I’m Amanda Higgins, a newborn photographer in Baton Rouge, and I’ve seen every kind of newborn session. Calm ones, fussy ones, ones where the big sibling cried the whole time and the parents laughed about it later. What I’ve learned is that when you know what to expect, everything feels easier.

Maybe you just found out you’re expecting. Or maybe you’re 30 weeks along and newborn photos have been sitting in the back of your mind for a while. You want to do it. You’re just not sure what it actually looks like.

So let me walk you through it.

When to Book Your Newborn Session

The biggest thing I tell every expecting mama: book during your second trimester.

Newborns are best photographed in the first 2 weeks of life. In those early days, they sleep deeply and curl up naturally, which makes for the sweetest, most peaceful images. That window is small, and it goes fast. However, doing a newborn session in the first 2 weeks isn’t always possible for a whatever reason. Even if your baby is a month old we can still get images that give the essence of the newborn days and the love you have for your new baby. There is no right or wrong here.

If you wait until your baby arrives to find a photographer, there’s a real chance you won’t get on the calendar in time. So here’s how I handle it: we plan your session around your due date while you’re still pregnant, and once your baby arrives, we lock in the exact date.

You don’t need everything figured out to book. You just need to reach out and we’ll pencil in the date.

It Starts with a Conversation

Before your session, we’ll meet and plan together. I want to know about your family, your home, and what you picture on your walls one day. We’ll plan the details together, from colors to outfits to the artwork you might want in the end, so by the time your session comes, you can just show up and enjoy it.

What Happens at Your Session

At the beginning of the session we’ll make sure the space is ready for baby. Whether you choose and in-home, studio or outdoor session, I’ll make sure the environment for baby is safe and. Newborns love a cozy space, and warmth helps them stay settled and sleepy.

We’ll ease in slowly. You can feed your baby, get comfortable, and we’ll go at whatever pace your baby sets. There’s no rush here and my sessions are completely baby led.

Most newborn sessions run around two depending on baby. We leave room for feeding, settling, and all the little pauses newborns need. Trying to rush a newborn never works, so I work with them, not against them.

We’ll do a variety of setups for your baby, plus time for family portraits with you, your partner, and any siblings. Those family moments are some of my favorites.

I’ll guide you the whole way. You’ll never have to wonder where to stand or what to do with your hands.

Wraps, Props, and Colors

I have a simple collection of wraps, headbands and props, all soft, safe, and carefully chosen. My focus is on the details of the baby and the connection with your new family member. You’re welcome to bring something meaningful too, like a special blanket or stuffed animal, and we’ll work it in.

If you have a preference, just tell me and we’ll plan around it.

What to Wear

For parents and siblings, keep it simple:

• Soft, neutral tones. Cream, white, beige, soft grey, dusty blue. Skip busy patterns and bright colors so the focus stays on your connection and faces.
• Comfort first. You just had a baby. Wear something you feel good in, not something you’ll be tugging at all session. Same goes for other family members. When you feel good, you look good.
• Coordinate, don’t match. Tones that work together look more natural than everyone in the same outfit.
• For siblings: simple and comfortable. If they’re going through a phase, that’s okay. We’ll work with it.

How to Prepare

• Feed your baby right before you leave. A full baby is a sleepy baby.
• Don’t worry about the drive. A little car ride often helps them settle even deeper.
• Keep the day open. Don’t schedule anything right before or after, so you’re not rushing.
• Bring what you need. A snack, a water bottle, whatever keeps you comfortable. You matter here too.
• Prep for any siblings with you. A snack, and extra outfit, and something they enjoy or is sentimental. We want them to feel important and included too.

After Your Session: Your Artwork

This is my favorite part.

After your session, we’ll meet in person to view your images and design your artwork together Artwork is the heart of what I do. You’ll leave with finished pieces made for your home, that you can enjoy, along with some digital files.

Digital files are great to have. But a portrait on your wall gets seen every single day, and one day your baby will walk past it and know how loved they were from the very beginning.

Ready to Book Your Baton Rouge Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting and want to save your spot, I’d love to hear from you. It all starts with a simple conversation.

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Amanda Higgins is a Baton Rouge newborn, maternity, family, and senior photographer creating genuine, timeless portraits and heirloom artwork for families.