what to expect

A mother and her baby girl in the studio.

So you’re expecting your first baby and have no idea what to expect when it comes to a newborn session. Or you’ve finally realised there is no ideal time for family photos and decide you need to book .. so what do you do now?

finding a photographer

When you are ready to invest in professional photography it is important you do your research. There’s a saying ‘anyone can be a photographer’ and whilst I don’t believe it personally as I have come from a decade of hard work, some people do believe this statement as technology has definitely broadened the capability of one starting a photography business.

With more access to affordable cameras, internet classes and editing tutorials there are lot more beginners out there running a business, whilst this is absolutely fine (we all start somewhere!) it is still very important to do your research.

Price varies amongst photographers based on location, skills, experience and overheads.

What are overheads? These are things such as liability and equipment insurance, editing software, backup storage for your precious memories in the interim, working with children checks, studio and/or electricity costs. Providing beautiful items for your shoot to save you time sourcing outfits during the times of extreme newborn sleep deprivation and much more.

Things to look for when searching for a photographer:

> Firstly, their style. Do you love their photos? There is absolutely point booking the cheapest photographer you can find but not consider the outcome. Photography is a luxury purchase. I know I am not in everyone’s budget, and that’s ok! But please book the photographer for their portfolio.

> Insured? It is incredibly important they are insured. Liability is a must in this industry, to protect you and the photographer in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. Any photographer working without this needs to get it sorted asap!

> Vaccinated, not the COVID kind, that’s a topic for someone else’s blog and this is a personal preference for you. But whooping cough is ESSENTIAL, please make sure your photographer is up to date with this vaccination!!

> Experienced! This is your newborn baby and your investment. If you would like to book a hobbyist or newbie to save some cash, that is also ok, but consider the risks. Not only the risks of handling a newborn baby, but the risks of files being corrupted, photographer not being committed or reliable and the quality not turning out how you envisioned after looking at ‘expensive’ photographers and expecting the same outcome.

Do your research, it is as important as a wedding photographer. Yes you can always reshoot a newborn session. But they will never be as little and as fresh as they are today.

Book a session

Simply reach out via the contact page and view the pricing guide. Once you have decided to go ahead, book the session.

It is important to book in advance, many photographer’s like myself book out months in advance and we book you whilst you are still expecting. For outdoor shoots, I book out very quickly in warmer months, so I wouldn’t wait for last minute for these sessions either.

My sessions are simple.

Read the prep guide and FAQ’s I send to you before your session. Arrive, relax and truly connect with your family to dive into the experience.

I start with family photos if there are older siblings involved. I then focus on babies details and their solo portraits.

If this is the first baby in the family, I generally flip the session and start with baby’s solo photos. I consider that this is generally the first outing for a couple with a new baby. And the morning may have felt intense getting ready as a family as opposed to a couple, so allowing some time to sit, relax and get to know me whilst I photograph their baby can allow for them to feel more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. A new baby is a shock to the system and I acknowledge that.

Established families on the other hand, this is already a chaos Mum and Dad have adapted to and getting the older siblings in front of the camera immediately makes use of the limited time kids will give when it comes to being interested in photos. I have about 20 mins at most for most kids before they’re bored, hungry or downright over it. And that’s fine, they’re kids. We shouldn’t expect them to be into it, most parents (cough… Dad’s) aren’t into it. But nonetheless it is an important event to have.

photo delivery

After the session, your photos are uploaded/back up and stored until it is time to edit them. Keeping in mind sessions are edited in order of photo shoots so there may be some before you, well usually always let’s be honest.

Within 14-21 days you will be sent your first look gallery. For those who purchase the collections that include all images, these are downloadable at this time. For those who chose to purchase 15, these will downloadable once you have made your final selections.

Final selections and images to be printed will be carefully retouched behind the scenes and then delivered via an online gallery in the following weeks and on a USB for the purchases that include a USB. Your images will then be sent to be printed, albums will be designed and frame choices discussed and decided/ordered.

I do include postage of your items to your home in your collection purchase. I no longer offer pick up as I have a young baby myself and are not always home for clients to collect.

For large items I am happy to make an exceptions, this is usually safer and faster option for you.