Newborn Photographer Indianapolis

Welcome to my newborn photography page, and thank you for stopping by! I’ve been photographing newborns in Indianapolis for nearly 20 years, and I would love to photograph your newborn baby! I’ve been named one of the best newborn photographers in Indianapolis by the national website “Expertise.” In addition, my photography has been featured in the Indianapolis Star, Fox 59 News, and I’ve been a guest on WIBC to chat about preparing your family for a family photography session.  Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect newborn photography session for your baby.

Reviews for Indianapolis Newborn Photographer Leah Severson

 

How to Schedule Your Newborn Photography Session

 

Top Ten Tips to Help Your Indianapolis Newborn Photography Session Go Smoothly

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Newborn Photography Session

• Where will my newborn photographs be taken?

• When should I schedule my newborn photography session?

• What’s the best age to photograph a newborn baby?

• How long will my newborn photography session take?

• Do I need to bring outfits for my newborn?

• Can I include my family in the newborn portrait session?

• How do I prepare my baby for his newborn portrait session?

• What should I wear for my newborn photography session?

• What if my baby won’t sleep for her newborn portrait session?

• Will I need to feed my baby during his newborn session?

• When will I get to view my newborn portraits?

• When will I get the final digital photographs delivered to me?

• Will my newborn photographs be edited?

• How can I prepare siblings for the newborn portrait session?

• Can I include extended family in my newborn portrait session?

• Can extended family come to watch the newborn portrait session?

• What should I bring to my newborn portrait session?

• Can I take pictures with my cell phone during the session?

• How/When do I pay for my newborn portrait session?

 

 

 

 

Reviews for Indianapolis Newborn Photographer Leah Severson

“Leah was able to capture beautiful portraits of our precious new arrival! Prior to our session, Leah went above and beyond in making sure that she had a 100% understanding of our preferences. During our session, Leah was so gentle with our newborn daughter. She knew exactly what cues to look for and how she could get the perfect shot. We love that she made everything so easy – from start to finish!”
-Laura

“Leah is wonderful! She has such patience working with the babies and I am so happy with how wonderful and beautiful my daughter, Mabel, looked in her newborn photos. I will definitely stick with Leah for all of Mabel’s photos in the future and she will watch her grow up through pictures. Leah has such a unique take and definitely stands out from others. I am so grateful for her talent and wonderful self.”
-Katelin

“Leah Severson photographed my beautiful newborn granddaughter and her work was fabulous. My granddaughter was a little older than most newborns who are photographed because she was a preemie and we didn’t want to get her out during flu season. I was concerned that the photographer couldn’t “pose” her in the adorable poses I liked because of her age however I was super impressed. The photos were beyond my expectations. A couple of times my grandbaby would squirm and wiggle and start to whimper – Leah simply gently patted her and she went right back to sleep! Right there I knew she was more than just a baby photographer! I will be taking my grandbaby back to Leah many times in the future! Wonderful job!”
-Brenda

“Leah was wonderful to work with. I had a blast doing my maternity photographs. She was so kind and patient through the newborn session with both my 2 week old and my 1 year old. Leah took her time to capture the best image possible and I never felt rushed. I am incredibly happy with my photographs and would use her again in the years to come.”
-Kristen

“Leah is an amazing photographer! Not only in the quality of work she provides, but her communication/soft skills in working with the individuals she is photographing. In our case, she was working with our newborn son, which certainly can lead to an unpredictable session. However, Leah was excellent at keeping him comfortable, which lead to a positive session. Our only challenge out of the experience, was narrowing our list of favorite photos, since each and every photo looked amazing. I highly recommend Leah! We have since scheduled our family photos with her to be taken in a couple months. Clearly, we are looking forward to seeing Leah capture the essence of our entire family!”
-John”

Leah is absolutely talented and our pictures always turn out amazing. I’ve been using her for my daughter since she was a newborn. When my daughter was a newborn Leah was so patient with her and got so many great shots of her. I took my daughter back for her 1 year old pictures and once again Leah did not disappoint. Her picture turned out amazing!! It was hard for me to pick which one to use. We will definitely be using Leah again. I highly recommend her!!”

-Courtney

“We are so happy with our pictures from Leah!! She took our maternity and newborn photographs. The newborn pictures are wonderful, but the real accomplishment was her ability to convince our 2 year old to smile and look happy. Leah was very professional, but when we were taking pictures she would say “burp” and other classics that work wonders on a 2 year old boy. Would highly recommend and plan on calling Leah again when we do pictures next year.”
-Danielle

“Leah is a wonderful photographer and very accommodating! We called looking for a newborn photographer and Leah got us in. We didn’t have to worry about a thing during the session, she had all the props and accessories needed for our little baby girl. She was patient, kind and loving towards our newborn who did not want to sleep or have her picture taken. I feel like Leah went above and beyond to make sure we had some great baby photographs and we are very grateful and happy with them. Thank you L. Severson Portraits!”
-Sarah

“Leah does an amazing job capturing the sweetest baby pictures. She puts babies at ease and draws out constant smiles and giggles. We have used her since the birth of our daughter and will be back through high school graduation!!”
-Emily

“Leah is hands down the greatest thing since sliced bread for newborn photography! Her work is incredible and she is so good with the babies. She photographed my 6 week old daughter Mabel and had such patience and enthusiasm with her. She is so creative and awesome and also makes little outfits which are adorable. I would definitely recommend her for photos and plan on sticking with her for a lifetime.”
-Katelin

“We have been going to Leah for our portraits for almost 10 years. She has done a variety of photo sessions with my family; school portraits, first communion pictures, professional head shots and family portraits. Her ability to always get an amazing picture, even when kids are being difficult, is a true gift. Leah is also incredible with our youngest daughter who has a variety of challenges. Leah is always patient and will take extra time to get the right shot! I highly recommend Leah Severson Portraits!”
-Julie

“Anyone can snap a photo, but a true artist captures their subject at a deeper level – Leah is a true artist. For the past 15 years, Leah has captured the unique personalities of our 3 children through the lens of her camera. The photos show how our 12 year old daughter has always loved to be in front of the camera, as we watch her grow from newborn to her preteen photo this past month. We see the spirit and spunk in our middle child mellow over the years as he grows into a young man, but that underlying, mischievous, raised eyebrow is still there beneath his stoic pose. Our oldest left for college this past week…sigh. This past year was a whirlwind, culminating in the graduation ceremonies and his open house. I displayed his portrait album full of Leah’s photos during his party. While guests looked through the album and commented on the beautiful photos, I looked through it and saw all of our memories at each stage of life.
We have cherished Leah’s photos over the years as they were taken, but now with one off to college, these photos have truly become priceless to our family.”
-Jeanne

“Leah has taken the most beautiful pictures of my children for years now. She is always very patient and thorough to make sure she gets the absolute best shot! She will be photographing my children and my grandchildren for years to come!”
-Angie

Frequently Asked Questions about Your Newborn Photography Session

Where will my newborn photographs be taken?

Unless otherwise arranged, your newborn photographs will be taken at my Westfield portrait studio.

When should I schedule my newborn photography session?

I recommend you reserve a spot for your baby at least 4 months in advance of your due date to ensure I have openings available.  We will put a tentative date on the schedule that will be based on your due date. However, if your baby has already arrived, please call me at the studio and I’ll see if I can work him in.

What’s the best age to photograph a newborn baby?

I find that the best newborn photographs are taken within the first three weeks of birth.  However, I can take beautiful pictures of your new baby regardless of her age, so if you’ve missed the first-three-week window, don’t panic!

How long will my newborn photography session take?

Session length varies based on the type of session you have scheduled (mini vs full) and the cooperation of your sweet baby.  The typical full newborn session can last up to three hours but typically takes about 90 minutes provided baby is well-prepared prior to session and cooperative.

Do I need to bring outfits for my newborn?

No.  I have an entire wardrobe of wraps, outfits, hats, and headbands for your baby.  Most baby outfits do not fit well and look good for portrait sessions so I strongly recommend you leave any purchased outfits at home and let me dress baby from my wardrobe specifically designed for newborn photographs.

Can I include my family in the newborn portrait session?

Immediate family members can be included in the full session at no additional cost.  Our mini newborn session does allow parent shots but not siblings photographs.

How do I prepare my baby for his newborn portrait session?

A sleepy newborn with a full belly is the most cooperative for photographs.  Please keep your baby awake for at least an hour before his or her portrait session.  A bath is a great way to keep them awake and wear them out.  Then right before you leave to come to the studio, feed your baby.    Dress your baby in a zip-up sleeper with no onesie beneath it.  

What should I wear for my newborn photography session?

Mom and dad should wear similar colors.  Stay away from very dark or very light colored clothing.  No white or black.  But grays, light blues, and earth tones photograph nicely.  Please wear solid-colored clothing.  Avoid stripes, patterns, clothing with large logos or text.  We want the focus to be on the people, not the clothes, so the simpler the better.  For siblings please choose simple clothing.  Something that looks nice when they’re sitting on the floor criss-cross-applesauce.  Again, try to stick with simple, solid colors.  Avoid patterns, stripes, and words on clothing for this session.

What if my baby won’t sleep for her newborn portrait session?

No worries!  Awake babies can be photographed too.  As long as your baby is not crying, I will photograph him.  Awake babies are more difficult to pose so if your baby isn’t soundly asleep, there may be some poses that we cannot get.  My style is baby-lead, which means I won’t try to force your baby into a pose that he or she is clearly not comfortable doing.  However, a sleepy baby is very poseable, so make sure you do everything you can to ensure your baby is sleepy and full when you get to the studio.

Will I need to feed my baby during his newborn session?

Maybe.  Maybe not.  You should definitely be prepared to feed the baby during the session, but in most cases, if parents have kept the baby awake for at least an hour before the session and fed him right before leaving home, there should be no need to do this at the studio.  However, please come prepared with bottle or if you’re breastfeeding, I will step out of the room if your baby needs to eat.

When will I get to view my newborn portraits?

You will get an online proof gallery within two weeks of your portrait session.

When will I get the final digital photographs delivered to me?

Final photo galleries are delivered online within three weeks after you notify me that you are done selecting your favorite portraits.

Will my newborn photographs be edited.

Yes.  Standard newborn portrait editing includes adjusting color, brightness, and contrast, removing acne, scratches, and flakes from face.  The typical newborn baby peeling skin on the rest of the body is not edited out of images.  For mom and dad, editing includes softening of wrinkles, removal of undereye bags (hey, I know you’re tired, your pictures certainly don’t need to reflect it), whitening of teeth, etc.

How Can I Prepare Siblings for the Newborn Portrait Session?

Prepare siblings for the portrait session by letting them hold the baby, with assistance. Make holding the baby a big deal. Get excited about it! Tell her “you get to hold the baby now” and make it a fun experience. Make it seem like a special treat. That way she’ll want to do it when you get to the studio. Maybe.  If the siblings are too young to hold the baby, I’ll pose the baby in a basket and have the siblings sit next to the basket.  

Either way, make sure you talk to them about how much fun we are going to have.  And please please please don’t tell them to smile or talk about their smile ahead of time.  I will be super goofy and try to work real, natural smiles out of your children, but if you coach them ahead, or stand over my shoulder and command that they “smile” it will make it much harder to get good pictures of your kids.  

Also, do not threaten your children about their behavior at the session.  This makes it scary.  No “if you don’t smile pretty I will…” or “if you don’t behave you’re getting a timeout.”  This sets the whole thing up in a negative tone which is exactly what we don’t want.

Please be aware that some siblings do not find it a treat and are a bit out of sorts about this “new baby thing.” I will do everything I can to get a portrait of the siblings together, but please understand that it is not always possible to do so when you have a younger child who just isn’t cooperative.

If we are doing family and sibling shots, we will do these portraits first. After we are done with the siblings, please have someone available who can take the siblings home or somewhere to play for several hours. During the newborn session, it’s important that we have a quiet, stress-free zone of peace for the baby to totally relax.

Can I include extended family in my newborn portrait session?

Extended family can be added for an additional fee.  Please contact the studio to inquire.

Can extended family come to watch the newborn portrait session?

I have room in my studio for two adults to sit comfortably during the newborn session.  If both parents are not planning to participate, you may certainly bring another adult, like a sister or a grandparent, to the newborn portrait session.  However, my studio doesn’t have room to accommodate more than that.

What should I bring to my newborn portrait session?

Please bring a bottle and formula if baby is not breastfed.  If your baby takes one, please bring a pacifier.  Also bring diapers, wipes, and a burp cloth.  

Can I take pictures with my cell phone during the session?

Sorry, but no.  The only one allowed to take pictures in my studio is me.  

How/When do I pay for my newborn portrait session?

A deposit will be collected when you schedule your portrait session.  The balance will be due on the day of your session.  I accept all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash.  However, I cannot make change.  Please keep in mind that I do charge 7% sales tax so if you are bringing cash, be sure to factor that into your balance.

How to Schedule Your Newborn Photography Session

Ready to schedule your newborn portrait session?  Or have more questions about the process?  I’m happy to chat.  Please call me at the studio, 317-867-3723 and we will begin planning the perfect session for your new baby.

 

 

Top Ten Tips to Help Your Indianapolis Newborn Photography Session Go Smoothly

• Newborn photography sessions can last anywhere from one to three hours. Please do not schedule any other appointments for your baby on picture day.
• Sleepy babies are poseable babies. Before your session, give your baby a bath. This will make her comfy and wear her out. Right before you leave for the studio, feed your baby.
• For the drive to the studio, dress your baby in a comfortable one-piece outfit that does not go over the baby’s head. Outfits that zip up the front are best.  Also, keep the diaper a little bit looser than normal.
• Bring a Soothie brand pacifier to your session. Even if your baby does not use a pacifier, we may need to introduce one for a short period of time in order to get him to sleep deeply enough to do some of the more complicated poses.
• Be aware that the studio will be HOT. I usually keep the studio temperature around 85 degrees during a newborn portrait session. This keeps the newborn comfortable, even if everyone else is sweating.
• If we are doing family and sibling shots, we will do these portraits first. After we are done with the siblings, please have someone available who can take the siblings home or somewhere to play for several hours. During the newborn session, it’s important that we have a quiet, stress-free zone of peace for the baby to totally relax.
• Please do not bring extended family members to your portrait session.
• Properly prepare siblings for the portrait session by letting them hold the baby, with assistance. Make holding the baby a big deal. Get excited about it! Tell her “you get to hold the baby now” and make it a fun experience. Make it seem like a special treat. That way she’ll want to do it when you get to the studio. Maybe. Please be aware that some siblings do not find it a treat and are a bit out of sorts about this “new baby thing.” I will do everything I can to get a portrait of the siblings together, but please understand that it is not always possible to do so when you have a younger child who just isn’t cooperative.
• Poop happens. And that is perfectly fine. Please do not worry about your little one going potty on my props during his naked shots. I’m expecting it. You should too. And everything goes in the wash after a newborn session.
• I saved the most important instruction for last. Please bring your best energy to your portrait session. What does this mean? It doesn’t mean you need to be energetic. Let’s face it – you’re probably exhausted. What I mean is that you need to bring a calm, peaceful, positive energy to the studio. I’ve been photographing babies for 15 years. It is almost impossible to get baby into a deep, sound sleep if the parents are anxious, nervous, or angry. Take the drive over to put away any cares, any issues, any negative thoughts.

Photographing your Baby’s First Year

After your newborn photography session, the next important baby milestone most new parents like to capture is around four months.  Your baby is not sitting up yet, but he is likely able to hold his head up when he’s laying on his belly and his face has changed dramatically from his newborn portrait session.  This is a great time to capture some wonderful, wide-eyed sweet expressions.

One of my favorite ages to photograph babies is the sitter stage.  That usually happens when your baby is between 6 and 8 months old.. Most babies at this stage are smiley, happy little people who haven’t started crying around strangers just yet. They’re generally on a good, predictable nap schedule, and are happy and pleasant when they’re awake. It’s a great time to photograph your baby naked and clothed. This baby photography session is also a great one to include older siblings in.

 You’ve heard it a million times. “They grow so fast!” But it’s true. All the years just fly by, but none more quickly than the first. Your baby will change and grow so quickly those first few weeks and months. In between the diaper changes and the middle-of-the-night feedings, the memories of those early days can get lost in the busy-ness of life and parenting. That’s why it’s so important to hire a great newborn photographer who can capture all the tiny details from baby’s first days.

There is no possession I own that I treasure more than the pictures of my children. Their baby pictures bring me so much joy. I realize in those early years money can be tight. But I’ve never had a client tell me that the regret spending money on newborn photography. They truly are priceless.

will put a tentative date on the calendar. Then you’ll call me from the hospital once the baby arrives and we can make adjustments if necessary. Babies rarely arrive on their due date so I save plenty of wiggle room in my newborn photography schedule.