I couldn’t be more excited to be capturing your newborn portraits, the most precious moments of you and your family. It’s a big deal! You’re trusting me to photograph a moment in time you won’t ever want to forget. Those first few weeks with your new baby are so precious and fleeting, and this is the exact reason why newborn photography is so important – it’s a chance to capture the moments your tired eyes may not fully remember.
If you’d like to get the most out of your newborn session, here are my 7 top tips for newborn portraits that you need to know:
1. Perfect your styling
What you wear during your newborn portraits photoshoot is SUPER important. Before your shoot, I will send you a welcome guide with lots of advice and inspiration on what to wear and how to style each member of your family.
For your beautiful baby – I have it all covered. You don’t need anything. At this tiny stage clothes tend to swamp your beautiful baby. We will have them swaddled up in one of my beautiful newborn wraps or shawls, or with a beautiful knitted nappy cover on for some unwrapped portraits or naked. Your beautiful baby is perfect just as they are.
When dressing your baby to arrive at the studio, pop them in an outfit with zips or buttons at the front so that we can transfer baby straight onto my beanbag, avoiding anything we have to pull over their head.
For mamas, I have a range of beautiful dresses picked specifically for mums in those postpartum weeks. You are very welcome to borrow any of these during your session. Please have a look at what’s available here. I am only an email away if you need any help with clothing options. If bringing something from your own wardrobe, soft pastels, neutral and white work perfectly. Think about textures for a little bit of detail – linen, muslins, lace, embroidery and knitted fabrics are ideal. Midi and maxi dresses work wonderfully for newborn portraits.
For siblings and dads, dress them in simple colours, often pastels and muted neutrals work really well, so that the focus remains on your beautiful family and your connection. We don’t want the clothes to overwhelm. Dress as if you are heading out to a lovely Sunday lunch. Not too dressy, but not too casual. Avoid logos and graphics, but prints and textures can work beautifully. Again think linen, muslins, ribbed fabrics and subtle embroidery for textures.
2. Bring the essentials
As an experienced newborn photographer, I have almost everything you could need at my studio. However, there are a few things that it’s useful for you to bring:
• Feeding and changing essentials with spare everything (nappies, milk etc)
• Snacks in case you get peckish!
• For siblings, bring some small toys or books to keep them occupied, and an iPad with their favourite pre-downloaded tv show for after their photos! It can be a long time to ask little ones to sit and wait for their new sibling to have their photos.
3. Something sentimental
Do you have a favourite teddy, or a blanket knitted by Grandma or the blanket that you were brought home from the hospital in? If so, bring it! I love to include something extra in your images to add that personal touch.
4. Prepare to be present
There are very few times in life when we are completely switched off from the outside world and totally present with our children – make your newborn portrait session one of those. Take this time to breathe them in, enjoy them, be present, and remember why you’re doing this. You’re preserving memories, making your kids feel loved and adored. No expectations, no worries about the end result, pick your outfits and turn up – I’ll handle the rest.
Be up for doing silly things, playing games and having fun. The best sessions are the ones where mum and dad get involved, creating all those natural smiles that we love.
5. Controlling small humans
I love having siblings at newborn shoots! However, as a parent myself I know some parents feel apprehensive about bringing them along, and I’m often asked “but what if they don’t behave?!” Well , I don’t expect them to! Children are wild and that’s part of their magic. I am a pro when it comes to getting older siblings involved, however there are a couple of things you can do to help me along the way.
Firstly, try not to over prep your older children. Mention to them that we’re going to take some photos of their new sibling, and that I will of course need their assistance. But you don’t need to do much more than this. I keep the session simple and relaxed. I don’t ask anyone to “say cheese” or “smile”. I will create little games that create those beautiful moments naturally.
Please do not worry, I don’t expect your little ones to be perfectly behaved or for them to sit still either. I’m here to tailor the session to their individual personalities, engage their attention and create natural photos with no stress, so don’t be afraid to relax with them and go with the flow.
I always try to get the photos with big siblings first up, then if they need to go for a little walk with Dad whilst we capture those moments with just your newborn, they can be excused for a little while.
6. Work out where you’re going
Within all of your prep information, I will send you the address of the studio. It’s a good idea to pop this into Google Maps before the day of your shoot, so that you have an idea of where you’re going, how long it will take and you’re less likely to get lost!
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes early for your session. If you’re going to be late, don’t stress! Please just let me know via text if you’re running behind – I will send you my phone number before your shoot. I know what it is like trying to leave the house with a newborn. That poo explosion happens just as you are about to step out the door. Please don’t stress. Just let me know when to expect you.
7. Prepare in advance
In order to make arriving at your newborn shoot go as smoothly as possible, I recommend packing a bag with your outfits and everything else you might need before you give birth to your baby. This means that when the day of your shoot arrives you can simply roll out of bed, grab the baby and go!
Ok I’m kidding, we all know it’s totally not that simple getting out the door with a newborn!! But being prepared in advance will give you one less thing to have to worry about on the day. You can literally arrive at the studio in your PJs and bring your makeup with you.
I’m all about making the process as relaxing and stress free as possible for you and your family.
I hope these tips for newborn portraits help to set your mind at ease and prepare you for your session. I am always here to answer any questions you might have and to help with anything you might need.
If your shoot is coming up soon, I can’t wait to meet you and your new arrival! Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
