What To Expect At A Newborn Photography Session
What To Expect At A Newborn Photography Session & Preparation Checklist
Thank you for the priviledge of photographing your little miracle. Below you will find lots of helpful information to make your session a success. I want to
create the most beautiful photos possible for your family. By carefully reading the following information and preparing for your session, you will be helping me
do that for you. I am honored to photograph your family during this special time. Please know that your experience is not something I take lightly. I want to
make this a perfect day for you! Thank you for your time and for helping me be able to do my best for you! I can’t wait to meet your little one!
Congratulations again! Gabby | Kaliee Photography
So…. lets get started!
Location |
Newborn sessions take place in my home studio in Chiswick London W4. It’s a small custom designed private studio which holds everything needed for your
bundle of joy!
Pack & Prep |
If your baby has slept solidly for 3 hours prior to your session, we may spend a long time trying to get your baby to sleep and not get many posed shots or be
able to use the props you’ve requested. If you can, in the morning of your session, try to keep your baby awake for 2-3 hours by giving them a bath, interacting
with them, and feeding just before you leave your home or on arrival at my studio. Obviously, this may all go out of the window, as these things are always
easier said than done! But this little bit of prep really can make a difference to your session, especially if the baby arrives nice and sleepy.
Dress baby in a simple loose sleeper that doesn’t have to be lifted off over the head, just in case baby is sleeping soundly on arrival. No tight socks or vests to
avoid lines on their skin.
If you are using or considering using a dummy, please bring it along. It can be a huge lifesaver when the baby continuously wants to feed/suckle for comfort.
Sometimes it really is the difference between getting that shot or not! A dummy/pacifier can help to avoid contact with mummy while we are in the “rhythm”
of a session. Baby can smell mum and hear her voice and this triggers their instinct to feed. It can be quite a distraction for a little newborn. Using a bottle or
a dummy/pacifier for a couple of minutes can help to maintain the fluidity of the session and helps the baby settle easier.
Any eye gunk or boogers are to be removed where possible please
On Arrival | A full baby means a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy & calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, poses you see in my portfolio.
If the baby is awake when you arrive, it is best to undress them first, loosen the nappy and then wrap them in a blanket before feeding. I may ask you to ignore
a strict feeding schedule and a “no rocking or shhhhh” rule for the 3-4 hours at the session! The only way we will achieve calm, curly poses is if your baby is
happy, full and sleeping deeply.
It’ll Be Hot Hot Hot |
The studio will be heated to around to keep your little one warm, so dress in layers so that you can remove some if you get too warm.
Soothing & Feeding |
Please know that I do not mind waiting for you to nurse or for nappy changes, or just taking a break to soothe your baby at any point. You and your baby’s
wellbeing is more important to me than getting a shot. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, please bring along more than you think you’ll need!
Oppsy Poopsy |
When doing the poses where the baby is undressed, it is normal (and okay) for baby to poor or wee on my backdrop…or anywhere else. I can assure you this
happens all the time, and I am not upset or offended. Please bring with you baby wipes, extra nappies, and a towel. After each newborn session, I launder all
of my backdrops and other items the baby comes in to contact with. An extra set of clothes for the parents is a good idea, just in case. Someone always gets
wee’d or pooped on, its usually me, but sometimes you!
Session, Siblings & Grandparents |
Newborn sessions generally take 2-4 hours, so please plan for that. If you there are older siblings that will be included in photos, those images will be
photographed at the start of the session. After the sibling photos are complete. I suggest having spouse/partner take the older sibling(s) out on errands or grab
a snack while we complete the session. There is a great park near the studio!
I recommend bringing no more than yourself, your spouse/partner and children. Lots of people in the studio make for somewhat challenging creative
conditions and it’s tight in our cozy LITTLE space! If you would like generation style photos with parents these will be done at the begining of the session and
then grandparents are kindly requested to head out as well. The less people in the studio.. the calmer the environment for baby.
Family Photos
If you wish to have portraits with your baby keep the clothing simple. Think plain tops with neutral colours as these work best! Check out the style guide
emailed to you for inspiration!
Checklist |
Nappies and wipes
Milk
Parent and siblings outfits
Dummy/Pacifier (optional but very helpful)
Baby go home outfit
A baby blanket
Anything to make you comfortable (ipad, books, nursing pillow, sleepers).
I will provide cold and hot drinks and snacks!
Thank you again for choosing Kaliee Photography to document this special time in your lives. I am honoured you chose me, and I consider photographing your
baby a great responsibility and privilege.