Your Newborn Photography Session. What to Expect, From Start to Finish
Full newborn session
If you’ve booked a newborn session with me, first of all, thank you.
I know those early days are a blur of feeds, nappies, and wondering what day it is.
This guide is here to take one thing off your mental load.
No surprises. No pressure. Just a calm, cosy session where your baby leads the way.
Here’s exactly how it all works.
The first few weeks with your baby are a complete blur
One minute you’re staring at them thinking, how did we make something this perfect. The next time
you’re running on two hours of sleep, covered in milk, wondering what day it is.
It’s love. It’s overwhelming. It’s exhaustion. It’s gratitude. All at once.
You’ve got enough on your plate without trying to figure out how to “prepare” for a newborn photoshoot. So I’ve put everything you need to know in one place.
This guide walks you through exactly what happens, how to prep for the studio, what the session feels like, and what comes next.
No guesswork. No stress.
My job isn’t just to take photos. It’s to make this feel calm, easy, and actually enjoyable.
Because these early days fly by. And they deserve more than a rushed phone snap.
If you know what to expect, you can relax. And when you relax, everything just flows better.
That’s what this is for.
When your newborn session takes place
Newborn sessions usually happen when your baby is between 7 and 21 days old. That’s when babies are still sleepy, curly, and happy to be gently settled.
That said, babies don’t read rule books. If your little one arrives early, late, or life throws a curveball, we’ll work around it.
There’s always flexibility built in if you have booked in advance.
Once your baby arrives, you’ll let me know, and we’ll lock in your session date as we provisionally book two dates for you when you book in advance.
Before your session.
How to prepare
What to bring
Honestly, less than you think.
☆ Milk. Breast, bottle, formula, all welcome.
☆ Dummies, they are always
☆ Extra nappies.
☆ Muslins.
☆ A spare outfit for baby, just in case.
☆ Snacks for siblings and their juice cup.
I’ve got everything else covered. Wraps, blankets, props, heating, and me.
What to wear
For parents, keep it simple and neutral, but be you and comfy.
Creams, soft greys, muted tones all photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid big logos or bold patterns if you can.
For baby, there’s no need to bring outfits unless there’s something special you’d love included. Most newborn images are done wrapped or unclothed for that timeless look.
Feeding before we start
Because it’s a full newborn session, it’s best to aim to feed your baby once you arrive at the studio. If you have to feed before, try to just pacify them and not do a full feed if possible.
When you get here, we’ll get you settled, change baby’s nappy, and gently undress or dress them depending on the first setup.
Then you can feed them in the warm, cosy studio.
That way, we start the session with a lovely full tummy and a properly milk-drunk baby, which makes everything calmer and easier.
And if they need topping up later, that’s completely normal too.
We feed as often as the baby needs.
There is never a rush. It’s all baby-led.
Siblings and family photos
Full newborn sessions can feel long for toddlers and little ones, so we plan this carefully.
We have two options.
We can photograph sibling and family images right at the beginning, before they get bored. In this case, the baby doesn’t need to have had a full feed yet, just be content.
Or, we can photograph them towards the end of the session once baby is settled and we’re ready.
Some families choose to have a grandparent or friend bring siblings later, or collect them after their photos are done. That often makes the whole experience much calmer for everyone.
I do my best to involve siblings where I can, if they’re happy to join in, but there’s never any pressure. Some love it. Some would rather explore snacks and cartoons. Both are completely fine.
☆ Please bring things they like which arnt to messy.
Parent and baby images are always encouraged, too, even if you feel tired or not quite yourself. This stage is real life. And one day, these photos will mean more than you can imagine. We can always just do hands or silhouettes.
Safety. Always
Your baby’s safety is my absolute priority.
Every pose is done with care, experience, and patience. If something doesn’t feel right for your baby, we don’t do it. Simple as that.
No rushed setups. No risky poses. Ever.
After your session.
What happens next
Around a week after your newborn session, I’ll invite you back to the studio for your viewing and ordering appointment.
This is where you’ll see your images properly for the first time.
A handful will be fully edited, and the rest will be lightly edited so you can see the full gallery without feeling rushed or pressured to decide on the spot.
At this appointment, you’ll choose your image package. You can also add prints, albums, or wall art if you’d like something beautiful for your home or as gifts for family.
Your deposit is deducted from your final balance, so that will already be taken into account.
You’re welcome to pay the balance in full at your viewing appointment, or you can pay a minimum of 50%, with the remaining balance due when everything is ready.
Once you’ve chosen your favourite images, please allow up to three weeks for your fully edited gallery to be completed and delivered.
I’ll keep you updated throughout, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
A final word
Newborn sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about preserving this tiny, fleeting chapter of your life. The wrinkles, the yawns, the way they fit into your arms right now.
You don’t need to do anything other than show up and love your baby. I’ll take care of the rest.
If you’ve got any questions at all before your session, just shout. No question is too small.
Does all of this sound good to you, or is there anything you’d like me to walk you through in a bit more detail?
Newborn Session Q and A
I would never force one of our tiny models to use a dummy. That’s completely your call.
However, speaking from experience, there can be moments where a dummy saves the day and helps baby settle quickly between poses.
It can make the session smoother and calmer for everyone.
If your baby already uses one, please bring it along.
If you’re unsure, you can always use one just for the session and then pop it in the bin afterwards.
No judgement either way. You know your baby best.
Absolutely.
Your baby might be the newest love of your life, but your dog was your first baby. They’re part of the story too.
If you’d like them involved, they’re very welcome at the studio. Bring treats, maybe a lead, and we’ll capture some gorgeous images of your furry and not-so-furry babies together.
And yes, we can absolutely grab a full family portrait with everyone in it.
Totally normal.
Some babies snooze the whole way through. Others prefer to supervise. I’ve worked with both.
A sleepy baby is lovely, but awake shots with wide eyes can be just as beautiful. We follow your baby’s lead and adjust as we go. There’s no such thing as a “bad” baby for photos.
They won’t. But even if they’re unsettled, we pause.
We feed. We cuddle. We reset.
That’s exactly why full newborn sessions are relaxed and not rushed. There’s always time.
You never have to do anything.
But I will gently encourage you.
Your baby will never care about your hair or whether you’ve slept. They will care that you were there. And one day, these images will mean more than you can imagine.
Simple, natural parent photos are always worth it.
Babies have their own schedule.
Just message me once they’re here and we’ll adjust your session date if needed. I keep flexibility in my diary for this exact reason.
Remember, we scheduled 2 dates when you book in advance, which is for this reason.
Yes, they’re very welcome to come along, especially for viewing appointments.
For the actual session, we usually keep it calm and minimal in the studio, but if you’d love a grandparent photo, just let me know and we’ll plan it in.
Due to the studio space, it may be the case that they come at an arranged time.
Please don’t worry.
Newborn skin changes daily. Flaky patches, milk spots, Red blotches, and little scratches are all completely normal.
Gentle editing takes care of anything temporary while keeping your baby looking like your baby.
