I couldn’t be more excited to be capturing some of the most precious moments of you and your family. It’s a big deal! You’re trusting me to photograph a moment in time you won’t ever want to forget. Those first few weeks are so precious and fleeting, and this is the exact reason why newborn photography is so important – it’s a chance to capture the moments your tired eyes may not fully remember.

If you’d like to get the most out of your newborn session, here are 7 tips and tricks that you need to know:

1. Perfect your styling

What you wear during your photoshoot is SUPER important – it’s the difference between a good and a GREAT shoot! Before your shoot, I will send you a styling guide with lots of advice and inspiration on what to wear.

My main advice would be to start with your baby wearing a plain white vest – there is nothing more gorgeous than a baby in white!

When dressing them to arrive at the studio, pop them in an outfit with zips or buttons at the front so that we can transfer baby straight onto my beanbag, avoiding anything we have to pull over their head.  

For mamas, I have a range of dresses and other items of clothing that you are very welcome to borrow during your session. Please have a look what’s available here: https://sunlightportraitstudio.co.uk/sunlight-wardrobe. I am only a text/email away if you need any help with clothing options.

2. Bring the essentials

As an experienced motherhood photographer, I have almost everything you could need at my studio. However, there are a few things that it’s useful for you to bring:

• Feeding/changing essentials with spare everything (nappies, milk etc)

• Snacks in case you get peckish!

• For siblings, bring some toys or books to keep them occupied, and an iPad with their favourite pre-downloaded tv show for after their photos!

3. Something sentimental

Do you have a favourite teddy, or a blanket knitted by Grandma? If so, bring it! It’s so lovely to include something extra in your images to add that a personal touch.

4. Prepare to be present

There are very few times in life when we are completely switched off from the outside world and totally present with our children – make this time one of those. Take this time to breathe them in, enjoy them, be present, and remember why you’re doing this. You’re preserving memories, making your kids feel loved and adored. No expectations, no worries about the end result, pick your outfits and turn up – I’ll handle the rest.

Be up for doing silly things, playing games and having fun. The best sessions are the ones where mum and dad get involved, creating all those natural giggles that we love.

5. Controlling small humans

I love having siblings at newborn shoots! However I know some parents feel apprehensive about bringing them along, and I’m often asked “but what if they don’t behave?!” Well mama, I don’t expect them to! Children are wild and that’s part of their magic. I am a pro when it comes to getting older siblings involved, however there are a couple of things you can do to help me along the way.

Firstly, try not to over prep your older children. Keep their expectations low and maybe just tell them you’re visiting a friend to have a fun morning with. There are lots of toys for them to play with at my studio, so they won’t be disappointed! You can mention to them that we’re going to take some photos of their new sibling, and that I will of course need their assistance. I have some little wooden cameras at my studio that are perfect for when I have young assistants joining in!

Please do not worry, I don’t expect your little ones to be perfectly behaved or for them to sit still either. Running around and playing games is my thing! I’m here to tailor the session to their individual personalities, engage their attention and create natural photos with no stress, so don’t be afraid to relax with them and go with the flow.

6. Work out where you’re going

Within all of your prep information, I will send you the address of the studio. It’s a good idea to pop this into Google Maps before the day of your shoot, so that you have an idea of where you’re going and you’re less likely to get lost!

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes earlier for your session. If you’re going to be late, don’t stress! I think 90% of my newborn clients arrive at least ten minutes late so that’s totally normal! Please just let me know via text or message on social media if you’re running behind – I will send you my phone number before your shoot.

7. Prepare in advance

In order to make arriving at your newborn shoot go as smoothly as possible, I recommend packing a bag with your outfits and everything else you might need before you give birth to your baby. This means that when the day of your shoot arrives you can simply roll out of bed, grab the baby and go!

Ok I’m kidding, we all know it’s totally not that simple getting out the door with a newborn!! Throw in a potential poo explosion just as you’re about to leave, a smudge of sick on your shoulder and some leaky boobs to make it more realistic – but my point is that being prepared in advance will give you one less thing to have to worry about on the day. You can literally arrive at the studio in your PJs and bring your makeup with you. You can even skip your morning coffee as there will be plenty flowing at the studio!

I’m all about making the process as relaxing and stress free as possible for you.

I hope this helps to set your mind at ease and prepare you for your session. I am always here to answer any questions you might have and to help with anything you might need.

If your shoot is coming up soon, I can’t wait to meet you and your new arrival! Thank you for trusting me with your memories.

So much love,

SB x