5 Essential Pre-Session Tips for a Smooth Newborn Photoshoot (For Parents) | Aubrey, TX Newborn Photographer

Welcome to the magical world of newborn photography, where every tiny detail, from chipmunk cheeks to the gentle grip of a baby’s hand, becomes a cherished memory! As a luxury studio photographer in the Aubrey, Texas area, I specialize in turning these fleeting moments into stunning pieces of artwork that will forever capture the essence of your newborn’s first weeks. 

Here are my top tips for ensuring a smooth and joyful newborn photography session, perfect for both first-time and seasoned moms and dads.

1. Plan Like a Pro

The newborn stage goes by like a flash; it’s here today, gone tomorrow. To immortalize this brief period, scheduling your photo session during the right time is the key. For full term babies, I typically schedule sessions between 7 to 14 days old (Premies can be older for their close up, and I would recommend getting them in the studio soon after they come home from the hospital). Start chatting with your photographer around your second trimester to secure a spot. This pre-planning ensures we’re ready to capture those precious moments as soon as your bundle of joy decides to say hello to the world!

2. A Little Wakey-Wakey Before Snooze Time

Want those dreamy, sleepy newborn shots? Then, a little pre-session playtime can be your secret weapon. Keeping your baby awake before the shoot ensures they’re ready for a nap, allowing us to capture those serene, sleeping baby poses that melt everyone’s hearts. That being said, don’t push the baby too much to stay away if they are really sleepy because getting them out of their typical schedule can do more harm than good.

3. The Magic of a Full Tummy

A well-fed baby is a happy, sleepy baby. Feeding your newborn 20-30 minutes before the session guarantees those peaceful, content images everyone adores. Plus, a milk-drunk baby makes for some irresistibly cute photos!

4. Dress for Success—Or, In This Case, Undress!

Prep your baby with a loose diaper and a zip up onesie about 30 minutes before our session. This little trick helps prevent those pesky diaper marks and keeps your baby comfortable and ready for those adorable naked baby shots. And don’t worry about the chill—your baby will be snug and warm in my perfectly heated studio.

5. Relax and Enjoy the Show

Now, it’s your turn to sit back and relax. Trust in your photographer’s expertise to gently and safely pose your baby, capturing those perfect moments. Remember, a calm parent equals a calm baby, so breathe deep and watch the magic happen.

Turning Precious Moments into Timeless Art

Your newborn’s photo session is more than just a series of pictures; it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of memories. As a maternity and newborn photographer near Pilot Point and Aubrey, Texas, I aim to create breathtaking artwork that brings you back to these precious moments every time you glance at your walls. From planning to ensuring your baby is photo-ready, these tips guarantee a photo session that’s as enjoyable as it is successful. 

And remember, each photo is a potential masterpiece, waiting to be transformed into luxurious acrylic, canvas, or album artwork that stands the test of time. Let’s make these fleeting moments last forever!

Reach out today by filling out my contact form: www.kraeimages.com

I serve clients all around the DFW Metroplex including Prosper, Celina, Denton, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, McKinney, Little Elm, Grapevine, and more.

Goddess Studio Maternity Photoshoot | Aubrey, Texas Maternity Photographer

When a client hires me and says “I’m open to anything”, my creativity comes out! I had so much fun turning this beautiful mom into a Goddess during my second maternity shoot of 2024. From golden dresses to shimmery silks, we did it all. Which look is your favorite from this maternity shoot?

5 Reasons Studio Maternity is BETTER than Outdoor Maternity | Pilot Point Pregnancy Photographer

As you may know, I photograph maternity clients in studio, outdoors and even in client’s homes, but you may not know why I prefer studio maternity – and why I think it’s the best choice for my clients. Here are 5 reasons I believe studio maternity sessions are better than outdoor maternity photoshoots:

Let’s start with the obvious –> Environmental Elements. If we shoot outdoors we have to take into account the weather, whether it is cold or rainy, windy or dark, and also the sunset time matters. All of these factors could make the shoot less than ideal. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunset coming through the trees in the evening, but sessions outdoors are just more difficult to make happen. Also, I include professional makeup for my maternity clients so having to coordinate with the makeup artist’s schedule can be an issue if we have to change the shoot date because of bad weather.

Number 2 –> Maternity Dresses. I have over 50 premium maternity gowns available in studio for my clients, not to mention luxurious silks and jewelry. Some gowns are too delicate to take outside and I don’t bring silks or jewelry to outdoor shoots. This means if you choose in studio, you have a much larger variety to choose from to make your shoot special.

Number 3 –> Variety of backgrounds. Outdoors you do get the beauty of nature (definitely wonderful) but in studio you get tons of background options. I have several different colored backdrops, Parisian barn doors, and even the perfect setup for silhouette photos (the black and white backlit images clients always love!). With the variety in studio, it’s options galore.

Number 4 –> Relaxed Environment/Easier Wardrobe Changes. If you come to K-Rae Images, you will have access to a beautiful bathroom, comfy couch, and even a massage chair when not in front of the camera. Significant others love coming to the studio because they get to watch Netflix and get their worries massaged away when they aren’t being photographed. Who wouldn’t want that?! Plus, my clients have access to a private changing area when in studio.

Number 5 –> Clean Restroom. It’s not a Buccees bathroom, it’s better! The studio is BRAND NEW and so is the restroom. Moms and dads have the convenience of nearby bathroom while in studio, which let’s face it is sometimes a must! #pregnancybladders

If you aren’t convinced that’s ok, but I hope this opened your eyes a little bit to what we offer at K-Rae Images and why I prefer in studio maternity photoshoots.

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Magical Horse Maternity Shoot in Texas | Pilot Point / Whitesboro BEC Photographer

I’ve been wanting to do a maternity shoot with horses ever since we learned we were moving our studio to Pilot Point, TX and I finally did it. I drove a bit north to Whitesboro to a stunning ranch with over 100 acres of rolling hills. Not only did we get gorgeous photos at sunset, but I had a beautiful mom who modeled so well with her horses.

Something I did NOT expect was getting pooped on during the photoshoot haha. Yes, a horse walked by and dumped right on my side, but hey sh** happens. I get pooped on during newborn photo sessions, so why not a maternity one too?! It was something funny to laugh about and I got a snapshot of the poop on my shirt. I guess that is what you get when there is a herd of horses all around. I did have to nudge a few out of the way that were sticking their butts in front of the camera. I felt like they all just wanted to be photographed!

I am truly looking forward to photographing more shoots that inspire me like this one. Plus, I will never forget getting pooped on. (see selfies at the bottom)


I also got to do some beautiful black background photos (see below) in the barn. This mom actually breeds American Bully Dogs too so we included one of her amazing dogs in this shoot.


The behind the scenes horse crap…

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North Texas Cake Smash Photoshoot | Aubrey & Prosper, TX One Year Old Baby Photoshoot

As cake smashes continue to grow in popularity, I have begun to offer these in my studio with a touch of simplicity. My favorite part of a cake smash is seeing a baby’s first interaction with their birthday cake and the faces they make when they try it for the first time. This is the main reason that my style is simple & sweet (pun intended). Although cake smashes with tons of props can be pretty cute, I lean more towards keeping focus on baby and their cake. This means, you can expect classic photos that will stand the test of time and look great on your walls if you choose to print photos from your baby’s session. Have a sweet day, Kristin.