As a mum of two I appreciate just how special having a baby is. For me as a photographer it is a privilege to be chosen to capture the most precious moments with your newborn baby. My aim is to help make your photo shoot relaxed and comfortable. So, I’ve put together some tips and advice on what to expect from a newborn photo shoot.

When to Book?

• I always suggest booking your photo shoot before baby arrives.
• Upon booking I pencil you in around your due date, and 2 weeks either side. Although the booking is completely flexible.
• The best time to capture those posed sleepy baby images is with babies less than 14 days old. However, I have photographed many newborn babies much older and still had great results.
• Having a baby is not set by the clock or the calendar they come when they want and it’s important that you feel ready to venture out. So although you’re booked in it’s not set in stone. Both of my children were 11 days late, and we spent several days in hospital before coming home so I know first-hand it doesn’t always go to plan.

What to Expect From Your Newborn Photo Shoot

• I always allow 2-3 hours for newborn photo shoots. Sometimes they may take an hour or sometimes they make take 3. It’s always governed by baby and their needs during the shoot. I allow plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes etc so that the shoot is a relaxed experience.
• Throughout the photo shoot I offer refreshments so you can relax, take a comfortable seat and enjoy that rare chance to have a hot cup of tea or coffee!
• I always suggest arriving with your baby ready for their feed so that you can change them and allow them to settle ready for the shoot. Newborns are usually sleepy after their feed. This enables us to take some lovely shots whilst they are relaxed and snoozing.
• I have a wardrobe of newborn outfits, head bands and backdrops for you to choose from or you are welcome to bring your own.
• Feeding by breast of bottle, changing your baby, accidents on you & me is all part of it. I allow plenty of time for all eventualities. It is important to me that you are comfortable and relaxed in the studio environment as if you’re not relaxed your baby is likely to pick up on that.
• Photographs can be done with parents at the same time. Please let me know in advance if you wish to do this. If you would like to involve siblings in the photo shoot, please bare-in mind it can be a long time for them whilst we capture the newborn solo photos. If possible, it’s recommended that they join us part way through the shoot so that they don’t have to wait too long.

What if Baby Doesn’t Sleep?

Please don’t worry, usually with a full tummy and a very warm environment we get baby settled ready for some sleepy shots. However, if they don’t then I will be sure to capture some beautiful shots of baby awake.

What to Bring

• Yourself, baby, feeds (more than you would expect to need just in case), change of clothes, nappies, wipes. Feel free to bring anything that makes you or baby feel most comfortable.
• With underfloor heating the studio is always warm so that baby is comfortable throughout the shoot. It’s best that you wear something cool and comfortable, as the room can get very warm.
• I have a wardrobe of newborn outfits, head bands, accessories and backdrops for you to choose from. You are welcome to bring your own too. Sometimes people like to include sentimental or personal items, which we can incorporate into your photo shoot.

How Much Does a Photo Shoot Cost?

• Newborn photo shoots cost £49 and include a 7 x 5 print. Additional prints start from £10 and digital files from £30. Canvases, frames, montages are all available to view and order if you choose.
• The Watch Them Grow package is £99 and offers you 3 photo shoots in the first year. This can be used from bump, to baby right up to first birthday. So, you can capture milestones as you wish.

If you would like to discuss booking a newborn photo shoot please get in touch and I will be happy to help.