Those first days with your newborn often feel like a beautiful blur of cuddles, feeding, naps, and learning your new rhythm together. Preparing for anything else can feel overwhelming, which is why your newborn session with me is designed to be calm, relaxed, and completely stress-free.
When you visit my warm and light-filled studio in Hatfield in Hertfordshire, my goal is simple. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. The experience is gentle and unhurried, allowing you to enjoy this special time while I create timeless, natural photographs that celebrate your baby and your connection as a family.
Here are some useful tips to help get the best out of your session. You will also be sent a welcome guide, useful maps on how to get to the studio, and reminders of the shoot 48 hours before your session.
Clothing and styling tips
Clothing makes a big difference in how your images turn out. Because your baby and family are the focus, I style sessions in a simple and modern way. Neutral colours such as cream, white, beige, grey, and soft pastels photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby.
Do:
• Wear neutral colours and relaxed, timeless clothing.
• Freshen up nails, polish, or remove old shellac, as I often capture close-up shots of hands.
• Iron outfits the night before your session – creases are very expensive to retouch and these photos will be on your walls for years to come.
Don’t:
• Wear bright colours, large prints, logos, or ripped jeans (unless it is a denim-themed shoot).
• Wear fake tan unless you are a professional – it can cause streaky skin, orange hands, and may lead to extra retouching costs.
Think about your outfits a couple of weeks before the session so you have time to plan. If you need guidance, I provide a full style guide with advice on coordinating clothing.
The studio is kept warm to keep your baby comfortable and sleepy, so wearing layers is a good idea. Feel free to come in comfortable clothes and change at the studio if needed.
I provide everything we need for your baby, including blankets and outfits, so there is no need to bring clothing unless it is sentimental. Please note, we have a strict no-shoes policy in the studio to keep the space hygienic.
Do bring snacks for your little ones.
Don’t bring snacks that are messy, sticky, or brightly coloured.
Special items
If you have sentimental items such as blankets, teddies, or small props you would like included in your images, feel free to bring them along. These personal touches make your photographs even more special.
Siblings and guests
Siblings are such an important part of the story and are always welcome. I recommend bringing them about an hour after the session starts to avoid boredom, but if this isn’t possible, that is fine too.
You are welcome to bring an extra pair of hands such as Dad or a grandparent, but please limit to two adults as the studio space is small.
During your session
Your newborn session moves at a gentle and relaxed pace. If your baby needs a feed or a cuddle, we stop and take our time. The most meaningful photographs happen when everyone feels unhurried and at ease.
My Hatfield studio has been designed to feel like a home away from home: quiet, cosy, and softly lit with beautiful natural light. Everything you need for your baby is already here, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
After your session
One to two weeks after your session, you will be invited back to the studio for a viewing appointment. You can select your favourite images and choose a package that works for you. I offer fine art prints, albums, framed artwork, and digital images.
By following these tips, keeping things simple and calm, we can create timeless newborn photographs that feel natural, genuine, and full of warmth. This stage is fleeting, and these images will allow you to remember it exactly as it is.