoughby, Ohio | Best Baby Photographer | Smash Cake
It’s always so amazing to me how quickly just 1 year passes by! I first met this cute family for their maternity shoot. It was a cold snowy day where we met at squires castle. They were booked the bump to baby package, which I love, because I spend the entire year with the family!
I meet them at their maternity, newborn and finally at the 1 year first birthday shoot. Sutton was all smiles for her first birthday portraits. Her smash cake was also so very special since it was hand baked by her Grandpa!
How cool is that!
If you are interested in milestone pictures of your little one it’s better to plan ahead and book in advance. I understand many people want the pictures done and printed prior to their birthday party. Most of the time my turn around is 2-3 weeks. However, my calendar does fill up and I want to make sure you get the date you prefer!
For more information about my milestone and smash cake packages, please reach out! I would be happy to talk about the prices and what the process entails.
~Danelle
Lily turns 1! | Cake Smash Portraits | Milestone Photography | Solon, Ohio
We started with formal pictures for Lily’s first birthday. Since many parents like to have the cake smash pictures taken, we always wait until the end.
What do you get with cake smash photos? It’s a full hour session that includes the family and some traditional pictures. The photo are with my backdrop and the lifestyle area of my studio. We end with the customized them for the birthday shoot. I like to work with the family and help them plan for the birthday shoot. Lily was all red and black ladybugs. How cute is that?
Are you interested in Cake Smash Photos? Plan ahead and book now so you can have the adorable photos for their birthday party!
Reach out for more detailed pricing and special offers for my packages right now.
See you soon!
~Danelle
1st Birthday Portraits | Milestone Photography | Cleveland Family Photographer
There is nothing better than seeing the family come back for their first birthday portraits. My bump to baby package allows the family to receive maternity, newborn and first birthday.
The first birthday shots can either be a full 1 hour customized shoot or a 30 minute simple shoot. I recommend bringing a smash cake and the splash photos with a clawfoot tub can be added on.
For more information on either my bump to baby package or smash first birthday portraits, please reach out
Thank you,
Danelle
1st Birthday Portraits - Smash Cake - Cleveland Ohio Photographer | 2024 Birthday Photos
When you look back can you believe how fast that year went?! It is crazy to believe you now have a baby that’s entering toddlerhood and starting walk, climb and talk!
So let’s capture all of this joy and excitement. Smash cake first birthday photos are such a fun experience for the child and parents.
What’s included with a smash cake session? When booking the full session, you’ll have consult either over the phone or email. I will ask what theme or colors you would prefer for the shoot. I also can give suggestions of set ups I currently have for both boys and girls.
The session begins with portraits with the setup, the cake smash and can end with adorable bath tub photos. I currently offer smash and splash photos as an add on for the the fun experience.
I recommend all shoots to be pre-booked at least 1 month in advance. Please reach out for more information.
xoxo~Danelle
1st Birthday Portraits - Smash Cake - Cleveland Ohio Photographer
When you look back can you believe how fast that year went?! It is crazy to believe you now have a baby that’s entering toddlerhood and starting walk, climb and talk!
So let’s capture all of this joy and excitement. Smash cake first birthday photos are such a fun experience for the child and parents.
What’s included with a smash cake session? When booking the full session, you’ll have consult either over the phone or email. I will ask what theme or colors you would prefer for the shoot. I also can give suggestions of set ups I currently have for both boys and girls.
The session begins with portraits with the setup, the cake smash and can end with adorable bath tub photos. I currently offer smash and splash photos as an add on for the the fun experience.
I recommend all shoots to be pre-booked at least 1 month in advance. Please reach out for more information.
xoxo~Danelle
Maternity Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle | Newborn Photographer
Many new parents realize that they will want pictures of their pregnancy newborn and once their baby turns 1! That’s why I’m so excited to offer my bump to baby package. I have realized that many parents wanted each session and wouldn’t it be nice to have it all planned out for their first year. The maternity session I recommend taking place around week 32-week 36. I want your cute little bump showing but I also don't want to wait to long and your now uncomfortable and not wanting photos take.
For the newborn shoot, I recommend they are taken from day 5 to day 15 of life. Anytime after that I can not always guarantee the baby will sleep and have that little newborn look. Around the 1 month mark the newborns do change so much!
The milestone session can be your choice to be taken anytime within the first year of life. Most people like to do it for their 1st birthday. And don’t blink, because before you know you it you’ll be planning that first birthday ;)
For more information on my Bump to Baby Package please reach out
Tree Farm Mini Sessions | Cleveland, Ohio | Best Photographer | Northeast Ohio
There is nothing better than freshly fallen snow on a beautiful tree farm during the holiday season. I mean its picture perfect, am I right?! I’m been so fortunate to be able to shoot here at Sugar Pines Farms for the last 4 years. Even their tree farm name gives you a warm feel when you think of tree farms. My tree farm minis are announced and booked during the fall for the Christmas Season. They fill up very quickly! If you are interested in future tree farm minis, please join my email list.
Best in Photography / Award Winning Photography/ Cleveland, Ohio Newborn Photographer
I’m so happy to announce I won the “Best in Photography” for the city of Painesville, Ohio. This is my 3rd time winning this award and 2nd year in a row. I can’t thank everyone enough for trusting me year after year with your precious photos. I look forward to creating many more memories together!
Best of the East Cleveland 2022 | Best Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio
I was extremely honored to be notified of being a Top 3 Finalist for the “Best of the East” for photography held by Cleveland Magazine. This is such an honor and extremely grateful for those who nominated me. Each year Cleveland Magazine selects the Best of the East of many different categories. They also hold a Best of the West section at well. This year the Best of the East was finally able to hold their party at Landerhaven! All of the best of each category represented and came together that evening.
I feel so honored to do what I love and able to be recognized at the same time!
I am forever grateful, thank you!
XOXO~Danelle
Baby Henry | Cleveland Newborn Photographer | Baby Photographer
This sweet little guy visited my studio in January of 2022. I really love this time of year, since it is slower paced and much more relaxed. This time of year I focus my photography more on maternity, newborn and milestone shoots. The fall time is so busy and hectic with numerous photo sessions scheduled that I look forward to January! I am also happy to announce, I’ve added many new items to my newborn studio in order to keep up to date and keep my newborns very stylish… Ha!
If you’re looking to schedule a newborn shoot, I recommend doing so while you are pregnant. This gives us both time to plan and schedule the date you want. I usually pick a tentative date 1 week after you due date. But if the baby comes early or late, no worries! I leave plenty of room in my calendar to move sessions around.
For more information, please contact me.
~Danelle XoXo
