A sleeping baby wearing a beige cap is cozily nestled in a white bucket, captured beautifully by South Elgin Photography. The baby rests its chin on crossed arms, surrounded by a brown blanket and placed on a wooden floor with burlap fabric beneath.

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?

The best time to schedule your newborn photography session is during your second trimester to ensure availability, as my calendar tends to fill up quickly. I typically photograph newborns between 3 to 14 days old, when they are still sleepy and naturally curl into those adorable poses you see in my portfolio.

If your baby has already arrived—don’t worry! Please reach out as soon as possible. I will always do my best to accommodate last-minute newborn sessions whenever my schedule allows.

Booking early helps ensure you secure a spot for those precious, fleeting newborn moments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY IS BORN EARIER OR LATER THAN EXPECTED?

If you're booking a newborn photo session with me at my studio in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, you might be wondering what happens if your baby doesn’t arrive exactly on schedule. The good news is—there’s no need to worry!

In about 85% of cases, the session date we initially book ends up falling right within the ideal 3–14 day window after birth, when newborns are sleepiest and easiest to pose.

But babies have their own timelines, and I completely understand that! If your little one arrives earlier or later than expected, I have a built-in backup option. I reserve Tuesday evenings after 5:30 p.m. specifically for rescheduling flexibility.

This means that no matter when your baby arrives, you can still count on capturing those precious newborn portraits. I proudly serve families throughout the Mchenry, Cook, Kane, Lake counties of Northern Illinois area with flexible, stress-free newborn photography.

A sleeping baby in a green onesie rests in a wooden-framed net hammock, with a matching green pillow under their head. The serene scene unfolds on a wooden floor in St. Charles, Illinois, complemented by a soft, brown textured blanket underneath. A newborn baby sleeps peacefully inside a wooden bucket, resting its head on folded arms. Wrapped in a soft cream blanket, the serene scene evokes the quiet charm of Almora. The background features a wooden floor and a coiled rope accent. A sleeping baby with dark hair rests inside a yellow metal bucket, wrapped in a soft cream blanket. The baby, adorned with a yellow headband and bow, lies peacefully as if dreaming of West Dundee. Nearby, small white flowers on a wooden surface. A newborn baby peacefully sleeping on a dark green surface, wearing a blue outfit. The babys hands are gently clasped in front, and they have dark hair. The serene scene evokes the tranquility of an Illinois wildrose bloom. A newborn baby sleeps peacefully in a blue wrap, clutching a small green dinosaur toy. The little one rests on a soft, furry cushion with a yellow knitted blanket beneath, all placed on a wooden surface— of Illinois own Sleepy Hollow charm. A uniformed officer from Gilberts, Illinois, gently cradles a sleeping newborn wrapped in a gray blanket. The officer wears a brown hat and beige shirt adorned with badges. The baby restsin the officers hands, against a soft blue background. A woman lying on her back in Pingree Grove, Illinois, eyes closed, kisses a sleeping newborn wrapped in a beige blanket. Both are enveloped by soft, ruffled beige fabric, creating a serene and tender atmosphere A sleeping newborn baby with a purple floral headband rests peacefully in a small purple bucket. Wrapped in a cozy purple blanket and surrounded by vibrant flowers, the scene captures serenity. In West Highland Acres in Illinois. A newborn baby wrapped in an olive green swaddle and hood sleeps peacefully on a textured blanket. The cozy setting, reminiscent of a serene corner in Almora Heights, Illinois, is enhanced by the warm tones of the wooden floor. A sleeping baby, wearing a small flat cap, is nestled in a bucket draped with a brown blanket. The setup, accented with subtle Williamsburg Green hues, sits on a wooden floor with burlap touches around the bucket. The babys arms rest on the rim. A newborn baby sleeps peacefully in a small hammock, with hands gently clasped. Dressed in a floral outfit and matching headband, the baby rests within this serene scene in Plato Center, Illinois. The hammock, supported by a wooden frame. Family portrait with two adults and three children in Hampshire. The mother lovingly holds a newborn wrapped in tan fabric, while the father embraces the group. Two young girls in matching brown dresses sit beside them, all smiling. In Burlington, a newborn baby sleeps peacefully in a wooden-framed hammock. Dressed in a light green outfit with buttons, the baby rests on a small green pillow. The scene is set against wooden flooring with a brown woven mat beneath the hammock. Close-up of a newborn babys feet with tiny toes gently pressed together, resting on a soft, light-colored surface. The focus is on the delicate skin texture and small nail details, evoking the warmth and innocence found in of Genoa, Illinois. A newborn baby sleeps peacefully on a mustard yellow blanket in Marengo, Illinois. The baby wears a floral outfit with a matching bow headband and rests with their hands tucked under their chin. A family of four sits together against a blue backdrop, embodying the warmth of a close-knit union. The mother holds a sleeping baby, while the young boy and father are beside them, all smiling at the baby with joy reminiscent of an Illinois day. A young child with a white headband kisses a sleeping baby wrapped in a light blue blanket, adorned with a matching blue bow. Nestled in a cozy basket on the wooden floor, this tender moment captures the warmth of family life in Woodstock, Illinois A sleeping baby wrapped in a green blanket lies peacefully on a soft surface in Bull Valley. The baby, with curly hair and a serene expression, appears content. The background features a textured, natural woven material that enhances the scene. A newborn baby is swaddled in a pink wrap, resting on a textured pillow inside a wooden bowl in McHenry, Illinois. The baby, adorned with a floral headband and smiling with closed eyes, is surrounded by a soft blanket that falls on the wooden floor. Newborn baby boy in a cozy blue sleeper and nightcap, peacefully sleeping in a macrame hammock – newborn photography session in Algonquin, Illinois Adorable newborn baby wearing oversized round glasses and a blue flat cap, peacefully sleeping with arms crossed in a cozy bucket setup – vintage-style newborn photography in Barrington, Illinois Newborn baby boy wrapped in green swaddle, cradled lovingly in parents' hands – newborn photography in Streamwood, Illinois Newborn baby dressed as a cowboy, wearing a white felt hat and sleeping in a rustic wooden bucket with a tiny plush cow – themed newborn photography session in Elgin, Illinois Close-up of newborn baby's ear with fine hair detail – newborn photography in Carpentersville, Illinois Smiling family of five cuddles newborn baby girl swaddled in pink with floral headband – newborn family photography in Dundee, Illinois Smiling newborn baby dressed in a cozy orange swaddle and matching hat, lying in a rustic wooden bowl with soft textures – professional newborn photography in Barrington, Illinois Big sister gently kisses newborn baby girl swaddled in pink with floral headband, posed in a floral bucket – sibling newborn photography in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Adorable newborn baby wearing oversized round glasses and a blue flat cap, peacefully sleeping during a vintage-style photo shoot in Lake in the Hills, Illinois – newborn photography in Lake in the Hills

HOW LONG DOES A NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION LAST?

A typical newborn photography session lasts between 2 to 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for a calm, relaxed, and baby-led experience. This gives us flexibility for feeding, soothing, and gently posing your newborn without any pressure.

Sessions begin with individual newborn portraits, focusing on capturing all the delicate details—tiny toes, little fingers, and peaceful sleepy expressions. If you choose to include family or sibling photos, we’ll incorporate those next to complete your gallery.

To make the session easier for everyone, dad or another relative can bring siblings later in the session, or they’re welcome to relax in the waiting area (with an adult). The space includes a TV with Disney+, snacks, and toys to keep children entertained and comfortable while they wait.

The entire experience is designed to be stress-free and enjoyable for both baby and parents, so you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.

Smiling newborn baby dressed in a cozy orange swaddle and matching hat, lying in a rustic wooden bowl with soft textures – professional newborn photography in Barrington, Illinois

DO YOU USE PROPS?

Yes, I use a carefully curated selection of simple, timeless props that complement my signature darker, bold style—without ever distracting from the star of the session: your baby.

My studio is fully stocked with a variety of high-quality props including newborn outfits, bonnets, headbands, hats, wraps, baskets, bowls, buckets, and soft stuffed animals. Each item is chosen to enhance the final image while keeping the look natural and refined.

To maintain a clean and safe environment for your little one, I do not allow any outside props or outfits. All items used during your session come from my sanitized, studio-only collection to ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene in my Lake in the Hills. newborn studio.

Newborn baby dressed as a cowboy, wearing a white felt hat and sleeping in a rustic wooden bucket with a tiny plush cow – themed newborn photography session in Elgin, Illinois

WHERE WILL THE NEWBORN SESSION TAKE PLACE?

All newborn photography sessions are held in my cozy, professionally equipped studio located in Lake in the Hills, IL. The studio is designed specifically with new families in mind—comfortable, quiet, and stocked with everything we need to create timeless images of your little one.

From the beautiful newborn outfits, wraps, and props you see in my portfolio to the controlled lighting and peaceful environment, everything is ready for you when you arrive. Because I know this space and light so well, I can deliver consistently beautiful results every time—something that’s especially important when capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Newborns grow and change quickly, and you only get one chance to preserve this special stage. Having your session in a dedicated, well-prepared space ensures the experience is relaxed and the final images are everything you’ve dreamed of.

A happy family of four poses together against a blue background, capturing the essence of family newborn photography. The mother and father flank a young boy who gently holds his newborn sibling wrapped in a blue blanket.

DO YOU TAKE PICTURES OF THE FAMILY DURING NEWBORN SESSIONS?

Absolutely! I love including family portraits during newborn sessions. Capturing the deep love and connection between you and your baby is one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. These moments tell a powerful story—one you’ll treasure long after the newborn phase has passed.

Whether it's tender images of mom and dad holding baby, snuggles with siblings, or full family portraits, these photos add a personal, emotional layer to your session. And once the sleep-deprived haze starts to fade, you’ll be so glad to have these memories beautifully preserved.

Family and sibling photos are always encouraged and can be incorporated into any newborn photography session in my Lake in the hills, studio. 

Newborn baby boy in a cozy blue sleeper and nightcap, peacefully sleeping in a macrame hammock – newborn photography session in Algonquin, Illinois

HOW DO YOU ENSURE MY BABY’S SAFETY DURING A NEWBORN SESSION?

Your baby’s safety is my number one priority during every newborn session. With over a decade of experience in newborn photography, I’ve taken multiple specialized training courses focused on newborn safety and posing techniques to ensure each session is handled with the utmost care and expertise.

I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and stay current on all required vaccinations to maintain a safe, healthy environment. Before opening my studio, I spent five and a half years photographing newborns at Sherman and surrounding hosptials, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in working with brand new babies in a medical setting.

As a mother of five myself, I understand first-hand how important it is to feel confident that your baby is in safe, capable hands. That’s why I’ve created a studio environment that’s not only clean and calm—but designed with your baby’s comfort in mind.

Since newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature, I keep the studio warm—typically between 78 and 81 degrees—to ensure your baby stays cozy and content. It might feel toasty for the adults, so I recommend wearing or bringing a lightweight shirt for the beginning of the session.

From the moment you walk into my Lake in the Hills, newborn studio, you can rest assured that every detail has been thoughtfully planned to give you peace of mind—and beautiful results.

A pregnant woman sits smiling as a young girl hugs her and an adult man stands beside them, both touching her belly. The woman wears a black top and ripped jeans. The girl is in a pink dress. The background is a soft brown.

CAN I ADD A MATERNITY SESSION TOO?

Absolutely—I'd love to help you document this beautiful chapter. Maternity sessions are a wonderful way to slow down and celebrate the anticipation and excitement of welcoming your baby. It’s such a meaningful part of your motherhood journey, and I adore capturing those quiet, powerful moments before everything changes.

When you book a maternity session with me, you'll have full access to my curated studio wardrobe, including a variety of elegant maternity gowns and accessories. I take care in styling each session to reflect your unique beauty and the connection you share with your growing baby—creating soft, feminine images that feel timeless.

Maternity sessions can be added on to your newborn photography package or booked separately.

For more details and inspiration, visit my Maternity Information Page.

Smiling family portrait captured by a talented family newborn photographer. Two young girls in matching dresses sit with their parents, who hold a newborn wrapped in a blanket. The backdrop is a solid beige color, enhancing this cherished moment.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?

Please click on the link below to see my full list of packages you can choose from:

https://www.image127photography.com/newborn1

Contact Image 1:27 Photography HERE!