The question I am asked the most before a newborn photoshoot is - "How do I prepare for a newborn photography session?"
How do I Prepare for My Newborn Photoshoot
Congratulations on your new arrival or if you are looking for a professional newborn photographer - welcome! A newborn photoshoot is a gorgeous way to capture those first precious days, and I’m here to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. In my 10 years of as a newborn photographer I have met so many gorgeous babies and heard so many birth stories, it's really a lovely way to work.
To help you prepare and know what to expect, here’s a few pointers for a smooth and stressfree session.
We will message before the session so I know what you would like from your session - I keep things simple so the newborn photoshoot is focussed on your baby's perfect simplicity. I will ask you about colours and any simple props - I have many examples on my website and instagram so please feel free to let me know what you like. The safety of your newborn baby is my number one priority - I will always pose your baby safely. You will always be in the room with me while I am with your baby so you are in control over the session. I have a lot of experience of photographing new babies but I absolutely understand that this is your baby. I will take care of them as my own.
Quick Summary of The Day...
Newborn session are held normally during the week at about 10am. If I come to you with my studio so I may arrive a little earlier and may grovel some help getting it all my equipment into your home. It takes around 40 minutes to set up.
Please don't be ready - we start with your baby.
I always bring a fan heater to keep baby warm so don't worry about whether baby will be warm enough.
A cosy familiar blanket and a dummy are king to successful session.
I am fully insured and use only professional equipment and props from the best suppliers.
Photographs are normally ready to look at 2 weeks after the session
How will you get my baby to sleep?
Feeding & Comfort: Milk Drunk is the Goal!
One of the key elements to a successful newborn photoshoot is a contented and full, sleepy baby. To achieve that, I recommend feeding your baby right before the session begins - when I arrive at your home or you come to my studio in Surbiton. Bring plenty of milk or be prepared to breastfeed more than usual. There’s no strict schedule on the day – our main priority is making sure your baby is well-fed, comfortable, and ready for those adorable poses.
Do you use a dummy? My baby hasn't tried one yet
Dummies or Pacifiers are King! Whether you have used one before, never intend to or haven't even thought about it - a dummy for a newborn photoshoot is extremely helpful. It can be thrown in the bin afterwards after all. Moving a sleeping newborn I need to keep your little one peacefully asleep - if they start to wake then it a soother can help them settle themselves back to sleep. I use it for a short time so I promise that it won't be life changing or upset routine or create nipple confusion - I can say that hopefully from a place of safety having historically never been told off by any of the mums I've met after a newborn session.
What if My Baby Won't Settle?
This is often a worry - what if my baby doesn't sleep? Please don't worry, they all sleep in the end! During the first few weeks of life, as long as baby has eaten and is winded, they will sleep a lot of the time. I have helped many babies get back to sleep - I have my tricks - white noise, warmth and cuddles! That said, I also firmly believe that new babies ignore me! I am not part of their inner circle - I don't provide milk - unless passed a bottle - I'm not there in the night - though I am asked to pop round to settle many babies at 4am in jest, I think - I am their staff - there to perform a task!
Keeping Cool in a Warm Studio
The studio will be warm - very warm! Babies don't have our extra layers of fat to keep them warm when undressed so I need to keep them cosy and comfortable. I use a small fan heater placed near baby but not directly playing onto them. This is to keep your little one comfortable while being posed, but it also means that you might feel the heat. For this reason, I suggest waiting until it's nearly your turn before apply make up and fixing hair.
I also use a Rockit Pram Rocker attached to the posing table and a Baby Shusher to keep baby happy during their shoot and a Baby Shusher to keep baby happy during their shoot. Links at the end. I am also a Baby Whisperer apparently, so that too! I will be stunning when you arrive and look a mess when you leave - my normal day.
What if My Baby Pees or Poos During the Session?
It has happened many times and it will continue to happen. Tiny babies have no control so it's important to watch for signs to be out of the firing line! However, if baby is perfectly posed and is comfortable I just ignore any little accidents - it all comes out in the wash or Photoshop. The initial poses are shot with a nappy on - baby has just fed - so hopefully that takes care of that initially. I also have absorbant layers under the baby backgrounds. But, if it happens, it happens - hopefully Daddy gets it - their lovely warmth seems to relax their little off-spring!
I've just had a baby - will I look terrible?
Essential Flattering Poses for Mum
I completely understand that you’ve just had a baby, and I promise to pose you in the most flattering way possible. Mums and Dads - you should always be in your photographs! You may feel not quite yourself but you will never regret it. I am a mum of 2 girls and took most of the photographs of my family - understandably - however, those that others took, I am so grateful for. If you have had a c-section then let me know. Again - I am quick and will have Daddy on hand to help you. I will always guide you into poses that flatter and highlight the beauty of this special time.
Retouching Skin
Pretty much all babies will have a few spots at some point - be it from their environment or from their mother's milk. It is normal. Flacking skin is also super normal. I am a whizz with Photoshop - my 10 years of professinal newborn photography has taught me many tricks during the photoshoot and afterwards retouching! I can also fix tired eyes - so please don't worry.
A Stress-Free Approach for Siblings
If you have older children joining the session, please don’t worry if they are not at their best come the moment. You have just changed their world and they are getting used to the new resident! A little dethronement happens and then it moves on. I have plenty of experience working with little ones, and I have a secret weapon - great animal noises and many farting noises - no shame is great enough - the shot is all that is important to me - and having fun! There’s no pressure on them I am very quick. Mums and Dads - don't build it up too much for them! Pressure doesn't help - positive bribery however, does! For safety, your newborn will be fully wrapped for the sibling shot and the shot will be taken lying down on a fluffy flokati rug with Dad providing bodyguarding duties for your new arrival in case your older child gets bored and moves too quickly.
Most newborns are safely wrapped for their sibling shot - with Daddy on hand as bodyguard.
Capture the Behind-the-Scenes Moments.
Feel free to take behind-the-scenes pictures and short video snippets during the session - it's all part of the story! These little moments add to the memory of the day and let you look back on the experience with even more joy and social media of course - if you have any nice shots or videos please share them with me - I will send you any videos I might take too. I'm very grateful for any sent to me!
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
My aim is for this to be a stress-free and memorable experience. Newborns run the show, and we go at their pace. At my home studio there is always tea, coffee lemon drizzle cake and lots of laughter! Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy watching your little one’s first professional portraits come to life even if you think they won't sleep or won't be wrapped or won't like being naked - I promise - it will be fine!
If you have any questions or concerns before the session, feel free to reach out—I can’t wait to capture these special memories for you!
My personal recomendations
Comments