Newborn sessions are one of my absolute favourites because your little ones are just so cute and adorable. Having a photoshoot at home may seem a bit daunting, but the entire reason for photographing in your own space is so you are more relaxed - and everything you might need during a session is already there! Luckily, there are a few things you can do in preparation for our photoshoot to help you feel more prepared and to get the most out of your session.

Picking Your Date


It is good upon booking to be able to work out an estimated date based on when you are due. The ‘ideal’ timing for newborn photography is within the first 8–12 days. However, babies often have a mind of their own, so don’t panic if your little one is slightly earlier or later than expected. When possible (because birth is an intense time and I don’t expect little ol’ me to be your priority), keep me up-to-date with your progress and we can rearrange as necessary. When it comes to premature babies and twins (or more), I recommended rebooking for 3–5 weeks post-birth, as these babies can be extra sensitive to outside stimuli and will remain tiny for longer.

Baby Posing Expectations


While we’re here, I think it’s a great time to go over baby posing expectations for your photoshoot. My style of newborn photography is relaxed with a documentary-style feel. I can get amazing images of your newborn in more natural positions lying on their front or back or being held! I have trained to work with newborns, but I don't use more complicated newborn posing or props like buckets and wheelbarrow's in my work - for that, you will need a studio photographer! As the parent, you will be the one handling your child throughout the shoot, retaining complete control during our session. Your baby's safety is always my top priority, and I will guide you through your entire session.

What to Wear For Your Newborn Photoshoot


For newborns, less is more! A plain light-coloured onesie will work wonders (just make sure it has foot holes so we can photograph those adorable little toes!). Some babies even prefer to be photographed in their birthday suit! Of course, you are more than welcome to add any accessories such as hats, bows, 1-week old plaques or your scan photos.


If you have family members joining in, I suggest you co-ordinate your outfits like any other shoot. Again, neutrals & pastels are great for newborn shoots. You can find a blog post I wrote about this here!

Feeding & Breaks


If possible, try and feed your newborn just before our photoshoot. This will make them all sleepy and adorable (far easier to photograph!). If your little one isn’t

co-operating, please don’t panic! There will be plenty of time to take any breaks that are needed, and feedings (whether breastfed or bottle-fed) make for some lovely shots. I allocate an hour for these sessions, but that incorporates all the hiccups and bumps that comes with working with newborns, so please don’t be embarrassed or feel frustrated if things don’t all go to plan. I haven't had a session yet where the little one was perfectly poised for an entire hour, and I don't ever expect to!

Natural Daylight is a Must


Before your session, we will discuss which room in your house is best for the shoot. For the best photos, I suggest a room with neutral decor and a giant window where possible! If needed, I can bring additional lighting, but it can be clunky, and I promise that natural daylight works best for these kinds of shoots.

Keep It Warm


We want to give your little ones (and you!) as comfortable an experience as possible, so it’s a good idea to make sure your house is nice and warm when we get going.

TIDY, TIDY, TIDY


Fairly self explanatory. Tidying up the room we’ll be shooting in will make such a difference to your final photos! If you’re able to, it might be worth moving some extra clutter/furniture into another room entirely, just for the duration of the shoot.

What if my Newborn is Too Old?


As we've discussed, the 'newborn photography' period is 8-12 days, but sometimes life gets in the way and taking photos is the furthest thing from your mind! Don't worry though, just because you've missed that typical newborn window, doesn't mean we still can't capture some beautiful photos at any age. One of my recent sessions was with a gorgeous four month old! Just get in touch if you aren't sure.


Enquire through my website to book your at-home Newborn photoshoot now!