Capturing Newborn Smiles: Cherishing Those First Moments of Joy
There’s something truly magical about the first smile of a newborn. It’s a simple, yet powerful expression of joy that warms your heart and fills you with love. At Elizabeth Lang Photography, we know how special these fleeting moments are, and we’re passionate about capturing those precious newborn smiles that tell a story of pure happiness, love, and connection.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the joy of capturing your newborn’s smile and share tips on how we create stunning photos that freeze those unforgettable moments in time.
Why Newborn Smiles Are So Special
Newborn smiles may not be the wide, toothy grins we’re used to seeing in older babies, but they’re just as special. In those early weeks those smiles are rare and fleeting so catching them on camera is a challenge with a big dose of luck. Whether they’re caused by a dream, a cozy cuddle, or the sound of your voice, these early smiles are moments that you’ll treasure forever.
When Do Newborns Start Smiling?
Newborns start to exhibit a form of smiling shortly after birth, but these early smiles are typically reflexive and not intentional. As your baby grows, these smiles become more meaningful and can occur around 4 to 6 weeks of age. At this point, your baby is starting to recognize familiar faces and sounds, and their smiles become a sign of pleasure and recognition.
How We Capture Newborn Smiles at Elizabeth Lang Photography
Creating a Calm, Comfortable Environment
We know that newborns thrive in a peaceful and comfortable setting. By keeping the studio warm and cozy, this helps your baby relax and fall asleep. A calm environment ensures that your baby is comfortable, which increases the likelihood of spontaneous, sleepy smiles. Soft music, white noise, gentle movements, and quiet voices all contribute to creating the perfect space for your baby to feel at ease.
Look for the Signs
Newborn smiles often come in the most subtle ways, so we focus on capturing even the smallest expressions. From a soft curl of the lips to a gentle flutter of the eyes, we pay close attention to every tiny detail. My first hint that a smile is coming is when your baby enters into the dream stage. When your baby starts to dream they make little twitchy movements, they might sigh or whine a little, their eyes move back and forth under the eyelids. When I see your baby is actively dreaming I get into position to capture those smiles.
PATIENCE IS KEY
Newborn sessions are often slow-paced, and that’s intentional. Babies need time to settle into poses and relax enough to feel comfortable. We understand that smiles don't happen on cue, and we take our time to wait for those precious moments when your baby is sleepy and dreaming. When I know your baby is dreaming and I think the smile is coming I will often freeze in place and focus intently waiting for that smile. Sometime you have to know when to move on! Even if I think they may smile eventually I can't stay frozen for ever so sometimes baby wins the show down and I have to move on to the next thing.
GOOD POSTURE GOES A LONG WAY
Sometimes I will be frozen in place for 10 minutes and I try to be conscious of my body pose. Stand up straight, hold your arms out rather than bending over and make sure you have good posture. Staying completely frozen in an uncomfortable pose can cause you to pull a muscle or hurt your back. In fact, good posture is critical for every newborn photographer as this job can cause serious back pain.
UNICORN SMILE
Any newborn smile is amazing because they are rare and fleeting but the most special smiles of all are open eye smiles! I call these unicorn smiles because they are very rare!
LUCK
Even if all the stars align and you have a full, sleepy and content baby who has entered the dream world there is still no guarantee that baby will smile and definitely no guarantee that you will be able to catch it! Even if you are prepared and patient you will still need a good dose of luck. If I think I can catch a smile I always try my best to do that for you!
Final Thoughts: Preserving the Magic of Your Newborn's Smile
Newborn smiles are a symbol of the purest joy and love, and capturing those early moments is one of the most precious gifts you can give yourself. At Elizabeth Lang Photography, we’re dedicated to preserving those fleeting smiles with beautiful, timeless photos that you’ll treasure forever.
If you’re in the Cloverdale or surrounding areas, reach out to us today to schedule your newborn session. We’ll work with you to create a relaxed, comfortable environment where your little one’s smiles—and all the other precious details—can shine through. Let us help you capture the magic of your newborn’s first smiles, and preserve those memories for years to come.