Steps for consideration when looking to book a Newborn photoshoot.

1. When to Book

I like to photograph newborns within the first 10 days of birth. This is not always possible due to  heath issues, birth complications, etc, and thats fine we can still get some beautiful images, even if baby is slightly over this stage but they are usually more co-operative, sleepy and squashy which makes getting them into those cute poses much easier. If you book your session about a month before baby is due thats ideal, some parents book once baby arrives and thats o.k. too but I can’t always guarantee an appointment at short notice.

2. What to bring

You are welcome to bring anything along to your session that you would like included in your images. Special toys, blankets, hats, that granny knitted, anything can be incorporated. I have a large selection of warps, hats, blankets, baskets and bowls available. I would ask you to bring along plenty of nappies, wipes, bottles, (if your not feeding yourself) and a dummy if baby has one. You may want to bring a drink of snack for yourself too as sessions can take a while. If you are bringing along siblings it might be worth bringing along an extra pair of hands to take them for a walk round the town until we are ready for them and a drink and snack too - I don’t mind the mess!

If you’d like family shots with the baby could you bring along a black t-shirt or vest top (plain if possible) for yourselves. It can be a good idea to bring along a spare set of clothes for baby, as theres likely to be some little accidents.

3. How to arrive for your session

When you arrive at the studio please make sure you have at least 2 hours parking on your car. Sessions can be shorter but I like to allow plenty of time for all eventualities. Ideally, if you can dress baby in a simple onesie without a vest underneath this will make it easier for me to undress them without disturbing them and will keep them sleepy. I like to make sure baby has a full tummy before starting to photograph them, if the session doesn’t fall a t the right time for a feed don’t worry, you can feed them when you arrive. I allow plenty of time in order to for you and your child to remain relaxed.

4. During Your Session

I Like to make sure the temperature  is nice and warm  in the studio for your baby as I will be undressing them so you may wish to bear this in mind when choosing your outfit as it is a small space and can get quite warm. I will be wrapping or swaddling your baby during the session and using a variety of wraps, blankets, toys, hats and headbands. For you I’ll be working through different poses and props to  provide  a beautiful gallery of images for you and your family  to choose from. There  maybe times when I will need you to assist with a particular pose but the majority of the time you can relax and enjoy  the session.  Most babies will be fussy, especially while they are being wrapped, but please don’t worry or feel embarrassed if your baby is crying - I’ve been doing these sessions for 20 years and have dealt with it all! Ideally I like to make sure your baby is asleep during the session to make it easier to get those lovely poses but if baby is wide awake and happy that is fine too. I’ve become a bit of a baby whisperer over the years so don’t worry!

5. Styling Your Session

I have many props and blankets across many colour palettes. Some Parents  are happy for me to decide on the colours I use but if you have specific area you are wanting to hang your wall art for example then you will want to choose the theme of your session. I would ask that you choose three different colours for your session, I can’t guarantee we will use them all, that will depend on baby but I like to set up three different promos and once those are  done the family shots will usually be completed using a black background. The basic colours I use are below, please let me know the three your would prefer -  you are choosing the colour theme and not the poses/set ups, these will vary depending on how your baby is on the day. All babies are different and no two poses are quite the same each time. I’m updating my props and colours all the time.

6. After your session

Once the session is finished you can take your time to get baby dressed and fed if needed.  I will need to take payment for the session -  it will be £30.00 if you have opted for just  the newborn session or £60.00 if you would like to sign up for our Baby’s First Year package. The package gives you three sessions (newborn, sitting up, and toddler) and an 8x6 print from each session.If you have a gift voucher please bring it with you. You will also be asked to provide a contact email address so that I can send you a link to your password protected gallery to view your images online. The images are usually on our website within two weeks. There is also a price list on your gallery, giving you the opportunity to purchase your images as full resolution digital files, prints and wall art such as canvases and framed prints,

7. Advertising and social media

I regularly share images on my social media  accounts and use them for advertising if you do not wish your images to used in this way please let me know at your session. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising for me so I would be very grateful if you could visit my facebook page and instagram pages, like and share my posts.

A little bit about me

Thank you for choosing me to capture this precious time for your family. I absolutely love

photographing babies and it is a privilege to be able to preserve these memories for you.

I can't wait to meet your new arrival!

I have been photographing newborns, children and families for over 20 years.

I am a licentiate of the British Institute of Professional Photography, and have won

numerous awards in wedding and portraiture within the society.

I have a studio in Torrington and I also offer location shoots within the local area

My speciality is newborn photography and I am a leading local newborn photographer, near to me.