Newborn Photography FAQs: How to Prepare For Your Session
Those first few weeks are a brief and precious time in your baby’s life – one that you will love to look back on as your children grow up. I offer documentary newborn sessions that capture the ‘realness’ of your home life – without props or costumes. In these relaxed photo sessions, we’ll spend two hours capturing your baby’s first weeks at home, while they’re still tiny and snuggly.
New parents often have questions about the newborn sessions – when to book, how long they take, how to prepare. Here I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions, so you know what to expect. If you have any further queries not covered here, please do get in touch.
When should you take newborn photos?
I find the best time to take newborn photos is within the first four weeks, before they start to stretch out and lose the ‘curled up’ new baby look.
When should I book newborn photography?
I recommend booking in advance anytime from the second trimester of your pregnancy. We’ll make a preliminary booking for your session around two weeks after your expected due date. Of course, babies have a habit of arriving when they want to, so keep in touch and we will confirm a final date for the session accordingly.
For those interested in having the birth captured on camera, this is also something that I offer. At home birth experiences are so beautiful and you can have the whole experience documented to cherish forever.
My baby is already born, is it too late?
Not at all – get in touch and I’ll see what I can do. I work throughout the week and may have some weekend availability too.
How do I book?
Give me a call on 07971505598 or send me a message and I will be in touch shortly to discuss your requirements and arrange a date for your session.
How long does a newborn photo session take?
Documentary photography captures you and your baby at ease documenting real-life moments and the story of your family. My newborn photo sessions take between one and two hours: allow the full two hours for sessions that include siblings and pets. We will go with the flow at the pace of your new baby, spending time capturing all those early moments, such as nappy changing, feeding and soothing.
What should my baby wear? Do I need to bring any props?
Don’t worry – documentary photography is all about being natural. There are no props and you can dress your baby in their everyday sleepsuits. If you do have a sentimental blanket or other items, let me know and we can feature this in some of the photos.
How do you prepare for a baby photo shoot?
Here are my suggestions for preparation on the day of your newborn photography session:
Have some drinks and snacks on hand
Keep your baby awake for around an hour prior to the session
Plan to feed them at the start of the session, so they’re sleepy and satisfied
Dummies can help to soothe (if you use them)
Do I need to reschedule if my baby has acne or flaky skin?
It’s very normal for newborn babies to have acne or flaky skin, so there’s no need to reschedule. All photos will be lightly edited, however this is documentary photography and I capture the real and raw of everyday life.
Can the rest of the family join the photo session?
Of course! Documentary photo sessions can involve the whole family: parents, siblings and pets. It’s lovely to get everyone involved and often these photos are some of the most cherished memories you look back on. Please let me know in advance if we will be taking photos with siblings or other family members and we will plan to take these towards the beginning or end of the session.
What if my baby has an accident?
This is perfectly fine (and expected) – please don’t worry. If we need to stop and change, that’s all part of the process. We will go at your baby’s pace and keep everything nice and relaxed. This is documentary photography and it’s all part of the fun of being a parent. This is real life.
What happens if my newborn cries or doesn’t sleep?
It’s fine, we’ll take our time. Documentary photographs are not meant to be ‘posed’, it’s about capturing the authenticity of your everyday life in a calm and relaxed manner. Newborns sleep an awful lot, so it’s unlikely that they won’t sleep at all. While your baby is alert and awake, I will continue to take photographs – these pictures are just as lovely!
How many images will I get?
For a newborn documentary session you can expect approximately 40 - 60 images available to view from the session. Within the session fee, 15 images are available for you to select. You can also upgrade to include all the photos on USB after viewing your photos.
How do I pay you?
When booking a session I ask for a 50% deposit of the session fee to secure your date and booking. The remainder of the session fee (£197.00) is due before the date of your photography session.
How long until we can see the photos?
Photos will be ready to be viewed 2-3 weeks after your session. I will keep you updated.
Are you insured?
Yes. I hold business insurance and public liability insurance. Please ask if you’d like more details.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes. I hold a current DBS carried out in May 2019. Please ask to see details if required.
