Everything you need to know about having a newborn photoshoot
Whether this is your first baby, or you have another little one joining your family...
These tips are going to give you an idea of what to expect on your newborn or baby shoot
How to plan your outfits, when to book, where to have it...
as well as answer any other questions you may have about your newborn photography session
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You might be feeling both excited and apprehensive about having these photos,
and I am here to guide you every step of the way ; )
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How far in advance should we book our newborn photoshoot?
It's a good idea to get in touch with your newborn photographer a couple of months before your due date. We can have a chat about availability depending on how old you want baby to be for the shoot. If you love the idea of documenting them at a few days old / under 2 weeks old, we can book a preliminary date which can be shuffled depending on when they make their big arrival
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If you are closer to your due date or baby is already here, that's no problem, just pop us an email and we can find the next suitable date.
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Week days work really well for newborn shoots, as I have more flexibility if they need to be changed, and with Maternity/Paternity leave, this can work out well too : )
How old should baby be for a newborn photoshoot?
Depending on what you want captured will help decide when to have your photos​
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Under 2 weeks
Classic newborn vibes. They are at their teeniest. Sleepy swoonfest.
As well as gorgeous details, Your photos will document how tiny your new addition is, in your arms, on your bed, tiny fingers and toes
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Over 2 weeks
You can have your newborn/baby photos at any stage in their first year. There is so much magic to document at every stage. Here are some examples of different ages I have photographed below...
7 days
9 days
12 days
3 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
3 months
6 months
8 months
Where should we have our newborn / baby photo session?
Do you imagine having your photos in your home with beautiful window light or outdoors when the light is all pretty and low in the sky?
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Of course this will depend on the time of year, if your babe is brand new, you don't want to be hanging out in the cold. Outdoor newborn photo sessions work great when the weather is lovely and warm, I want to photograph their little arms and feet, so we don't want them wrapped up too much : )
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Some options for your shoot could be...
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In your home / a pretty meadow / your garden / a park / a woodland
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What should we wear for our newborn family photoshoot?
The key here is to feel good, feel comfortable and feel like you. Neutral colours work really well, we want the focus to be on the little ones tiny features.
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Some colours can give a colour cast to the babies delicate skin, giving it a bit of a red tone if you wear bright red for example, so just be wary or wearing really bright colours
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If you can avoid black, it really absorbs the light and doesn't always look great in photos, but I know for a lot of people, black is their go to colour, so at the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable and feel like yourself.
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Try to avoid anything too in your face, such as crazy patterns or big logos
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Different textures photograph beautifully as well, such as cotton, wool, linen.
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What should my baby wear for their newborn photoshoot?
It's a great idea to have a couple of options available
I would recommend having some kind of vest as one of your options, so I can really focus on the details, just something where we can see their little arms and legs, a neutral colour will work really well for this... but again this depends what your style is : )
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I love to photograph your babies skin, this will usually be them in a nappy, little bloomers or leggings/shorts
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Then maybe have on hand a little outfit or two you love
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Hats, bonnets, little socks, any accessories that you love, just let me know : )
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What time of day should we have our newborn shoot?
For at home sessions, mornings tend to work really well, starting between 9am - 11am is most common. This is the time of day that parents say their newbie is happiest. So if another time works best for your family, just let me know : )
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Outdoor sessions work so well later on in the day, around an hour or so before sunset. This of course changes throughout the year, so we can chat about the best time depending on when you are having your shoot.
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If you are early birds, sunrise could be another option for you guys
What will we do on our newborn shoot?
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The focus of the shoot will be on both your new baby, capturing all those little details and you as a family, and that wonderful connection between you guys
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The whole shoot will be baby led, we may start with getting some shots of baby on their own on a blanket or whatever they are lying on. If they are happy in someone's arms, I might find a spot with some nice light and get some shots like that first. There is no set routine and I want to make sure it's a fun and relaxed shoot.
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I want your photos to be unique to you, so I don't have predetermined poses. Instead I see how you guys naturally are together, and direct you from there to get some beautifully natural photos. Also, everyone has there own way of holding their baby, I love capturing that, rather than telling you exactly how to hold them. Don't worry, I will give you little directions along the way, but I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed rather than like you are posing for a photograph. It's all about capturing the mood, the moment and the feeling.
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I will capture whatever is going on, from changing to feeding, I love to document all the in between moments, they are so important when you look back on this time, and it really tells the story of your life in this moment in time
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Newborn Photography
Checklist
Make sure it's nice and warm. We may be changing baby and getting them in just their nappy, so let's make sure they are nice and toasty
Natural Light is the best. Turn off any artificial lighting. I can help with this when I arrive too : )
If there is anything you don't want in the background of your photos, pop it in a cupboard or under the bed
Usually baby will have a feed before I arrive, so they are more content whilst we start shooting. You can top up anytime during the shoot, there is no rush at any point during the shoot, take your time, baby comes first
Anything else?
Should we include props?
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I don't bring any props myself, but if you have anything in particular you would like to use in the shoot, that's great. Perhaps a blanket that was a gift or their first teddy for example
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Can siblings join in?
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Definitely! I love photographing newbies with their siblings at any age
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We are awkward in front of the camera, any tips?
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The great thing about these relaxed 'at home' and outdoor photoshoots... is there is no pressure, most of the shoot will be documentary, so I'll just be capturing all the little details and in between moments, so you can actually enjoy this time together as a family
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Most of my clients tell me they are camera shy, and they don't know how to act or what to do... It's my job to make you guys feel super comfortable and ensure you have a really lovely experience, and that's exactly what I will do
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Also, as I've said previously, I am not going to make you do any cheesy poses or stand a certain way for ages. It's more like, you are just hanging out with your family, and I am there, getting some awesome photos in lovely light that help you remember what this whirlwind felt like
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I can't wait to hang out and capture your family soon, any questions, feel free to drop me a message at info@fayegreen.co.uk
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Thanks so much for reading and hopefully see you very soon
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Faye xx