When should I book in for my newborn photoshoot?
If you are booking a newborn photoshoot I reccommend booking after your 12 week scan to secure your date in my diary. I do get very booked up in advance so it's best to book whilst you are still pregnant to guarantee a slot while baby is still small. For all other sessions I reccomend getting in touch around 2-3 months in advance, depending how flexible you are with dates.
October, November & December are incredibly busy months and get booked up very far in advance, please bear this in mind if you have a winter baby :)
How long will my session last?
All times are approximate as it really depends on your baby/children on the day but as a rough guide:
Newborn - anywhere between 1-4 hours.
Cake Smash - between 60 and 90 minutes.
Portraits & Family shoots - approx 1 hour.
Can we have some family portraits taken as part of our session too?
Of course! This is encouraged, it's so important to be present in the memories we create for our children.
Where will my session take place?
Most sessions take place at my home studio in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. I do also shoot at various locations around Hertfordshire so please do get in touch if you'd prefer a session outside, I'm always happy to discuss and suggest any potential locations for shoots.
Can you come to my home to do a newborn shoot?
No. Unless in extreme or exceptional circumstances this is not something I offer.
Do I have to choose a package when I book?
You don't need to choose a package until after your session and you have viewed all your edited images, and are happy with them. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase a package if you do not wish to after your session.
When do I choose which photos I want to keep?
Around 2 weeks after your session you will be emailed a link to your password protected online gallery where you can choose your images.
What do I need to bring with me to my shoot?
You will be sent information of what to bring to your session beforehand, however there is nothing specific or items that need to be specifically purchased. All props and accessories are available to use in the studio.
The suggestions I make are just to ensure you get the most out of your session.
I am breastfeeding are there certain foods I should avoid prior to my session to help my baby settle easier?
There are certain foods which are widely known to cause gas and potential discomfort in young babies, please avoid these foods 48 hours prior to your session wherever possible to ensure baby's comfort.
- Chocolate
- Spices
- Citrus Fruits/Fruit Juices
- Broccolli
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Onions
- Excessive amounts of caffeine
- Fruits with laxative effect (prunes, cherries etc.)
What days do you work?
My diary is flexible. I am available for shoots Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays.
I need a weekend session so my older children can attend, can I still book in advance?
Of course! Please let me know at the time of booking if you have school age children who will be attending the session and therefore you require a weekend booking. Weekends are obviously very popular and book up quickly!
Will my baby be safe?
Absolutely. I have been professionally trained in the art of newborn posing, and undertake regular Paediatric First Aid training. Your baby's safety is paramount and considered at each and every stage of the session. Your baby will never be placed in a pose where they are uncomfortable.
What should we wear for our session?
You are just as much a big part of the shoot as your baby. It is so important to be present in the memories of our children, even when we might not feel like it at the time.
Plain colours work best for family portraits, plain black or white well fitted t-shirts for Dads/vest top for Mums look classic and timeless. Your hands will work their way into the images so bear that in mind when choosing a nail polish colour ;) subtle is best!
I know getting out the house in the early days can be tricky so feel free to bring your makeup bag along with you. I only shoot the most flattering angles, so even if you are not feeling your best I always encourage everyone to have at least one photo with baby - trust me you will be glad you did!
I am currently wearing a mask for all of my sessions. I am also testing for COVID19 twice a week, in the event of a positive result I will isolate in accordance with the current guidelines at the time - any affected sessions will be notified immediately and rescheduled for my return to work.
The studio is cleaned and sanitised between each session, all props/blankets/accessories are washed or disinfected between sessions.
I am also fully vaccinated and have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.