Preparing for your newborn Session
SESSION WORKFLOW/Timing
Snapshot Mini sessions are short and simple, usually around 30 minutes. We’ll focus on a small selection of timeless portraits, including family together, parents with baby, and a few individual images of your little one. It’s a beautiful way to capture the essentials in a relaxed, efficient session.
Storyteller sessions are the full newborn experience, usually around one hour. With more time, we’re able to slow things down and gently work through a wider variety of images — including more natural baby poses, different family combinations, sibling moments if you have older children, and those quiet little details that change so quickly. It’s a calm, unhurried session that gives space for feeding, cuddles, and settling, resulting in a fuller, more complete gallery that gently tells the story of your family in those early days together.
Every baby is unique, and I always follow their lead to keep things calm, safe, and comfortable. If your little one is sleepy and has a full tummy, we might breeze through the session, but if they need a feed, cuddle, or nappy change, we’ll pause as needed to keep them happy and settled.
baby-led posing - What does a newborn session look like?
A 7-day-old baby is very different from a 7-week-old baby. But because I focus on natural, baby-led posing and keeping your baby comfortable at all times, beautiful images can be created whether your little one is 7 days old or 7 weeks old.
What you can expect:
Very new babies (around 7–14 days old)
At this age, babies are usually sleepier and more curled up, so your session may include those soft, snuggly poses and lots of dreamy, sleepy moments.
Older newborns (3–7+ weeks old)
As babies get a bit bigger, they tend to be more awake, more stretched out, and more curious about the world. Sessions with older newborns often include gorgeous eye contact, sweet expressions, and a mixture of awake and settled moments. They may not curl into those tiny “womb-like” poses anymore — and that’s absolutely okay. We simply work with who they are on the day.
No matter your baby’s age, my sessions are always gentle, relaxed, and focused on capturing your family’s connection to capture beautiful, timeless images you’ll love.
what to bring with you
To help the session feel smooth and relaxed, here are a few simple things to have on hand:
- Baby wipes and disposable nappies - something practical and easy.
- Soft towels or blankets (2–3) - don’t worry if they get a little messy.
- A nappy change mat - disposables work perfectly.
- A pacifier or soother, even if your baby doesn’t usually use one. Philips Avent Soothies (pictured left) are great because they don’t leave marks on baby’s face.
- Bottles or milk supplies if needed - it’s always handy to have a little extra.
- Snacks for you - I’ll have water available too.
Everything in the studio, from clothing to props, is carefully chosen for safety and comfort. You won’t need to bring any extras from home — I’ve got it all covered.
Baby Skin Tips
Sometimes little ones get dry skin, flaky patches, or tiny hormone spots - this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
For dry or flaky skin, many parents like to use a little coconut oil the night before the session. Even if some patches remain, they are easy to soften or reduce in Photoshop.
Hormone spots or baby acne are also very common and usually simple to touch up. If you’re unsure or worried, feel free to send me a photo - I’m happy to advise and reassure you.
Your baby’s comfort and natural beauty are what matter most, and we can always work around little blemishes to create gorgeous, timeless images.
Before the session
To help your baby feel comfortable and relaxed during the session, there are a few simple things that make a big difference:
The most important one? Please make sure baby has a full feed right before you leave home or as soon as you arrive at the studio. A well-fed baby is a settled baby — and that’s what allows the session to flow beautifully. Hungry babies simply won’t settle for posing, so this step really does set us up for success. If your little one is still alert when you arrive, we’ll absolutely take the time to feed or top them up before we begin so everything runs smoothly.
For breastfeeding mums, consider avoiding spicy or gassy foods, heavy dairy, caffeine, or chocolate in the 24 hours before your session. This can help prevent any tummy discomfort for baby.
Try to keep the morning of your session calm, avoiding extra appointments or visitors so your little one isn’t overstimulated.
A bit of awake time before the session can also help — a gentle bath or some playtime works beautifully — so your baby is ready to settle and sleep once we begin.
Dressing the family
Keep it simple, comfortable, and coordinated. Think soft, neutral tones: whites, creams, gentle earthy shades - which photograph beautifully and let your family be the focus. Please try to avoid black and dark colours if you can.
Stick to things without logos or busy patterns; timeless, simple pieces work best. Coordinating colours is lovely, but it doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy, the goal is a natural, relaxed look.
Above all, this is just a guide. Wear what you love and feel comfortable in - when you feel relaxed, your family photos will feel relaxed too. And if you’d like, I have a curated mother’s wardrobe in the studio that you’re welcome to use for the session.
dressing baby
Keep things simple and comfortable.
Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton photograph beautifully and help your baby stay settled during the session. Neutral tones and gentle textures always work well and keep the focus where it belongs - on your baby.
Outfits that fit nicely (not too tight, not too oversized) photograph best. If you’d prefer not to see nappies, choose a onesie or outfit that offers full coverage.
Layers such as a simple cardigan can add beautiful texture - but don’t feel you need anything elaborate. Often, less really is more.
If you’re unsure what to bring, you’re always welcome to send me options - and I also have a carefully curated baby wardrobe available in the studio for you to use.
PREPARING OLDER SIBLINGS
If you have a toddler, take a deep breath - you don’t need to prepare them to “perform.”
Welcoming a new baby is a big adjustment. Little ones can feel unsure, wiggly, shy, overly excited… sometimes all within five minutes. It’s completely normal if they don’t want to sit still or smile on cue. Truly.
My sessions are gentle and relaxed. We follow your baby’s lead - and your toddler’s too. There’s no pressure for perfect behaviour or forced smiles. Some of the most beautiful images come from the in-between moments: a curious peek at baby, a cuddle that lasts two seconds, tiny hands resting close by.
You don’t need to bribe, threaten or rehearse them. Just let them know we’re going to take some lovely photos with their new baby, and I’ll guide the rest.
And if there’s a little chaos? That’s okay. It’s real life. It’s this season. And one day, you’ll look back and smile at exactly who they were in this moment.
This one's for CAMERA- shy parents
If being in front of the camera isn’t your favourite thing, you’re not alone. Many parents feel exactly the same.
There’s no need to know what to do or how to pose - that’s my job. I’ll guide you in a way that feels natural and relaxed. You won’t be asked to do anything awkward or overly staged.
The most important thing? Just be present. Hold your baby. Cuddle your partner. Lean in when your toddler climbs on you. The connection you already have with your family is what makes the photos meaningful.
You might come for them - but one day, these images will mean just as much to you.
6 Week Immunistations
It’s completely normal for babies to be a little unsettled after their immunisations. They may be more sleepy, fussy, or restless than usual - all of which is completely understandable, but can make a session trickier.
To give your baby the best chance to feel calm and comfortable, I recommend allowing at least 3–4 days after vaccinations before your portrait session. This helps ensure your baby is feeling settled, and the session can be relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
Hair & Makeup
If you've booked a hair and makeup service for your session, please be ready for your stylist's arrival with a clean, moisturised face and clean completely dry hair.
If you are doing your own hair and makeup, please avoid high gloss lipstick and glittery eye shadows.
Please remember the finer details! Hands will be on display when holding your baby so check everyone's nails are clean and polish isn't chipped. Do your roots need touching up before the session? Skin blemishes can be easily retouched but requests to alter wardrobe, makeup, nails or hair will be sent to an editor to correct and there will be additional charges for this...it's better to get it right in real life than fix it in Photoshop!
PLEASE BE ON TIME
Please arrive at your scheduled session time, ready to begin. If you arrive early, you may be asked to wait in your car if another session is still in progress. Sessions will finish at the scheduled time, even if you arrive late, to ensure I stay on time for other families. Thanks for understanding — I want to make the most of every minute we have together!
