Newborn Session Guide
If you’re reading this, you’re probably either eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one or completely smitten with the beautiful new baby already in your arms.
Either way, thank you for considering me to capture such a special time in your family’s life.
My newborn sessions are relaxed, natural and completely led by your baby. Rather than placing babies into lots of complicated poses, I focus on their little movements, expressions and all the tiny details you’ll want to remember forever—from their eyelashes and button nose to their wrinkly toes.
Where does the photoshoot take place?
Newborn sessions take place in my cosy home studio in East Kilbride.
The studio is kept comfortably warm for your baby, and I use soft lighting, gentle white noise and plenty of cosy blankets and wraps to create a calm, relaxing environment.
There is never any rush. You’ll have plenty of time to feed, change and cuddle your baby whenever needed.
When is the best time for a newborn photoshoot?
Newborn sessions are usually held during the first two weeks after birth, when babies tend to be sleepier and naturally curl into those lovely newborn positions.
However, every baby is different, and your little one 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.
If your baby has already arrived, please get in touch and I’ll let you know my next available dates.
When should I book?
I recommend booking after your 20-week scan whenever possible.
At this stage, I’ll reserve space around your due date rather than arranging a fixed session date. Once your baby arrives, simply contact me during the first few days and we’ll choose the most suitable date for your photoshoot.
I only accept a limited number of newborn bookings each month so that I can remain flexible if babies arrive earlier or later than expected.
If your baby is already here and you haven’t booked in advance, please don’t worry—contact me and I’ll always do my best to fit you in.
What can we expect during the session?
Your session will be relaxed and completely baby-led.
I’ll photograph all the little details that make your baby unique, along with the beautiful connection developing between your baby and the rest of your family.
Newborn sessions can last up to three hours, although they don’t always need that long. This gives us plenty of time for feeding, changing, settling and cuddles without anyone feeling rushed.
Your baby’s comfort and safety will always come first.
What if my baby cries or doesn’t sleep?
Please don’t worry—babies cry, need fed and sometimes have days when they don’t want to sleep!
There is no expectation for your baby to behave in a particular way. We’ll take our time, follow their cues and stop whenever they need comfort, milk or a cuddle.
Beautiful newborn photographs don’t depend on your baby being asleep. Awake expressions, little stretches and natural moments can be every bit as precious.
In the unlikely event that your baby is very unsettled and we’re unable to continue comfortably, we can discuss arranging another date.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Your newborn session is about your whole family, and photographs with parents and siblings are very much encouraged.
The studio will be warm and the session may feel quite long for young children, so please bring a drink, a non-messy snack and something to keep them entertained.
If possible, it can also be helpful to have someone available to take younger 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 part of the family too.
Please let me know before your session if you would like to include your pet so that we can discuss the best and safest way to do this.
How should we prepare our baby?
There’s no need to change your baby’s feeding or sleeping routine before your session. Getting yourself and a newborn out of the house is hard enough without adding extra pressure!
Dress your baby in a simple, front-fastening sleepsuit that is easy to remove. I have a beautiful selection of soft wraps and blankets available in the studio, so you don’t need to bring any special outfits unless there is something meaningful you would particularly like to include.
What should we bring?
Please bring:
Your usual changing bag
Spare nappies
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 yourself, just in case
Drinks, snacks and entertainment for older siblings
I keep tissues, muslins and sensitive water wipes in the studio for emergencies.
What should we wear?
Simple, comfortable clothing in soft, neutral colours photographs beautifully in my light and natural studio style.
Cream, white, beige, oatmeal, soft pink and light grey all work particularly well. Try to avoid strong patterns, large logos and very bright colours, as these can distract from your baby.
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 siblings, simple white or neutral tops paired with light denim or beige trousers are ideal. Soft, light-coloured dresses also photograph beautifully.
I’ll occasionally photograph your baby resting in your hands, so it’s worth checking for chipped nail polish before your session.
Is retouching included?
Yes. Your photographs will be carefully edited, and I’m happy to soften temporary scratches, flaky skin and blemishes.
Birthmarks are part of your baby, so these will always be left untouched. Please let me know if your baby has a birthmark that may be mistaken for a temporary mark during editing.
My aim is for your baby to look beautifully photographed while still looking completely like themselves.
When will we receive our photographs?
Your fully edited photographs will 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.
Your final gallery will include a minimum of 25 carefully selected and individually edited photographs, with both colour and black-and-white copies included.
Once you’re happy with everything, you’ll also receive a beautiful customised USB containing all your final images.
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 special 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 help.