3 Things every new parent should know before a Newborn Photoshoot

Welcoming a new baby into the World is an incredible journey and a newborn photoshoot is on most parents bucket list to preserve those tiny details and those first few precious days. Many parents worry about if their baby will sleep throughout or cooperate with the intricate posing. The honest truth is that every baby is different. Some babies sleep the entire session and others are awake and alert throughout the session. At Bumblebugs Photography, your photoshoot is specifically designed around you and your baby. Here are 3 things you should know before attending your newborn session.

Your Baby's safety comes first

Safety during your newborn's photoshoot is a non negotiable, during your photoshoot I will assess your baby throughout making sure they are the right temperature, they aren't wrapped to tight or forced into a pose they are uncomfortable with. This includes any poses which requires a composite image, which means baby is held at all times and multiple photographs are hand edited together to create one seamless image.

I let the baby lead my session, at any time if I feel the need to stop and change things I will do so, no exceptions. Some poses are easier to do than others and not all babies like every pose, for example the 'froggy' pose or the 'head on hands' pose. Some babies do these easily whilst others struggle and that's OK! not all babies like being held in certain positions.

During your newborn session you can relax knowing that I have over 10 years experience working closely with newborns and have trained specifically for baby safety, so you know your baby is in good hands.

The session runs on Baby time

Newborn sessions are intentionally slow paced. I always schedule 4 hours on my calendar for newborn sessions and that is specifically so I cannot book another on the same day.

The first 5 to 10 mins of your session is a getting to know you chat, which involves having a look at my props in person and all the colours, wraps and outfits, from there I will gauge what kind of style you like. The more minimal or the more props the better.

Plenty of time is allowed for feeding, cuddles and nappy changes so please don't worry if baby arrives a little unsettled from the journey or even needs a feed. Thats absolutely fine with me, you are in a safe space

Flexibility is the name of the game with newborn sessions, its all a part of the process. Like I said earlier every baby is different, so every session will take a dlightly different time. In the past 5 years I have only had 1 newborn session take the full 4 hours, it regularly takes 2 to 2.5 hours on average

Don't stress about the preparation

Anyone that has already been to the studio can tell you, its full of stuff...

First of all there is a tin of snacks and refreshments available. Tea/Coffee is a must (decaf is optional) I even have lacto free milk available

The studio is fully prepped for your new arrival, from tiny outfits, hats, bonnets and a huge selection of wraps. Baskets gallore, I will tell anyone I can't go to ikea without a new basket purchase. Props anything from tiny bunny rabbits to balloons. flowers and even pampas grass! SO much choice

All you need to pack is the essentials... Milk, nappies and a spare outfit just in case. The same things you would take on a regular outing

And finally I have a comprehensive newborn photoshoot prep guide available if you want more information or even about what to wear yourself.

These tiny moments don't last

Newborns change dramatically in a few short weeks, the tiny fingers, baby scrunches and sleepy smiles don't last forever (I'm a parent of pre teen boys, trust me)

The photographs we create together in your newborn session will be the photos you get out on their milestones. Their first birthday, their prom, their 18th, their Wedding as they grow these images will never change and they will remind you just how small they were.

A newborn photoshoot is about capturing your baby's unique start to their story during one of the most special chapters in their and your life. When you choose me as your newborn photographer, you are choosing a photographer who prioritises safety over style, comfort over chasing that perfect pose and a baby led approach so you can sit back, relax and just enjoy this new chapter in your story.