Every now and then I receive an inquiry where the parents tell me that they only want images of their baby at their newborn session, and the parents don’t want to be in any of the photos. It’s always a surprise to me when I hear that because, to me, family portraits are so very important. You’ve just had a baby and you’re making plans to come into my studio to capture this special time. There are so few reasons to not include parents in images, and most of them are without weight. I’ve heard them all: Mom doesn’t feeling photogenic. Everyone is tired. No one knows what to wear. The baby is the special one, why would you need to be included too?
But my reply is why not? Why wouldn’t you be included? Chances are you haven’t had professional portraits taken since your wedding day. And your newborn session is the best time to update your family portraits. I have a beautifully curated wardrobe for mom to wear. I sympathize with being tired, but trust that parent exhaustion doesn’t go away anytime soon. And the best remedy is spending time with those little ones who made us so tired in the first place.
So take the photos. There’s no reason not to. If you really don’t want to look at them right now, go ahead and put them away for now. But make sure to bring them out again eventually. I promise that you will look at them with new eyes. And your child will too.
Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternity, newborn, baby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session.
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.