How to prepare for a posed newborn photoshoot?

Preparing for a newborn photoshoot can often feel like a very daunting prospect to new and sleep deprived parents, but it really doesn't have to be something else to worry about. My job as a newborn photographer is, not only to capture beautiful photos of your new baby, but to also make the entire experience as stress-free, relaxed and enjoyable as possible. For this reason, all newborn sessions are done in the comfort of your own home; and all props, outfits and accessories are provided. So all you have to do is select your props and colour and scheme and then sit back and relax for a few hours.

When to Book

A posed newborn photoshoot should ideally take place in the first 2 weeks after birth, when baby's are extremely sleepy, not easily disturbed when moved and are still happy to be positioned in womb-like poses. I usually book posed newborn photoshoots in the morning, as I find that baby's are often more settled and sleepy at this time compared with the afternoon. Due to the narrow booking window, it is advisable to book the session as early as possible - around 7 -10 days after your due date is ideal - and don't worry if things change, as a newborn photographer it's really important to be flexible, so there's always space in my diary for rescheduling. Just keep me up to date with any changes as soon as possible, so that I can jiggle my diary and fit you in.

Prior to the photoshoot

To begin the process I will send you a quick questionnaire, to help you to select the package that works best for you, as well as to select your desired colour scheme and prop set-up for the session. You will also receive a newborn photography session guide so that you know what to expect and how to prepare baby for the session.

Preparing the baby for the photoshoot

• If possible plan to feed baby after I arrive and am setting up, as this will help to settle and relax them, so that they're nice and sleepy when we begin (we can book the session in based around baby's usual morning feeding and sleeping routine).
• Dress baby only in a blanket or loose fitting clothes that can be easily removed (without going over baby's head) whilst feeding, so that we can easily remove it without disturbing the baby once we are ready to start posing.
• Have one of baby's own blankets (and pacifier if they use one) close by for comfort if they need to be soothed during the session (the smell of their own blanket will settle them quicker). You may also want one of baby's own teddy's or outfits in the photos too - if so have these close by too.
• Keep the room nice and warm, as posed newborn sessions involve the baby being naked and they will not settle if they are not warm (I provide a heater in cooler months).

During the session

• Depending on the package that you choose sessions can take up to 3 or 4 hours, so please make the most of this time to rest and relax - you will not need to do anything during this time. Once the session has started, if baby becomes unsettled I will calm and soothe them, rather than handing them back to mum, as this helps to make the session run smoother. Of course, if baby is very distressed, hungry or just needs a cuddle, then 'only mum will do' and there is always time built in for extra hugs and feeds.
• The photos and poses that we get depend entirely on the safety and comfort of the baby, which means that no particular pose or position can be guaranteed. If baby does not sleep or is particularly restless during the session and cannot be settled, then we will have to work with the positions that baby is happy and comfortable with.

after the photoshoot

• Shortly after your photoshoot you will receive a link to your personal gallery of photos, from which you can select your favourite photos.
• Your selected photos will then be hand-edited into fine art portraits
• You will then receive a personal web based gallery and personal app from which you can download and share your edited photos in both high quality and web resolution.
• If you wish you can then order framed prints or personally designed photobooks of your favourite photos.