YOU JUST HAD A BABY. THE LAST THING YOU NEED IS STRESS.
If someone has sent you this link, it means you’ve booked a newborn session with me, and there’s a good chance you’re reading it at 2am with a baby asleep on your chest.
So I’ll keep it simple. My newborn sessions are calm, slow, and low-pressure. They happen in your home, in your space, on your baby’s schedule. There’s no rushing, no complicated setups, and nothing you need to prepare for beyond what’s in this guide.
Your only job right now is to look after your baby. I’ll take care of everything else.
When to book your session
The ideal window is around one to two weeks after birth. Babies at this stage tend to be sleepier, curlier, and more settled, which makes for beautiful calm images.
But life with a newborn doesn’t follow a schedule. If things come up, a tricky birth, slow recovery, baby arriving early or late, don’t worry about it. We’ll find a time that works. There’s no “too late.” Older babies are more awake and alert, which gives us a different look, more personality, more eye contact, still just as meaningful.
I’m very flexible with timing because I understand what this season is actually like.
How long does it take
Usually one to two hours, but there’s no hard finish time.
Babies are in charge. We pause for feeding, settling, nappy changes, and cuddles as often as needed. If your baby needs an hour of contact before they’ll relax, that’s fine. We work around them, not the other way around.
This is not a house inspection
I know what you’re thinking. And no, your house does not need to be tidy.
I need one room with good window light. That’s usually your bedroom or lounge. A bed, a couch, or a clear corner near a window is all I work with. I can shoot around the rest.
A few things that genuinely help:
Warm the house up a little. Babies photograph best when they’re cosy and settled. A warm room makes a big difference.
Pick your best-lit room. Whichever room gets the most natural window light, that’s where we’ll work. If you’re not sure, send me a photo and I’ll tell you.
Have the basics nearby. Nappies, wipes, a spare wrap or muslin. Nothing you wouldn’t already have within arm’s reach.
If you have something meaningful, a blanket from a grandparent, a soft toy, a special outfit, have one or two things ready. These small details make the photos personal to your family.
What if I look terrible?
You won’t. But I know why you’re asking.
You’ve just had a baby. You’re exhausted. You probably don’t feel like yourself. The idea of being photographed right now might sound like the worst thing in the world.
I hear this from almost every mum I work with. And every single time, they’re surprised by how good they look in the photos. That’s not a coincidence, it’s because I know how to use light, angles, and framing to make you look like you on a good day, not you at your most exhausted.
You don’t need makeup. You don’t need to have showered. You don’t need to look like you’ve got it all together. The emotion in these photos, you holding your baby, your partner watching you both, the quiet moments that disappear so fast, that’s what makes them beautiful. Not whether your hair is done.
What to wear
Simple, timeless, comfortable. That’s it.
For parents: neutral tones work best, creams, beige, grey, black, soft earthy colours. Plain tops without logos or busy patterns. Soft textures like knit, linen, and cotton look beautiful on camera. Long sleeves are flattering and feel timeless. Bare feet at home is perfect.
For baby: a simple onesie or nappy cover with a wrap is all you need. Avoid bright colours and bold patterns if you can. If you have one cute outfit you love, have it ready, we can use it for a few frames.
For older siblings: comfortable and neutral. Avoid cartoon prints and neon. They don’t need to match, just coordinate loosely with what you’re wearing.
If you’re unsure, send me a quick photo of your outfit options. I’ll tell you what works and if a small tweak would help. I do this all the time.
And if you want to borrow some baby items from my client wardrobe here, then just let me know.
What about feeding?
I like to arrive around a feed if possible. A full baby is usually a happy baby, and it helps us ease into the session calmly.
Some families love the idea of feeding photos, breast or bottle. Some prefer not to include them. Both are completely fine. If you’d like them, I keep it respectful and put you in flattering light. If not, we just move on. No pressure either way.
What we actually do during the session
This isn’t stiff posing. You don’t need to know what to do. I guide you through everything, where to sit, how to hold baby, where the light is best, when to just slow down and cuddle.
A typical session covers:
Baby on their own – wrapped and settled near a window, tiny detail shots of hands, feet, and lashes, sleeping in their cot or bassinet if the light is good.
With parents – baby tucked into your arms, over-the-shoulder moments, mum and baby, dad and baby. Close, intimate, calm.
Your family together – relaxed group shots on the bed or couch, wide and close, so the story feels complete.
We work mainly near windows and keep things calm and simple the whole way through.
What about our toddler?
Two-year-olds are not known for following instructions. That’s completely fine.
We do sibling photos early in the session while attention is highest, keep them short, and then let them go play. Don’t stress about getting your toddler to perform.
Some of the best sibling images I’ve taken are the unscripted ones, a curious look at the new baby, a gentle touch, a moment of genuine connection that you couldn’t have staged. That’s the stuff worth keeping.
If your toddler is having a big feelings day, we work around it. The session doesn’t depend on them cooperating.
If baby is unsettled or wide awake
Totally normal and not a problem.
If baby is awake the whole time, we still get beautiful images, often with more personality and open eyes. If baby needs lots of settling, feeds, or contact, we slow down and let the session breathe. There is no scenario where I pack up and say it didn’t work.
Safety
I don’t do risky poses or anything that feels unsafe. Everything is simple, natural, and supported. Your baby’s comfort and safety always come first.
After your session
Your full gallery will be edited and delivered within one week. You’ll get a link to view and download all your digital images.
When the gallery is ready, I’ll also send through a guide to the print and product options available, frames, albums, canvas prints, so you can take your time and decide if there’s something you’d like for the wall or to keep as a keepsake. No pressure, just options.
The short version
Warm the house. Wear something comfortable and simple. Have a feed ready. Don’t tidy up for me.
Your baby won’t remember this session. But in ten years, you’ll look at these photos and remember exactly how small they were, exactly how it felt, and exactly why it mattered.
If you have any questions before the session, or if you want to tell me anything about your baby, your toddler, or how you’re feeling about the whole thing, send me a message. The more I know, the better I can plan around your family.
— Tony
