1. Choose the style of photography you’ll look back on and always love – There are so many different styles of newborn baby photography from posed with props to stripped-back and natural. Choosing a style which you love is super important as the images captured will be shared for many years to come. The style of photography I create is naturally light with simple poses, without props. I love this style of photography as the focus is always on connection as a family and the sweet, details of the baby such as their eyes, button nose or toes as they stretch and make use of their new found space.
2. Book in your newborn photography session asap – being prepared and booking your session early is a good idea to ensure availability. Photographers (myself included) quite often book the session for 1-2 weeks after your due date which is then rescheduled if need be to fit around your baby’s birthday.
3. Treat yourself to a pre-session pamper – For the tiny newborn photo details such as holding hands, neutral nails are ideal. Express manicures transform your nails in less than 30 minutes – perfect for new Mum’s where time is limited.
4. Plan your session as a family – If you’re bringing older siblings to your newborn session, a great way to keep them excited and engaged for the session is to keep them informed and let them know what they’ll be asked to do during your session. You could show them photographs of the studio you’ll be visiting and photographs of other children holding their newborns to help prepare them. Having an activity or treat planned for the journey home is always a winner too and quite often secures the deal for getting those final few shots as a family.
5. Feeding your baby – Whether your baby is bottle or breast-fed a really good way to preparing your baby for their session is to have a full tummy. Feeding your baby just before you leave for your session is a great way to prepare and then top them up once you arrive at the studio. Generally baby’s with full tummy’s are content and ready for a snooze which is perfect for capturing their solo portraits as they drift off.
6. What should my baby wear? Just in case your baby falls to sleep in the car, it’s a good idea to dress them in an outfit which can be taken off without going over their head to avoid disturbing them. White, plain footless baby grows are great place to start. If you’re looking for a more natural style of photography such as the style I create, dress your baby in white clothing. White gives a timeless feel and is none distracting in your final edits putting the emphasis on their natural details such as their eyes, lips and feet.
7. What should my partner and I where? Deciding on what to wear for your session is a big decision. For a timeless and curated feel, choose white or muted colours which work together tonally. The biggest no-no when having a family photography session is to avoid logos which can be distracting in your final photographs and the colours yellow, turquoise, black and red. Instead choose muted tones such as stone, greys, greens, burnt orange and creams all of which sit beautifully against fresh white.
8. Relax and enjoy this special time with your baby – you’re in safe hands. Having a newborn photography session was one of the best decisions I made as a new Mum. It gave me and my husband time to soak up those precious early days and bond even more as a family. We also love sitting with our little girl and sharing her newborn album with her; the photos are beyond priceless.

To hear more about the different newborn and baby photography packages available in Emma’s serene, family studio email emmarayephotography@outlook.com or click here.