What Parents Really Want to Know About Newborn Photography
- Gill Flett
- May 9
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About Newborn Photography (But Couldn't Find Straight Answers To)
I’ve been photographing newborns in family homes across Surrey, Berkshire and South London for over ten years now. Over that time, I’ve been asked so many very good questions but not many clear answers from the internet - so I thought I'd compile many of those questions into a post - "What Parents Really Want to Know About Newborn Photography". I hope it helps answer some of your questions.
If you are feeling a bit unsure, curious, or just want to know what to expect from a newborn photography sessoin you are not alone. Let me help!
Relax and enjoy your session!
Is My Baby Safe During the Session?
Yes. Always.
Your baby's safety comes first, every single time.
I bring a studio setup to your home, so you do not have to go anywhere. I bring the professional lighting - so you don't need an especially light area for me. You can just relax.
I never leave babies unattended and ask that a parent is always in the room with me when ever I am posing your baby. Every pose is safe, supported, and gentle.
Poses like Froggy pose are always photographed as a composite and never alone - I photograph the top of baby's head then the the hands under the chin with the feet placed gently behind the elbows to support the shape. Then a little Photoshop glue later - the perfect Froggy Pose! Babies can't take the weight of their heads and are never left in this pose without being supported.
Froggy pose - how it's done
I have photographed tiny premature babies and chunky, overdue ones as well as tiny twins who are often born early for safety.
There is always a warm fan running to keep your baby cosy. We take breaks for feeding, cuddles, or anything else your baby needs.
Everything is set up right in your home, so there’s no need to go anywhere just you, your baby, and a calm space.
I have been doing this for more than ten years. I am fully insured and take my job seriously, but I also absolutely love it, as I hope my many lovely reviews show.
My sessions are calm, quiet, and completely baby led.
What If My Baby Is Early or Late?
What if my baby is older - my delivery wasn't easy/I've been unwell/Baby has been unwell?
Do not worry — it is completely normal.
Babies arrive when they are ready. Both of mine were two weeks late - they were too comfortable I think!.
When you book, I pencil in your due date. Then once your baby arrives, we pick a day that works for you.
These newborns between two weeks and four weeks- can you tell the difference?
(Premature, 2 weeks, 4 weeks old)
The best time to photograph a newborn is usually within the first two weeks. That is when they are still very sleepy and curled up.
However, if you haven't had a smooth delivery or been unwell it is perfectly possible to photography newborns up to six weeks old. Working with newborns after Covid restrictions showed me that! (a positive to come out of that!)
But I can easily work with babies who are up to 4 weeks and older.
If your baby comes early or needs a bit more time, we just adjust. I keep my schedule flexible for this very reason.
What if baby has flaky skin or has scratched themselves?
If baby has scratches or a little jaundice or indeed has any flaking skin - this is all normal and can be removed in the editing.
Both babies are 6 weeks old - you won't miss out. You will not lose your session.
What If My Baby Will Not Settle?
That is completely fine. Honestly.
Some babies sleep the whole way through. Others need a bit more time. Either way, we go at their pace.
There is no rush. We stop whenever your baby needs a break for a feed or change or just a lovely cuddle with Mummy! Every baby is different. Some love being wrapped up. Others prefer to stretch. Some parents are suprised when their baby enjoys being wrapped or naked - it's all in the technique. I work with your baby.
My mobile studio setup fits right into your living space — all you need to do is relax
Dummies or Pacifiers are a great help - whether or not you have used one before - you can always bin it at the end of the session. It does however, really help to keep baby calm whilst being moved in their sleep.
If your baby does not go into every pose, that is okay too. I have lots of gentle, natural options that still look beautiful.
The goal is to keep your baby calm, safe and comfortable and to capture this tiny, fleeting moment in your family’s life.
Also, so many parents are embarrassed at the thought that their baby will have an accident during the session. Babies do wee and poo they are tiny - that's part of the job - it doesn't bother me so please don't be concerned if there is a little bottom explosion or wee goes everywhere! I have very stain removers at home. As long as your baby is comfortable in a pose we can work round it, then clean up after the shot - in photoshop too! We can laugh at the time then move on. Especially if it happens when Daddy is holding baby....!
Can We Be in the Photos Too?
Yes, absolutely. You are so welcome to be in them!
There is no pressure. You do not need to dress up or worry about posing. I will gently guide you and ensure that you look good - you just had a baby you definately deserve to look good.
If you are feeling tired or just not sure because you are not the shape you normally are, I completely understand. But I promise, you will not regret being in just a few images with baby.
These photos will be images you will look back on in the future. They will also be fir your baby to look back on one day. To see how loved they were, right from the very start. I know, my own daughter has one of us on her wall. I absolutely love seeing how important it is to her - and how young I look! I am also amazing with Photoshop so can help with a little magic.
We can do whatever feels right for you.
Do you include the older sibling with the newborn shots?
Yes! They are part of your family so definately! They might feel a little 'dethrowned' by baby number 2 so I am always gentle, fun and work quickly with older siblings. I want them to feel included. I will always ask Daddy to be your newborn's 'bodyguard' just in case your older sibling decides they are done or some other reason. I don't put the older child under pressure to perform - that can be overwhelming. Knowing that they are safe too is so important especially at this early stage.
What you see versus what I see! Note - Daddy on hand.
What Does It Cost and What Do We Get?
Good question. And an important one.
The session can be secured with a deposit of £90. You pay the balance of your chosen package after seeing the watermarked proofs which will be sent to you securely.
I offer a few different packages, depending on what you are looking for.
When you book either of my two home session, you will get a full newborn session in the comfort of your own home. I bring all the lighting, backdrops, and cosy little wraps and tiny teddies, I am slightly obessed with these.... You do not need to prepare anything — I take care of it all.
After the session, I carefully select and edit each image by hand so you see the best images. My packages include 10"x8" professional prints that can go straight up on your wall as well as high resolution digital files of the selected images.
Other families like to add printed albums or framed pieces for the home. It is completely up to you.
There are no hidden extras -my packages are all on my website. https://www.gillflett.com/newborn-packages
I also archive all my images so if you decide that you would like more in a while or want to order some more you can. (I'm married to an IT wonderful man...)
What If We Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
That is never a problem.
Life with a newborn is unpredictable. I completely understand that.
If your baby is unwell, if you are not feeling up to it, or if something unexpected comes up just let me know. We will find another date that works.
I am fairly used to working around Midwife/Health Visitor appointments. I leave the room when they come and come back when all is done. They never seem to mind and love seeing all the cute props and wraps.
There is no fee to reschedule. No stress. I keep my calendar flexible for exactly this reason.
All I ask is that you give me as much notice as you can, so I can plan around other families.
You do not need to worry. We will make it work.
Can I Trust You With My Baby?
Yes. And I do not take that trust lightly.
I have been photographing newborns for more than ten years. I have worked with hundreds of families across Surrey, Berkshire and South London - in their homes, with their brand new babies, just like yours.
I am fully insured. I use professional equipment. And I know how to safely pose and handle even the tiniest of babies.
Please have a look at my reviews provided by Google and Facebook to see what others have thought of their experience with me.
Some Kind Words
But beyond that, I absolutely do care. I want you to feel comfortable from the moment I walk through your door. This is such a special time, and it matters to me that you feel relaxed, heard and looked after. Your are always in charge, it's your baby.
My job is not just to take lovely photos. It is to make the whole experience feel safe and enjoyable from start to finish.
Still Wondering About Something?
That is completely normal.
Every family and every baby is different, and you might still have questions. If you do, I am always happy to chat with no pressure at all.
You can get in touch any time to ask me something, check dates, or just talk things through. I am here to help, and I want you to feel really confident before you book.
Or if you are ready, I would love to photograph your little one and create something amazing for you and your family!
Just get in touch with me with any thought and queries
This post was written after my lovely SEO couch, Nadin, posted a wonderful post about blogging what clients are actually asking about but finding it hard to find concrete answers to - she is amazing coach for someone like me who loves taking pictures but isn't great at the internet!
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