Your Newborn Session

The earlier after birth, we can to do a photoshoot the better, that way we can get those dreamy sleep photos. It is more difficult once the baby is five weeks old as they are more likely to be wide awake and we will not be able to do any sleepy poses, some Mum’s are okay with that as they still want a record of that time or some decide to wait until their baby can lift their head at three months. As much as Mum’s and Dad’s plan to have a Newborn photoshoot, life can get in the way, so we are always happy to do a session further down the line for whatever the reason and credit you any money you paid upfront.

From experience, it’s best to try and keep your newborn awake for at least an hour before the session, and in the car, so they are tired and hopefully hungry. When you arrive, it’s best to undress your baby to the nappy. Please avoid any clothes that you need to pull over their head to remove as this can unsettle the baby, and keep them wrapped in a blanket to keep them warm. At this point, we would advise you to feed your baby to get them as sleepy and relaxed as possible before we start to take pictures.

Whilst you are relaxing, I will ask you a bit about what you are thinking about doing with the pictures and where you might want to put them in your house. 

For the full Newborn experience which lasts up to three hours, hopefully, less if the baby is having a good day! Please bring a snack and water for yourself and any siblings.

The studio is heated to mimic the temperature of the womb. We also use Shushers which mimic the sound of the womb. This will hopefully create the optimum chance for your baby to go into a deep sleep.

If siblings are coming, please bring some entertainment for them. Raisins and other goodies can be useful in bribing little one’s to get them close to their new brother or sister. Again it is best to bring them later on in session to prevent them from getting bored (especially toddlers ).

I aim to capture one wicker basket set plus various beanbag poses and parent shots. I always do a collection of black and white photos and closeup shots of hands and feet as well.

Some shots the baby will be in a nappy (covered by fabric), and some will be naked/nappy-less. We, therefore, ask that you bring two changes of clothing, one for the family photos and one just in case of accidents. Accidents are perfectly natural and will occur, so don’t stress if it happens.

I am sure you will bring your usual baby equipment. However, I do have a supply of nappy bags etc. in the studio just in case you forget something. Creams tend to be the most forgotten item along with brushes if the baby has flowing locks.

Please bring along a couple of blankets for the baby, to keep them warm during the gaps when you feed the baby. I use a hot water bottle to preheat surfaces before putting the baby in a new prop. Bringing your own blankets helps as it will have your scent on it, which also helps in settling the baby.

I know mum’s at the moment are moving away from dummies; however, if your newborn is having a bad day, it can help to calm the baby. I have a variety of new and packaged ones if you forget yours or don’t use one.

Sessions are totally baby driven; for example, if your baby suffers from wind, they will not like being on their front so I will not do poses that will cause discomfort.  During the photo session, I may ask you or your partner to help me. Sometimes babies can startle, and therefore I like to have mum nearby. I take newborn safety seriously.

I like to photograph mum dad and baby, dad and baby and mum and baby. I can appreciate mum’s and dads can be a bit reluctant to be in the pictures at times, but your child later on in life will cherish these pictures. A dad or mum looking at their new child with sheer love and affection often end up being their most cherished pictures. Even the most adamant mum’s and dads can change their mind on the day so bring an alternative outfit just in case. If you have a toddler, it is best perhaps to get the grandparents to bring him or her later into the session towards the end.

Each session is unique as I have so many colours and textures of backdrops, different style props in various colours and sizes.

Many of our couples get to know me and trust me through doing a bump shoot together. If you book a Newborn session in advance that I will include this as part of the experience. We incorporate those pictures into the baby viewing. Children often ask where they came from, so it is great to have a picture to show them!

To avoid disappointment, I would suggest booking your Newborn session around your 20-week scan. However, we cannot get a confirmed date in the diary until the baby has arrived. I will only book a certain number of Newborn sessions per month to accommodate any early or late babies.

You may have already given birth to your baby and wish to make a booking at the last minute; please contact me as there is still a possibility, I would be able to fit you in.