All the info you need for each session!
I thought it might be helpful to add all of the info you may need to know about each package listed on my website. I am always available should you want to know any extra things but I will try to cover as much as I can in this blog post for you.
So, let's get started!
How old should my baby be?
Newborn session lasts 2-3 hours. Full session details can be found on the newborn package page on my website. Newborn sessions are best carried out between day 5 and day 14 after birth. This is when babies are most sleepy and curly and so it makes posing them that little bit easier. Babies can be booked in after these suggested days, however, please note that it may not always be possible to pose babies in certain positions due to them being more alert and not as curly. Wrapping helps most babies to settle and is highly recommended for older babies especially.
What do I need to do before my session?
As babies are much more sleepy and settled when they have a full tummy, please give baby a full feed just as you arrive for your session. Please feed them half, then undress them before continuing their full feed. This really helps them to be super settled and not as easily disturbed when being repositioned. Having a dummy is also really useful, even if they don't usually have one. This is because the sucking reflex helps babies to feel relaxed and so helps to soothe them quickly should they become restless. Don't worry, it won't be featured in any photos, I will steal it away before clicking away again!
What do I need to bring?
Due to COVID-19, I will be continuing to wearing a mask. Of course, please feel free to wear one also if you'd prefer. You are welcome to bring your own hand gels/sanitiser but I will have some available for your use here. I will be offering hot and cold drinks now that restrictions are lifted but can I please ask that you bring your own snacks with you should you wish. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home. I have to keep my studio pristine due to working with babies.
The things you will need for baby are everything you probably always take out anyway such as nappies (bring plenty) wipes, if bottle feeding, bottles - more than usual just in case, formula (more than you would expect as sometimes they need topping up during long sessions) dummy etc.
What do we all need to wear?
I have lots of baby outfits for you to choose from. Depending on the colour scheme you select before your session, I will grab out some outfits fitting with that theme and you can choose which you'd like when you arrive. Please bring baby in a easy to remove babygrow. This helps us to keep them nice and sleepy without fussing them too much if they arrive asleep to the session.
If you are having some parents shots in a full newborn session then I recommend something neutral. I use pale backdrops currently so the light and airy colours always match nicely. Try and wear similar colours to each other. Creams, whites, pale greys, pale pinks, pale blues are some options. Just let me know before the session if you are planning on having some parents or siblings shots.
If you are having sibling shots, try and match their clothes to the colour scheme you chose for your newborn session. That way, your child/children will match baby and so make a more visual appealing photo. I do have a couple of girls dresses in different sizes and also some wraps so don't worry if you don't find anything suitable. It isn't the end of the world if they prefer something different. Try to avoid bold patterns and bright clothes or any kind of wording or picture. Less is more. I always suggest, clothes you would wear to a wedding or christening or smart casual is also a great look!
Can my older children come for the whole session?
I'm afraid not. As newborn photography takes so much time, it is a very long time for them to be sat around waiting. It can also be very distracting for me trying to settle and pose a baby and so I politely ask that older siblings are brought along for the last 30 minutes of a session. This gives me lots of time to get photos of baby with little disturbance and means I can give my full attention to older children when they arrive. If this isn't possible, we can arrange another time for you to bring them along for their sibling shots.
What do I need to do before the session?
Firstly, you need to choose which indoor session you would like for your children. There are some options already on my website but if you have an idea of another session you might like, please do contact me and I will see if I can accommodate it for you. If anyone in the family is showing any signs of illness or irritability, please rearrange your session.
I as a parent myself, know that somedays, the children are just not themselves. If this happens, please rearrange as I would love to get the best possible photos for you and if little Billy has been kicking up a storm all morning, he is probably not going to want to sit and smile for photos. It is absolutely no problem to rearrange.
What do I need to bring?
Bribes!!! Lots and lots of bribes! HA-HA! Seriously, they work. Please don't worry as I am all about the singing, dancing and distraction when it comes to children's photos but I know sometimes even that won't work. So bribes can sometimes work a treat. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments and snacks for little ones incase they need a little comfort break.. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home.
What do they need to wear?
It depends what kind of image you're looking to create. Some parents like to dress their children a little fancy, as if they were dressed as guests for a wedding or a Christening. Some parents like to go for a more casual everyday kind of look. Both are fine! You can even bring outfit changes and get some of each if you want to. I like to suggest that children's clothes should really compliment each other for the best visual image. This means stick to a colour scheme. I tend to shoot using pale backdrops so neutral and pastel colours suit this most. Avoid bold patterns and bright clothes or any kind of wording or picture. Less is more.
What do I need to do before the session?
If anyone in the family is showing any signs of illness or irritability, please rearrange your session.I as a parent myself, know that somedays, the children are just not themselves. If this happens, please rearrange as I would love to get the best possible photos for you and if little Billy has been kicking up a storm all morning, he is probably not going to want to sit and smile for photos. It is absolutely no problem to rearrange.
What do I need to bring?
Bribes!!! Lots and lots of bribes! HA-HA! Seriously, they work. Please don't worry as I am all about the singing, dancing and distraction when it comes to children's photos but I know sometimes even that won't work. So bribes can sometimes work a treat. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments and snacks in case the children need a little comfort break. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO WEAR?
It depends what kind of image you're looking to create. Some parents like to dress a little fancy, as if they were dressed as guests for a wedding or a Christening. Some parents like to go for a more casual everyday kind of look. Both are fine! You can even bring outfit changes and get some of each if you want to. I like to suggest that your outfits should really compliment each other for the best visual image. This means stick to a colour scheme. I tend to shoot using pale backdrops so neutral and pastel colours suit this most. Avoid bold patterns and bright clothes or any kind of wording or picture. Less is more. I do have some girls dresses so if you'd like to know what I have, please do contact me before your session and I can let you know if I have something suitable. Nice casual photos are usually simple plain tops, perhaps white, pale grey etc and a pair of jeans. But remember, these are your photos and you must feel comfortable with what you are wearing!
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE SESSION?
If anyone in the family is showing any signs of illness or irritability, please rearrange your session.I as a parent myself, know that somedays, the children are just not themselves. If this happens, please rearrange as I would love to get the best possible photos for you and if your little one has been kicking up a storm all morning, they are probably not going to want to sit and smile for photos. It is absolutely no problem to rearrange.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Bribes!!! Lots and lots of bribes! HA-HA! Seriously, they work. Please don't worry as I am all about the singing, dancing and distraction when it comes to children's photos but I know sometimes even that won't work. So bribes can sometimes work a treat. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments and snacks in case the children need a little comfort break.
This session requires you to bring your own cake. I am not covered by my insurance to provide cakes as even if you had no known allergies, and something were to happen, I would be liable as I had technically 'sold' the cake to you as part of the package. So please bring a lovely cake for us to get photos of with the birthday child and then you get to take it back home and EAT! Yum!
You do not need to bring any decorations or balloons as I will provide those in the package. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home.
What should they wear?
Well... we're celebrating a birthday, so put your best party wear on! I also think glitz and glam when it's a birthday celebration so get the sequins out for girlies. They look gorgeous in photos and just make the whole experience a bit fancy. I still recommend neutral colours and nothing bold or bright. Try to avoid clothing with words, pictures, slogans etc as they can be distracting. Smart casual is a good choice, especially for boys. Plain tees and jeans are always lovely as are smart shorts, chinos, shirts. These are just my recommendations so please don't worry if you have other ideas.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE SESSION?
Please feel free to bring your own hand gels/sanitiser but I will have some available for your use here. Please can I ask that you bring your own drinks and snacks with you should you wish. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home. If anyone in the family is showing any signs of illness or irritability, please rearrange your session. I as a parent myself, know that somedays, the children are just not themselves. If this happens, please rearrange as I would love to get the best possible photos for you and if your little one has been kicking up a storm all morning, they are probably not going to want to sit and smile for photos. It is absolutely no problem to rearrange.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Bribes!!! Lots and lots of bribes! HA-HA! Seriously, they work. Please don't worry as I am all about the singing, dancing and distraction when it comes to children's photos but I know sometimes even that won't work. So bribes can sometimes work a treat.
This session now includes a delicious, handmade cake by a local baker and after the session you may get to take some back home and EAT! Yum! That's is if they haven't demolished it haha!
You do not need to bring any decorations or balloons as I will provide those in the package.
WHAT SHOULD THEY WEAR?
Well... we're celebrating a birthday, so put your best party wear on! I also think glitz and glam when it's a birthday celebration so get the sequins out for girlies. They look gorgeous in photos and just make the whole experience a bit fancy. I still recommend neutral colours and nothing bold or bright. Try to avoid clothing with words, pictures, slogans etc as they can be distracting. I think the simpler, the better. Bring along a couple of outfits as we can do some portrait shots before to vary the gallery of photos. I have a collection of outfits too so may have something to offer if you aren't sure. You're always more than welcome to bring along any accessories you want to such as headbands, little hats etc.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE SESSION?
If anyone in the family is showing any signs of illness or irritability, please rearrange your session. I as a parent myself, know that somedays, the children are just not themselves. If this happens, please rearrange as I would love to get the best possible photos for you and if little Billy has been kicking up a storm all morning, he is probably not going to want to sit and smile for photos. It is absolutely no problem to rearrange.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Bribes!!! Lots and lots of bribes! HA-HA! Seriously, they work. Please don't worry as I am all about the singing, dancing and distraction when it comes to children's photos but I know sometimes even that won't work. So bribes can sometimes work a treat. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments and snack in case the children need a little comfort break. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Well, it's Christmas! And Christmas means you can wear what you like, right? Clothing will vary from year to year and depend on the backdrop that I choose. You may want to get your children or family looking glitzy and dressed up. Sparkles all the way! You may want to tone it down and just go smart casual with plain tops and jeans. Or, you may even want to get your family Christmas PJs out!!! I recommend you all compliment each other through your colour choices as everyone then blends together and no one person stands out. The most important thing you need to wear though...
is a smile!
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE SESSION?
Firstly you can choose between a dark background or a pale background for your images.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Please feel free to bring your own hand gels/sanitiser but I will have some available for your use here. I will be offering hot and cold drinks again but can I please ask that you bring your own snacks with you should you wish. My home studio is a 'shoe free zone' so please note that shoes must be removed at the door. You are more than welcome to bring along a pair of slippers and make yourself feel at home.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
I have a variety of maternity outfits for you to choose from for your shoot. I vary photos with some simple, fairly plain images as well as some glitz and glamour effects during editing. You are very welcome to bring along an outfit that you would like to be photographed in as well. Maybe a dressy outfit that you could wear to a special occasion or even jeans and a simple tee or vest can make a lovely maternity image. Partners are always welcome for some photos too and having your outfits compliment each other is also great for beautiful pics.
I hope you found this information helpful and if there is anything else you would like advice on then please do not hesitate to contact me. I will update this blog as and when COVID updates happen and also when I add new packages. It is nice to know all the ins and outs of sessions before you attend them so I hope this will be really useful. Click the button below should you want further assistance.
