One of the biggest moments – the arrival of your newborn baby. Life will never be the same again. Those first few weeks can fly by – often in a blur! A newborn portrait session means you keep part of those earliest days forever.

This post is all about what a newborn shoot involves. Should you have a question that’s not covered here please drop me a line.

 

What does a session involve in brief?

Every booking includes a pre-shoot chat to discuss the type of pictures you’d like, colours, clothing, product options and anything else you’d like to ask. This can take place over the phone or we can meet in person at my studio. At the end of your session you can book a date to come to the studio to view your pictures and make your selection. This is usually one or two weeks after the session. Your order is usually delivered within four weeks.

 

Where is the session?

You can choose a studio session or have it in your home. It all depends on the type of pictures you’d like. I use lighting in the studio but often in the home environment natural light is the best option. My studio is at 127 Clarence Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4AU.

 

When should we book our date?

You can book your date when you know your due date. You can also book when your baby has arrived if you prefer. A baby’s arrival is not set in stone so there is always some flexibility.

 

How old should our baby be?

The best time for a newborn session is within the first 14 days. Babies tend to sleep more and it’s easier to gently move them into different positions. Of course, older babies can have a newborn session, and I would say anything up to 8 weeks is fine. Sessions with older babies may take a little longer.

 

How long does a session last?

You should plan on between one and a half and three hours. I only book one newborn session a day so we can be flexible with time. There’s lots of time for breaks, feeds and cups of tea – for baby and parents!

 

Are parents involved in the session?

I work alone and ask parents to stay close to the baby for safety and comfort reasons.

 

What kind of pictures do you take?

I would describe my style as natural. I have a range of backdrops and wraps to choose from and some props. I take a range of pictures including images of all the beautiful little details – toes, hands, eyelashes. During our pre-shoot chat we can talk about all of these things and more.

 

Do you take pictures of parents and baby?

Yes, I do though it is completely up to you. It may well be the last thing you want to do after a few sleepless nights but I encourage parents to have them taken. You then have the option and I really believe they’ll become very important to you in future years – especially when your little one is a teenager. Imagine that!

 

Do you use the pictures in marketing?

Only if you give permission and I never use names or other identifying factors.

 

What is the cost of a newborn portrait session?

The session fee is £60 and payable when you book your date. It can be used as credit when your final order is over £400 and made at your viewing session. Alternatively you can choose a gift card. These start at £300 and include the session plus a voucher towards frames. You then have the full amount to spend on your chosen products. It is payable when you book. My Pricing and Product Guide includes the latest collections and bespoke items.