Hello, parents to be...
You're having a baby!
Welcome to the most magical time of your life...
Your days must be filled with feeling the kicks, decorating the nursery & writing that incredibly important list of possible names. You'll be planning your birth, maybe even learning some hypnobirthing techniques, which I highly recommend by the way. I know that your evening searches will be filled with the cutest outfits, an abundance of car seat information & finding the perfect pram for your sweet babe. And you may even be searching for the right Newborn Photographer, to document the little bubble of love you'll soon all be consumed in.
So I've come to share some valuable information that I've learnt over the years, on how to choose your photographer & prepare for your Newborn Photoshoot!
choosing your photographer
How to find "the one"
I share this tip first, as it's probably the most important one of them all.
Your Newborn Photoshoot will be a lifelong investment, at least - it should be considered that way.
These are the photographs you'll be looking at for years, you may choose to frame them largely on your walls, you will likely look at them with eyes filled with tears at each passing birthday.
& when your children reach their older years, I promise these will be held with the upmost importance. An heirloom, if you like.
Most newborn photographers take bookings prior to your baby being born, so you should start looking & reaching out after your 20 week scan to ensure you can get a date in the diary, particularly if you have your heart set on someone! I personally only book so many due dates a month, so if any babies arrive early or late, I can get those photographs in the first few weeks.
There are many different styles of Newborn Photography
Posed, unposed.
Natural light, artificial light.
In home, Studio.
Props, no props.
Finding a photographer who speaks to you through their style is KEY. Look at their website, at their portfolio, if you LOVE what they do already - it's likely you'll love your photographs too.
When a photographers work gives you that feeling that you too, want to bottle up, they're probably the one to choose.
Consider colour palettes, will these compliment your decor if you frame them on the wall?
Has your dream photographer had sufficient training in safety to pose your baby without any risks?
If they're ticking all of the above boxes, you should reach out!
When to have your photoshoot
"The sleepy stage"
Those sleepy newborn photographs, the ones where they're swaddled in cute knits, in their own little dream land.
Did you know, most of these photographs are taken within the first 2-3 weeks of your little ones life?
I know from experience, that the idea of getting out within those first few weeks can feel daunting.
Most photographers including myself, offer a calm, comfortable & welcoming environment to make the first big trip a special one for you.
And it's all worth it for those sleepy newborn photographs!
I've successfully rocked babies up to the age of 8 weeks old asleep but after those first 3 weeks, their wake windows become bigger and they're likely to be more intrigued by the world around them. Following light and shadows, hearing their parents voices. There's too much to miss.
Some families adore the awake photographs, particularly when those first smiles start to show. If this is you, book your newborn session for the 6-8 week stage.
your expectations
My vision is...
Your session should allow you to have some communication with your photographer about your vision.
Are you after plenty of family photographs? Would you like your photographer to focus more on sibling photographs? Do you want to remember the little details?
Whilst we allow plenty of time and are most often trusted with the reigns to ensure that the results of your photoshoot include variety, if you have something in mind, express that with them.
Maybe you've seen a super cute shot on Pinterest, that's in line with your photographers work. Or an image on their website you'd love to recreate.
Communication is key, our goal is always to make you happy with the experience from start to finish.
P.S I include an upload section on my questionnaire for you to share any ideas with me!
wardrobe
What should I wear?
This section is slightly more specific to my clients & studio. It's one of my favourite parts about photography.
And there is nothing more soul filling than that Zara order of teeny tiny baby clothes arriving at your door.
My key rule with a newborn session...
Be comfortable!
It's so important to feel comfortable on the day of your photoshoot & I'd never recommend otherwise.
Colours should be considered & all my clients receive a handy PDF with some colour palettes in.
A few of my favourites (if you couldn't already tell...)
Cream/neutral/beige/browns, pastels, denim & white.
Where to shop
Zara, TK Maxx, TU, H&M, ASOS, Vinted, Nasty Gal, Free People.
Small business shop
Isla & Fraser, Bertie & Me, Clara's Webb, Freya Lillie
My studio is home to a carefully curated client wardrobe, including dresses for mama's size 8-18 & the most delicate newborn outfits.
checklist
What should I bring with me?
A handy checklist to ensure your bags are packed efficiently
> Ensure all of your outfits are prepped, cleaned, ironed & hanging ready a few days before, this will save any last minute rush so you can focus your time on getting ready.
> Plenty of snacks, particularly if siblings are coming along. I keep a snack basket for those who need a refuel during their session, along with tea & coffee facilities.
> Your favourite drinks for hydration, in case your session is on the longer scale.
> Entertainment for siblings, my studio has a small toy box to keep them busy during sleepy newborn photos.
> Spare clothes in case of any nappy incidents.
> Extra nappies, wipes, creams, dummies if using & more milk than you would expect to need. It's not uncommon for me to ask to feed outside of schedule.
plan your day
How to prepare
Plan your journey ahead of time, if you've decided to choose myself as your newborn photographer, I highly recommend enjoying Petersfield, treat yourself to lunch and take a look around some of the shops. It's a beautiful town full of small baby businesses, including Bambino Baby, Margos and Coco, Hals & Friends.
Allow yourselves some time with no other important appointments, Newborn sessions can take 2-3 hours which offers plenty of time for feeding & settling little ones.
Talk about it with your family! Setting the expectation and letting children (and partners) know what will happen at their photoshoot means that they're not too stunned to see my
camera on the day. I work hard to engage with children as if we share the same imagination, share their favourite things with me as sometimes they "appear" inside my camera.
Be in the photographs, I encourage all parents to be present in the photographs, it means that if your children do need moments of comfort that the session doesn't have to be paused. It gives us the chance to capture all the authentic snuggly shots that my clients love to have in their gallery!
Indulge in the moment & soak up the newborn bubble.
All in all, be ready to expect the unexpected & trust in your photographer.
These little ones hold great control during your newborn session. Small but mighty.
If you ever feel unsure of anything, make sure you ask and share any concerns.
I promise we're all here to offer our advice, guidance & security, one newborn session at a time.
