What to expect on a newborn photography session

When should I schedule my newborn session?

You can contact me at anytime! We can schedule in a date a few months ahead, which can be moved if they are early or late! This date will ideally be when your baby is between 4 and 10 days old, but don't worry if they are a bit older. At about 3 weeks old they will start to look less "newborn", but I can still get beautiful images of your baby at any age. 

Does my baby need to be asleep throughout the session?

Your baby can be awake or asleep throughout the session. It is lovely to get some photographs of your little one with their eyes open but equally it is also great to get some images of your newborn asleep. The session is baby-led, so it is up to your baby!

Where do you hold newborn photography sessions?

For newborn photography I come to your house, where you and your little one are most at ease. I love to capture newborns in natural settings where your baby is in natural positions and not posed. In your own home I can capture the connections between you, your partner and your new baby, in surroundings that mean something to you. Siblings can be left in their usual routine and environment and can be just included in photo session when needed. Having the photo shoot in your own home can also be great if you are tired, recovering or simply don't feel ready to venture out just yet.

How long does a newborn photoshoot last?

I try to make the newborn session is as relaxed as possible, I don't rush you or your little one, so a session can last up to 3 hours. If they need to be fed in the middle of the session, then I give you time to feed. If they are unsettled and need a cuddle, then they get cuddles they need. Their comfort and well being, alongside yours, is of paramount importance to me during the session.

Who can be included in the newborn photography session?

It's up to you! The session can be of just the baby, although I would encourage you to be in the photos. I completely understand that you might not feel at your most photogenic so soon after having a baby but capturing the connection between you, your partner and your new baby is priceless. Newborn babies evoke such strong emotions and capturing that love in a photograph is an amazing to look back on. 
Siblings are encouraged to join the session too. I am used to juggling 2 years olds with their newborn siblings so I have learnt to work quickly!  Dogs and cats are family too, so I can include them in the photographs as well. 

What if my newborn cries all through the session?

Crying is part of family life with a newborn! If you need a break to settle your newborn, I can pop out of the house for a while or quietly sit in another room, or just sit and chat with you for a while until your baby settles.

What should we wear?

Please have a careful think about what you are all going to wear on the day. I think that a white vest or onesie is best for the baby, so that the focus is on the baby's face in the final image, not on the clothes. Light coloured or neutral coloured tops work well for the rest of the family and can be teamed with any other block colour clothes or teamed with jeans. No logos or big pictures on tops, and no black please.

Are your images posed? 

I will capture images of your newborn in natural unposed positions, in their own home, surrounded by things that matter to you and your family. Most of the time I will ask you just to look at your baby, with some direction from me on where to stand or sit where the light and background is most flattering. I may ask partners and siblings to join in and offer direction to snuggle in close or how to place a hand, but overall I try to keep my poses relaxed and natural. 

My baby is already here, can I still book in a newborn session?

Yes, you can. Although ideally for a newborn sessions the baby should be between 4 and 10 days old, at up to 3 weeks you can still beautiful newborn style images. I sometimes have last minute availability and I will do my best to fit you in, so please contact me if you would like to book in a session even after your baby has been born. 

How much does a newborn photography session cost? 

The session costs £120. This includes my time on the day, the careful editing of each individual image and the presentation of the images on an online password protected gallery, from which you can choose one image for your large complimentary print. From the gallery you can then choose the images that you want as further prints, digital images or for frames. For more details on pricing please click here.

Is there anything else that I should know?

As you may have seen from my website a lot of my newborn images are taken in the bedroom as the bedroom often has good window light and usually offers an uncluttered background. If you can put a white, cream or light coloured plain duvet cover on the bed then this makes a great setting for photographs. Please be aware that I may need to move a few small things off bedside tables to create a clean look, after all you probably wouldn't want your toiletries in the background of the resulting photograph for example! 

Sometimes I find that the light is great in the lounge or the nursery, so please be aware that I may go in these rooms as well.  I won't judge how tidy or clean your house is, I live with 3 messy children and after all you have the best excuse of all, you have just had a baby!

If after reading this you would like to book in a newborn photography session for your family then please contact me here.

I look forward to meeting you and your little one soon!