So you are thinking about a newborn photography session for your baby.

With lots of photographers in Surrey, offering a range of styles, pricing and products, you are spoilt for choice.  So many questions to think about and lots to consider.

How do you make the right choice?

It’s a once in a lifetime experience.  Your baby is only that tiny for a short time.  Trust me, with two teenagers, I can tell you just how quickly time flies!

If you are going to invest in a photographer, surely you want the best?

This post will show you just what happens in a newborn session and all the things you want to know

 

 

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS (a.k.a. the studio)

 

You may have read that all newborn photography sessions should be ideally be done during the first 2 weeks of age

But why?

Firstly, after two weeks babies are a little harder to settle and things like colic and baby acne can start to flare up.

Also, after this stage, the baby’s spine also starts to straighten up, making it much harder to capture all the curly poses you have seen in my images.

‘How can I possibly get out of the house and go to a studio for a couple of hours’ you might be thinking, when I haven’t even got a moment to get myself showered or dressed.

Here’s the good news: as a specialised newborn photographer, my studio is built with mums (and families) in mind: I want to recreate that safe, warm and relaxing environment for your session.

I have a comfy sofa for you and the dad to relax on, whilst I work my magic with your little one.  Hot and cold drinks are available, and the studio contains a bathroom.… everything has been laid out to give you a stress-free, enjoyable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

 

ADORABLE IMAGES: LET’S TALK POSES!

 

If you have seen my website or social media accounts, you will see a range of poses.

 

I aim to create a variety of images within your gallery, so, even before the session begins, we would discuss styling, colours, etc, so I can tailor the session to your requirements.

Normally, if your baby is asleep when you arrive, I would start the session with the images on the beanbag, like the third image.

To prepare for this, I will undress the baby down to their nappy and then wrap them up in their blanket to keep them warm.  If they are unsettled, and have had a feed, I would swaddle them, as babies love this, and it is a quick way of getting them settled and sleepy.

As the session progresses you will see me get a few different shots from differing angles and distances, using a variety of matching colours and props.

At all times, you will see me checking for cues telling me that the baby is comfortable, safe and happy.. This allows me to immediately perceive even the tiniest change and adapt my workflow to your little one’s needs. For example, their temperature is constantly checked, as the studio needs to be at an optimum temperature for them. If a baby suffers from reflux or colic, I will work with poses that avoid them lying flat on their backs

… and of course, if a top-up feed is needed, there is plenty of time to take care of that.

This is what we call a “baby-led” session.

I don’t only rely on my instinct and experience as a mum and in the studio with this, I also train regularly with top photography mentors.

It’s important for me to stress that although there may be certain poses and props you wish me to use, I will do my best to incorporate them, but, some newborns don’t like being in certain poses, and I will never put a baby’s happiness before any picture!

 

WHAT ABOUT PARENTS AND… SIBLINGS?

 

Your newborn photography session also includes parents and siblings poses, where applicable.

You may not feel like being in the images.

Trust me, a picture of you with your baby is the most precious gift you can give them. 

Besides, there are creative ways to include you in the images, without having to stand directly in front of the camera smiling.

How about we use your hands.  Or why not consider side profile silhouette shots.

 

For example, one of the most requested images from clients is you holding your newborn and we shoot just the hands. This is the image that won me the Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 with the SWPP.

Regarding Siblings, it’ s beautiful to incorporate them in the session, however, I advise they attend at the end of the shoot, as it can be a long time for them to sit around waiting for the session to be completed. Often, one parent brings them at the end when the individual newborn images are done.  However, please do not worry if this is not a possibility.

THE REVEAL! YOUR BABY PHOTOSHOOT GALLERY

 

Once the photography session is finished, we will arrange a date and time, usually around 2 weeks later for you to come back and have a look at your beautiful images.

Your viewing and ordering appointment is as important as the session, because this is where your photos become “real”: we will take all the time you need to look at your gallery and personalised slideshow and choose which products and packages suit you best.

Whether you love the idea of a piece of wall art, want an all inclusive collection, or simply some digital files, I will help you find products that your family will treasure forever.

You are not obliged to buy!  There is no minimum spend, you just buy what you love!!