The days leading up to a newborn photography session can bring up a lot of mixed emotions. You want beautiful memories, but you might also be feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and a little anxious about how the day will go.
Please take a deep breath. As a newborn photographer with a background in neonatal and paediatric nursing, I am here to tell you that your session is a completely safe, zero-pressure space.
Here are the honest answers to the seven biggest questions running through your head right now.
1. What if my baby cries?
Then we stop and tend to your baby. Crying is a newborn’s only way of communicating, and it is completely normal. We never rush or try to "push through" a crying spell. My sessions are entirely baby-led. If your little one needs a nappy change, a top-up feed, or just a long, quiet cuddle with Mum or Dad, that is exactly what we will do.
2. What if my baby won't sleep?
Awake photos are just as beautiful! While those sleepy, curled-up poses are lovely, wide-awake newborn photos capture incredible personality. If your baby is alert and content, I will capture their bright eyes, their funny little yawns, and their stretches. We only need them to sleep if we are doing specific tucked poses. If they stay awake the whole time, you will still get a gorgeous gallery.
3. What if I’m not ready on time?
Please don't panic. Life with a newborn is unpredictable. If you are running late, or if a last-minute "poopocalypse" happens right as you are expecting me, I build plenty of buffer time into my schedule because I know exactly what it is like to get ready with an infant.
4. Do I have to be in the photos?
No, but I highly encourage it—and I promise to make it easy. Many new mums feel self-conscious about post-pregnancy bodies, dark circles, or general exhaustion. If you really do not want your face in the images, we can focus on "connection crops"—like your hands cradling the baby’s head, or the baby resting against your shoulder. However, remember that these photos are a gift for your child’s future. They won't care about your tired eyes; they will only see how deeply they were loved from day one.
5. What if I feel overwhelmed during the session?
You can step away and rest. Postpartum hormones and sleep deprivation are a intense combination. My studio (or your living room, if we are doing an in-home session) is a judgment-free zone. If you feel overwhelmed, you can sit back, drink a hot coffee, or even lie down. Because of my medical training with infants, you can comfortably hand your baby to me knowing they are in the safest, most capable hands possible.
6. How much do you edit?
I edit for a polished, natural look. Newborn skin goes through many rapid changes, including baby acne, jaundice, scratches, and flaky patches. I gently remove temporary blemishes, redness, and flakes so your baby’s skin looks soft, while keeping their natural features exactly as they are. For parents, I soften dark circles and fix stray hairs, but I will never over-process an image to make you look unnatural.
7. Can my other children join in?
Absolutely! Sibling photos are a priority. In fact, if we are doing an at-home session, I always love to start with family and sibling photos first. Toddlers have a very short window of patience for the camera. By capturing the sibling portraits right at the beginning, older kids can go off to play or have a snack, leaving us with a quiet, calm environment to focus on the newborn.
You are in safe hands
A newborn session should be a beautiful memory, not a source of stress. My job is to handle the logistics, the soothing, and the safety, so you can simply enjoy your baby.