Preparing for your Newborn Session

1. When should I schedule? If you have booked a newborn session then you have priority booking for 2 weeks before, and after your due date. Once baby has arrived, please assign someone the job of contacting me as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that newborns sessions ideally should be scheduled during the first 6-14 days of life to ensure that we can get those classic sleepy newborn poses. If you have an older newborn, we can still achieve some newborn poses but not all.

2. Once it’s time for your session, please come prepared with the feeding materials of your choice. If you are nursing, feel free to nurse in my studio or pump beforehand- whatever makes you comfortable! If you decide to pump or if your baby is formula-fed, please bring an extra bottle or two just in case. We have a microwave on site or I can get boiling water from the Bakehouse below. We have baby changing facilities at the studio also. Please wear layers to your newborn session. To keep baby nice and cosy I will have pre-heated the studio, and will have a heater on during the session. Make sure you can take layers off if you get too hot.

3. Siblings? Siblings are more than welcomed to attend your newborn session. If a sibling will be present than we will schedule in to do the sibling, and family shot’s first. If you have a sibling under the age of three, please consider bringing an extra person to spend time with them during the session. Sessions typically last for about 2-4 hours so having someone present who can take them for a walk or out for some ice cream when they are not being photographed could be helpful. I do have a tv in the studio which I can put on for them as well.

4. What should I bring? Newborns typically photograph best in bare skin or in clothing made specifically for newborn photography. I have a ton of props (headbands, hats, wraps, outfits, etc.) so don’t feel like you need to bring anything for the shoot. Although it is not mandatory, some people like to bring a prop or two pertaining to mum or dad’s career/hobbies. This can be discussed during the pre-photoshoot consultation, and I will do my best to incorporate it into your shoot.

5. How to prepare your newborn: VERY IMPORTANT- To maximise pose potential, we want your baby to sleep throughout the entirety of the session. Obviously they may have their own agenda but there are several things that we can do to make this happen: Do not give a full feeding for three hours before your shoot. Small, spot feedings to hold them over is okay if you absolutely have to. Plan to give them a full feeding right when you arrive at my studio. Also, do your best to keep your newborn awake for an hour before the session. A good way to do this is to give them a bath or to sit and interact with them in the car on your way to the session.

6. During the session: I will be very hands on in the session.. don’t worry, I have been trained in the art of newborn posing- I will take them from you straight after they have been winded and try and get them to sleep myself so they can become used to my smell and touch. Please don’t be offended if I ask you to stay seated while I pose your precious, tiny person as sometimes they will wake if they know you’re there! Just take this time to relax. Tea, Coffee and snacks will be available to buy from the cafe downstairs and can be brought up to you for your convenience.

Please bring with you:
A DUMMY- Even if you don’t use one, I would really appreciate you bringing one along for me. It would only be used for a short period of time to settle during poses if baby needs soothing. Some poses may not be possible without a dummy if baby is unsettled.
Plenty of milk (please make up at least 2-3 bottles just in case unless you are breastfeeding)
Nappies
A warm blanket
*I do have spare nappies, wipes and sanitary products at the studio in case you run out.

The room will be lovely and toasty, so please dress appropriately. Don’t worry if your baby has a dry skin! I can do my up most to remove this in photo shop… it is much easier for me to try and remove flakes than try and conceal shiny skin from oils, so moisturing your child is not the best option.

7. Questions? Please don’t hesitate to ask me!