The newborn session will take place inside my home studio in Hawkinge near Folkestone. It will last between 2-4 hours so please allow that much time. I will take the lead from your baby. If they need to feed, they can feed. If they need to settle with a parent then we will allow time for all of that within the session. We will certainly not rush anything or make a stressful environment for you or your baby. Calmness is key!
I supply outfits and props. We will discuss colour choices and themes beforehand. You are very welcome to bring any small items you would like to be added, for example special teddies from home.
When to book?
As soon as you can! The earlier the better and ideally after your 12 week scan. We will pencil in your due date and you can keep me updated. Please contact me as soon as you have had your baby and then we can schedule the photography session for within the first 2 weeks. If your baby is already passed the 2 week stage we can still capture beautiful photos, but they probably won't be sleepy newborn pictures. The baby is likely to be more awake and alert which still make the most precious memories. Especially when they stare straight into the camera!
Are siblings allowed to come too?
Yes, for a newborn shoot up to 2 siblings are allowed to attend, but please note they need to be under the age of 9 because of limited studio space. Please let me know in advance if you are planning to have a newborn shoot with a sibling/siblings. The sibling part will take place first, after they have finished somebody must then take the child/children out of the studio so the newborn part can continue peacefully without interruptions. Please also be aware that the newborn session will never exceed 4 hours so the longer we spend on sibling photographs the less time we have for newborn ones meaning there might not be as many changes of scenes/positions/clothes/wraps etc. Just something to be aware of.
What time will the session be?
Newborn sessions always start at 9.30am. This allows me to give you the full 4 hours if we need it and then still gives me enough time to eat a late lunch and do the school pick up.
Can I bring my own food and drink into the studio?
Yes, that's no problem but please do not bring nuts with you.
Can I take my own photos on my phone during the session?
No, unfortunately you are not allowed to take your own photos. Please be mindful that this is my livelihood and if you'd like to purchase extra photos they are extremely reasonably priced.
Additional items to bring on the day and what to wear:
Milk if bottle feeding, and plenty of it! More than you think you would need.
A couple of sterilised dummies. Even if you are not using a dummy for your baby please bring one regardless because it can really help to settle a baby and they will not get attached to it for just a few hours.
Please arrive with your baby in as little amount of clothes as possible. For example, a poppered onesie without a vest would be perfect. If a baby arrives already asleep to the studio we can sometimes get started if we don't have too many layers to undress and disturb him/her.
Even if you feed your baby before arriving don't be surprised if they need another feed as soon as we start. They've just transferred from the car into the cold, then into a warm studio, then they can be aware of bright photography lights. A feed for comfort can normally get them back to being sleepy, even if you think they've already got a full tummy.
The studio needs to be very warm for a newborn session so all attendees need to dress accordingly.
Are there any hidden fees not mentioned?
No, the newborn shoot costs £120 and if you'd like to purchase any more photos than the 10 included they are priced at £2 per photo. It is entirely up to you how many you'd like. There will be no sales pitch.
A non refundable £20 deposit is required at the time of booking. A remaining £100 is to be paid on the day at the start of the session. I accept contactless payments on my phone.
Once you have paid a deposit, the online price quoted at the time of booking will be honoured even if my pricing structure changes.