Top 5 Newborn Photography Questions Moms in St. Augustine Ask — What to Know Before Booking Your Baby’s First Photoshoot

Hey there, mama (or mama-to-be)! 👶 If you’re thinking about booking newborn photos for your little one near St. Augustine, you might have a lot of questions swirling in your mind right now. That’s totally normal — and you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve worked with many families preparing for their newborn’s first photo session, and some questions come up again and again. Below, I answer the Top 5 I hear most from moms — with all the honest, helpful info you need to feel confident and excited.

Newborn baby swaddled in white sleeps on white background for newborn photos

🌟 1. “When is the best time to have newborn photos taken?”

One of the first things every mama asks: when is the “right” time to schedule a newborn session?

• Many professional newborn photographers recommend doing the session within the first 5–14 days after birth — that sweet window when babies are usually still sleepy, comfortable curling up, and easier to pose for those who want the studio style, posed images.

• If you miss that window, it’s not the end of the world. With in-home newborn photoshoots or even outdoor newborn photography sessions, you can still get gorgeous photos — but the vibe may feel different (less “newborn curl,” maybe more awake or alert expressions which is often the sweetest).

• Because babies’ arrival dates are unpredictable, many photographers recommend booking during pregnancy, then contacting them as soon as baby arrives so they can pencil you in.
  

My tip for St. Augustine moms: Book early — during pregnancy in the third trimester if you can. And when baby arrives, reach out ASAP. The window may feel small, but it’s worth grabbing it if possible.

Father holds newborn baby girl, swaddled in white sleeping

🕒 2. “How long does a newborn photography session take — and what’s involved?”

Newborn sessions are not like quick portraits. Here’s what to expect:

• In-home newborn photography and studio sessions typically last 2–3 hours, giving plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and breaks — because newborns do things on their own schedule. An outdoor newborn session for me, is completed in about 60 minutes.

• A relaxed pace matters. If a baby is fussy or sleepy, we slow down — rushing through can compromise baby’s comfort (and the quality of photos).

• As the newborn photographer, I’ll bring all necessary props, wraps, and backdrops. But I might also ask parents to bring a few essentials — diapers, wipes, feeding supplies, maybe a soft favorite blanket or sentimental outfit if they want.
  

What this means for you: Give yourself a generous time window. Have a comfy spot ready, and expect to relax, cuddle, and go with baby’s rhythm. The result is beautiful, calm, timeless photos — not rushed snapshots. The session is ran around baby's needs. Feedings, changing & even just love and calming cannot be planned, so everyone is on baby's schedule.

Tiny newborn feet stick out past dad's hands during an in-home newborn photoshoot

🧼 3. “Is my baby going to be safe during the photoshoot?” — Safety & Sanitation

For many parents, this is the biggest concern. And rightly so. Little germs to us, can be big germs to a new little life.

• Newborn photography involves specialized handling — safe posing, temperature control, clean and sanitized props, and constant attention. A seasoned newborn photographer, which poses are safe for a baby to do alone and which need a more "hands-on" approach mixed with photoshop magic (the newborn "head in hands" photo should NEVER be leaving a newborn baby holding up their own head. This is safe spotting combined with photoshop to create this specific pose and many others)

• A good photographer should welcome questions about safety — like: “What training do you have?”, “How do you sanitize props between sessions?”, “Do you limit the number of sessions per day?”, etc.

• If you or a parent have any health concerns (especially around flu seasons or newborn immune systems), feel free to ask about mask use, hand hygiene, and sanitation routines. Experienced newborn photographers understand these worries and often build their workflow around safety and comfort.
  

From me to you: I believe safety is non-negotiable. When you book with me, I’ll explain exactly how I sanitize, sanitize props between babies, and how each pose or prop is baby-safe.

Big sister gives baby brother a kiss during a newborn photography session

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4. “Can I include parents and siblings in the session — or is it just for the baby?”

Many families don’t just want solo baby portraits — they want memories with the whole new family.

• Yes — including parents and siblings is often encouraged and makes for meaningful, timeless family portraits. Most of my newborn photo options include the entire family.

• Some sessions are flexible: depending on the package, you might get baby-only portraits, or a mix of solo baby + family photos.

• If you have older siblings (or even pets), it’s worth planning ahead to ensure enough time, calm, and cooperation to capture those moments. Being able to freeze in time the love each family member has for this new little life is something you will always treasure.
  

What I suggest: Definitely consider family photos — they’re often the most cherished. Let’s chat ahead of time about who’s coming, what you hope to capture, and any special props or outfits you want included.

Smiling newborn baby on dad's shoulder while mother leans in

📸 5. “Where should we have the photoshoot — at home, outdoors or in a studio?”

This is a great question — and there are pros & cons to each.

• An in-home session (lifestyle newborn photography) can be very natural and intimate. It captures your real life — nursery, crib, your everyday surroundings — which adds meaning and authenticity. At home, you can easily include siblings, pets and small details of your family. Also with an in-home newborn photoshoot, you don't have to worry about packing everyone up. Snacks are close at hand, change of clothes is easy everything you need is already there.

• A studio session might allow for more controlled lighting, props, and classic posed newborn portraits. Though, only a few newborn photographers in St Augustine have studios available, there are a few who bring the studio look to you. Setting up a backdrop stand and props in your home.

• Outdoor Newborn photography sessions offer the beauty of the beach or a gorgeous park while still capturing your family and all the details you love about this sweet little babe in your arms.
  

My take: As a newborn photographer serving St. Augustine, I offer both lifestyle newborn photos at home (including a video slideshow) and outdoor newborn photos. No matter where you choose, your comfort and the final look you envision are what matters most.

Family of four sitting on the bed together with little girl giggling and mom holding newborn baby

❤️ Final Thoughts — Because This Is Big

This is a life moment you’ll never get back: those first few days or weeks of your baby’s life. And newborn photos? They give you a forever keepsake of those fleeting early days.

If you’re in St. Augustine and thinking, “This sounds right — but I’m nervous”, that’s totally normal. With the right photographer — one who values safety, respects your vision, and communicates clearly — the experience can be calm, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

If you're interested in what newborn photography options I offer, CLICK HERE to grab my Newborn portrait guide with all the information on pricing, what each session includes and more.