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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?

A newborn session can take anything from 1 hour to 3 hours long depending on which package you have selected. Please do not book a midwife appointment or any other appointment during the day. Enjoy this relaxing time watching your baby.

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 you leave the house, 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 you leave the house and place them in car seat in just a diaper and tuck blankets around them or dress them in something that is very easy to take off. * PLEASE BRING 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.

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.

Should I bring lunch?

I will offer some healthy snack bars and biscuits with teas and coffees but if you feel you get hungry quickly, you are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you.

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 should I bring with to 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, you can always take them back home if we don’t use them. 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 bring one to the shoot 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 you 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 you leave the house. When you get here, 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 can you bring a plain black t-shirt as this will help create this cute newborn shot.

Any tablets you need for the afternoon-I understand you might get caught up in all the excitement of the day but please don’t forget to bring any tablets or pain killers if your doctor has subscribed some for you. Many times I see families rushing home afterwards as they forgot they need to take a tablet of some form.

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

I will prepare the studio before you arrive so it will be toasty and warm. Your baby will also be tucked into cosy blankets and the heater will be on all the time so they won’t get cold. Make sure you dress accordingly as it will be very warm 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 you arrive and bring a bottle of either formula or expressed milk with you so that you can top up just before their session if  you have too or in between if your baby needs it. 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.

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 you live close by and have parents who can help 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 back home. If you do not have family around and are coming from far, we can still make it work. The lounge is attached to the studio so your child can watch some TV, play with some toys on the carpet while still being at arm’s reach to you. In this situation, please remember to bring them a light snack and some toys to play with. 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 bring my camera or video to capture this time?

Unfortunately I don’t allow any camera or video equipment in my studio during the session; this includes mobile phones with camera and video. Please kindly respect that you are coming to a professional photographer to have photographs taken and the studio is built for my business. 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.

I have older children, what should they wear?

For a natural and cohesive look in your baby photographs, I recommend dressing your older children in simple and natural clothes This will ensure that the photographs complement each other, especially if you plan to display them together. Avoiding clothes with logos or Disney themes is a great idea, as it will result in a more timeless and classic style that will stand the test of time. If your children have matching toys or favorite cuddly companions, don't hesitate to bring them along, as they can add an adorable touch to the shots.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

I will provide 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 bring along 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 or viewing appointment, 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