As a new parent, nothing is more precious than the first few weeks of your baby’s life. From their tiny fingers and toes to their delicate features, every moment is worth capturing and preserving. And while there are countless ways to document these early memories, one of the best options is to book a professional newborn photoshoot.
As a newborn photographer based in Dumfries, I have had the pleasure of capturing the early days of many newborns, and it is always an honour to be able to create memories that will last a lifetime.
But for first-time parents, booking a newborn photoshoot can seem daunting. You may wonder what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of the experience. That’s why in this blog post, I want to share with you everything you need to know about newborn photoshoots.
From preparing for the session to what to expect during the shoot, and finally, how to choose the right photographer and products, I hope to put your mind at ease and help you create beautiful, lasting memories with your little one.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
Before your Newborn Session
As a newborn photographer, I know how important it is to make sure your baby is comfortable and content during the photoshoot. That’s why I’ll provide you with a detailed guide on how to prepare for the session, so you can feel confident and prepared on the day of the shoot.
I always encourage to book Newborn Sessions in advance, ideally during your pregnancy. This will ensure that you can secure a spot during the first 3 weeks of your baby’s life, which is the ideal time for a newborn photoshoot. During this time, your baby will still be sleepy and curled up, making it easier to capture those sweet, snuggly poses.
When it comes to what to wear, I recommend keeping it simple and comfortable. For parents, I suggest avoiding any bold patterns or logos, as these can be distracting in the photos. You can also choose to wear coordinating outfits with your partner or other children, for a cohesive and timeless look.
Feeding your baby before the session is crucial to ensure they’re content and sleepy during the shoot. I recommend feeding your baby right before you leave for the studio, and then again when you arrive. If your baby needs to be fed during the session, that’s completely fine! I allow plenty of time for breaks and feeding breaks during the shoot, so you don’t need to worry about rushing or feeling stressed.
Lastly, I encourage parents to bring along any special items they might want to incorporate for the shoot. Whether it’s a blanket, teddy or similar, I’m always open to incorporating your ideas and making the shoot as personalised as possible. After all, these photos will be treasured memories for years to come, so it’s important that you love the final result.
By following these simple tips and preparing for the session ahead of time, you can ensure that your baby is comfortable, and you’re feeling relaxed and confident during the photoshoot.
During Your Newborn Session
Once you arrive at my studio in Drumfries, we’ll begin by discussing the session with you and getting to know your preferences and ideas for the shoot. We’ll also go over the guide again to make sure we’re both on the same page about what to expect.
The session itself will typically last around 2-3 hours, depending on your baby’s needs and how many setups we have planned. I’ll start with simple poses on a plain backdrop, which allows me to focus on your baby’s features and capture those sweet, snuggly poses that you’ll cherish forever.
From there, we’ll move on to more complex setups with props and outfits. I have a range of props and outfits in my studio, from cute hats and headbands to baskets and crates. If you have any special requests or ideas for props, please let me know beforehand so that I can prepare them in advance.
Throughout the session, I’ll handle your baby with the utmost care and attention to detail. I use a range of techniques to ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure throughout the session. This may include swaddling, soothing techniques, and adjusting the temperature in the studio to keep your baby warm and content.
If your baby needs to be fed or changed during the session, that’s completely fine!
I allow plenty of time for breaks and feeding breaks during the shoot, so you don’t need to worry about rushing or feeling stressed. I encourage parents to sit back and relax during these breaks, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while I take care of your little one.
Throughout the session, I’ll take a range of different poses and angles, to capture your baby’s features from all angles. I’ll also incorporate any special requests or ideas you have, to ensure that the final images are personalised and unique.
Overall, my goal during the photoshoot is to make sure that both you and your baby are comfortable and relaxed, and that we capture beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come. By allowing plenty of time for breaks, using safe and gentle techniques, and incorporating your ideas and preferences, I hope to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your little one.
After your Newborn session
Once your newborn session is over, I will take the time to select the best images and edit them for you to create a stunning final gallery of minimum 20 images.
And when the gallery is ready… that’s when the best part begins!
You will be invited back to the studio for your viewing and ordering appointment, to choose what images and packages suit you best.
Throughout the viewing I will be there to help you make the best choice based on your budget, style and home: from digital bundles to all-inclusive collections and printed artwork, I have everything you need to make the most of your newborn images!
When it comes to products, we will be able to create mockups and look at samples already available at the studio, so you’ll know exactly how your final wall art or album will look like!