Hey!
Whether you’ve just brought new life into the world and are reading this through the bleary eyes of sleep-deprivation, or you’re excitedly anticipating the arrival of a new tiny family member, I just wanted to say congratulations!
I am beyond honoured to be able to capture this incredible time in your lives.
Carving out the time to document and recognise this transition is one of the best things you can do. And, as your photographer, I am here to support you in any way I can.
This guide is my way of saying, “I’ve got you.” I’ve crafted it to answer your questions, calm your fears, and address your uncertainty.
I can’t wait to meet your little one.
TIMING
Week one and two of your baby’s life is magic. Of course all of the weeks are magic, but during these first two weeks, newborns are squishy, flexible, sleep more, and are still adjusting to the world outside.
In order for us to get organised for a shoot this soon after their birthday, I’ll need your due date. In a lot of cases, babies will arrive whenever they want to and I couldn’t possibly expect them to abide by our schedule!
If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected and they will be either more than 2 weeks old or not yet born on our planned photoshoot date, let me know as soon as possible and we will do our best to rearrange the date.
If you, understandably, have been spinning too many plates on the roller coaster ride of pre and post birth to lock in a date before the second week of your baby’s life, please don’t worry.
Older babies might be a little more awake during their photoshoot but the results will be just as beautiful.
HOW TO PREPARE
Expect to snuggle! And, be prepared to be in some of the shots. Now, I know that in your postpartum haze you’re probably not feeling like a supermodel, but trust me you should feel like superhuman!
Your photoshoot will involve very little posing and is more focused on how you would normally interact as a new family. So lots of cuddling and looking lovingly at your perfect new baby. Am I right?
I will give you prompts on certain ways to hold your baby or position you with the best light and will be there to guide you whenever it is required.
Your baby is still trying to figure out where they are and what they’re doing in this big bright world.
Sometimes, they’ll get a little upset and need a bit of extra loving. We may have to stop for a little feed, to change a nappy, or to give them a little pep talk before continuing on. But this is all a part of it.
HOW TO DRESS
Gravitate towards gentle colors: pastels, light colours, or neutrals. These colours are the most flattering on the delicate complexion of newborns and also look great in the final images.
And as for the rest of the family...try to complement, not match the colours baby is wearing. Wear neutrals with texture, like knits, linen, or cotton. But most importantly, be comfortable.
Above all, I want you to feel your best and be comfortable during your photo session.
Siblings
If you’d like to capture your little one with their proud new bigger siblings, I will aim to capture photos with them included first so that once the siblings have done their bit, they are free to go and play!
It can sometimes be hard for the older siblings when all the attention is on their new baby brother or sister, so I like to make them feel involved right from the start!
Location
The easiest location for a newborn photoshoot is in the comfort of your home. It doesn’t need to be Instagrammable, it doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to have a window and some natural light.
Natural light is so important to achieving good quality images that you will want to print and hang on your walls, so at the beginning of your photo session (if it is okay with you) I would love to have a wander through your home and find the best possible light and spaces for us to take your photos.
As long as the light allows, good rooms to photograph newborn sessions in are the baby's nursery, parents bedroom and living rooms.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT
You have done the hard work and now you can sit back and relax with your little one whilst you await your beautiful gallery.
I aim to send you a few highlight 'sneak peaks' within the first week and then your full gallery will be with you within 3-4 weeks via a private, password protected web gallery.
Once you have had a chance to view your gallery online, you can then choose which package you would like to buy. You can do this right from inside your online gallery.
Once you have purchased your package and chosen your favourites (or your whole gallery!), the digital images you have chosen will be sent directly to your inbox and you can download them straight away.
I will then get on with ordering your prints and will arrange for these to be posted to your home.
Take a look at the options below of the different packages that you will be able to choose from.
Photo & Print Packages
Once you have had a chance to view your beautiful gallery following your photo session with me, you can choose to purchase one of the below photo & print collections so that you can continue to look back on and enjoy your memories together.
AFTER ALL, THIS IS THE START OF YOUR FAMILY LOVE STORY
Organic
£250
5 hand-edited, high resolution digital images
5 matching 6x4" prints
Presented in a beautiful leather print wallet
Carefree
£350
10 hand-edited, high resolution digital images
10 matching 6x4" prints
Presented in a beautiful leather print wallet
Timeless
£600
Full gallery of hand edited, high resolution digital images
Full gallery of 7x5" prints
Presented in a luxury linen keepsake photo box
Thank You
Thank you so much for your booking and trusting in me as your Newborn Photographer. I cannot wait to capture this special time in your lives!
If you have any questions at all between now and your photoshoot, please let me know. Plus, if your baby isn't here yet, remember to keep me in the loop and let me know when they are.
CONTACT DETAILS
amy@amyclairebarnesphotography.co.uk
07746 345242
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION AND YOU CAN'T FIND THE ANSWER HERE, PLEASE REACH OUT AND ASK ME.
FAQ
What is Lifestyle Photography?
A lifestyle photoshoot is all about capturing those genuine, candid moments in the comfort of your own environment, whether it's your home, or a beautiful outdoor location.
It's less about posed, formal pictures and more about the authentic, heartfelt connections and interactions that happen naturally.
When is the best time for me to book a maternity photoshoot?
The best time for you to book your maternity photoshoot is when you are around 28-34 weeks pregnant. This is generally when your belly is nicely rounded but you are not feeling too uncomfortable.
Get in touch as soon as you can to make sure you have your photoshoot booked in the diary.
Can we include family members in the photoshoot?
Absolutely! Family members including siblings and pets can make the session even more special and capture the joy of the whole family.
When is the best time for me to book a newborn photoshoot?
The first two weeks or ideal as your baby is much more sleepy and doesn't mind being moved around. However as it is a lifestyle photoshoot, it doesn't matter if they are slightly older as they are generally being cuddled and we work around them most of the session.
Will you guide us during the photoshoot?
Yes absolutely! I know it can feel awkward having your photo taken at first but I will be there every step of the way giving you direction and showing you where to stand or sit for the best light. Although there will be so many moments for me to capture the pure and genuine emotions between you all, I will be giving you prompts to evoke laughter and lots of cuddles!
How do I book?
I require the full session fee & signed contract in order to get a provisional date booked and secured on my calendar. Your chosen photo package can be purchased following your photoshoot once you have received your gallery.
Are you willing to travel?
Yes! Definitely! Travel fees are applied if I'm travelling more than 20 miles from the area BN14, which is charged both ways.
How long does it take to receive the final edited photos?
I totally understand the anticipation of seeing your final photos. My editing process typically takes 3-4 weeks, depending on the volume of images and the complexity of editing required.
I prioritise quality and attention to detail to deliver exceptional images that exceed your expectations.
Do I have to order prints through you?
I highly recommend ordering prints through the professional printing lab that I work with, but it isn't required. The difference in quality is huge when it comes to ordering through a professional lab, so I always love to help with prints!
I have an online ordering store right within your gallery to purchase prints or albums which I am happy to help create for you with a selection of your favourite photos.