Newborn Photography Guide – Devon & Cornwall Photographer

There’s so much anticipation and wonder when you’re expecting a new arrival. It often means baby showers, plans all of the new baby things and everything else you can think of to be ready for this impending new life. Photographs may not be at the top of your list. If you’re like me, you are so focused on everything leading up to birth you don’t really think about the after. Once the baby arrives, you’ll be enjoying that fleeting bubble of time where everything is totally changed but feels completely normal at the same time. The thoughts about getting ready for baby are now replaced with more thoughts, “is baby feeding enough?”, “What time is the midwife appointment?” “am I doing a good job?” It’s so easy to see why documenting moments with photography slips further down the list.

If you’re pregnant and thinking about booking a newborn session, bump it right to the top of your to do list!

Read on for my top tips on things to consider before booking a newborn photographer:

TIP 1 : Choosing your Photographer: 

Finding the right photographer for you can take a little while. A newborn session is such a personal experience; you must connect with your photographer and love their style. Newborn photography is similar to Wedding photography in a way because you can’t really go back and re-shoot if you’re unhappy with your photographs.

 When to book your newborn Photography Session:    

 I recommend booking your session whilst you are still pregnant after your 20-week scan is perfect. Then you can relax knowing that it’s all taken care of.

Choosing an In home or studio session?

Studio newborn photography and in-home newborn photography are the most common types on offer at the moment. Studio photography tends to involve more set posing of your baby on their own and perhaps some with you too. In-home sessions are usually ‘lifestyle’ or documentary style and include a mix of images to tell your family’s story. The photographer will come to your home and will likely seek out the areas of your home with the prettiest light. For a studio session, you may need to consider travelling time to the session. Plus packing everything you need. If you have older children, it’s a good idea to take some things to keep them occupied if they’re able to stay with you.

Worried your house isn’t ‘Pinterest worthy’ enough? 

Your house doesn’t need to be “perfect”; the love you share is more important and the focus of the photographs. Personally, I love “lived-in” homes; I want to see the bits and pieces that make up your everyday favourite toys, dummies, blankets; leave them; they are important! When preparing your home for your session, the balance must be right for you; if you’re happy, your photographer will be happy.  I love a messy bed with a family cuddled up in it and kids room with their very favourite toys scattered around it. I specialise in honest photography, and your home should reflect that.

What age is the best time to photograph baby?            

Different photographers will have different preferences for the ideal age they like babies to be. I personally like to give your family a full 7 days to settle and heal before I arrive for the shoot. It also depends on what you envision for your session; what would you like to capture?
If you want sleepy newborn photos, then 6-12 days is ideal to book your session. Or If you want more interactive photos with your babe’s personality shining, then any time up until 12 weeks is great for a newborn session. You’ll have no idea how you’ll feel after the birth of your baby, which is another good reason to book in during your pregnancy; if it’s all booked in, you’ll have something to focus on. If you leave it until after your baby arrives, you might keep putting it off until you feel a little more together and miss that crucial newborn window.

What is the photographers availability like?  What happens if your baby comes early or late?

Most newborn photographers, myself included, will book your session based on your due date and allow time in their schedule to accommodate an early or late arrival. All you’ll need to do is give me a call/email once the baby has arrived, and we’ll schedule the actual date of your session. There is no shortage of newborn photographers to choose from, but having found one whose style you love only to find out they are fully booked for three months after your baby’s arrival would be disappointing, so make sure you get in there early.

Do you know the full costs in advance? 

When I buy something, I like to know the full cost before I make a decision. And I’m sure you do too. Every photographer does things a little differently, so make sure you ask for a full price list and find out exactly what is included before booking to avoid any surprises down the line.

A newborn session means so much more than just ‘having’ photos of this time in your family’s life; researching to find the best Photographer for you is key. So you have photographs to share with your babies for the rest of their lives.