FAQ's for Newborn Photoshoot

Your FAQ’s Answered…

When is the best time to book?

The best time to book in is following your 20 week scan. As I only take in one newborn session per day, I can only take a certain number of bookings in per week due to babies unpredictable arrival times. This is the reason I ask you to book in while pregnant so I can organise my diary (I hate having to turn people away) To book in, I just need your due date & I will then pop a provisional date into my diary around 7-10 days after your due date. It’s as simple as that! I then ask for you to contact me once baby has arrived so I can move the session date as needed to have you and baby into the studio before baby reaches 2 weeks old. It is possible to capture your baby after 2 weeks, but pre 2 weeks old is preferred.

What happens during a Newborn Session?

During the session, I will work with your baby to capture beautiful timeless images for you to treasure for a lifetime. I will take as much time as baby requires to feed, wind & settle, patience is essential. The session is entirely baby-led and this is why the sessions are 2-3 hours to ensure baby is comfortable and content throughout. I will use carefully styled setups using blankets, wraps, outfits, hats & props I have in the studio. I usually work with a mixture of creams and colour to give you a varied choice in your gallery, but if you have a preferred colour scheme (that would perhaps suit your home / nursery) then just let me know!

I can also take parent & sibling images during the session if you wish to join in & well behaved furry friends are also welcome as they are of course part of your family too!

What should I bring along to the shoot?

All you need to bring along to the session is enough milk for your baby and nappy & wipes… I provide all baby wraps, hats, headbands, outfits, props, blankets.

Is there parking at the studio?

Yes, there is free parking directly outside the door. The studio is in Layer, Colchester and once you book a session in I will send over clear directions to the studio.

What should we wear for the parent / sibling images?

I always advise to wear what you feel comfortable in. Try to avoid bold, heavy prints as they can distract the viewer from the main focus of the image… Solid colours work well, I always like Whites & denims / pastels but again it’s whatever you feel good & comfortable in.

How long does it take to see the pictures?

I will have your pin secure online gallery emailed over to you within two weeks, it’s often quicker than this, but it will never be longer. You can then grab a box of tissues & a cuppa and sit together to look through your gorgeous gallery in the comfort of your own home & make your selections

What is the Free Sitter Shoot included with the Newborn Session?

Every Newborn Shoot includes a complimentary studio session when baby hits the milestone of sitting up (usually around 7-9 months) This is a great age to update your babies portraits and captures emerging personalities. It’s also a great opportunity to book a date in for the final first year milestone session… The Cake Smash!

A Final Take Away Note…

I want you to feel completely at ease when you visit the studio, for a lot of new parents, I'm one of the first trips out (putting baby in car seat, driving etc) and I like you to relax and just enjoy the experience when you get to the studio. I have over 10 years experience and am fully trained in safe Newborn photography & I also have two children of my own. With over 250 5 star reviews on Facebook & Google, you can feel confident your baby is safe with me.

Any Questions, just let me know

Look forward to hearing from you.

Vikki x

Newborn Photography Sessions...

So, you've taken a test and see those famous two lines appear, congratulations are in order... You're PREGNANT!!! You are about to embark on THE most insane but incredible times of your life & boy does it all fly by in a whirlwind!! There is so so much to think of when you have just found out your expecting & one thing thats often forgotten about amongst the plans to decorate the nursery & buy all your essentials is - Booking your Newborn Shoot! Many people just don't even realise that most photographers require the booking to be in the diary prior to your precious bundle arriving, and then there are others that just don't know quite how early Newborn shoots take place so miss that tight window to capture their baby in those beautiful sleepy newborn poses you can see within this blog! 

I like to have your baby into my studio for their images in the first 14 days where possible.  This is the best time to capture the newness, the flaky skin, the little windy smiles and most importantly your baby will be most sleepy in this timeframe and still very flexible where they have been used to being snug and cosy in your womb.  I will pose them safely and capture them looking as teeny and new as they are at that moment in time.

In the early days after having my babies (Now 16 & 12!!!), even though I was so tired & my emotions were running high, I wished I could have pressed a pause button just to enjoy my baby at this stage for a moment longer.  Newborn Photography wasn't really commonplace back then, but now is becoming more & more popular & its easy to see why! I will capture those little details for you from the newborn stage that flies past so quickly and provide you with images to treasure for a lifetime.  

For parents visiting me for Newborn Shoots, its often their first visit out of the house since leaving hospital & that thought for many can be quite daunting, I can promise you a perfectly calm, clean and safe environment for you & your baby.  All of my parents leave me saying what a wonderful experience it was for them which is just the best thing to hear!  Yes, there will be lots of poop & pee, lots of nappy changes and time spent settling & feeding baby, but I can promise you that the 3+ hours spent with me in those first few days will give you memories to treasure for a lifetime.  

A few FAQ's Answered...

So when is the best time to book a Newborn Shoot?

It's best to wait until your 20 week scan & then get in touch to secure a provisional date in my diary.  

What will happen when I book? 

When you get in touch to book in your newborn shoot, I will give you a provisional shoot date based on your due date, and then I ask you to contact me when baby arrives so I can tweak this date as necessary to ensure I get you in before baby is 14 days.  I will then send you through preparation guidance to follow on the lead up to the shoot & on the day of the shoot to give us the best possible chance of having a content baby.  

How long does the shoot last? 

The shoot is approximately 3 hours long.  I never book in more than 1 newborn shoot a day as I don't want new mums & dads to feel rushed.  The shoot will be relaxed, and you will not feel rushed at all. 

Where does the shoot take place? 

The shoot will take place at my beautiful studio space in Layer, Colchester.  It is cosy, warm and you can get nice and comfortable on my Sofa while I work my magic with your baby.  I will also be on hand to provide you with the well needed cups of tea & coffee.  There is free parking directly outside the door. 

Are you trained and experienced? 

I have completed a number of training courses in The Safe Art of Newborn Photography with some of the countries top newborn photographers.  Your babies safety & comfort is my number one priority.  I am also a member of the British & Newborn Photography Association which promotes safety in newborn photography.  I also now have over 3 years of experience in photographing Newborns. 

20 Weeks + Pregnant? NOW is the time to book in for your Newborn Shoot... I look forward to hearing from you & hope to be welcoming you into my studio very soon! 

Vikki x