Hey, I'm Jay. I'm a dad of 3 gorgeous girls and a blue Staffy named Bonnie. I love photographing beautiful families just like yours. Are you ready to book in a family portrait session? Fill out your details and I'll give you a call.
Thinking about booking a newborn photo shoot? Wondering what really happens during the shoot? You’re in the right place! For most of you, this is your first time having family photos so I’m going to run you through exactly what to expect at your newborn photo shoot, from the moment you step into my studio, to your design consultation afterwards.
1. Arriving at the Studio
On the day of your newborn baby photo shoot, you’ll arrive at my cozy studio. You can make yourself at home – feel free to spread out and get comfortable! I’ll have a change table, wipes, nappies, snacks, water and coffee ready to go.
I’ll show you my range of adorable newborn outfits (and headbands for the girls) to choose from, and we’ll run through the photos that we’ll take. All of my newborn photo shoot outfits, blankets and wraps are pillowy soft and have a neutral, earthy colour palette to complement any home decor (and also ensures your photos don’t date over time).
It’s best to wear plain clothes in the car and hang your photo shoot outfits up, so that they’re fresh and wrinkle (and vomit) free for when you arrive. You’ll be able to change when you get to the studio.
The studio will be toasty warm – around 24 degrees – to keep your baby comfortable, especially since they’ll be partly undressed for most of the session.
2. The Photo Shoot
Once everyone is dressed and ready, I’ll invite you over to my photographing area which is set up with stools and my newborn posing beanbag. I typically start with different family combinations such as the whole family together, mum with baby, and dad with baby.
For bubs with older siblings, I’ll either get them lying down on my beanbag, or carrying the baby if they’re around 6 years old and over.
Also – don’t stress if your baby is awake during the session! Some of my client’s favourite images are ones where their baby is looking at them, or wide-eyed and curious.
If you’d like photos of baby on their own, I usually finish the photo shoot with them on my super soft bean bag in a variety of comfortable, safe poses (on their belly, side, wrapped, unwrapped etc.)
I’ll also use this opportunity to capture those sweet little details that you’ll love looking back on – their lips, toes, hands, eyelashes and any other features you’d like.
I only do one newborn photo shoot a day, so you’ll have plenty of time to take breaks to feed and settle your baby if needed. Some bubs need extra time to settle, and some stay asleep the whole time – it’s all good!
3. The Editing Process
After the newborn photography session, we will book a time for your design consultation.
I then carefully go through each image, selecting the best ones and enhancing them to create stunning portraits. My editing style is all about natural beauty – I believe in preserving the unique features of your baby, not airbrushing them away.
While I might smooth out a few blemishes or adjust the skin tone, your baby will look like themselves – perfectly unique. I’ll also remove any distractions, such as a stray hair or a parent’s hand supporting your baby.
4. Viewing and Ordering Your Family Portraits
Around one week after your newborn photo shoot, you’ll come back to the studio for your design consultation to enjoy a slideshow of your images on the big screen.
I’ll then guide you through choosing your favourite images and work with you to design beautiful artwork to perfectly complement your decor and tastes. I’ll even show you what your photos will look like at various sizes on your own walls, so you can be confident with your decisions.
You’ll also get to experience my range of artwork products first hand. Take the time to touch them, hold them and look at all the different finishes and colours, allowing you to really get a feel for the products and which ones are right for you.
This session usually takes 1-1.5 hours and ends with confirmation of your order.
View my artwork range and starting prices here.
Behind the scenes on a newborn photo shoot – press play:
Ready to Book Your Newborn Photo Shoot?
I hope this behind-the-scenes look at a newborn photo shoot gives you a better idea of what to expect. My goal is to create a comfortable and relaxed environment where you can enjoy the experience and leave with stunning portraits that tell your family’s unique story.
Ready to book your newborn photo shoot? Contact me today, and let’s start planning! It’s best to book early, ideally around your 20-week scan, to ensure we can schedule your session at the perfect time.
