Alright, folks, let's dive right into the juicy details of my recent experience with an older newborn photoshoot in Los Angeles. Now, when I say older, I’m talkin' about my 7-week old munchkin who's way past that sleepy newborn stage. The secret sauce to nailing this shoot? Two words: wraps and props. Yeah, you heard it right. These were game-changers, and I'm here to spill all the tea on how they transformed our session. Let's check out how we got great infant portraits of this little guy.

Why Awake Newborns Rock the Photoshoot

So, let me tell you why having your nugget awake for their photoshoot is literally the best thing ever. You might think I'm crazy, 'cause who doesn't want those peaceful, sleeping baby shots? But, hear me out. When my little dude was wide awake, it was like he was ready to show off his personality, even at 7 weeks old! We got these amazing photos where he's just looking around, super curious about everything, and it was pure gold. Baby pictures can come in many different ways. Your baby will decide a lot about the kind of newborn photos I create.

Awake babies? They're not just laying there – they're moving, making all these cute faces, and basically giving us a peek into their little personalities. My boy was throwing us smiles, some puzzled looks, and a couple of yawns that were just too adorable. It's like he was saying, "Yeah, I'm here, and I'm gonna make this photoshoot all about me."

Plus, let's be real, getting a baby to sleep and keeping them asleep for a photoshoot? Sometimes, it feels like you're trying to perform some kind of magic trick. With him awake, we skipped all that stress. We went with the flow, followed his lead, and ended up with this collection of photos that were so lively and full of character.

And you know what? Those awake moments are the ones you're gonna wanna remember. Like, when he's looking right at the camera, and you can just see that little spark in his eyes. That's the stuff that melts your heart. Trust me, having your baby awake for their photoshoot is a game-changer. You get to capture them just as they are, exploring the big new world around them. And honestly, could there be anything better than that?

Mastering the Art of Newborn Photoshoot Wrapping

Oh boy, let's chat about the whole wrapping scene. If you think wrapping a 7-week old is just about keeping them snug like a bug, you're missing out on half the fun. Wrapping, for me, turned into this whole art form. It's not just about swaddling them tight; it's about playing with different fabrics and styles to bring some extra magic to each shot.

I went all in, trying out various textures and methods. Picture this: one moment, he's wrapped in this soft, gauzy fabric that's letting his tiny toes and fingers poke out, looking all delicate and dreamy. The next, I've got him all snug in a thicker, textured wrap that makes him look like the most adorable burrito you've ever seen. And trust me, the 'aww' factor? Through the roof.

But here's the kicker - it's not just about making him look cute (although, major bonus points there). The right wrap can totally change the vibe of a photo. You want something soft and ethereal? Go for light, airy fabrics. Looking for more of a cozy, rustic feel? Time to break out those chunkier, textured wraps. And the best part? Each wrap makes the little dude feel secure and comfy, which means he's way more chill during the shoot. Happy baby, happy photos.

Experimenting with wrapping was like unlocking this whole new level of creativity. It wasn't just about keeping him still or content; it was about adding that extra layer of visual interest and personality to the shots. And let me tell you, when you get that perfect combo of a happy, snug baby and a wrap that just complements the shot so well? That's the sweet spot right there.

Best Newborn Photo Props = Cute Infant Pictures

Okay, gotta talk about the props because, honestly, they were a game changer in our photoshoot. So, I had this stash of wood bowls and buckets – yeah, those same ones you've probably seen and thought, "Cute, but would my kid even fit?" Spoiler: they totally do, and it's freakin' adorable.

Starting with the wood bowls, they're not just bowls, folks. They're like these little nests that cradle your baby so perfectly. Plopping my little guy into one, surrounded by soft blankets, made for this super cozy vibe that just screamed 'nurture'. It was like he was this tiny bird, all safe and sound. The shots we got from that setup? Chef's kiss, I'm telling ya.

Then, there's the magic of the buckets. Okay, picture this: my boy, sitting in a bucket, looking like he's ready for a little outdoor adventure, but, you know, safely. He was just chillin', propped up with some blankets, and the look on his face was everything. That mix of curiosity and "I'm the captain now" really brought his personality front and center.

These props did more than just make the photos cute. They gave us this variety of scenes and settings that kept the whole shoot dynamic. One minute we're in a rustic, woodland vibe, and the next, it's like we're prepping for a mini expedition. Plus, switching between props kept my boy engaged. He was checking out his new 'seats', touching the textures, and generally just being a curious little explorer.

Honestly, those props weren't just about getting good shots. They were about creating these mini experiences for my kiddo, making the photoshoot feel like a little adventure for him. And the expressions we captured because of that? Pure gold.

Embracing the Expressions

Okay, so let's get into the whole expressions thing, 'cause honestly, it's like the cherry on top of this whole photoshoot sundae. My little guy? He was serving up expressions like nobody's business. We're talking about those wide-eyed "whoa, what's that?" looks, the outta-nowhere grins that make you go all mushy inside, and those thoughtful stares that make you wonder what's going on in that cute little head of his.

Here's the thing – while the wraps and props were setting the scene, it was those expressions that really brought everything to life. It's like each little smile and puzzled look added a layer of personality to the shots that you just can't get any other way. And catching those moments? It felt like hitting the jackpot every single time.

You see, the wraps made him feel all cozy and secure, which meant he was more chill and ready to flash those heart-stealing smiles. And the props? Oh man, they were like his personal playset, getting those gears turning in his head and pulling out all sorts of curious and amazed expressions. It was like he was on this mini adventure, and we were lucky enough to capture every second of it.

The best part was seeing how each new texture or shape he encountered sparked a different look on his face. It was a full-on exploration for him, and those expressions were his way of telling us all about it. It’s those spontaneous, genuine moments that you can't plan for, that really make a photoshoot something special. So yeah, embracing those expressions was a major win for us. They're the snapshots of his personality at this tiny stage, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Patience and Flexibility – The Ultimate Duo

Alright, so here’s the deal - patience and flexibility turned out to be my MVPs during this whole adventure with my 7-week-old. Working with a babe that's got more awake time than a night owl means you've gotta roll with whatever comes your way. There were times, you know, when my little dude was just not having it. Maybe the wrap was too snug, or maybe he just wanted to be up and looking around, not posing for the 'gram.

So, what's a photographer (and parent) to do? Flexibility became my best friend. If one wrap didn't work, we switched it up. Not feeling the wooden bowl today? No problem, let's try the bucket. It was all about adapting on the fly, making sure my little guy was comfy and happy. Because let's face it, a happy baby equals a happy photoshoot.

And patience, oh man, patience was key. There were moments when all systems were a go, and then, bam, meltdown city. It's like he knew we were on a schedule and decided to test our zen levels. But instead of getting frazzled, we took those moments to breathe, to cuddle, and to just be present with him. Those breaks? They weren’t setbacks. Nah, they were the perfect opportunities for some candid, unplanned shots that ended up being some of my favorites.

In the end, embracing patience and staying flexible not only saved the day but made the whole experience a ton more enjoyable. It taught me to appreciate the unpredictable nature of working with an older newborn and to find the joy in every unexpected turn. Trust me, when you're looking back at those photos, you'll be glad for every little challenge that led to those perfect, personality-filled shots.

Katie is an experienced certified professional newborn and pregnancy photographer in Los Angeles. Serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley. Clients have even driven from the South Bay area to get portraits in her style.

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