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FAQ

When should I book my newborn session?

It is best to book when you are pregnant to avoid disappointment in case I am fully booked once you have had your baby. I will pencil in your due date and a date suitable for a newborn session and then depending when your baby arrives, the date will be adjusted.

When is the best age to get my newborn photographed?

In my opinion, I would suggest between 8-12 days old. The reason for this is because they curl up easily, they sleep longer, they don’t wake easily, their skin is usually not peeling at this stage and they don’t mind being naked.

How long is the newborn session at my home?

A newborn session can take anything from 1 hour to 3 hours long depending on which package you have selected. Before the day, we will confirm a time for your home session. When I arrive, I will have a look around and discuss with you which is the best room to set up a mini studio. It will take me around 30 minutes to set up before the start of your session. This time will not eat into your package time. Please do not book a midwife appointment or any other appointment during the day. Enjoy this relaxing time watching your baby.

Do you need parking?

On the day, my car will be full of things for your session so if you are booking a newborn photoshoot within your home, I would require parking close to your home in order to unload. Parking needs to be provided my the client. If you do not have parking, please speak to Natasha before your session.

Are there any suggestions I should do with my baby to help make him more sleepier for the session?

Please keep your baby awake for at least an hour and a half before I arrive, I would suggests a sponge bath or some other type of stimulation. You might have the sleepiest baby ever but I will be manipulating him/her into various poses, so I need them as sleepy as possible.  Please feed your baby just before your session booking time. * PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PACIFIER EVEN IF YOUR BABY DOESN’T TAKE ONE YET.*You can feed your baby as often as necessary, but if you have expressed milk in a bottle or if baby takes formula please bring a backup.

Should I be ready when you arrive?

Yes, please make sure you and your partner are dressed and ready for when I arrive, this is to avoid any delay in your session time.

Do parents have to take part or can we just photograph our baby?

I understand that mums never feel their best straight after having a baby but I am experienced in posing you to look your best. I will photograph you using the most flattering angles and when I am retouching your family images, I will look out for everything to make sure you are happy with the way you look. Most of the mums on my website look incredible yet they all had the concern. Please give me a chance to show you what I can produce for you and if, when choosing your favourites photographs as part of your chosen newborn photoshoot package, you decide you would prefer to choose just photographs of your newborn alone, I will be happy with your decision. Being in my 40’s, I often wish I had more photographs with my parents, this is the reason I encourage parents to get involved; it is a gift for your child later in life.

If you have taken into consideration everything I have said and still feel you would only like images of your baby alone, I would suggest choosing a smaller package like my Silver Package with 10 retouched digital images so that your baby is not posed for too long as it can be tiring for a long period.

Can I have lunch while you are here?

Please make sure you have all eaten before I arrive. If you are hungry during the session, I would suggest stocking up with a few snack bars or fresh fruit or making yourself a sandwich before I arrive which you can have while I am posing your baby. Even though your home is more relaxed, I would appreciate if you didn’t have a sit down lunch as this will eat into your session time.

I am having a baby boy and planning a circumcision, what would you suggest I do?

It takes 5-7 days for a circumcision to heal so it is best to have the procedure done at the hospital when your baby is born or after the newborn session. I want to ensure the best comfort for your newborn baby during the session.

What do I need for the session?

Muslin

Baby wipes or cotton wool

Extra nappies – since your baby will be naked most of the day, they may urinate more often so bring around 10 extra nappies. Micro nappies are a good size as they fit newborns better and don’t look so large in the photo. Since they are smaller, they work well under some of my little props.

Dummy/Pacifier – Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system and triggers a calming reflux to the baby. Even if you typically don’t use one, please have one on the day as some positions are tricky and take some time so if your newborn starts to cry, this may calm him/her down until I get them into position. I am happy to throw it away when I leave but having one will definitely get your more photographs.

Expressing machine if you need to express.

Formula or expressed milk- I would suggest feeding your baby before I arrive During the session, it might be a good idea to give your baby a quick top up of formula or expressed milk to keep them sleepy.

Black T-shirt-If you love the photographs where your baby sleeps in your hands and there is a black background, please have a plain black t-shirt as this will help create this cute newborn shot.

Will my baby be cold during the session if they are mostly naked?

Please make sure your home is warm when I arrive. A small portable heater would be most useful for your baby to keep warm. If you do not have one, please let Natasha know in advance to make sure she can bring one for you.

What should I do about feeding?

Babies sleep more solidly when they have a full tummy so if possible, please can you give your baby a full feed before I arrive. During the session, I would advise having a bottle of either formula or expressed milk with you so that you can top up if baby needs a little extra. By giving them a feed from a bottle, we will know how much they have drunk and they will sleep longer. This will results in you getting a better variety of photographs. If you are not giving your baby a bottle just yet, please do not worry, there will be enough time to breast feed on the day.

I have another child; can they come to the session?

While I am taking photographs of your newborn, I need the environment to be extremely calm. I also have a lot of props around and back drops so this is not ideal for a toddler or young child. If your parents live close please can you see if they are free to help out on the day, I would suggest bringing your child to either the first or last hour of the session. In this time we can get some lovely family and sibling shots and then they can go relax and play. Please kindly note that an additional hour needs to be purchased if you are planning on including a sibling in your baby session.

Can I include my dog into the session?

As much as I LOVE animals and have a gorgeous cockapoo myself, I wouldn’t suggest having your fur baby at the session as I feel the session ends up being focused on trying to get your dog to cooperate and this eats into your precious shooting time.

Can I bring my camera or video to capture this time?

Unfortunately I don’t allow any camera or video equipment while I am shooting; this includes mobile phones with camera and video. Please kindly respect that you getting a professional photographer to have photographs taken and I do not allow cameras behind me. I will capture all your photographs beautifully so just sit back, relax and enjoy.

Can grandparents join me or my midwife?

If you have a midwife, you are welcome to bring her to help you with the baby but I am also happy to help you if you prefer to keep the session personal. Grandparents are welcome to join your session when booking the Platinum and Gold Package.

What should we wear for my family images?

Natural colours are the best (grey, cream and beige) because they blend in well with the “natural look” of your naked baby. Try keeping your top plain without logos so that it doesn’t distract from your baby. I also have some wraps for mums if you would like a skin to skin look.

Please bring 2 changes of clothing in case of an accident. The studio can become very warm while I am taking photos of your newborn alone so I would advise bringing something light along that you can slip into while I am taking the baby alone shots.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

I will bring hats, bowls and blankets for this session however if you would like to bring something meaningful with you to your newborn shoot, I welcome new ideas. If you would like your photographs to compliment your decor, feel free to show me any items and colours that could be incorporated i.e. sheep skin rugs, animal hides, cushions or blankets. Newborn images are warm and pure so my advice for parents would be to wear natural colours such as beige or greys.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy for sessions

In the event that you need to postpone your shoot, I require 7 days’ notice or a cancellation charge of £50 will apply.

COVID-19

Should the client or any direct family member (baby’s mother, father or sibling) attending the session fall sick with COVID-19, Natasha will agree to cancel the session and move the date to the next available appointment after the quarantine time. READ MORE