I get ask a lot what the big deal is when a newborn is awake for their session. There are definitely pros and cons like everything in life, and you can still have a beautiful newborn session with an awake baby but somethings have to be adjusted. The biggest reason is safety. If you want those newborn images where your newborn is in or on a props it can be impossible to pose them when they are stretching out, but also all that movement can make it an unsafe situation- and none of us what that. There is a solution- a good wrap. Not only can it sooth a baby but it bundles up those squirmy arms and legs. If they are wrapped then placing them in a sweet little stable prop can be pretty adorable.
Another reason we try to get babies to sleep is that a newborn’s eyes are not that developed the first week. When they look around they can’t focus and a lot of the time they are crossed eyed. Some newborns grow out of this pretty quickly and some don’t. But on the pro side if you baby has grown out of this stage you can get some great awake shots that really capture some personality.
While I always do my best to make sure your precious newborn is sleepy sometimes it’s not in the cards, and that ok. Don’t stress! You’ll still get gorgeous images of your new little bundle that you can cherish for a lifetime.
Below is Kendall’s newborn session. Now while she wasn’t too sleepy I’d say she rocked it! Look at those gorgeous eyes! And sometimes you get some pretty silly faces too 😉
Darling awake newborn photos. I’m sure mom and dad will be crazy about their darling bundle of joy. Nice!
What a beautiful family! I love the awake shots you captured of Kendall during her newborn session. She is such a gorgeous baby girl!
Look at the beautiful eye contact this newborn has! She looks so much older and more developed…must be a super brain in the making! While those sleepy newborn portraits are adorable, I find myself drawn to the wide awake shots, especially when the baby is this alert. It seems that they are really a part of the world this way. This Hollister family will be thrilled with all the images from this session!
Kendall’s newborn session is a hit!! Great images all over! Love the posing style and how clean every single image is! Great of Hollister to have a newborn studio so creative.
I love how you took this opportunity to educate your Hollister clients on newborn safety. She was wide awake, but you were able to use your techniques to capture amazing photographs. I’m sure they will cherish these memories. My favorite is the last one with her little tongue sticking out. Adorable!
This little Hollister newborn is so adorable. And you did an amazing job capturing some gorgeous open eye shots. Although it can be a challenge when baby is having a hard time sleeping, these parents will surely love the pictures you were able to get with her eyes open!
What an awesome newborn gallery! I love the colors, the styling, the lighting and everything about those parent shots! You rocked Kendall’s session and know that this Hollister family is super proud to show off their photos from this session. Beautiful work!! <3
I love these awake newborn photos! I know it makes taking the newborn’s photos harder but I always love seeing them. Baby Kendall is so adorable and I love the photo where dad is holding her because she looks so calm and happy in his arms.
So cute photo you did an amazing job on this newborn session with baby awake. It’s sometimes hard to get good shots but these are amazing.
Oh my gosh these are precious and I love that she’s so smiley and wide-eyed in some of them!