Whether you’re looking for a bump to baby package, or a newborn session without the maternity photographs, it’s important to understand what to expect from your baby session.
The first photographs of your little one is so much more than just capturing how they look. Each image will bring back the memories of how tiny they were, and just how amazing those first few weeks of bringing a new person into the world is.
Before the session
When you decide to book your newborn session is up to you. Some families like to get a date in the diary as soon as possible, so make their booking just after their 20 week scan. Some families prefer to wait until baby has arrived. I always advise booking early to make sure there’s availability, but I’ll always do my best to accommodate everyone.
If you’re choosing the bump to baby package, we’ll make a date for your newborn session when we meet at your maternity shoot.
Booking in advance doesn’t mean that the date is set in stone. I fully appreciate that babies have ideas of their own, so if we need to move your session when baby arrives it’s no problem at all. I always ensure there’s enough space in my diary for all babies currently booked in.
If you have any questions before making a booking, or ideas for photographs you’d like to capture, please get in touch. I’m always happy to talk.
What to bring
The most important thing when packing for any session is to be prepared.
Essential items for a newborn photo shoot are:
Extra nappies (at least 3 more than you think you may need)
Dummies/pacifiers
Muslin cloths
Wipes
Nappy sacks
Formula (if needed)
An extra outfit
You may also want to think about anything you’d like baby to be photographed with. Some families have blankets or teddies that have been passed down through the generations, outfits bought by grandparents or items from weddings (veils are quite popular).
There are spares of most things in the studio, and you’re welcome to feed, change or soothe baby as needed. They always come first.
Who to bring
You’re very welcome to attend the session alone, with your partner, or bring other family members. Who attends is completely your choice – whatever makes you the most comfortable.
If you’re bringing an older sibling, particularly toddlers, I advise bringing something for them to do while the session is happening. Baby sessions can last a while and although I do have activities in the studio it’s always good to have some extra entertainment.
During the session
Newborn sessions are always dictated by baby. I can encourage them to sleep, or get into a certain position, but they will ultimately do as they please. This means every session is as unique as your little one. I always schedule in time for feeds, changes and tears so a two hour session is very common.
Bringing the same props that were used in the maternity session is highly encouraged. This allows us to capture some ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots which work really well together. It also gives some comparison as baby develops and grows.
We’ll have time for a few different backgrounds, outfit changes and wraps, as well as capturing some photographs with mum, dad, or other family members. I’ll also have refreshments available, so please do help yourself.
You’ll find details of the Newborn Session Packages here, and the Bump to Baby Packages here. If you have any questions at all, please get in touch.