Behind the Scenes Of a Newborn Photoshoot
Behind the scenes of a newborn photoshoot
So you are thinking of booking a newborn photoshoot for your baby…
First things first, congratulations!
Whether you are a first-time mum or have little brothers and sisters waiting for the new arrival, one thing that’s on your mind probably is that the first few weeks of parenthood already feel daunting… will a newborn photoshoot add some extra, unwanted, pressure?
The first few weeks of your newborn baby’s life are precious: they change so quickly, from losing those baby blue eyes & that first fresh flakey skin, to capturing those tiny hands & feet.
Of course you want to capture these moments and details forever, so please don’t worry – I am here to help!
Welcome to a newborn baby photoshoot at Laughing Image Corner Photography!
When you book at photoshoot at Laughing Image Corner Photography you will be guided through the process every step of the way – starting now! Because by knowing EXACTLY what your session will involve, it will help you to make the right decision for you and your family.
So ready?
First of all – What is Reading… a baby?
Newborn photography is not only about… photography!
Working with a tiny, new, baby means that our priority the whole time will be to ensure they feel safe, relaxed and content.
This is why a newborn photoshoot can take up to 4 hours: we allow plenty of time for feeding, snuggles and to simply ensure that baby’s needs come first.
But there is more to it.
The entire workflow of the session must be adapted to your baby, from posing to choosing props and so on. Every single decision I make as your photographer is based on baby… so “reading” him or her is just as important as my technical expertise.
Reading a baby comes from experience, some babies have stiff limbs – some flexible, some like to lay on their backs – some on their tummies, some are touchy and flinch, some prefer to be wrapped, some are going to stay awake and others will sleep the whole session!
As an experienced newborn photographer I can recognise these signs and adapt poses to make sure that you get a gorgeous gallery whilst always keeping your baby’s comfort as the top priority, rather than snapping away with the camera.
Before your newborn photoshoot
When you book a session at Laughing Image Corner Photography, you will receive a welcome guide that includes lots of information on what to expect from your shoot.
I will pencil in your due date in my diary and as soon as baby arrives, I will book your session date. I normally aim to book baby in around 2 weeks old, however anywhere between 10 – 21 days is a good time as this is when your baby is still sleepy and flexible from being curled up in the womb, as babies get older they tend to stretch out and lose their flexibility.
If possible, I ask that you delay baby’s feed until arrival so that we have the best chance of starting the session with a happy, well fed and content baby.
Session day! Let the cuteness begin.
On the day of your session, a warm welcome awaits you at my studio.
I keep the shooting area nice and toasty for your little one as it is important that your baby feels snug and warm.
I keep a close eye on your babies temperature throughout the shoot by checking their head, chest and tummy to see if they are warm – but not too hot.
I recommend for parents to wear layers too, so they do to get too warm.
While you sip a nice cup of tea, we will have a chat about your birth, and we will get a chance to discuss any medical conditions I should be aware of. If your baby is due a feed, I will ask you to undress and feed them.
From this moment, you will see me work with baby aiming to pose him or her in sleepy poses or if possible, in a prop.
I always try to include a prop pose in my sessions however I will only attempt this if your baby is very content and settled.
As I go through the session you will notice that I will use different props from headbands to teddy’s to wraps. Wraps are an important tool for a successful shoot as babies love to feel wrapped and secure, sometimes babies will be wrapped loosely and other times I will use a full wrap.
One thing you will notice quite soon is that I always keep one hand on the baby, for safety and to keep them feeling secure and comforted. I also use a lightly weighted blanket as to the baby this feels like another hand holding them and prevents them from feeling startled.
Regardless of us working with or without props, I choose to only photograph babies in comfortable, relaxed, and natural positions, as we smoothly move from one pose to another.
Each baby is an individual and may not like some poses, at no point will a baby ever be forced into a position for a photo, I always follow your baby’s lead to find their happy place and preferred positions.
At any point If we need to, we will stop to feed baby.
If baby is bottle fed, I will ask if it is ok for me to feed baby, to give baby a better chance of getting to know me – so when it’s time for posing I am familiar to them.
In fact I will quite happily feed, change, settle and soothe your little one for the duration of the shoot (unless baby is breastfed!)
And more cuteness (we’re talking babies, after all!)
I will also capture beautiful family connections and cute siblings photos. I know some parents are hesitant to be in the photos themselves but trust me, capturing the connections and bonds between your family will be the most precious photos you have when you look back in years to come!
For the safety of the newborn we will arrange a suitable time for a parent or grandparent to bring siblings along, usually towards the end of a session. This avoids toddlers becoming bored and frustrated throughout the session.
After your newborn photoshoot
After the shoot, I will create a stunning gallery full of beautiful edited images of your little one for you to treasure forever.
From the moment you first get in touch to the delivery of your final images, we will work together to create a stress-free, unforgettable experience and by doing so, you will love the entire process as much as you love your photographs.
For years to come, you will be able to look back on your photos with the knowledge that your photos were created with patience, experience, safety and with the full wellbeing of your baby as the top priority.
You will adore hanging your images on the walls of your home and looking back on them for years to come as you watch your children grow.
I am Megan and my studio, specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Great Yarmouth.
If you are interested in a newborn photoshoot, or would like to know more about these session and how I can help you capture this incredible time in your life, please get in touch!
