Why The Most Important Photo at Your Newborn Session Is Your Family Portrait
You may be thinking – why the heck I want to be included in the newborn pictures? Do I want to be posing for professional photos just days after going through the trauma of labor and delivery!? After months of gaining more weight? And after an entire week or weeks of sleep deprivation? Did I lose my mind?!
If that’s your reaction to the thought of including yourself in your newborn sessions, given the fact that it is just days after you’ve undergone the life- (and body-)changing experience of labor and delivery, you’re not alone. I get this all the time from my expecting Mamas. And I totally get it! With my first pregnancy, I was in labor for 18 hours and had to stay in the hospital for complications for several days post delivery, and I wanted nothing to do with pictures! But I didn’t let that stop me from making sure my very beginning was documented forever—and you shouldn’t either!
Still not convinced that post-birth family portraits are beyond worth it in the end? Here are some reasons why they’re the most important part of your newborn session and what I’ll do to ensure you look your gorgeous in your pictures , even when you might not feel that way!

A new chapter or beginning only happens a few times in your life: your wedding, your first home, your pregnancy, your children, etc.—these are the absolute precious moments that are worth documenting! As the years go on they will tell your grandchildren your story. And the one that leads you into parenthood will be the single most important part of your life. It will top everything else, so don’t let your insecurities about your body right after you just gave birth hold you back from documenting your very first family portrait! Celebrate and embrace it! Your children will want to show their children someday and it will be a treasure that can be passed down for generations.
You’re in good hands
I want you to be completely confident that I will help you look the best! I have been a photographer for years and have photographed hundreds of families. I have been specifically trained in the special niche of newborn photography by top photographers in the industry, and have perfected my skills with numerous babies and families. I am confident that when you look at your family portrait at our image reveal session, all you see is pure love—because that’s what’s showing behind the lens anyway!
Wearing solid, soft tones, like whites and light grays, will not only create a timeless look in your newborn photos but will blur well in Photoshop to hide belly areas. Other more advanced Photoshop enhancements I will use will help reduce the look of tired eyes, remove acne, soften skin, and even nip and tuck a bit! I will leave you looking your best in the portraits. Even the position I have you hold your baby will help reduce the look of any weight gained in your arms. I am basically a plastic surgeon, physical trainer, and dentist all wrapped up in one! Ha!


While all of these tricks of the trade certainly help, the most important tip I can give you to help capture the best family portrait possible is to simply be in the moment! Enjoy the snuggle and closeness you have with your baby during that period of time and let your love be seen through your smile and eyes.
While all of these tricks of the trade certainly help, the most important tip I can give you to help capture the best family portrait possible is to simply be in the moment! Enjoy all those snuggles that you get to have with your loved ones during that period of time and let your love be seen through your eyes and smiles!
If you’re interested in learning more about newborn photography or would like to reserve your own session be sure to fill out the contact form below and I will be in touch in 24hrs! No question is a silly question! Contact Light & Grace Photography, one of the best newborn photographers in the hampton roads area.