Frequently Asked Questions

 

I want you to feel completely comfortable and know what to expect before your photoshoot.

Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions I’m most often asked. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ll always be happy to help.

 

Where do photoshoots take place?

Sessions take place in my cosy home studio in East Kilbride.

The studio provides a warm, relaxed and comfortable environment, with access to all the lighting, blankets, wraps and other little details we may need during your photoshoot.

 

What time will our session take place?

I only book one studio session each day, so you’ll never feel rushed.

Sessions are normally scheduled for 10am, as babies and young children are often at their happiest earlier in the day. However, if this doesn’t suit your family, please let me know and I’ll be happy to discuss alternative times where possible.

 

What should we expect during our session?

My sessions are relaxed, personal and designed to be enjoyable for the whole family.

When you arrive, we’ll have a chat and give everyone time to settle in. We can discuss what I have planned, along with any ideas or special requests you may have.

There is never any rush. We’ll have plenty of time for feeding, changing, comforting and cuddles whenever they’re needed.

If siblings are joining us, please don’t worry about them becoming excited or having lots of energy—that’s completely normal! I’ll gently guide them and allow them time to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

 

What happens if someone is unwell?

If you, your baby or anyone attending the session is unwell, please let me know as soon as possible.

I’ll be very happy to rearrange your photoshoot for another suitable date. This helps protect newborn babies, pregnant clients and all the other families who visit my studio.

The studio and all frequently touched areas are cleaned between sessions. Any blankets, wraps or fabrics used during a photoshoot are washed before being used again, and handwashing facilities and antibacterial gel are always available.

 

Can parents and siblings be included?

Absolutely! I encourage parents and siblings to be included, as these often become some of the most meaningful photographs from your session.

The session may feel long for younger children, so please bring a drink, a non-messy snack and something to keep them entertained.

If possible, it can be helpful to have someone available to take young siblings out once their photographs have been taken, but please don’t worry if this isn’t possible.

 

Can our pet be included?

Yes! I love animals and completely understand that pets are an important part of the family.

Please let me know before your session if you would like to include your pet so that we can discuss the practicalities and make sure everyone is safe and comfortable.

 

What should we wear?

Simple, comfortable clothing in soft, neutral colours works beautifully with my light and natural photography style.

Cream, white, beige, oatmeal, soft pink and light grey are all lovely choices. Try to avoid strong patterns, large logos, very bright colours and clothing with pictures or slogans, as these can distract from the people in your photographs.

For mums, a simple dress, blouse or soft top can look beautiful—but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself.

For dads, a plain white, beige, oatmeal or soft grey T-shirt or shirt works well with beige trousers or light denim.

For children, simple white or neutral tops paired with light denim or beige trousers photograph beautifully. Soft, light-coloured dresses are another lovely option.

I’ll occasionally photograph a baby resting in a parent’s hands, so it’s worth checking for chipped nail polish before your session.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, you’re very welcome to send me photographs of your outfit choices before your session and I’ll be happy to help.

 

What should we bring?

What you need will depend on the type of session, but useful items may include:

Your usual changing bag
Spare nappies
Wipes
Milk and extra bottles if bottle-feeding
A dummy, if your baby uses one
A comfortable outfit for your baby to travel home in
Spare clothing for parents, just in case
Drinks, non-messy snacks and entertainment for siblings
Any meaningful keepsakes you would like to include

Please let me know before bringing special props or keepsakes so that we can discuss how they might work within your photographs.

I keep tissues, muslins and sensitive water wipes in the studio for emergencies.

 

Is retouching included?

Yes. Every final photograph is carefully edited in my natural style.

I’m happy to soften temporary blemishes, flaky skin and small scratches. Permanent features such as birthmarks will be left untouched, so please let me know if there is anything that could be mistaken for a temporary mark during editing.

My aim is always for you and your family to look beautifully photographed while still looking completely like yourselves.

 

Newborn Session Questions

 

When is the best time for a newborn photoshoot?

Newborn sessions are usually held during the first two to three weeks after birth. During these early days, babies tend to be sleepier and naturally curl into those lovely newborn positions.

However, your baby does not suddenly become too old for beautiful photographs. Older newborns are always welcome—we may simply capture more awake expressions, eye contact and natural movement.

 

Is it too late to book a newborn session?

It’s never too late to have your baby photographed.

While the curly, sleepy style of newborn photography is more easily achieved during the first few weeks, every stage brings something beautiful to capture.

If your baby has already arrived, please contact me and I’ll let you know my next available dates.

 

What if my baby doesn’t sleep?

Please don’t worry—many babies don’t sleep throughout their session, and some remain wide awake for most of it!

Beautiful newborn photographs don’t depend on your baby being asleep. Awake expressions, eye contact, little stretches and natural moments can be every bit as precious.

We’ll follow your baby’s cues and capture them exactly as they are.

 

What if my baby cries?

Babies cry, need fed and sometimes simply want to be held—and that is completely normal.

There is no expectation for your baby to behave in a particular way. We’ll take our time and stop whenever they need comfort, milk, a clean nappy or a cuddle.

Your baby’s comfort and safety will always come first.

 

What if my baby still has their umbilical cord?

That is absolutely fine. Many babies still have their umbilical cord stump when they come for their newborn session.

I’ll be very careful when wrapping, changing and positioning your baby to ensure the area remains protected and comfortable.

 

What happens if my baby is very unsettled?

I’ll always do everything I can to create a varied gallery while keeping the session relaxed and completely baby-led.

If your baby becomes very unsettled, we’ll pause for feeding, changing and cuddles. In the unlikely event that they remain uncomfortable and we’re unable to continue, we can discuss arranging another suitable date.

There is never any pressure to continue if your baby isn’t happy.

 

What will my newborn baby wear?

Newborn clothing can sometimes hide the tiny details and delicate features we want to capture.

For this reason, I use a beautiful selection of soft newborn wraps and blankets during the session. Please bring your baby in a simple, front-fastening sleepsuit that is comfortable and easy to remove.

If you have a special outfit or meaningful item you would like included, please let me know before your session.

Your Photographs

 

How many digital images will we receive?

The number of photographs included will depend on the type of session or collection you have chosen.

Many more photographs are taken during a session than are delivered. Afterwards, I carefully remove duplicates, test shots, closed eyes and any blurred images before individually editing the very best photographs for your final gallery.

 

When will we see our photographs?

Your fully edited photographs will normally be ready within two weeks of your session.

You’ll receive a private, password-protected online gallery by email, where you can view and download your high-resolution digital images straight away.

Once you’re happy with everything, you’ll also receive a beautiful customised USB containing all your final images. This will normally arrive by post approximately one week after your gallery is delivered.

 

Can we order additional products?

Yes. You’re welcome to order additional prints, wall art and other products after viewing your gallery.

Payment is required before an order is placed, and most products will be ready to collect approximately three weeks later. I’ll let you know if a particular product has a different turnaround time.

 

Can we have a preview?

If you’re happy for me to share a preview on social media, please let me know and I’ll do my best to prepare one within 24 hours.

If you need one or two photographs quickly for a special event or announcement, please speak to me and I’ll always try to help where possible.

 

One last thing…

Please don’t worry about whether your baby will sleep, whether your toddler will cooperate or whether you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Children respond to the atmosphere around them, so the best thing you can do is relax and enjoy this time with your family. I’ll gently guide you through everything and make sure you never feel rushed.

If there’s anything you’re worried about or would like to discuss before your session, you’re always welcome to get in touch. I’ll be very happy to put your mind at ease.