Due to your baby's position in the womb, you may find that he/she will naturally '
curl up' when picked up; perfect for newborn photographs. This 'curl up' reaction ...
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS WHEN
Newborn photography sessions are best done within the first ten days after birth. This is because within this time your baby will be at his/hers sleepiest and will not stir as easily. You also tend to find that newborn babies will feed and then sleep…solidly; which is perfect for capturing those sleepy, care free, images. Due to your baby’s position in the womb, you may find that he/she will naturally ‘curl up’ when picked up; perfect for newborn photographs. This ‘curl up’ reaction tends to disappear as your baby gets older. Another reason for doing these photographs within the first ten days is that your baby is still very flexible and has little muscle control; making it much easier to position him/her into the required poses. Of course, the most important thing is that parents and baby are home and well, if it is not possible to arrange the shoot within the first ten day, don’t worry; just contact me as soon as you are all ready.
WHERE
I offer these shoots in the comfort of your own home. I prefer to photograph newborns where they are most comfortable which, in most cases, is at home with their family. Your baby will relax more where there are familiar smells, noises and voices. The other benefit of being at home is that you can easily use your own props to personalise your images. Outdoor pictures are also possible but it all depends on the weather and the time of year.
WHAT
Obviously the main point of focus throughout this session is your precious newborn. I will get a mixture of images using different props and backdrops. Some close up and some full body. I also capture little details such as fingers and toes. I prefer to get the majority of images with just your baby’s nappy on. If there is a specific outfit you would like your baby to wear – we can do this too. Please remember that every baby and every photography session is different and it may not be possible to achieve a specific pose. I am willing to take photographs of you and your baby together but this will all depend on what space is available. If there is a specific image you require, please let me know prior to the session and I will do everything I can to achieve it for you.
LENGTH OF SESSION
It would be impossible to put a time on how long a newborn photography session takes. Every shoot is different depending on the baby. Some babies are more than happy to cooperate and don’t seem to pay any attention to a new person holding them, where as others prefer the comfort of their mum, dad or other person who they are already familiar with. In these cases it’s important that I don’t upset your baby so a little time may be needed before the shoot starts. I try and make the shoot as relaxed as possible and am in no rush to get it done so any pauses that need to be taken due to little accidents or feeding demands are not a problem. It takes as long as it takes.
MY KIT
I always bring the following kit with me to a newborn baby shoot •
Frame made from plastic pipe (frame is approx. 3ft in height, length and depth when put together) • Several hats in different style • Throws and blankets • Fabric backdrops • Skirting board approx. 4½ ft • Laminate flooring strips (approx. 3½ x 2½ft when put together) • Baskets and padded cube for posing • Wooden ‘plate’ with grey faux fur padding
Throws and blankets also double up as backdrops which, with the fabric choices, skirting board and laminate flooring strips, makes a lovely mini room effect for your images. I have hats, throws and blankets in both girls and boys colours. Of course you are more than welcome to use your own props as well or instead of mine. All throws, blankets and hats are machine washable and are cleaned and dried prior to each shoot.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Let me know once your baby arrives and you are back home and settled. As mentioned previously, these photographs are best taken within the first 10 days of your baby being born so the sooner you can let me know, the better. Depending on the time of year, you may need to turn your heating up a little more than normal. This is to make sure your baby is as comfortable as possible during the more natural shots. A cold baby usually results in an unhappy baby. I want you, as parents, to also be comfortable especially the baby’s mum. I understand that 10 days is not that long after having a baby and I encourage you to wear comfortable clothing – I am not there to judge. The frame that I use normally plays a large part in the images I take. If you do not have enough space for this frame; please let me know prior to the session so we can arrange alternatives. When choosing your space; opposite a window is always preferred.
PRICES
Each newborn photography session is chargeable at £30.00 per hour. This includes the photography work, editing and travel within Northampton (additional travel may incur an additional charge). This price also includes an online gallery protected by a password for you, your friends and your family to view from any computer or mobile phone. All you need to do is enter your password in to the ‘Client Access’ section of my website. You then have the option of ordered prints, frames and/or digital copies of your images. Please see separate price lists, or contact me, for more information.
