For a large majority of the photos I will require your baby to be asleep. In order to help with this I will keep the space warm, use white noise to sooth but will also require that they have been kept awake for as long as possible before you arrive on the morning of the session and they are ready for a good feed on arrival before we start taking photos. This will help keep them sleepy and content during the the shoot. Don’t worry though, there will still be plenty of time to feed, wind or change them throughout the session. 

During the photo shoot you and your partner can get involved in a few different ways. The first way is by helping encourage your child to either sleep, help draw their attention for the camera whilst they are awake or simply by feeding or changing them. Anything I need you to do I will discuss with you at the time. The most important thing is that they are comfortable and safe. The second way you can get involved is to get in the photos yourself! There will be different opportunities during the session where I will ask you to hold their hands and feet or head in position for some lovely detail shots. I can also get some lovely shots of you and your partner cradling your babu for more memories to cherish - so be sure to wear something you would like to photographed in,

Please bring anything that you would normally expect to take with you if you going out for a few hours. This includes any extra bottles for feeding, a changing mat, wipes and any extra nappies you may need.

In the majority of the photos I take, the babies are just wearing a well fitted nappy as I use textured wraps to drape over and hide the nappy to create a natural cosy look.

If you have had anything purchased or made for them by a friend or family member such as a knitted toy, blanket or an item of clothing, please feel free to bring them along so we can incorporate them into the session.

During the photoshoot I will go through multiple different poses. Starting with the simple setups first then work towards changing positions, backgrounds, fabrics and props as we proceed in order to get a larger variety of photos for you.

The first few shots will be test shots and to make sure your baby is comfortable in the setup and falls back to sleep if they have woken up whilst getting them into position. We can use their dummy, blanket, white noise, a space heater and soothing pats to keep them soothed at any time during the session.

Once we have them soothed and the lighting just right, the first shots will be on a fluffy white blanket to create some beautiful, light and warm photos. 

When I’m happy that I have enough detail and full length photos on this first blanket we will swap to a darker textured blanket to create some richer photos that are some of my favourite. 

Lastly, I have either a willow ring or a tin tub filled with padding and a number of textured blankets that I use to create a unique photo of them on their back.

There will be times during each of these stages where I can get you involved and hold their hands and feet to capture some wonderful detail shots of you together.

I don’t make the schedule - the baby does! As I’m sure you are well aware, you can’t always plan ahead that well with a newborn which is why I leave plenty of time for sessions. I have had older babies come in and sleep all the way through and I have had 2 weeks olds who's parents confident they will sleep through anything kick and scream for an hour before they settle. Sometimes babies will need more or less sleep, be more or less hungry or end up pooping and feeding for King and country! None of this matters. We just take our time and make sure they are happy and comfortable. I would make sure you have a maximum of 4 hours free for the session due to the time it can take them to settle. I usually aim to be done in just over 2 hours.... but you can never be sure with babies!

It's usually best to book a session once you have had your 20 week scan. Once you know your due date we can book a date for your session for between 4 and 14 days after the birth.

To create those timeless portraits, I recommend dressing your little one in simple, classic pieces.

Soft textures like knits, linens, or cotton work wonderfully. Neutral tones (creams, beiges, or pastels) are best as they keep the focus entirely on your baby's gorgeous features! Since we have plenty of time together, feel free to also bring 2 or 3 of their best outfits along with a favourite toy or blanket.

Keep it Classic: Rompers, bloomers, or simple dungarees are perfect.

Bare Toes: This is often the cutest look for sitters—no need for shoes!

Nappy Covers: If the outfit is short, a matching cover or bloomers keeps things neat.

The 'No-Go' List: Please avoid bright colours, large graphics, or character images, as these can distract from the photo.