What happens at my newborn photography session

Joanne Lewis • Nov 13, 2019

I want to book a newborn photography session... What happens now?

If you‘ve already looked around local photographers, asked for recommendations, decided on the style you want, checked out my gallery and decided I’m the photographer for you – Fantastic! Just pop me a message via my contact form, and we’ll talk about your hopes for the session and try to reserve you a slot. 

Please be aware, due to the nature of labour not generally sticking to your predicated due date, I only schedule a few newborns per week, and these sessions get booked up quickly - I’m often fully booked 3-5 months in advance - so please don’t hesitate to call

Once you’ve reserved your slot…relax.  My little studio is a calm environment where you can sit back, put your feet up, have a cup of tea and a cake while I do my thing… If you’re so inclined after a few restless nights, you can even have a little nap on my day bed.

I have been a professional photographer for over 8 years, and in addition to my experience, have had specific in-person and online training from some of the best newborn photographers and trainers in the UK on photographing newborns, posing, props, and most importantly newborn safety... because lets face it, no photo is worth putting your precious little baby at risk. 
I take newborn bookings from 12 weeks, and pencil an approximate date in the diary based on your due date, but as I said above, I'm all too aware that babies rarely come when their due (my 3 boys were born at 41 weeks, 25 weeks, and 32 weeks respectively, so trust me, I get it). After the birth of your baby please call me as soon as you can so we can schedule your session – I always recommend you put this on Dad’s call list, when he’s calling and texting around your family and friends to tell them of your babies safe arrival, pop my number down too, that way he won’t forget. As you've pre-booked, I'll have availability, but we don't want to miss those little newborn features. I typically photograph newborns between day 4 and 14 while they’re still squishy and sleepy.
Newborn sessions last up to 3 hours long depending on your baby, I work around upset babies, nursing and pooey bums and never rush... The room will be warm, so wear some light layers, even in the winter as you don't want to overheat, and if you are bringing your partner or any other children for family photos, I recommend they go out during the main session, and come back at the end so the studio isn't too busy and everyone doesn't get restless.
You don't need to bring any outfits for baby - I love wrinkly skin shots, and have lots of different coloured wraps to choose from - but if you have something special, a hand-me-down, or special blanket, please bring it and I'll see if we can fit it in? If this is a shoot for a rainbow baby, items that remind you of the baby you lost can be incorporated – usually this is a small teddy bear from a memory box, or blanket that was knitted for them. 

I like to include a few family photos, so if you could all bring some plain white and black clothes (long sleeved tops/shirts, leggings or jeans) I find they make for a timeless family portrait, but as always I want your personality to shine through, so if you have your own style, or want some advice, this can all be discussed. I always recommend getting your families outfits ready, ironed and put aside when you pack your hospital bag, if you leave packing a bag of clothes until your newborn is here something is bound to be forgot.
I'll send you a welcome pack before your session with more hints and tips, but hopefully this will put your mind at rest that it will be a lovely calm and relaxed experience.

I love to look at the beautiful photography produced by other photographers, someone I love to watch is Newborn Photographer from Huddersfield Mya Lau from Rayah Sunshine Photography in West Yorkshire - She has a great blog I love to read, and her latest talks all about why you should invest in a newborn photographer, so if you haven't booked yet, check out her wise words.

Photographs taken at training with Emma Jane from Little love photography.

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Gift Voucher for Photography Sessions
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I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).
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You will need: an egg box scissors black paint paint brush googly eyes glue Red paper/card for bow-tie White paper/card for shirt and teeth
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