What to expect at a newborn photography session

Welcome to my first blog, by reading this it should answer all the questions you will have about how a newborn session with me will go and all the things you need to know.

Honestly, we never know how a newborn photo session will go. Babies are pretty unpredictable and adorable, hopefully these suggestions help you feel prepared and comfortable for an upcoming photo date or give you the confidence to book one if you were previously worried about it.

Always remember that you know your newborn better than I do so please don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns or suggestions.

Patience is key , babies can sense when their parents are becoming upset or frustrated. Please do not worry if your baby is being a little fussy, needing more cuddles or feeds, this is all completely normal.  In fact, I'd say that 50% of your session will involve feeding, nappy changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. It is important to keep a nice calm environment for baby. The studio will be very warm to keep your baby cosy and settled ( I suggest that you wear light clothes or layers so parents don't overheat).

Its a good idea to try and feed baby feed baby just before you leave for your session so they will be ready to sleep but I know from experience that this doesn't always work out, so don't worry, there will be plenty time to feed baby when you arrive if needs be.

Warm milk equals a happy, model-ready baby! Hungry babies wake up often and crying.

A lot of the images we’ll be shooting work best if the baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, recommend that you do whatever it takes to make sure baby is nice and exhausted. Sometimes giving baby a bath can help with this, it also helps calm them and hopefully make baby nice and settled for the session. Keeping your little one awake on top of your own sleep deprivation might feel like torture, but I think it will be worth it in the end! I will be moving them around and scrunching them into those sweet sleepy newborn images, so we want to make sure they’re sleepy enough to allow me to handle them.

WHAT IF MY BABY DOES NOT SLEEP?

Crying, inability to soundly sleep, bathroom breaks and the need for more feeding are all normal during a photo session. Newborns will need feeding breaks throughout the session, especially if they are a little fussy and upset. A quick meal paired with some cuddling and your baby will be ready for the spotlight again! I’m more than happy to take as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel or even if the just need a cuddle. The time for this is built into your session, so there is never any rush.

If you are bottle feeding bring plenty formula with you. If you're breast feeding you may need to feed a little more often through the session.

If that doesn’t work, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes that best photos

happen when baby isn’t doing what we want. Awake shots and parent shots are also super beautiful and special.

Mums tend to stress because this is a new experience and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is newborn photography.They see their baby being fussy or having a difficult time getting settled and panic.

“This is a disaster! They aren’t going to get ANY good

photos!” It isn’t, and we will! Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mummy) It’s super important that everyone remain calm and relaxed during this session, keeping the environment as mellow as possible.

PATIENCE IS KEY! Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something we can predict!

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR FAMILY AND PARENT SHOTS

Family and parent shots are part of all my session and I highly recommend that you have them. I know that you may not be feeling your best, you will be tired but do not miss out on the opportunity to remember how small they were in your arms and capturing this most incredible love you have for your child. I promise is will make sure that you all look amazing.

Wearing light neutral colours works best , do not wear busy patterns or logos as these are distracting and we don't want to distract from your beautiful baby. We want them to be the focus.

SIBLING PHOTOS

I absolutely love capturing siblings together, for parents, these photos are so special. Capturing their beautiful babies together is wonderful. Sibling photos will be done at the beginning of the session and then dad, a grandparent or friend should take the older sibling away to allow for a quiet peaceful studio for the rest of the newborn photos. Especially if your older child or children and toddler age, it is a long boring process for toddlers to sit quietly.

Sometimes toddlers, especially those who are 2 and below can be a little tricky to photograph, anyone with a toddler knows that if a toddler makes up their mind that they dont want to do something, there is no negotiating! Thats why I try to make your toddler relaxed and make it a nice fun experience for them too. It's a huge adjustment for your older child who all of a sudden has to share their mummy and daddy with a new baby, so I try to make them feel special too. If they don't want to sit for photos with your newborn baby, I have tricks up my sleeve to make sure you still get those beautiful sibling shots. There will be snacks and some toys in the studio to help distract toddlers but if there's something that you know your toddler loves please let me know. . Alexa is on hand to play baby shark when ever we need it lol!

Finally, try to enjoy your session, these first few weeks are so special and my newborn sessions should not be at all stressful, so please hand me your baby and relax, have a coffee and a biscuit or even a short nap! Yeah thats right, you're welcome to have a nap in my cosy studio, there is no judgement here, in fact its encouraged. Do not hesitate to get in touch with me if there are any questions that I have not answered, I am always on hand to help.