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NEWBORN PRE-SHOOT GUIDE
Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your newborn portraits. It is a privilege to be welcomed into your home during such a meaningful chapter in your family’s story.
My sessions are designed to feel calm, natural, and unhurried - offering space for you to simply be present with your baby while I document your family as you are, with care and intention. I understand the delicate balance of excitement and exhaustion that often accompanies pregnancy and the early days of motherhood, and your comfort and wellbeing are just as important to me as the final photographs.
This guide has been thoughtfully created to help you feel prepared and at ease ahead of your session. If there are any meaningful details, ideas, or moments you would particularly love captured, please feel free to share them with me in advance. I always welcome the opportunity to create something personal and considered for every family I photograph.
I look forward to creating something truly special for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
TIMING
Sessions typically last around 2–3 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, changing, soothing, and settling your baby whenever needed. There is never any pressure to rush. The session unfolds at its own pace, with total flexibility to follow your baby’s natural rhythm.
STYLE
Your session will feel unposed, natural, and relaxed - centred around connection rather than rigid direction. Your only role is to simply be present with your baby. I will gently guide you into natural, flattering positions where needed, while also stepping back to quietly observe and document the honest in-between moments - the interactions that make your expanding family unique.
LOCATION
Because your session takes place within your own four walls, we will naturally move through a few key spaces such as the nursery, main bedroom, or living room. I work exclusively with soft, window light to create a calm, airy feel, so we will always be guided by the brightest and most comfortable spaces in your home on the day.
SIBLINGS
Siblings are very welcome and play an important part in the story. I work with them in a calm, playful, and unhurried way, allowing space for their natural energy and personality to come through.
It can help to frame the session as a fun morning or afternoon together, rather than something they need to “behave” for. They are always welcome to step in and out of the session as needed, with no pressure or expectation. The most meaningful photographs often come when children feel relaxed, free to move, and simply be themselves around their new brother or sister.
PETS
Pets are very welcome - they are an important part of the family story. If you would like them included, simply let me know your comfort level and we will incorporate them naturally into the session where appropriate.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
Your home does not need to be spotless or styled like a show home. These sessions are rooted in real life and authenticity, and I want your space to feel like yours, not a set. That said, a little preparation does help create a more considered and timeless final gallery, and also allows me to work more easily with the light and composition on the day.
LIGHT
Open all curtains and blinds before I arrive so we can make the most of natural light.
TIDY
There is no need for a deep clean. Simply clearing surfaces, putting away laundry, and removing anything you would prefer not to be visible in your photographs is more than enough. If anything looks distracting in the frame, I can easily move it during our session.
BED
Making the main bed with a simple, neutral duvet or bedding helps create a clean, timeless backdrop for family portraits where needed.
TEMPERATURE
Please keep your home comfortably warm (around 22–24°C), especially since your baby may be lightly dressed or swaddled during the session. This helps ensure they remain settled and content throughout.
ON THE DAY
When I arrive, I’ll spend a little time getting to know your family, greeting any proud older siblings, and gently exploring your home to find the most flattering light and natural spaces for us to use.
PREPARING YOUR BABY
FEEDING
A full feed around 20–30 minutes before I arrive can help your baby feel settled, calm, and content as we begin. Feeding breaks are completely expected throughout our time together, and we will always pause whenever your baby needs comfort.
SUPPLIES
If possible, try to keep your baby awake for around 30–60 minutes before the session, as this can encourage a naturally sleepy start. However, if they fall asleep, please do not worry—there is no need to manage their routine strictly.
SLEEPING
If possible, try to keep baby awake for around 30–60 minutes before I arrive, as this can encourage a naturally sleepy start. Short naps are absolutely fine, there is no need to manage sleep strictly or worry about routines.
SUPPLIES & ENVIRONMENT
Please keep nappies, wipes, and muslins easily accessible. If your baby responds well to a white noise machine or uses a dummy, having them nearby can be incredibly helpful for quick settling between photographs.
CLOTHING
Dress your baby in something simple and easy to remove without pulling over their head (like a zip or snap-button sleepsuit) so we don't disturb them if they are sleeping when it's time to change.
THE NEWBORN WARDROBE
In those early postpartum days, the last thing I want you to worry about is sourcing the perfect outfit for your baby. To make your session as relaxed and seamless as possible, you have full access to my carefully curated newborn wardrobe.
Every piece has been chosen with soft light, natural textures, and delicate movement in mind. You’ll find a selection of organic cottons and beautifully textured knits in neutral tones that complement the atmosphere of your home without distracting from your baby’s delicate features.
On the morning of our session, I will bring all these pieces, alongside a selection of soft, neutral blankets, for you to look through and choose from in person.
PARENT & SIBLING STYLING
Thoughtful styling helps create a cohesive, timeless gallery that keeps the focus on your family connection. Your space, light, and clothing all work together to shape the feel of your images. The aim is to build a soft, natural colour story that feels calm, minimal, and considered.
I love incorporating a wardrobe change to add variety to your gallery. If you have a few favorite pieces in mind, have them ready and we can curate the perfect combinations together, tailoring your choices to the unique spaces where we'll be shooting.
A helpful rule of thumb: if your outfits feel cohesive when laid out together on a bed, they will photograph beautifully as a whole.
DO
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Coordinate, don't match: Aim for a complementary palette that allows individual personalities and connection to feel natural and authentic.
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Embrace textures: Fine-knitwear, linen shirts, flowing dresses, and soft cottons photograph beautifully and add depth without visual clutter.
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Keep it soft: Neutrals, soft earthy tones, muted pastels (like oatmeal, cream, sage, dusty blue, or soft grey) complement indoor natural light beautifully.
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Embrace the comfort: Barefoot is always highly encouraged for in-home sessions to maintain a relaxed, intimate feel. Keep nails clean and natural for close-up hand portraits.
DON'T
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Avoid identical matching: Dressing everyone in the exact same colour can look dated and takes away from the lifestyle feel.
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Skip bold branding: Avoid bright neon tones, busy patterns, or clothing with large logos/cartoons.
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Mute the extremes: Pure black and pure white can feel harsh in natural light and come across flat in your images; opt for softer alternatives.
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Minimise accessories: Delicate jewellery is lovely, but avoid chunky accessories or large watches that distract from the emotion of the images.
WARDROBE INSPIRATION & EXAMPLES
To help you visualise how these pieces come together, here are a few classic, timeless outfit formulas that photograph beautifully.
MOTHER
A flowing midi or maxi dress in a soft neutral (cream, oatmeal, or sage green) in a breathable fabric like linen or cotton gauze.
Alternatively, a textured knit sweater paired with comfortable linen trousers or casual denim.
FATHER
A classic, lightweight button-down shirt (linen or soft cotton) in soft grey, dusty blue, or off-white with the sleeves casually rolled up. Pair with well-fitted chinos (beige, sand, or navy) or classic denim.
OLDER SIBLINGS
Girls: A simple cotton dress or a linen blouse paired with a skirt or neutral trousers.
Boys: A plain linen shirt, a cotton t-shirt, or a fine-knit paired with cotton shorts or chinos.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Before your session, it can be helpful to notice how the light moves through your home and which spaces feel naturally bright and comfortable. Rooms with soft, even natural light (often near windows or patio doors) tend to photograph most beautifully. Where the weather permits and it feels right for your family, we may also step out to make use of outdoor areas such as your garden or porch.
If you would like to explore outfit options, send me a few photos of clothing laid out on your bed, or talk through ideas in advance, I am always very happy to offer guidance. Together, we can create a palette that feels cohesive, considered, and timeless.
Please do feel free to get in touch at any time if you have any questions ahead of your session. I am here to help you feel fully prepared, relaxed, and at ease.