Newborn Session Guide

Welcome / About Your Session

Your newborn session is a gentle, unhurried experience, flowing at the pace of your family. It’s a quiet balance of guidance and space. I’ll be there to gently lead and prompt when needed, but also to let moments simply unfold. These sessions are meant to be calm, heartfelt, and full of breathing room for you and your little one. It’s a chance to pause, breathe, and capture the tenderness of these first months.

What to Expect

When I arrive, we’ll start with a relaxed chat to get comfortable and connect. I’ll quietly take a walk around your space to find the best light, and may take a few gentle test shots - nothing formal, just to make sure everything is ready. The transition into capturing real moments will be natural; you might barely notice the camera is there.

I love keeping conversation going, as it helps everyone relax and feel at ease. Please don’t worry about having the “perfect” expression or saying the right thing - some of the sweetest images come from the in-between moments. I’ll follow your family’s rhythm, offering gentle prompts and guidance along the way.

What to Wear

Clothing sets the mood for your photos, and the best outfits are comfortable, timeless, and soft - so everyone feels relaxed and confident. Here are some tips to make choosing easier:

1. Start with neutrals:
Begin with 2–3 neutral shades as your base - think cream, tan, white, or soft denim. These create a cohesive foundation for your family photos and allow baby to remain the focus.

2. Add pops of colour thoughtfully:
Primary colours like mustard yellow, maroon, or navy work beautifully to add interest without overwhelming the image.

3. Mind undertones:
Try to keep the same undertone within the family. Cool tones include whites, blues, purples, icy pinks; warm tones include creams, oranges, yellows, and reds. Matching undertones keeps the images harmonious and visually calming.

4. Embrace textures:
Soft knits, linens, and denim bring depth and warmth to the shoot. Texture adds subtle interest and helps photos feel cozy and layered.

5. Comfort and practicality:
Outfits should be easy to move in, adjust for feeding or nappy changes, and comfortable for everyone - including siblings. Layering is a great idea: cardigans, wraps, or light layers add flexibility and variety without fuss.

6. Keep patterns minimal:
Small, subtle patterns are fine, but avoid large logos or lots of busy prints that draw attention away from the connections between family members.

7. Accessories:
Minimal, simple jewellery is best. Shoes can stay on or off depending on the space and comfort.

How to Prepare

Newborn life is wonderfully unpredictable, so there’s no need to stress about being perfectly rested, hydrated, or “camera-ready.” Take comfort in knowing I’ve been in this stage a few times myself. There’s absolutely no expectation for things to be perfect - the focus is on connection, love, and the quiet beauty of your everyday life.

After the Session / Gallery Delivery

After our session, I’ll take time to carefully curate and edit your images. Your gallery will be delivered within four weeks. Your package includes prints, and when the time comes, I’ll guide you gently on sizes and selections to ensure your final images feel just right and truly special.

FAQs

Does my house need to be perfect?
Short answer: not at all. There’s no mess I can’t work around, but the experience is usually less stressful for you if a general tidy up is done before I arrive - think old nappies, paperwork, a basket of laundry, etc. There is so much beauty in capturing your life just as it is, so please don’t feel the need to clean everything perfectly.

Do I need to wear makeup?
Do whatever feels comfortable for you. If skipping light makeup means you get a few extra minutes of rest, that’s perfectly fine! Light coverage - concealer, bronzer, mascara, and brows - can subtly help your features pop, but if full glam is your thing, I’m all for it too.

What if my baby doesn’t settle or cries the whole time?
That’s completely okay. We’ll allow plenty of time for feeds, changes, and cuddles. Babies set the pace, and some of the most tender, heartfelt photos come from these quiet, comforting moments.

Should I feed baby right before you arrive?
If it works for you, a feed just before I arrive can help baby feel settled. But there’s absolutely no need to worry - I love capturing the special moments of feeding, whether it’s breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. These quiet, tender interactions are beautiful and worth remembering, so don’t feel like you need to schedule or time feeds around our session.