As a mummy to two young children myself, I can relate to the questions I frequently get asked questions from pregnant mothers. Especially, first time mummies who are not too sure what to expect and are sometime quite anxious about lots of things. I had a lovely mummy recently asking lots of questions and worrying about various aspects of the session, so what better time than now to write a blog about it!
When should I book a newborn photography session?
I always recommend getting booked in once who have made the decision that you want to have some beautiful professional photographs taken. Ideally before baby has arrived! This is for several reasons, the two main ones are, we get booked up a long time in advance so it guarantees your session if you book in advance. Secondly, if you are anything like me, once baby arrives the chance to do or think about anything dramatically depletes. Therefore, anytime after 20 weeks we would recommend getting your session booked in.
What if my baby doesn’t arrive on time?
This happens all the time, so do not worry. My years of experience has taught me the best way to make newborn bookings is to pencil your session in on your due date. This ensures that I do not overbook and allows for ‘wriggle room’ so all appointments are guaranteed their session. We ask you to let us know once your baby arrives safe and well and then we will set a date that suits you. We aim to have you in the studio within a 21 day period from when your baby arrives.
What if my baby will not settle?
The benefit of being a mummy myself, is having lots of tricks up my sleeve! So far I have not had a baby yet that will not settle! My winning combination of swaddling, white noise and a warm and friendly environment has not failed me yet (touch wood!) The other point to remember is I always allow at up to 3 hours for a newborn session so there really is no time pressure to rush the session. It is the only session booked in that day too. This really does allow for a relaxing experience for all.
Will my baby be safe?
Yes. I am specifically trained in the safe handling of newborn babies. I am a proud member of BANAPS and take safety very seriously. You will be sat in a comfortable sofa with a hot drink watching everything that I do and I also take the time to explain what I am doing and why. I have had such lovely feedback about how I run my sessions and this is critical and something I pride myself on.
Who can come?
We invite two adults to the session. This is because the studio is snug and I want this to be a relaxing experience for parents, so you can sit back and admire your baby while I create some beautiful images. If sibling photographs are requested in advance, then I am more than happy to take some portrait shots at the start of the newborn session. If this is the case, we ask for someone, often a grandparent, comes to collect them at the studio after about half an hour, this will give us chance to capture this moment, then the sibling can go off and have fun while we concentrate on capturing some beautiful images of baby. We have found this works very well.
What if my baby needs feeding/changing?
With up to 3 hours for your photography session, there is plenty of time to stop for feeding and changing. My sessions are totally baby led and I work flexibly to ensure the babies needs are the top priority at all times.
What if my baby has to go into special care?
If you are unable to make it to the studio within the first few weeks, I would happily move your newborn session, within the first 12 months to capture their first professional photographs for you. In special circumstances I would happily refund your studio experience booking fee.
What if I have a caesarean section?
Being a caesarean section mummy myself, I totally understand the extra challenges that this can throw at you. We have lots of caesarean section mummies who book in with us, what we tend to do is pencil a date in a week after your planned date of birth and just ask you to make contact once you are home and confirm your session or if you need a little longer before coming to the studio, then just let us know and we can move your session date for you.
How much does it cost?
My newborn sessions are just £49. As mentioned, this includes up to three hours in my lovely studio. Also use of specialist fabric backdrops, hats, headbands and wraps. An ordering appointment to make any additional purchases you may wish to, once you have seen the beautiful images of your precious little one. All this on top of a professionally printed image of your choice! I ask for a £25 deposit to secure your session and the remaining fee is payable at the session. If you would like to make a booking then please contact me via my website