So You’re Looking for “Just a Few Good Photos”…
I get it. I really do. You’re a new parent, you’re sleep-deprived, and the idea of committing to a full session feels like a lot. So when families reach out asking if I offer mini sessions or “just 3-5 great shots,” I completely understand where that question is coming from.
But here’s the thing – I have to lovingly say no, I don’t offer mini sessions. And I want to explain why, because once you hear it, it’s going to make total sense.
The Real Reason Time Is Non-Negotiable
Let me tell you about a recent Heirloom Portrait Session I did with a 19-month-old little guy. (And yes, this is my shortest session offering, just so you know where this story is going 🤪.)
This sweet little buddy spent the first 20 minutes looking at me like I was mildly suspicious. Intermittent tears. Full side-eye. He consented to storytime only from the safe fortress of his mama’s lap while she sneakily changed him into his outfit. I read books. I made animal noises. I hopped around like a frog.
By the time we moved him into the high chair for his portraits? Tears again. Because new location. New position. Everything scary again.
Here’s what that experience reminded me – little ones do not move quickly in new situations with new people. They just don’t. And if I’m going to capture the happy, expressive, real moments that mom and dad are hoping for, I need time to show my tiny boss that I’m a safe person who only wants to have fun and be silly.
A mini session doesn’t give me that window. A full session does.
What Actually Happens During a Newborn Session
Newborn sessions typically run 2-3 hours, and I know what you might be thinking – “what could possibly take that long?”
A lot, actually. Here’s the honest truth about what goes on behind the scenes:
Babies run the show
- Newborns eat. They poop. They cry. They stare into my soul with those big wide eyes like tiny philosophers.
- Rarely does a baby arrive already asleep and stay asleep while I work.
- A lot of my time is spent soothing, waiting, and letting baby settle in on their own terms.
Every baby is different
- Some newborns melt into any pose like little butter beans. Others are tense and tight from delivery, or just not in a deep enough sleep to be moved comfortably.
- When a pose isn’t working for that specific baby, I need time to adapt – to find what does work and still get a beautiful result.
When big siblings are involved…
- Oh, we need even more time. Toddlers need space to explore, warm up, and let their personality come out. That personality is exactly what parents want documented – but it doesn’t show up on command.
In 10 years of being Maryland’s newborn and baby photographer, I have never been at a session wishing I had less time. Not once. More often than not, I blink and three hours have passed while I’ve been in a full creative fugue state. Time flies when the magic is happening.
The Part Nobody Talks About: What This Means for You
Here is my absolute favorite thing to tell new parents before their newborn session, because it genuinely surprises them every single time.
Most parents leave a newborn session feeling rested.
Yes, really.
During your session, I handle most of the newborn care. You get to put your feet up. Scroll your phone. Close your eyes for a catnap – and isn’t it always the catnaps that feel the most restorative? 🙏
If you’re breastfeeding, you’re welcome to nurse during the session. Or bring pumped milk and I’ll take care of the feeding. I’m a retired newborn nurse – this is genuinely my wheelhouse.
Sometimes when I hand your baby back at the end of the session, it’s the longest stretch of hands-off time you’ve had since they were born. Parents often describe that feeling as equal parts giddy to hold their baby again and quietly amazed that they just rested for three hours.
That’s not something a 30-minute mini session can give you.
Why This Matters for Your Photos (and Your Family)
Rushing a session with a baby or toddler doesn’t just misalign with the whole vibe I’ve built my business on – it shows up in the images.
Forced expressions. Stiff poses. A baby who never quite settled. A toddler whose personality never got the chance to come out.
The magic I’m known for – the tender looks, the sleepy curled poses, the genuine smiles from a toddler who finally decided I was cool enough – that takes time to earn. And it’s worth every single minute.
I want your images to feel like you. Like your family. Like the real, soft, beautiful version of these early days that you’re going to want to look back on for the rest of your life.
That doesn’t happen on a clock that’s counting down from 20 minutes.
Ready to Book a Session That Actually Gives You Everything?
If you’re expecting or you’ve recently welcomed a new baby and you’re ready to document this season the right way – I’d love to connect.
You can learn more about my newborn, maternity, and baby sessions over at lizviernesphotography.com and reach out to start a conversation. I’ll walk you through everything so you know exactly what to expect.
And hey – worst case scenario, you get a three-hour catnap while I fawn over your baby. Honestly, not a bad deal. 😄
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Glenelg, MD, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
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