Those two little lines on that test really is a wonderful moment! There's so much to think about, what do babies even need?! It can be an overwhelming time for parents to be, and you'll be told a lot of "make sure you get this" and "don't bother getting any of that". It's very much a personal choice of what you feel like you need to buy to prepare for your new arrival.

Something a lot of parents question is - "do we really need to book a newborn photo shoot?" The answer is no, you don't need to book one! However, if it's something you'd like to book, it can be a minefield out there! You do a search for Newborn Photographers, find the prices vary wildly, pictures of cute little bundles are everywhere, and you just don't know where to begin!

I recommend you decide on a budget first - there's photographers to suit every budget! You don't want to overstretch yourself once you see those adorable pictures of your little one, and feel disappointed that you can't afford to buy them - I've been there myself!

Of course you will most likely find the quality of work will improve as the price increases, but at the end of the day, as long as you have pictures you're happy with, then stick to your budget! We all look at big expensive houses online right? (It can't just be me!) Ones with sprawling lawns, saunas, cinema rooms and fancy kitchens! They're nice to look at, but we know they're out of budget, so we wouldn't consider putting an offer in!

Some photographers, like myself, offer payment plans which help with the affordability aspect of choosing your photographer - if you can't see it advertised as an option, there's no harm in contacting the photographer you like and asking!

The next (and most important) thing to consider is your newborns safety; babies are very delicate, and you must ensure your photographer has had newborn posing training of some sort - it is currently unregulated within the industry, and I hope one day it will be something that needs to be certified before photographers can work with tiny babies. It's not a case of 'fake it 'til you make it' with newborns! You should also ask if your photographer is suitably insured - just in case!

Once you've covered that part, and you have a list of possible photographers, you need to look at their portfolios! Not every photographer has the same style; some do 'lifestyle' sessions, others more posed. Do they have props such as baskets, headbands, little outfits that you like? Do you like the style of their images? Even better, if you know of someone who's used them you could ask them how they found their experience, you could read reviews online too!

After considering those points, it really is just down to personal preference as to who you choose!

Once you've made your choice, contact the photographer as soon as you're able to; a lot of us get booked up quite quickly, and you wouldn't want to miss out on your preferred photographer by trying to book in after baby has arrived, although most of us will try to squeeze in last minute sessions if we are able to!

The recommended time to book your newborn photo shoot is after your 20 week scan, and don't worry if baby is early or running a little late - we expect that, and ensure we only book a certain number of due dates in a month to guarantee we can fit everyone in!

If you've done your research and you've decided to book your session with us, you can use the 'contact' tab at the top of the page to send an email to get things started. We also take bookings via our social pages too!

I hope this post helps you with your photographer search, and hope to meet you and your little one soon!

​Emma x

Well what can I say about Rio? Absolutely beautiful little boy, definitely knew what he did and didn't like!

As I do for every newborn session, I warmed the studio up and set up some prop combinations so that we would be ready to go as soon as the new family arrived.

Isn't he the cutest little thing?

Are you expecting your baby soon? Book your newborn session in after your 20 week scan to secure your due date in the diary; I can only take a certain amount of due dates per month. Head over to HERE and select your session to book!

​Emma

The diary of a newborn and baby photographer is a complicated place! Nobody told your baby that they are expected to turn up for their portrait session and while some can’t wait to get here, some are fashionably late. This makes my diary a wonderfully fluid place!

When you first book your session you will be required to pay the 50% booking fee to reserve your due date in my diary. I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I can ensure I can fit everybody in and work around midwife and health visitor appointments once baby is here. Once your baby arrives and you have settled back in at home just give me an email me/message me and we can then confirm the best date and time for your session.

I find the first two weeks is best for photographing newborns, however I can, and do, take on older newborns; they may just be a little less sleepy and not quite as bendy as they are in the first two weeks.

Your portrait session will take place in my comfortable studio in March. Newborn studios are not like traditional photography studios - they are designed to be warm and cosy. I want you and your baby to feel relaxed and comfortable so you are able to feed on demand and put your feet up with refreshments (I even have some new dads who take a quick nap!). I have a kitchen and toilet facilities, and there's a few cafe's, shops and even a nice play park just a 5 minute walk from the studio.

If you have any ideas or preferences for images during your session, please do let me know and I'll try my best! Newborn sessions include family, parent and sibling pictures; if you have a favourite toy or a sentimental blanket (or even have a theme you'd like to try!) please let me know and bring it along to your session.

I hope this article answers the many common questions but if you would like to book or discuss a session please contact me here.

To book your due date in the diary, please use my booking form. My price list is available here.