FAQ ~ Newborn Sessions

How long will the session last?

Allow up to 4 hours but I should be finished in around 3.

Will we need to feed our baby before we leave home?

Unless your journey will be an hour or more then please try and aim to keep your baby up and give a good feed just before leaving home. If you’ll be travelling longer, then you will probably need to feed your baby when you arrive.

What should I dress my baby in?

Most of my images are done with baby naked with ‘little private bits’ out of shot. It’s ideal if you can avoid dressing your baby in anything tight or that will need to go over his or her head. Please try to keep their nappy fairly loose and wrap him/her in blankets so I don’t have to disturb your baby when undressing them. The ideal option is a baby grow with poppers all the way down if possible.Also if you would like to have some family images, then it is ideal if you can wear a plain top. White or black are good options if possible, and a spare top too.

What happens if my baby has a wee or poo?

I guarantee your baby will have at least one wee or poo during the session. It’s fine and expected, please don’t be embarrassed. It’s natural and I’m used to it, especially from my own brood!

I’m breast feeding, do you have somewhere private?

Of course

Can we warm a bottle?

Yes, and I recommend that you bring more bottles than normally expected.

Can I bring friends or family to watch?

My studio is very cozy and too many people are distracting for me and your baby. Therefore I can only accommodate parents and siblings. If you wish to have siblings in some of the images then please let me know in advance. Creating newborn images takes time and they will get bored so I normally include siblings towards the end of the session.

What if our baby has really dry skin, scratches, or milk spot/baby acne?

No problem, I am a professional digital retoucher and I’ll enhance your images to perfection. I do suggest using some baby oil for very dry or flakey skin before setting off for the studio.

When can we see the images?

After the shoot I’ll arrange a viewing appointment with you, this is usually a week later and will take around 40 minutes to an hour. This is your opportunity to see your baby’s images and to order any artwork.

Please note that I do not put images online or in a viewing gallery. It doesn’t do the beautiful images justice and the viewing is part of your experience.

What if our baby won’t settle, or doesn’t like being posed?

I am a Newborn expert and will always do what your baby is happy with. Your baby will eventually sleep, and if that requires feed breaks, lots of cuddles, rocking, walking and winding then that’s all fine by me. I’ll do whatever it takes (I love that part as well). You can just sit back and relax and enjoy biscuits and lots of tea and coffee. I am a parent too and completely understand any concerns you may have.

Will we be in any of the images?

This is very personal and I understand that you’ll be feeling tired. All I will say is that I take very natural photographs, and I always think it will be nice for your daughter or son to see what you were like when they were born. My most valued photographs are of me as a baby with my parents and of me with my children when they were babies.

Where do I need to go?

My home studio is at 34 Endsleigh Gardens, Upton, Chester, CH2 1LT

You can park on our driveway.

My contact details are: 07812 121720 and 01244 390910. newbornsmiles@gmail.com

What time will my session be?

In my experience the best time to do a newborn photography is in the morning. I ask if you can arrive between 9.30 and 10am. My sessions are leisurely and my aim is for everyone to be relaxed and enjoy their time with me.