How to Have an Outdoor Newborn Photo Session in the San Francisco Bay Area

Congratulations on your newborn baby! I’m sure you’re excited to capture this special, fleeting time, but if you’re like many families I’ve photographed since the pandemic, you may be wondering how to safely have a newborn photo session. While my preference is to always do a newborn session at your home, there may be times when an outdoor session would be a safer option. Here is how I’ve managed to still capture this precious time (even in the Winter!) and some tips to help you prepare.

First, you have to understand that an outdoor newborn session will be more like a family session, as you will be holding your baby the majority of the time. The focus is more on your family as a unit, rather than the baby alone. When I capture the little details of your baby, they will be snuggled in your arms.

Because we’re outside, we’ll be dealing with the weather and the elements. It might be sunny, windy, or cold, so we’ll have to choose a location with shade or choose a time of day when the light is soft. Your baby will need to be bundled up appropriately - have a hat, warm clothes, and an extra blanket to wrap your baby.

Your baby’s well-being and comfort are my top priority, so these sessions are often done relatively quickly and yield a smaller gallery compared to a home session. Remember that this may be the first session for your baby, but it won’t be the last! With the state of the pandemic constantly changing, you might feel more comfortable with doing an indoor session at a later baby milestone. I love capturing babies as they grow! Ask me about my Baby’s First Year plan, where we schedule 3 sessions in a year.