YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

What to expect
Once upon a time I did have a studio where I was able to offer full posed sessions but that space is no longer.

My sessions are now more lifestyle based.

My  lifestyle newborn sessions are usually approx 1.5 hours where we shoot lifestyle either in your home or at an outdoor location. I bring along a couple of simple props so if your baby happens to fall into a deep sleep I can attempt some posed shots for you.

If they do decide to stay awake, then we simply keep shooting lifestyle. What is lifestyle? It just shooting as you are in every day life. No posing, just capturing you in the moment with your baby. If your baby does not decide to sleep, I have a beautiful boho bassinett for babies to be themselves in and capture them as they are. Some of my most beautiful and authentic shots have happened in this style.

I let your baby take the lead and it’s best not to have high expectations. Babies change daily so we need to just allow your baby to feel safe and comfortable. We need to allow plenty of time for feeding, nappy changes and plenty of time for the baby to fall into a deep sleep. There could be a bit of sitting around, so please don’t be disappointed if this occurs. Once your baby is asleep the session can happen quite quickly.

Preparation
Book your shoot around your baby’s feeding and nap times, work with the natural rhythm of your baby. The perfect time to shoot is right when the baby would be laying down for a nap.

If your baby normally falls asleep after a feeding, wait to feed the baby until you’re at the shoot. It is ideal to give your baby a really big feed prior to the session so they are content so please consider timing the session to suit.

If we are shooting outdoors, this may be the exception as I am fussy with the light and do prefer soft light that early mornings offer or late afternoons but also happy to work in with your baby and shoot around their nap times.

We can discuss your options if you are concerned.

If you are travelling to me for your session and would like to try to keep your baby awake during the drive, try a bath before leaving for your session. The more awake time they spend before their session, the more likely they will sleep during their session.

Try to avoid coffee or consuming any foods that may stimulate/upset your baby (for example, avoid a curry the night before etc).

Please pack snacks for yourself/siblings/partners. As much as I would love to stop to offer you all food, sometimes I am too caught up in capturing your baby to stop for a break.

If your baby takes a dummy, bring it – if they’re bottle fed, bring an extra bottle to help put the baby to sleep.

What should I dress my baby in?
Nothing is the best wardrobe for a newborn – no outfit fits a newborn well, and they often look swallowed in clothes. I have many wraps in lots of colours. I usually wrap babies as this provides them with comfort and a sense of being safe. It also makes it easy to place them in your arms or in any props we are using.

It’s best to dress you baby in clothes that can be easily removed especially if they are asleep before we start the session.

If you do have an outfit you would love them in for their photos, it’s best to have something that fits them well so we can still see their face and features (hands and feet).

I do have my own props on hand as well including lots of tiebacks and bonnets. If there is a particular colour you love or prefer, please let me know and I can take this into account when preparing styling for your babies’ session. You are most welcome to bring any items along to your session.

Please know that if your baby is unhappy at any point during your shoot we’ll take a break and continue once you feel he/she is ready.

Why do you prefer our baby to be under 14 days old (for any posing)?
This is usually when babies are most sleepy. A sleepy baby is easy to position and handle. Usually when awake, they may cry, make funny faces and stretch a lot which makes them difficult to photograph. If your baby does decide they do not want to sleep, I will use wrapping techniques to make them feel safe and attempt some awake shots so please don’t worry if this is the case!

If your baby is over 14 days old I highly recommend a lifestyle session (non-posed).

Siblings or furry children are always welcome at my sessions!