How to prepare For Your Newborn Session | Hemel Hempstead Newborn & Baby Photographer

If you’ve book in a shoot with me to photograph your newborn, firstly I just want to say a huge thank you. It truly means the world to me that you have chosen me to do this. I’m so in love with everything I do and I’m so excited to be able to capture such special long lasting memories for you all to be able to treasure forever.

Coming for your newborn session is such an exciting time, both for me and you. Capturing your little new arrivals first ever photos is just so special. I wanted to make the process of having photos taken as simple and as easy as possible, so that’s why I have set the studio up to make this process run super smooth. All you need to do is bring yourselves, your beautiful bub (obviously haha) and your magic baby bag.

But there’s always few things that you can do to prepare for your shoot. Listed below are a few common questions I always get asked before the shoot which I thought would help if I wrote them up in a blog post! But of course, if you have any other questions, please drop me a message. I’m always happy to help.

What should I put my newborn in?
You’re more than welcome to bring outfits along to your session. Anything that is white, beige, cream etc works really well, all the neutrals! Keeping things simple always works the best, having the full attention on your brand new baby is the most important part. So I like to keep outfits simple. I would avoid putting them in harsh patterns and bright/dark colours. But of course, you don’t have to bring any outfits along. I offer plain white baby grows and the most adorable knitted nappy cover which is just perfect.

What should I bring?
Obviously your magic baby bag filled with all the essentials that get you through a day to day outing. If you have any outfits that you’d like to feature in the photos, then bring those along! We can always do some outfit changes during the session for your little one. Any special blankets are also welcome to feature in the photos. I have baby wipes, nappy bags, anti bac and a little hair brush if you need it!

Can I bring someone with me?
You can indeed. But only one other person and the child/children being photographed. My studio is only little so I don’t have the space for many people to come in. I have two chairs for you to sit on during the session. Please keep this to just 2 adults and the child/children being photographed. Please do drop me a message if you need an extra pair of hands to come along.

What should I wear?
I absolutely love it when parents want to get in the photos! But I never want anyone to feel they have to. This is completely your choice and theres never any pressure. But if you do, then I would highly recommend wearing anything that is white, beige, cream etc. Dresses, chunky knit jumpers, shirts etc are always lovely and blue/black denim jeans. For Men, white shirts or t-shirts work really well. If you decide on wearing white with blue jeans for example, then try and match each other if possible! Neutral colours and denim is so timeless and never gets old.

How long does the session take?
My newborn/family sessions are only an hour long but that doesn’t mean they can’t/don’t over run and that’s honestly okay if they do. My sessions are very baby led and babies are so unpredictable so if your little one needs feeding, changing, cuddles - that is honestly okay. But usually my sessions go on for an hour and with years of doing this, I have found that is plenty of time for everyone.

What happens if my baby isn’t happy on during the shoot?
That is totally not a problem! I understand that babies need a lot of attention and sometimes they aren’t 100% happy and thats’s okay. So we just go with the flow. If you need to feed, that’s fine. If you need to change their nappy a million times, totally fine.

Do you use any props in the session?
I don’t use any props for my newborn sessions. I truly believe keeping everything simple and all about your little one, is so important! No distractions and keeping it all about them.

I really hope some of the questions help with preparing for your newborn shoot. But as always, please send me a message if you need anymore information on your newborn shoot. I always here to help in anyway I can! I look forward to seeing you on your newborn session very soon.

Abbie x