I’ve photographed over 1200 newborn babies in my career as a professional newborn photographer, and I’m one of the longest-established in the Bournemouth and Poole areas. I opened my photography studio doors to clients back in 2011.

So, it would be fair to say that I know my stuff when it comes to handling and photographing newborn babies and I’ve seen it all!

Related reading: I’m Newborn Photographer of the Year 

Answering your questions about professional baby photography

But as a parent-to-be, I realise that you might not know the first thing about newborn photography. So, you’ll likely have lots of questions before you book.

In this article I’ll address some of the most common questions I get asked and hope to put your mind at ease about the whole process.

Questions I’m often asked about newborn photography

In my experience, these are the most frequently asked questions I get from parents who are new to newborn photography:

1. What happens if my baby poos/wees?
2. What happens if my baby won’t sleep?
3. What happens if the baby needs feeding during the photoshoot?
4. What do I need to do during the photoshoot?
5. Can I bring my toddler and/or family member?

There are lots of other questions, of course. Many of which I answer on my Frequently Asked Questions page, so do also take a visit there as well.

Related reading: Is newborn photography worth it?

Your questions about newborn photography answered

1. What happens if my baby wees/poos during the photoshoot?

This is something that you really shouldn’t worry about!

You’ll have noticed that babies are naked during their photo session, and I photograph them when they aren’t wearing a nappy.

What you may not have realised is that I place a nappy loosely on their bottom for the duration of the shoot, removing it just before the photo is taken and popping it back on afterwards. That way, we can capture any poo or wee as it happens.

That said, it’s common for a baby to wee or poo on the floor, in my arms, or when being photographed and it’s honestly not a problem! Nearly every baby will have an “accident” in the studio at some point during the session.

I’m used to it and after working with more than 1200 babies, it’s pretty much the norm. I won’t be alarmed and there’s no need to worry about this happening – it probably will, so just relax and accept the inevitable!

Everything I use in the studio is washable and gets cleaned after each session anyway. And I have plenty of wipes, anti-Bac lotion and fresh blankets and wraps to use if any get wet or dirty.

2. What happens if my baby won’t sleep?

This is another thing that you needn’t worry about.

I allow up to four hours for newborn sessions, so there is plenty of time to get the sleeping baby pictures you are after, even if your baby isn’t feeling sleepy when you first arrive.

Newborns sleep for most of the day in the weeks after they are born, so this really isn’t something to worry about! And it can be lovely to get some wide awake, eyes-open images anyway.

I’ve also got some tried and tested ways of getting babies to sleep – in fact, I’m known as the Baby Whisperer! The Daily Mail newspaper even ran this feature on me and my baby whispering techniques!

Some other things I do, to encourage your newborn to sleep, includes wrapping them to make them feel comfortable and at ease. My lovely warm studio, set at the optimum temperature for newborns, and gentle white noise in the background also really help.

I’m also very laid back and this makes a difference! Babies are clever little things and can sense if the person handling them is not relaxed, and this can make them more unsettled.

Remember, there are usually only a few reasons why a baby would cry, and hunger is the main one. There’s plenty of time for settling and feeding them, so there’s no need for you (or them) to feel under pressure at any point during your time with me.

My approach is to accept that your baby will likely be awake some of the time during their portrait session. We just go with the flow, safe in the knowledge that they will sleep eventually.

3. What happens if the baby needs feeding during the photoshoot?

Your baby WILL need feeding during the session, and that’s totally fine!

Remember to bring their milk, or feel free to breastfeed in my studio. I have a breastfeeding cushion available for you to use and comfy chairs.

The important thing for you to realise is that all my newborn photoshoots are done to suit your baby. I take regular breaks and work around your baby’s feeding schedule.

So, please feed your baby as normal ahead of the session. But I will be needing you to feed them throughout as well, to encourage them to drop off to sleep so that I can get those adorable sleeping baby photographs that you want.

A newborn session lasts up to four hours as a lot of time is required to settle the baby to sleep and move them into position to be photographed. If your little one is fed and sleepy when you arrive, then we can potentially obtain more photographs in the time available.

4. What do I/we need to do during the photoshoot?

The answer to that is…not a lot!

In some cases, I ask parents to sit close by to the baby as a safety precaution. But usually, the photoshoot is a time when you can actually kick back and relax as I will soothe the baby and settle them into position ready for photographing.

Most parents really enjoy watching the process and some even get the chance to have a short snooze!

You don’t need to bring much along to the session either. You really just need your baby and their milk, nappies and a dummy if you use one. I have a changing mat that you can use, and there’s plenty of tea, coffee and custard creams (my fave) in the studio.

You might like to bring extra snacks and a change of clothes for the photos, but that would probably be it!

5. Can I bring my toddler, partner and/or another family member?

The answer to this is 100% yes!

While some mummies come along with their babies alone, some parents also come together. After all, the newborn session takes place in the first couple of weeks after your baby is born and daddies are usually on paternity leave.

I actually really encourage parents and siblings to have photos with the new baby, so coming altogether, if you can, is ideal.

Even if you don’t feel up to it though, (and let’s face it, if you’ve just given birth and are probably not feeling your best), please do have these photos taken. It’s my job to make you look like the amazing new parents that you are. Come as you are and I’ll do the rest!

When it comes to what to wear, I suggest light or dark tops for the photos. Try to avoid bright patterns and anything with logos as this can date the photos. No need to go on a special shopping trip though. A plain white or black t-shirt is perfect.

Don’t forget, you’ll be able to look back on these special family portraits in years to come and marvel at how young you were! My own daughter loves nothing more than looking at baby photos and telling me I young I used to look!

It’s also absolutely possible to bring along any other children that you have! I understand that you may wish to get photos of your newborn alongside their older sibling(s).

Feel free to bring along quiet toys, books or anything that’ll keep them entertained in the studio. I also have a TV that you’re welcome to use.

Related reading: Siblings and newborns: What to expect during your photoshoot

It’s also ok to bring along a grandparent, close friend or another family member if you would find that helpful too.

My new photography studio has a dedicated area for parents/family members to relax in while the photoshoot is taking place.

All I ask is that you please aim to keep numbers to a minimum and that you let me know in advance of the shoot who you plan to bring along with you. This is so that I can plan the photoshoot accordingly and know who to expect on the day.

Related reading: What new parents need to know before hiring a newborn photographer

Do you have any other questions about newborn photography?

So, they are the most common questions I get asked about newborn photography.

What others do you have? Do please let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to visit my Frequently Asked Questions page as well.

The whole process really isn’t something to worry about and I hope that by answering these questions I have been able to put your mind at ease.

Many parents, when they visit my studio, tell me that the experience was far more relaxing and enjoyable than they had anticipated. They admit that they stressed themselves out about the ‘what if’s’, but when they come for their session they realise that all the worry was for nothing!

To book a newborn photoshoot with me, please either call me on 07749270431 or complete this contact form to make an enquiry. 

Karen x

If you’re considering hiring me as your newborn photographer, you’ll perhaps like to know what happens during a newborn baby photoshoot? Yes?

Well, if so, you’re in the right place. In today’s blog, I’m lifting the lid on the goings-on behind the scenes here at KW Photography, so that you have a really good idea of how I create the beautiful and creative newborn portraits like the ones shown in my newborn gallery.

What happens during a newborn baby photoshoot

Step 1: On the day of the baby photo session

When you arrive at my photography studio in Broadstone, Poole, you’ll be given a warm welcome and there will be plenty of time for you and your baby to settle and relax. You’ll be shown around the studio, offered drinks, we’ll sort the necessary paperwork and you’ll be given the chance to ask any final questions before I begin.

We’ll have previously talked about any preferences you have – such as the colours you’d like me to use in the photos – but we’ll chat about this again, and also more generally. You’ll tell me when your baby last fed, how they seem on the day and do feel free to mention anything else too.

You’ll notice that the studio is warm when you arrive, so dress in light layers. I tend to heat the studio to approximately 24 degrees for newborn sessions since your baby will be undressed and needs to be kept warm. I’ll lower the temperature slightly once they are wrapped (see step 3) and ready to be photographed.

Step 2: I settle the baby to sleep

As soon as you and the baby are comfortable, I’ll get started.

I’ll take your baby from you and then start settling them to sleep so that I can take the adorable ‘sleeping baby’ style photos that you’re after.

I do this rather than you so that we don’t disturb the baby once they are sleeping by moving them around and between us. It sometimes doesn’t take much to wake a baby!

Step 3: The baby is swaddled

Since babies like to be swaddled, once your baby is sleeping, I’ll wrap them to make them feel safe and secure.  I use a skin-coloured stretch wrap and then, on top of that, a second wrap which is what you’ll see in the photos.

While doing this, I’ll be careful to make sure your baby is comfortable and that the feet and hands are positioned as I’d like them.

The safety of your newborn is my number one priority, so everything I do during the session will be done with this in mind.

Related reading: I’m Newborn Photographer of the Year

Step 4: The baby is positioned ready to be photographed

Once this is done, I’ll then position them in the prop I’m planning to use. This may be a cushion, a bucket, a basket – I have a huge variety of props in the studio.

And, just to reassure you, I’ll ensure that there is no risk of your baby falling, rolling or tipping out of the prop! All the baskets are weighted so that there is no risk of that.

For the more complex positions, I may ask you to support the baby with your hands while I take the photograph. But don’t worry, I edit your hand out of the photograph in the image processing stage later.

Step 5: I take a variety of photos

For each setup that I do (and I‘ll create several during your session), I’ll take a lot of photographs so that you have a variety of images to choose from.

• I’ll include detailed close-up shots – capturing the baby’s teeny tiny fingers and toes and, if I’m lucky, I may catch an adorable smile or yawn.
• I’ll also take photographs from a wider angle. It’s likely that you’ll see me adjusting my lighting as I work, in order to create different looks too.

You’ll notice that I keep my setups and colour schemes simple. With newborn babies, it’s best to keep the styling like this so that the focus is on the baby. I use gorgeous colours and soft fabrics that are soft to touch and cosy for my newborns.

Once I’ve captured those adorable prop setups, I move the baby to the bean bag posing area and get the lovely sleepy unwrapped photos too. If siblings are involved, then their star moment is guided by their age and their ability to cuddle their new sibling safely. So, I might suggest we start with sibling shots or I may suggest that we leave them to settle in the studio for a while before involving them in any photos.

Usually, I do family and parent shots at the end of the session as your baby may be awake by then, and they don’t need to be asleep if they are being cuddled by mummy and daddy.

Step 6: After your newborn baby photoshoot – Editing

Once you’ve returned home, I’ll begin working on the editing of your baby’s portraits. You can find out why professional photographers edit their photos here.

I don’t manipulate the images to the extent that your baby will look unnatural or plasticky – this would go against everything that I stand for! I’m all about natural baby photos and don’t believe in editing out all the baby’s imperfections – these are completely normal with newborn babies.

However, I do edit out the odd stray hair and some of the patches of red skin or where the skin is flaky. Your baby may also have milk spots.

Plus, in setups when parents have provided support to the baby’s head, I’ll edit out their hands. Clever, right?

Step 7: Viewing and ordering your newborn’s portraits

Once your image gallery is ready to view, I’ll send you a link to your online gallery. Or, if you prefer, we will have arranged an appointment for you to return to the studio to view the images on the large screen in my studio.

This viewing and ordering appointment is a great chance to get my help with selecting images from the gallery that you would like to buy. And I can give you advice on photo products and wall art (but don’t worry, it won’t be a hard sell!)

My newborn photography prices are available to view on my website, and images start from just £295 for ten photos on a bespoke USB.

Behind the scenes of a newborn baby photoshoot

So, I hope that insight into what happens during a newborn baby photoshoot has been useful?

To book your baby’s newborn session, please contact me. Please aim to book as early as possible – ideally around the time of your 20-week scan.

Bye for now,
Karen x