What to expect during your Signature Newborn photoshoot

Coming along for a newborn photoshoot with us can feel a little bit daunting, it may even be the first time you have left the house since your little one made an appearance. Hopefully this will help answer any questions you may have or help ease any concerns. There isn't really much you need to do to prepare.

When will my newborn session take place?

Our sessions generally take place in the morning around 10am. This usually fits in well if you are starting to establish a feeding routine. We aim to schedule your newborn session within the first 21 days following the birth. Around 10-14 days is a lovely time to schedule a session however if for any reason you have an extended stay in hospital don't worry. We will still be able to get you lovely images.

What shall I bring to the session?

You don't need to bring anything for baby to wear unless you have something special you would like to include in the session. Please bring plenty of milk with you as your baby may need a little extra milk to stay settled during the session. We also ask that you bring a dummy to the session if you are open to using one even if baby hasn't been too keen so far.

What happens when we arrive at the studio?

When you arrive at the studio it will be lovely and warm ready for the session. It will be warmer than usual so it is advisable to wear loose, light clothing. If you are having family portraits you are welcome to bring a change of clothing for afterwards. If you are using any of our adorable outfits for your baby we will get baby dressed in whatever you choose for the session and then I ask that you give a feed.

Whilst baby is feeding we will choose which props you would like and go over colour schemes for the session. As soon as baby is fed and settled the session will start. Don't worry if baby isn't due a feed at the session start time. If baby wants to feed before the session we can stop at any time for a top up feed.

Are siblings welcome and can we have family portraits?

Yes absolutely. If you would like family and sibling portraits we usually do these at the start of the session. This means you can then relax and enjoy the rest of the session. With smaller siblings we recommend that you have a friend or family member take them home or for a little walk as the session can be quite long for them.

How long will the session last?

You can be at the studio for up to three hours for the signature session. Some of this time baby will be being fed and settled etc. Sessions can be shorter if your baby is settled and sleeps well but it allows plenty time if baby needs extra feeds or cuddles.

Is my baby safe and comfortable?

The short answer is absolutely yes! The longer answer is that all the poses you see are totally safe. The comfort and safety of your newborn is my top priority and I am a member of BANPAS who are dedicated to newborn safety within the photography industry.

In the first few weeks following birth your baby will still be very flexible and will feel comfortable and safe wrapped up tight and with their legs tucked up as this is how they have been in the womb.

Some images you see like the one below are what's called a "composite" image. This means that they are 2-3 images "stitched" together in Photoshop to create the final image. Your baby is supported at all times.

What if my baby doesn't settle?

Some babies are more sensitive to touch and being posed than others. There is plenty time during the signature newborn session to take the time to settle your baby without compromising your gallery. Sometimes we may not have taken a single image for the first hour. Don't panic! It may be that we need to swaddle your baby to help with settling but we still can get a beautiful gallery with plenty variety from swaddled images.

How many images will we get to choose from?

Our general session workflow includes two different prop set up's like the one below along with two different colours of blanket for the beanbag images. One colour will be swaddled images and the other colour will be for the posed images. Your finally gallery for you to choose your images from should consist of around 25 images.

What are "posed" images?

The "posed" images are the ones done either naked or in one of our little rompers. The aim is to give you a beautiful set of images that you can display together. It may take 5-10 minutes to settle your baby into each pose but your baby will be safe and comfortable at all times.

When do I get to see my images?

I will invite you back to the studio approximately a week after your photoshoot so that you can view your gallery and choose your images. It is a good idea if you take a little time following the session to think about where you may wish to display your images in your home or whether you would prefer to have digital images. This will help when choosing your images at your ordering session.

I think this is all for now but if you have any further questions or anything you think I can add to the blog please do not hesitate to get in contact at info@victoriavarnamphotography.co.uk

Bye for now,

V xxx