I encourage parents to book their newborn session as early as possible, the earlier in your pregnancy the better – ideally after your 20 week scan. The session takes place within two weeks of baby’s birth and should be booked ideally whilst you are still pregnant to ensure availability. I remain flexible once the booking has been made and once the little one has arrived we can arrange a time that suits you. If you leave booking until your baby arrives, it’s quite likely that I may not be available to fit you in until your baby is a couple of months old. The session takes place in the comfort of your own home so there is no need to travel anywhere!
To help prepare you for your session I have listed below some information that will help to ensure we get the most out of our time together.
1. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE SESSION
My newborn sessions last between 2 – 3 hours but are entirely baby led. When I first arrive I usually capture images of baby alone first either awake, if baby is happy or once baby is asleep. Once individual baby portraits are complete I then move on to family shots of baby with parents. If you already have older children I would encourage them to take part in the session too.
To help make the shoot a success, please be flexible with feeds. If you have your heart set on sleepy baby portraits this is so important.
2. HOW TO PREPARE BABY
Make sure your baby is awake for at least an hour on the morning of the shoot, the longer you manage to keep baby awake the better. Also please feed baby ahead of my arrival this will ensure baby is well fed, relaxed and ready to be posed.
3. WHAT TO WEAR
Please dress baby in a front opening baby grow with no vest so I can easily undress baby. I always keep nappy on to avoid any accidents! For mummy and daddy, simple, neutral colour outfits work best; avoid big logos, bright colours or busy patterns. I come to my clients home so wardrobe decisions isn’t something you have to decide ahead of the day as we can always discuss options when I arrive.
4. PROPS AND BLANKETS
I shall bring a selection of blankets and faux fur rug but if you have anything special that you wish to include in the shoot (e.g. small toy, sentimental blanket, special outfit) I would be happy to incorporate it.
5. PREPARING THE SHOOT LOCATION
I like to use natural light rather than flash so if you have a large window/patio door in your home please clear a space approximately 1m square for me to set up my giant beanbag.
As baby will be undressed for most of the shoot I would recommend that you make sure the room is warm if I visit during winter or that air conditioning is switched off during any summer visits. Once the individual portraits of baby are complete feel free to return the thermostat to it normal location!
Newborn photography is what I love and health and safety is always my main priority. I have received training in how to pose babies safely and I always ensure they are comfortable.
I hope this blog post has helped you to feel more relaxed about what to expect during the session. All of my previous couples have found the experience really enjoyable and relaxing. Some have told me that the session gave them something to really look forward to during the first sleepless two weeks and that they treated it as an excuse to get dressed up and pampered.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Please get in touch if you or someone you know is expecting a baby and would like a newborn photography session. Available in and around the London and Essex area, I come to my clients homes across Maldon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Brentwood, Shenfield, Braintree, London and others.
| Newborn Photography Essex |