Welcoming a newborn into your family is a precious and fleeting moment that deserves to be captured. As a professional newborn photographer covering Essex and Suffolk, I love being able to freeze those early days in time, creating timeless memories to cherish forever. Whether you opt for a classic studio session or prefer the relaxed vibe of lifestyle newborn photography at home, proper preparation ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
When should you book a newborn photography session?
If you like planning ahead, booking your newborn photoshoot should be on your to-do list during your pregnancy. Most newborn photographers, like myself, schedule sessions with a provisional date of around 10-14 days after your due date. This date is then finalised once your baby is here. It’s advisable to book a photographer in advance after your 12-week scan to secure your spot, especially since photographers often limit the number of newborn clients per month. I do this to ensure maximum flexibility with all my newborn clients.
Of course, you might want to wait until your little one is here to book a newborn photography session and this is absolutely fine too. I often have last minute availability from newborn sessions moving around so it's definitely worth getting in touch with me as I do my best to accommodate all last minute requests.
Preparing for the big day
When it comes to preparing for the day of the photoshoot, outfit planning is key. Coordinate outfits for you, your partner, and your newborn, opting for neutral earthy colours that complement each other without being overly matchy-matchy. Plan your attire in advance, starting with your outfit and then coordinating your partner's attire accordingly. It’s worth having a couple of spare outfits on hand for both you and your baby too in case of any unexpected mishaps!
Clients often ask if you need to tidy or clean the house in advance, and my answer is always a hard no! You should be resting and enjoying those lovely newborn cuddles! You will only need a few well lit spots dotted around the house for photos - and it’s my job to move anything that is in the way. The only thing I do suggest is to pop some plain and light bedsheets on for photographs on the bed.
A pre-shoot consultation is included in all of my newborn photography packages so we can get to know each other a little better. This can be over the phone or via a video call, depending on which you’d prefer. It’s the perfect time to ask any questions you might have, ask for guidance on your outfits or just have a quick chat.
Now we’ve got the prep out of the way, you’re all set!
The day of the photoshoot
On the big day, set the stage for a comfortable environment by turning up the heating an hour before the session begins. Aim to have fed your newborn baby just before the shoot to keep them content and sleepy throughout. If they have a dummy or comforter, have that to hand along with any special items that you want to include.
The session will usually last between 1-2 hours and will be completely led by your baby. Having worked with countless newborn babies and having two children of my own, I know every baby is different. I only ever book one newborn session per day so there is no pressure if your little one takes a while to settle or needs feeding, changing or cuddling!
I usually take photos of your baby first, so this is the time to get your partner to make you a cuppa so you can actually drink it whilst it’s hot! We will then move onto individual and group shots with your newborn, and any sibling shots if there are older brothers or sisters too.
After the photoshoot
After the session with me, your eagerly anticipated sneak peeks will be sent across within 48 hours to get a glimpse of the magic captured. I take time to fully hand edit the images individually so each one looks perfect, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. When they’re ready you’ll receive an email with a private online portal, where you can relive those precious moments again and pick your chosen images. If you simply can’t whittle them down, there are upgrade options available to add additional images, prints or albums to your package.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your newborn photography session at home is a seamless and enjoyable experience, resulting in stunning images that capture the essence of your growing family.
If you have any questions, please check out my newborn photography FAQs or ask it the comments below.
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