Why I Use a White Noise Machine During Newborn Photography Sessions
By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver
You’ve probably noticed the gentle hum of white noise in my studio during your newborn photography session, and maybe you’ve wondered: Why is that sound on in the background? Well, the answer is simple—it’s one of the best tools I have to create a peaceful, soothing environment for your baby. While white noise may seem like an odd addition, it's actually a game-changer when it comes to helping newborns feel calm and comfortable during their sessions.
Let me share why I rely on white noise, including a basic machine from Amazon, a white noise playlist from Spotify, and the Baby Shusher—and how these simple devices make such a big difference in creating the ideal setting for your baby’s photos.

1. Mimicking the Womb Environment
Before they’re born, babies are surrounded by the comforting sounds of the womb—think the whoosh of blood flowing through the placenta, the beat of the heart, and the constant hum of bodily functions. White noise mimics these familiar sounds, which helps newborns feel secure and relaxed in an unfamiliar world.
Whether it's the sound from my basic white noise machine, a playlist I’ve curated on Spotify, or the soothing “shh” sound of the Baby Shusher machine, these devices recreate that womb-like environment. This gives your baby a sense of calm, helping them adjust to being outside the womb and making the photo session more enjoyable for everyone involved.

2. Creating a Calming Environment
Newborns are still adjusting to the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and even the most serene settings can be disrupted by new noises. For example, babies often react to loud or sudden sounds like the phone ringing or an older sibling crying. This can cause them to startle or even wake up, making it difficult to get those peaceful, sleeping shots we’re after.
While it’s true that a baby can sleep in a completely silent room, any sudden noise—like keys dropping or a phone ringing—can trigger the startle reflex, which might wake your baby or disrupt their calm state. By keeping a constant stream of white noise in the background, I help mask these unpredictable sounds. It provides a buffer that allows your baby to remain asleep and relaxed, even if there’s a sudden noise in the environment.
Using a white noise machine ensures that your baby can stay undisturbed, allowing me to capture those precious moments when your little one is snoozing soundly.

3. Improving Sleep During the Session
A key part of any newborn photo session is capturing your baby in a deep, peaceful sleep. White noise is known to be a sleep aid for babies, as it mimics the repetitive, calming sounds they heard while in the womb. This helps newborns settle into a deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for capturing those dreamy, curled-up poses we all love.
Even if you don’t use white noise at home, having it available during a session makes a world of difference. The sound helps lull your baby into a deeper sleep, making it easier to get the perfect shot. Plus, it encourages a longer, more restful nap so that we can get through multiple looks and poses with a calm baby.

4. Masking External Noises
While your baby may seem perfectly content in a quiet room, external noises can still pose a challenge. For instance, if you drop your keys, if the phone rings, or if an older sibling gets a bit too excited, these sudden sounds can startle your newborn, triggering their startle reflex. That’s where the white noise really shines.
By keeping the white noise consistent in the background, we create a “sound bubble” that helps cover up these unexpected noises. So, even if something abrupt happens, your baby is less likely to be disturbed or woken up. The continuous sound gives your little one a sense of security and keeps them in a relaxed, sleep-friendly environment.
5. Providing Comfort for Parents (Bonus: It Can Help You Relax Too!)
As parents, I know that you want your baby to feel comfortable, but it’s also natural for you to feel a little nervous or stressed about the session. You might be worried about your baby crying or getting fussy, or you might be anxious about making sure everything goes smoothly. White noise helps reduce that stress—not just for your baby but for you, too.
Here’s a bonus: The soothing sound of white noise, combined with a warm, cozy room, often has a calming effect on parents as well. It’s not unusual for mom and dad to feel so relaxed by the sound of the white noise and the peaceful atmosphere that you might find yourselves drifting off to sleep too! It’s a little extra touch to ensure that everyone feels at ease and comfortable during the session, and that often leads to the best results in the photos.

6. A Simple Tool for Big Results
White noise is a simple tool, but it has a huge impact on the overall experience of a newborn photography session. Whether I’m using a basic white noise machine from Amazon, streaming a playlist on Spotify, or relying on the gentle shushing sounds of the Baby Shusher, these tools help create the ideal environment for your baby. A calm, quiet atmosphere leads to a relaxed, happy baby—and that’s when the magic happens in photos.
By using white noise during the session, I can help your baby feel at ease, stay asleep, and avoid being startled by external noises. It’s one of the many ways I make sure your newborn photography experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Surrey or the Vancouver area who truly understands how to create the best environment for your baby, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you capture those precious first moments in a relaxed, serene setting that benefits both you and your little one.