Are you considering newborn photography but have some questions? I am a St Charles Newborn Photographer and I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby’s life!

Let me guide you through the process and provide you with some information you need to capture the early moments of your baby’s life.
My personal experience with newborn photography:
The first time I was ever exposed to newborn photography was when my second baby was born and I took him in for a session. I had been a photographer for many years shooting events and headshots but never had much experience working with little ones when he was born.
I remember my eyes were like saucers when I walked into her studio- so many colors, textures and props. It was amazing!!! But, the most amazing thing was watching her work patiently with my sweet newborn and getting him to pose in a way I never could have at the time. I wish’d I would have had my first baby’s portraits done because out of all the photos I tried at home with her, there was maybe one that kind of looked okay. I just didn’t know what I was doing or how to pose them even though I had been shooting photography for many years prior. It was definitely one investment I never regretted!
That first exposure to newborn photography lead me to become a newborn photographer myself. Two years later I took my first newborn workshop to learn the ins and outs of posing a newborn and I’ve been super passionate about it ever since.

I truly cherish those images of him being so tiny! We look back at those every now and then and the older he gets, the more sentimental I am about the images. He’s already 11 years old and time has flown by but I’m so thankful I have those moments to reflect on. Here’s a cute little shot of my own son with a smile from that session:
So, let’s dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.
“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”
It’s important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. I am a St Charles Newborn Photographer with a studio and years of experience working with newborns and their families. I’ve also become an accredited newborn photographer through APNPI. I’m dedicated to providing a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for you and your baby. I understand the importance of capturing these early moments, and I take pride in creating beautiful, timeless memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
“What can I expect during a newborn photography session?”
A newborn session can take up to 3 – 3.5 hours. It’s important to take the time needed to make sure baby is comfortable and sometimes it takes a little work to settle them. As a St Charles Newborn Photographer, I’ll work to create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby, and guide you through the posing process. You can include your family members in the photos, and I encourage parents and siblings to participate in this special moment. If you have any specific poses or props in mind, I’m always happy to incorporate your ideas and preferences into the session, but if baby is unwilling to participate after a few tries, I will have to modify or try something else.
To capture the best moments, it’s important to schedule your newborn photography session as early as possible, ideally within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. I recommend booking your session as soon as possible during your pregnancy to ensure availability.
“Do I need to bring anything?”
You don’t need to bring much to the session as most of the items your baby will need will be provided by the studio, including props, backdrops, and blankets. The only thing I recommend bringing is milk (or be prepared to nurse), and a pacifier (only used for soothing into a pose).
“When will I get my photos?”
After the session, you can expect to receive the final edited photos typically within 2-3 weeks. Christine Retzer Photography in St Charles offers a range of digital packages but we also offer professional print products as well including custom albums, wall art and prints.
“How much does newborn photography cost?”
Newborn photography sessions can range from $500 to $3000 depending on the package. I know this might seem like a significant investment, but keep in mind that newborn photography is a specialized service that requires a lot of time, effort, education and equipment. I’m dedicated to providing high-quality images & products that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby’s life and I do my best to take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up!
If you have any questions about newborn photography or would like to learn more about booking a session at my studio, click here to fill out my contact form.
I’m here to help you create beautiful, timeless memories of this special time in your family’s life!
Click here to contact me at Christine Retzer Photography: St. Charles, IL
