Thank you so much for considering booking your newborn photo session with me. It is a real privilege that I get to make some special memories with you and the newest member of your family.
Here I have provided a little guide with everything you need to know. From booking your newborn photo session right up to delivering your photos – you should find the answer to everything in this post! (Please check out my blog to see my most recent baby sessions!)
Booking your newborn photo session in Plymouth
Babies don’t normally arrive when we expect them to! Once your deposit is paid (all details regarding deposit and newborn collections can be found here) I pencil in your due date into my diary. Once your baby has arrived (or you have a booked c-section date) I ask that you get in touch with me so that we can book in a firm date in the diary.
Babies are best photographed within the first 4 – 21 days of birth as they are still really sleepy which is perfect for posing. Obviously things don’t always go to plan so I am happy to photograph babies that are older.
Planning your baby photos
Upon booking I will start to plan your newborn session. You may have a special blanket that has been made or a family heirloom that has been passed down the generations that you would like to incorporate. Or maybe you would like some gorgeous photos with baby on your wedding dress? Any ideas you have I would love to hear them!!
Or maybe you would prefer me to plan the session for you? I have blankets and props that I will use throughout the session. Any special requests in advance please let me know so that I have the correct colour schemes available and set up ahead of your session.
Together we can make some beautiful photographs that you can really treasure forever.
How long will the baby photo session take?
A newborn photo session typically lasts up to 4 hours. I do not photograph solidly for 4 hours however. A lot of this time is spend feeding and changing your baby, swapping props and changing poses and settling your baby in a new pose. Sometimes a newborn can be unsettled and this may lengthen your session time. I do not charge extra should your session over run.
If you would like siblings included in your studio session I ask that they arrive near to the end of the session. The session is very long and we try to keep the studio as quiet as possible while photographing your little one.
Having recently given birth you may be feeling sore and rather tired from sleepless nights. I have a lovely comfy sofa in my studio for Mum and Dad to take advantage of along with nibbles! If you need a nap while I work please do go ahead. I want you to enjoy the session!
Where is your studio?
I shoot all of my sessions in my home studio in Plymouth. The address for my studio is:
49 Ladysmith Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7NN
There is free parking on the street outside of my home. My studio is down a flight of stairs. If this is going to be difficult for you please make me aware ahead of the shoot.
On the day of your newborn photo session
On the day of your session it is so important that baby is ready for the photo shoot. I have listed a few things that will help you prepare:
- Try and keep baby awake for at least an hour before the session. We want baby super sleepy when they arrive.
- Dress baby in a simple baby grow that is easy to remove. Preferably an outfit that has poppers down the front so that we don’t need to disturb your baby by taking clothes off over the head. My studio will be nice and warm when baby arrives which is the perfect environment for baby (and Mum and Dad) to sleep in.
- Try not to feed your baby until just before the session. If baby has a full tummy then they are more likely to sleep for longer. I advise feeding your baby just before you leave the house. They will settle well in the car seat on the drive to the studio and will be ready for some photos.
- Bring a dummy to the shoot if the baby has one. These are often a helpful way of settling a baby into poses and helps send them off into a deep sleep.
- Bring plenty of nappies with you and if you are bottle feeding them bring more formula than you think you will need. My studio is kept warm and you may find that your baby drinks more during the shoot than normal.
- When you arrive I will ask you to remove all of your baby’s clothing and unfasten the nappy. This helps get rid of any creases or marks that the clothing may leave on the skin.
When you arrive you can relax and let me get on with the hard work.
I photograph babies without any clothes on to highlight how tiny their features are and how perfectly they are formed. Clothes also make it more difficult to photograph their tiny hands and feet. I then wrap your little one in blankets and use other props to assist me.
During the shoot I kindly ask that you refrain from taking photographs and that you turn off your phone or anything else that may be distracting to baby.
After your newborn photo session
Over the next 14 days I’ll be going through the photographs taken. There will be a few out-takes so I don’t limit the amount of photographs I give you. If they play a part of your story they will be there. The ones I decide to use will be individually edited using Photoshop in a mix of colour and black and white.
Your photos will then be uploaded to a private gallery called ShootProof (I will email you your private link) where you will have a week to decide which photographs and products you would like to purchase.
I keep your photographs on file for a minimum of 6 months after your session to allow you time to order any additional prints or products from me. You can pay for your photographs to be archived for an additional year if required.
Booking in for your little sitter and cake smash sessions in Plymouth
I love it when newborn clients return for more photos! Want to get booked in for your next session? Please get in touch. I offer a little discount to returning clients! Details regarding Little sitter sessions can be found here. Cake smash sessions can be booked in here. I can’t wait to hear from you!
