Family photo sessions don’t have to feel stressful, rushed, or overwhelming. In fact, the most meaningful images—the ones you’ll love more as the years go by—are created when everyone feels relaxed, connected, and at ease.

After photographing families for many years, I’ve noticed something important: the most successful sessions aren’t about perfect behavior or perfect outfits. They’re about energy, trust, and letting go just a little.

Here are my top ten tips to help your family photo session feel calm, natural, and genuinely joyful.

1. Start with Your Energy (Why Calm Parents Matter Most)

This is the most important tip of all.

Children take their cues from you. If you arrive tense, rushed, or worried about how things will go, they feel it immediately. If you arrive calm, open, and present, they do too.

Before your session, take a breath. Remind yourself that nothing needs to be perfect. Your job isn’t to manage every moment—it’s simply to be with your family. I’ll take care of the rest.

2. Trust your photographer (that’s me 😊)

You don’t need to direct the session, ask for specific poses, or coach your children on how to behave.

I’ll gently guide you, read the room, and adapt as needed—whether that means slowing things down, switching gears, or leaning into a moment that’s unfolding naturally. When parents step back and trust the process, children relax, and the images become more authentic.

3. Set expectations low (and intentions high)

Rather than telling your kids they need to “smile” or “behave,” frame the session as something positive and simple.

You might say:
“We’re going to spend some time together, and someone is going to take pictures while we hang out.”

No pressure. No performance. Just connection.

4. Choose Comfortable Clothing for Family Photos

Beautiful outfits are wonderful—but comfort always wins.

If a child is itchy, too hot, too tight, or constantly adjusting clothing, it shows in photos. Soft fabrics, easy movement, and shoes they can walk in comfortably make a big difference in how relaxed everyone feels.

5. Don’t save “good behavior” for later

Many parents say, “If they don’t cooperate, we’ll just try again at the end.”

In reality, kids usually start out at their best. That’s why I work efficiently and follow their lead. Trust that we’re capturing what we need as we go—there’s no single “moment” everything has to fall into place.

6. Bring snacks—but keep them simple

A quick snack can be a lifesaver, especially for little ones. Think easy, non-messy options that won’t stain fingers or mouths.

And don’t worry—pauses are normal. Sometimes a short break is exactly what helps a child reset.

7. Let kids be kids

Quiet, shy, silly, energetic, observant—every child brings something different to a session.

There’s no “right” personality for photos. Some of the most meaningful images come from moments of curiosity, movement, or gentle connection rather than big smiles.

8. Resist the urge to correct or coach

It’s tempting to say things like:
“Stand up straight.”
“Smile nicely.”
“Look at the camera.”

But those little interruptions often pull children out of the moment. If you can, let me do the prompting. Your role is simply to be present and engaged with your family.

9. Focus on connection, not the camera

Instead of worrying about how things look, focus on how things feel.

Hold hands. Lean in. Listen. Laugh when something goes off-script. The emotion between you is what creates timeless photographs—not perfect posture or eye contact.

I photograph family sessions in my Wake Forest studio and throughout the Raleigh area, creating relaxed, meaningful images that reflect real connection rather than forced perfection.

10. Remember Why Family Photos Matter

Family photos aren’t about capturing perfection. They’re about preserving this chapter—exactly as it is.

The way your child leans into you. The way your family fits together right now. These details change more quickly than we realize, and they’re worth remembering.

A final note

When you show up calm, trusting, and open, you give your children permission to do the same. And that’s when the magic happens.

If you’re considering a family session and wondering if it will be “worth it,” know this: the images you treasure most won’t be the perfect ones—they’ll be the honest ones.

And I’d be honored to help you create them.

Contact me to learn more about working together here or complete the form below to be notified of upcoming child and family photography specials and events!

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If you’re expecting a baby, there’s a good chance you’ve found yourself wondering: How much does newborn photography cost?

It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complicated answer – especially when you’re navigating exhaustion, excitement, and a hundred other decisions before your baby even arrives. Many families don’t know where to start or how to compare photographers, and it can quickly feel overwhelming.

Let’s untangle this together.

As a newborn photographer with 17 years of experience working with growing families across Raleigh and Wake Forest, my heart is to make this season easier, calmer, and more meaningful for you. Consider this your clear, straightforward guide to understanding newborn photography pricing: what influences the cost, what’s truly worth investing in, and how to choose the experience that aligns with your values.

Why Newborn Photography Costs What It Costs

To put it simply: newborn photography is expensive because it’s both highly specialized and deeply meaningful.

You want to hire a professional to safely handle your tiny baby, create timeless portraits, and preserve a chapter of life that lasts only a few weeks. The level of training, equipment, studio setup, time, and experience needed to do this well is significant – and it all factors into pricing.

But underneath all of that is something even more important: these are the first photographs that tell the story of your child’s life. Parents want them to be exceptional, and for good reason!

So… How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost?

Here in the Raleigh area, you’ll find three general pricing tiers.

1. Budget / Digital-Only Photographers

($150–$600)
These photographers typically provide:

• A short session
• A small set of digital files
• No guidance on printing or artwork
• A DIY experience – meaning you handle everything after the session

This is a fit for families simply wanting a handful of digital images and who will figure out how to print/what to print/where to print these special memories on their own.

2. Mid-Range Photographers

($600–$1,200+)
You’ll find:

• A longer session
• A mix of digitals (sometimes prints)
• Some styling guidance
• Moderate editing
• Limited help with choosing artwork

Good for families who want more variety but still prefer the DIY approach after the session.

3. Full-Service Newborn Photographers
(this is where my studio sits)

($1,500–$2,500+ total investment)

Full-service studios offer a completely guided experience before, during, and after the session – including the artwork. This includes:

• A planning meeting
• Wardrobe guidance and access to a studio wardrobe
• A fully stocked studio so you don’t have to worry about the just-had-a-baby mess
• A relaxed, baby-led session focused on connection
• A Design & Order appointment afterward so you don’t have to figure out printing alone
• Heirloom artwork + digital images

My own newborn sessions begin with a $250 creative fee, and artwork collections start at $950. Most families spend $1,500–$2,500 on the collection to get the digital images and artwork they desire.

If you want someone to walk with you from the planning phase all the way to the finished artwork in your hands and on your walls, a full-service photographer is the best fit.

What’s Included in a Full-Service Newborn Experience

When families compare photographers, they often focus on the final images, but so much of the value lies in the experience.

Here’s what a full-service approach looks like in my Raleigh/Wake Forest studio:

A Thoughtful Planning Meeting

We discuss your vision for the session and the resulting photos, figure out wardrobe for everyone, and prepare for the session so you feel confident and supported.

A Cozy, Convenient Studio

No cleaning your house when you’d rather be snuggling with your newborn. No prep, no stress! My studio has everything we need so you can simply arrive, exhale, and settle in to enjoy your baby.

Guided, Natural Posing

Nothing stiff, nothing forced. Your session will feel like connecting with your baby, not performing for the camera.

A Full Studio Wardrobe

Beautiful dresses for moms, soft neutral options for babies, and shirts for dads so you don’t need to worry about what fits postpartum or wonder what photographs well.

Optional Hair & Makeup Recommendations

So you can feel pampered and cared for on a day that can otherwise feel hectic.

A Design & Order Appointment

This is where families breathe a sigh of relief. Instead of navigating dozens of digital files alone and worrying about printing quality, we sit down together for about an hour to choose your favorites and create gorgeous, heirloom artwork.

You’re a busy mom. You don’t need one more thing on your plate.

This is the heart of being full-service: ensuring your photographs become treasured pieces of art rather than files that get lost in the cloud.

Digital Images Matter – But They’re Not the Whole Story

I absolutely see the value in digital images. They are important for:

• Family archives
• Long-term storage
• Sharing with grandparents and close friends
• Keeping a visual history of your family

But here’s what concerns me as both a photographer and a mom:

Our children won’t grow up seeing these memories on a parent’s phone.

Studies in developmental psychology show that when children see photographs of themselves displayed in their home, they experience:

• stronger self-esteem
• a deeper sense of belonging
• increased confidence and security

Printed artwork reinforces identity in a way digital files simply cannot. This is why all of my collections include printed artwork and digital images – because both matter, but they serve different purposes. Digital files belong in the archive; printed artwork belongs in your everyday life.

Is Newborn Photography Worth the Investment?

Only you can decide what’s right for your family. But here’s what I know after nearly two decades of photographing newborns:

Parents never regret investing in newborn portraits. But they do regret:

• not booking early enough
• choosing a photographer who didn’t guide them
• or letting their photos sit unprinted

A full-service experience ensures you walk away with something tangible … something your child will see, hold, and grow up with.

From Overwhelmed to Confident

My goal is simple: to help you feel completely supported from the moment you inquire to the moment your artwork is hanging on your walls.

If you’ve been feeling unsure about pricing or how the process works, I hope this guide has given you clarity and excitement instead of overwhelm.

Your baby will only be this tiny once. Let’s create the images that will tell the beginning of their story.

Ready to Learn More About Newborn Sessions?

I’d love to guide you through this beautiful chapter.

Click to explore my newborn photography experience, see portfolio examples, and learn more about the artwork options available.

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Pregnancy is such a beautifully complicated season. Some women step into it feeling strong and radiant, while others feel a little unsure in their changing body. Most days, it’s a mix of both: proud of what your body is doing, while also wondering, “Is this really me?”

No matter where you land on that spectrum, every mom-to-be shares one thing in common: the desire to feel beautiful and seen. That’s exactly why I created my soft, intimate maternity photography sessions in Wake Forest … to give you a space where you can relax, celebrate, and let your quiet strength shine through.

Why Soft, Intimate Maternity Photography Matters

Here’s the truth: sure, some expecting moms walk in confident, ready to celebrate their glow. But most clients? They tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera. Some are nervous about showing skin, others aren’t sure they’ll look like “themselves,” and plenty simply feel camera-shy. (I can relate!)

Wherever you’re starting from, these sessions are designed to meet you there. No pressure, no “perfect posing.” Just gentle guidance, a warm and cozy atmosphere, and the space to let your real beauty come forward.

My Favorite Ways to Guide You Toward Beautiful, Honest Photos

We Begin Fully Clothed, Always

Starting with a soft blouse or flowy dress helps you settle in and feel grounded. And then once you see yourself glowing on the back of my camera, something shifts. Shoulders drop, breaths deepen, and confidence starts to build.

If you’re comfortable, we can ease into more intimate looks as the session unfolds. You never have to bare more than you want to, I promise! But many women find joy in delicately highlighting their bump with draped fabric, a favorite bra-and-panty set, or a cozy sweater that feels both natural and feminine.

Outfit Choices That Feel Like You

I recommend bringing three wardrobe options so you can play with different sides of yourself:

• The romantic look: a flowy, flattering dress that moves with you

• The casual look: jeans with a tank or button-up shirt left gently open over your belly

• The intimate look: a simple lingerie set, slouchy sweater, or sheer fabric draped softly

It’s never about fashion for fashion’s sake. It’s about creating images where you feel at home in your own skin.

Gentle Lighting and Soft Focus

The lenses I photograph with help us create that dreamy, ethereal look. The studio is warm, calm, and unhurried, with cozy textures and music that put you at ease. It’s less about “performing for the camera” and more about letting yourself just be, enjoying the moment, and dreaming about the little soul residing inside.

Why These Sessions Mean So Much

Maternity photos aren’t just about documenting a belly. They’re about honoring you in all your glow, uncertainty, joy, and transformation.

When my first baby was born, I understood deep in my soul how profoundly motherhood reshapes you. Now, as my oldest heads off to college, I feel that tug of time even more deeply. These photos are more than portraits. They’re touchstones. A snapshot in time. A way to look back and remember not just the stretch marks or the cravings, but the miracle of what your body chose to do: create love.

Someday, your child will look at these images and say, “That was me, in your belly.” And you’ll smile and say, “Yes. And you made me braver, stronger, softer.”

Let’s Capture This Beautiful Season with Intimate Maternity Photography

If you’re nervous, uncertain, or not sure a maternity session is for you — I’d love to invite you to simply reach out. There’s never any pressure, just a warm conversation about what feels right for you.

At Christy Johnson Photography, I’ll guide you through each step from what to wear, to how the session flows, to gently directing you into natural, authentic moments. Because your changing, miraculous body deserves to be celebrated and remembered, exactly as it is right now.

Let’s create something beautiful together: a reflection of your strength, softness, and the quiet magic of this season.

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