​Frequently Asked Questions - Newborn Session

When do I need to book?

​Newborn sessions are ideally held between 5-12 days of age (adjusted for premmies) when babies are still pretty sleepy, flexible and easy to pose and settle.  It is, of course, possible to conduct a newborn-style session after this age up to about the age of five or six weeks however you will need to appreciate that it becomes more difficult to move and pose babies without waking them, necessitating more time settling and feeding.   Older babies will better fit the format of a shorter "Older Baby/Sitter" session.

Ideally, your newborn session will be booked as early as possible and any time after your 12-week scan as I can be booked up for some months in advance.   I only accept as many bookings as I can reasonably shoot, edit and return to my clients for proofing in my targeted time frame of two weeks.  

With newborn sessions, we will pencil a session based around your expected due date.  Then, when the baby actually arrives, we will re-confirm the actual appointment date.  

I currently take newborn session bookings Mondays - Fridays from 9am - 3pm.

How long will the session last?
An average newborn session will last somewhere between 2-4 hours depending on how settled the baby is on the day.  This amount of time is allowed to ensure that you have ample time to feed, change and comfort your child without feeling rushed.  I only ever book one newborn session a day to ensure that we have as much time as necessary.  

For most babies, mornings seem to be the period when they are most settled.  You will need to consider your own baby's feeding and sleeping pattern (as far as there is one!).  

The best time to begin to photograph newborns is directly after a good feed when they are ready to go back to sleep.

Who may attend the session?
Siblings and other family members are encouraged to be included in the photography session at no additional cost although the primary focus of the newborn session will be the new baby.   If there are young siblings who may become bored and disruptive during the course of the long session, I do keep activities and distractions at the studio although I find it is best to schedule the sibling and family shots either at the beginning or end of the session so that they don't need to be present for the entire duration.  There is a great local park where they can burn off some energy for a short while.

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How should I prepare for the session?
Your input to the planning of the session is invaluable in making it run effectively.  Have a think about what you would like to get out of the session and whether there are any particular poses or props that you would like to include.  Have a look at my website or perhaps a parenting magazine for inspiration!​

Consider any items that you would like included in the images such as a favourite blanket or toy and have these close to hand during the shoot.

Ensure that your baby is comfortable and content, is well fed and has a clean, dry nappy. 

If you are interested in nude or semi-nude photographs it is a good idea to have baby wrapped in a warm blanket or towel so that (s)he is not disturbed with undressing once they go off to sleep.  Also, if possible, please loosen the sides of the nappy a little in advance of the session so that they will not leave elastic imprints on your little ones bottom. 

I have a very detailed welcome pack which is available on request and packed full of information and tips.



What if the baby just won't settle?
With all the will in the world, I appreciate that you just cannot predict the mood of babies and you certainly cannot cajole them into performing for the camera!

In the case that baby is unsettled for an extended amount of time, it should still be possible to capture a number of lovely images with baby resting in parent’s arms, swaddled, even feeding.  There is plenty of time allocated to these sessions to allow for whatever measures are required to settle the baby and no-one need feel rushed or anxious.

What is included in the session fee?

• A pre-shoot planning session to discuss your requirements (usually by e-mail or telephone);

• The photographic session which will last for an estimated 2-4 hours;

• Use of all textiles and hard props;

• A minimum of 50 hosted in an online gallery at low-resolution and watermarked from which you may make decisions on further print and digital file purchases.

• Two 5x7" and one 8x12" prints;

• One digital high-resolution birth announcement.

• A review session is optional and may be held to review images and to place product orders.  I have samples of albums and wall art available at the studio for inspection.

What does "low-resolution" mean?

Low-resolution files (72 dpi) are digitally compressed files that have been purposely reduced in quality for screen display only.   They will appear pixelated when printed.  Low-resolution files are provided by the Photographer solely for the purposes of reviewing the session images for print selection and for upload by the Client to social media sites such as Facebook, and for sharing electronically with friends and family.  They may not be printed as no print-release is provided with these files.  The files will also all feature a light watermark.

High-resolution files (300 dpi) are available for purchase as singles or as collections and these do not feature the Photographer's watermark.

Professional lab prints are available for purchase at very reasonable prices starting from $40 for a 5x7" print.

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Why do you recommend a professional print lab? 

I have discovered the real value of printing with a professional lab through many years of experience.Commercial outlets often produce prints with a strong colour cast that does not match the original colour file.  This colour cast can be particularly apparent in skin tones, completely ruining a beautiful shot. Pro lab prints are made using Kodak Supra Endura paper which is guaranteed to stand the test of time, lasting up to 200 years with minimal fading.With professional print labs you are guaranteed a better quality and more colour accurate image.  After all of the effort that went into planning, preparing for and taking part in a professional photography shoot, please do not underestimate the importance of subsequently purchasing a high-quality printed image.