Common Questions I Get asked About Booking a Newborn Photography Session
Welcoming a baby is a whirlwind, especially if it’s your first one. There are a lot of emotions, hormones, worries, excitement, you name it ! It can easily get overwhelming with everything to prepare on time before baby gets there.
Depending which parents you are, some will do their research beforehand and book their newborn photographer well ahead of time so it’s off the list, or some will just wait the last minute or when baby is here to realise that yes they do really value the experience of having a newborn photoshoot. Which parent are you ?
Whether you are ahead of the game or juggling the last minute tasks, here are the most common questions I get asked about my newborn sessions. Have a read and you will feel more confident about what to expect from the experience.
1/ How old should my baby be for the session ?
I always tell my clients that the sweet spot is in the first 2 weeks of life. That’s when babies are still sleepy and curled-up. Every baby is different and we can still have beautiful sleepy poses with older babies too. I capture newborns up to 12 weeks old. If they don’t sleep ? that’s not a problem because we get these beautiful eye-opened photos which I adore too.
2/ When should I book my newborn photoshoot ?
I recommend to book earlier rather than later. You don’t want to be disappointed in case your photographer is fully booked when you enquire. Ideally, you want to enquire in your second trimester. This will secure your place in my calendar, while living enough time to get prepared. I only take a set amount of newborn sessions every months to allow the flexibility around them. Babies never show up on time, so we need to be able to change the session’s date.
We will pencil a date - then just let me know once baby has arrived and we will reconfirm the date together when you are both recovered at home.
3/ Where does the session take place ?
At the moment all my newborn sessions take place in my cosy in-home studio in Warlingham. I am in the process of testing in-home sessions where I go to your home, for a more documentary-style feel. So watch the space on this one !
4/ How long does the session last ?
My newborn sessions last up to 2 hours. I can’t imagine doing more than that for everybody, and honestly if all goes well, we only need 45 min. the extra time is to allow feeding time, nappy change and cuddles. If the session is too challenging and baby is unsettled, I would rather reschedule than having you all stay for many hours.
5/ What should we wear ?
I always recommend soft, neutral colours, comfortable clothes. I have a client wardrobe for Mums and babies which you are welcome to use during the session with up to 2 outfits change. I don;t have anything for Dads but a simple brown or beige short or trouser with a white shirt work beautifully.
6/ What if my baby cries or is fussy ?
All my sessions are baby-led, which means I will never force anything. We have plenty of time to feed, cuddle and change nappies. I am here to help you and always love looking after your baby! I see babies on a weekly basis so I am a cuddle expert ! We will give baby the time he/she needs to settle. Awake babies make beautiful photos too.
7/ When will I get my photos ?
My usual turn-around for your photos is 2 weeks, sometimes less. It all depends on the workload. I will always send you a little update after a week to let you know the expected delivery of your gallery.
8/ Can my pet attend ?
Sorry the studio is pet-free.
9/ Can siblings and grand-parents attend ?
Parents and siblings are always included in my sessions yes. For grand-parents, I usually limit to 2 additional adults in my studio as it’s quite cosy. If you want both pair to attend, we can photograph with 1 pair at the beginning and the other pair at the end, so it’s not too crowded.
Final thoughts
My goal is to make your newborn experience peaceful, calm and relaxing. It’s an investment for a lifetime, that you will never regret it. Whether it’s your first baby or not, you deserve to have these beautiful photos to remember this season of your life.
If you are ready to book or if you have any questions, please reach out and complete the form below. Let’s chat about your dream session if you feel I am the right newborn photographer for you in Purley, Caterham, Reigate, Sevenoaks or Surrey area.
