Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most meaningful moments and one you will not regret hiring a photographer for- I promise! From tiny fingers and sleepy smiles to the tender connection between parents and baby, each session is designed to preserve memories you’ll treasure forever. Let’s talk all about newborn photography in Iowa City.

Why Choose Jessica Schroeder Photography for Newborn Photography in Iowa City, IA

Choosing the right newborn photographer is about trust, comfort, and experience. Sessions are intentionally calm, baby-led, and focused on safety and simplicity. Some of my favorite newborn sessions include parents sipping coffee and throwing on a record. Honestly I think the secret sauce to beautiful and authentic photography is setting everyone at ease. What sets me apart:

• Specialized experience in newborn photography
• A gentle, patient approach that prioritizes your baby’s comfort
• Soft, natural styling that keeps that focus on your newborn (no Anne Geddes, no baby buckets)
• A personalized experience for every family (including siblings)
• Timeless images designed to become heirlooms (session galleries typically are 150+ images that include all of the details)
• Option to add a film/video to your session

When to Schedule Your Newborn Photography Session

The best time for newborn photos in Iowa City is when your baby is 7-14 days old. During this time, newborns are typically sleepier and easier to pose naturally. However, with in-home lifestyle sessions there is a lot of flexibility. Even 3-4 weeks works just fine!

I recommend booking your newborn session during pregnancy to ensure availability (we will then put your due date in the calendar). Once your baby arrives, your session date can be finalized.

What to Expect at your Shoot

Newborn photography sessions with me (Jessica Schroeder Photography) are unhurried and baby-led, allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and cuddling.

• Safe and natural posing techniques (very low key, but I will help guide you and make suggestions)
• Baby-led! In other words, we will try to soothe baby, but not push anything (i.e. a position etc)
• Sessions typically last 1.5-2 hours (but is flexible)
• Parents and siblings included throughout the session
• Attention to every detail

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photography Session

Here are a few tips to ensure the best stress-free experience:

• Try to feed your baby right before the session (sometimes this is hard to time, so some parents will feed during the session as well)
• Dress baby in comfortable clothing (simple jumpers/rompers, onesies); avoid large bows for girls as they can be distracting/block baby’s face
• Relax and trust the process (baby can sense stress and emotions, so super important that everyone is at ease)

If you are reading this and you are already on my calendar, I cannot wait to capture your first days and weeks with your sweet little one at home. If you are interested in a newborn photography session in Iowa City, please reach out!