Lincolnshire Newborn Photographer – How to Plan and What to Expect at Your Newborn Shoot

Almost every family that contacts me about their newborn shoot asks me these questions. Well, let me tell you a bit about the whole process.

First of all, it is best to start planning your newborn photo session at least as soon as you have your second scan to make sure that there will be a place for your shoot in my schedule. For newborn sessions I do not book an exact date and time – instead, I save you space roughly one month before and one month after your due date. This way, when you contact me right after birth – I guarantee to offer you dates for your shoot as soon as possible. Remember, that it’s always best to have your newborn shoot till the baby is 14 days, so it’s really important you call me as soon as you can after birth to book your shoot.

All you need to bring to the shoot is:
1) Your usual nappies
2) Milk for two feeds if you bottle feed
3) Your usual wipes
4) Change of clothes (just in case)

Everything else – including outfits, headbands, hats, cute little soft toys – will be provided. If you would like for your baby to be photographed in your own outfit – just mention it before the shoot and send me a photo – and I’ll prepare a set up for it as well.

Your photo session would probably be in the morning, so it would be best if you try and keep the baby awake before your arrival at my photo studio. Then, when you arrive, will change him/her into a cute outfit and you’ll give him a feed – this will provide us with a sleepy and happy baby and will make sure the photo session goes as smoothly and pleasant for you as possible.
We’ll probably start with swaddling your baby in soft pretty wraps, which will make him/her even more sleepy. Then I’ll place the baby in your hands and will shoot some relaxed family images – baby with Mum, baby with Dad, baby with siblings and the whole family together.
A lot of mums are really self-conscious right after labor and do not want any photos of them taken. But this is where I really ask you to trust me as your photographer and just go with the flow. I’ll do my best for you to look amazing. And, honestly, I’ve never had a mum who didn’t choose one of these images in the end. After all, what’s the worst thing that could happen? We’ll just delete the image if you don’t like it. But again – never happened before.

I am professionally trained in newborn baby safety, so for the most of the shoot you can relax in a comfy chair with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, while I’ll do my photography magic right in front of you. For some poses, however, I will need you to be close – just to make sure that the baby is comfortable and safe at all times.
Before the shoot we’ll discuss what colours you prefer (think nursery and living room walls) and I’ll try to create your sets with these colours in mind.
I try to do at least three different sets per shoot to give you a variety of images to choose from.
After the shoot, we’ll say goodbye for two weeks and I will go home to carefully edit your images. Then we set the date for your viewing session and you come back to the studio to have a look at your images and to choose the ones you would like to keep forever. I will show you additional product – such as beautiful wall art and stylish photo books as well and you will be able to choose whatever you like to purchase.
Then, hopefully, I see you again at Sitters photo shoot. But this is a whole different story…