- Laura
- November 13, 2019
- 7:15 pm
WHY NEWBORN/BABY PHOTOGRAPHY?
The first few days of your child’s life are some of the most precious, that you will yearn to remember when they are all grown up. From every tiny detail to creative sets and custom made photography props, your miracle will be captured in the most beautiful way. Newborn photographs tell the story of a baby’s introduction to family and the world. The images of your baby’s first experiences will provide you and your family with memories of this momentous occasion for decades to come.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY NEWBORN SESSION?
At least one month before your due date, contact me to set an telephone/email appointment to discuss the upcoming photography session for your “soon-to-arrive” baby. You will be ask to fill questionnaire in the comfort of your own home so I can tailor the session around your needs. Schedule your newborn session in the first three weeks after birth while the baby is still quite sleepy and can be moved around and positioned more naturally. Once babies discover the joy of stretching, it is challenging to get them to curl up in those adorable, sleepy newborn positions. Studio newborn sessions are focused on making the baby look sweet and tender with different poses. I will use blankets, wraps, hats and headbands to create these beautiful scenes with your adorable new baby.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?
A special blanket, a family heirloom prop, the cute hat that Grandma made, name-letters or a special stuffed toy can all be easily incorporated into your baby’s first photographs. Laura Chen Photography has a variety of props to enhance your baby’s first photography session. Bring plenty of nappies, baby wipes, extra milk (if your baby is bottle-fed) and a dummy along with any other items you wish to be included in your baby’s photo shoot. Because accidents happen, it is also wise to bring an extra change of clothing for yourself. Please note: due to safety of older siblings who visit the studio Laura Chen Photography does not have boiling water facilities. If hot water is required for bottle preparation please bring some in a Thermos flask.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Session will take place in my full of props studio at 38 High street, PH10 6DA.
Laura Chen Photography has plenty of experience working with newborns and knows you should always expect the unexpected. Pee, poop, and spit up will happen, and it is apt to be deposited on props, blankets, the parent or on the photographer. Don’t panic or be embarrassed. It’s a normal part of all newborn photography sessions. Baby will also have fussy moments and that is just fine. You won’t be rushed through your session, and will have plenty of time to cuddle, change, feed, and relax your little one. A newborn session can take a few hours to allow for all the moods and needs of your baby, and the studio will be kept warmer than usual for baby’s comfort and safety. PARENTS & SIBLINGS If you want to have some newborn poses including parents or siblings, choose solid ( pastel ) color , white is always a win and coordinated clothing, but don’t have everyone match. It’s important to let the baby shine in every image, so avoid clothing that can detract from the family’s star of the day. Avoid busy patterns, cartoon characters, letters numbers or logos. If Mum wants a skin-on-skin image with the baby, a strapless or bandeau top works very well. It is also best to have siblings attend only when it is time for them to participate in the session.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE MY BABY’S NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?
Schedule your newborn session as soon as possible prior to your baby’s birth. Typically after 20 week scan. Session should be completed within first three weeks from birth. Newborn images are best when baby is sleepy and easy to pose. This is when I can achieve this lovely curly poses, just like in mummy’s womb.
IS IT OKAY IF THE BABY SLEEPS MOST OF THE TIME?
Yes. I love sleepy, snuggly babies. They are very easy to pose in adorable ways when sleeping.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING DOES THE BABY NEED TO WEAR?
Unless you have a favourite outfit that’s important to you, babies photograph best when naked, wrapped in soft blankets, special newborn photo clothes and posed with cute props.
IS IT SAFE FOR THE BABY TO WEAR OUTFITS WORN BY OTHER BABIES?
Absolutely, hygiene is always a priority. Every item that a baby has worn even for 5 min will be laundered or dry cleaned. All items that baby will have skin to skin contact with will be disinfected. After each and every session studio floor is always disinfected thoroughly. Cleaning and hygiene is kept on the highest level.
SHOULD I BRING PROPS?
If you have a special family heirloom or toy you would like included in your baby’s photographs, you are welcome to bring them to the session. Laura Chen Photography has a large selection of wonderful props to use during your newborn session.
SHOULD BOTH PARENTS ATTEND THE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
It’s always best if both parents can be present when the photographs are taken. It’s important to have photographs with both parents individually, as well as family ones.
SHOULD SIBLINGS ATTEND THE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Absolutely! The family and sibling photographs are, in my opinion, the most important.
I tend to do family portraits at the very end, right after siblings photographs. While I photograph the newest addition older children are free to enjoy snacks, toys and cartoons.
CAN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS COME ALONG TO OBSERVE THE SESSION?
Laura Chen Photography prefers only the parents to attend the newborn photography session for several reasons. The newborn session is a lengthier session, as extra time is needed to accommodate feeding, changing, and occasionally calming a fussy baby. If you would like to bring a grandmother or other relatives please discuss it prior to the session.
MY BABY HAS BAD SKIN ( spots, scars, baby rash, acne etc.)
This is no problem. It will all be fixed in post processing – we all know newborns haven’t got perfect looking skin.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER YOUR SESSION?
You will receive your online gallery to choose your images from or a viewing appointment will be scheduled 1-2 weeks after the session date. This is where your beautifully edited portraits will be presented to you. During the viewing appointment you will see the results of our session and this is when you will decide which package you wish to go for, which wall art would you like, whether you wish to print the album or any other products. No upfront commitment .
