Newborns’ Perfect Imperfections

Close up of a scratch on newborn baby's foot

As a professional newborn photographer, I have had the pleasure of capturing the beauty of countless infants. Usually, I am photographing these beautiful babies only days after they’ve made the hard trek into this world; and that journey can be tough. Bumps and bruises are par for the course, and these “imperfections” are not actually imperfect at all. I love to highlight the small blemishes that come with the transition into life on the outside. These tiny details of your baby are what make them unique, and are part of the beauty of the experience of entering into the world. Read on to see some close-up and personal shots highlighting newborns’ perfect imperfections.

Newborn Perfect Skin

Peeling skin on the feet of a new baby
Peeling skin on the hands of a newborn baby during newborn photography session

One of the most common newborn features is peeling skin. Rest assured that this is a completely normal occurrence that happens to almost all newborns. Peeling skin is simply a result of the baby’s skin adjusting to the outside world. It’s nothing to worry about, and actually makes for some really sweet and intimate close-up shots. So, embrace those little flakes of skin and let them be a part of your baby’s story. They are merely a part of the transition out of the safety of mom’s tummy, and into the big wide world.

A Kiss from Mother Nature

Baby birth mark and umbilical cord
A birthmark on the back of a baby's leg

Birthmarks are also quite common and personally, I find them so endearing.  I like to think of birthmarks on newborns as a kiss from Mother Nature on their way into the world. They are a sweet surprise that oftentimes are just for Mom and Dad to see and love. These unique features are what make your baby special. I like to be sure to capture birthmarks during newborn sessions, as sometimes they will disappear over time. 

Baby Bumps

A close up of a baby's mouth with baby acne
A close up photo showcasing a newborn baby's skin

Nearly every newborn at some point or another experiences baby acne. These harmless little white or red bumps on the face are short lived, and so sweet. I never miss a chance to capture them, because they usually only appear in the first few days and weeks of a newborn’s life on the outside. They are part of what makes a fresh baby look so brand new.

Unique Newborn Surprises

A baby's hand with an extra digit on his thumb

Sometimes babies are born with even more unique surprises. Like a tiny additional digit, for example. In the photo above, this newborn was born with an additional thumb. While it did get removed soon after our session, I wanted to be sure to document how sweet and small and absolutely adorable it was. If nothing else, these parents will be able to look back on that extraordinary little hand fondly for years to come.

At the end of the day, every baby is different and unique in their own way. Embrace your newborn’s perfect “imperfections” – which aren’t imperfect at all – and celebrate them as a part of your baby’s story. As a photographer, I am here to help capture those precious moments and help you see the beauty in every feature of your newborn. 

So, if you’re expecting a new addition, contact me or book now and let’s create some stunning photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

I'm Erika and I am a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based near Wilmington, NC. I'm also a mom to two cutie boys, lover of backyard gardening, candles, chocolate and Amazon Prime.

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