Newborn sessions are intended to capture the wonderful sleepy and scrumptious period in the first 2 weeks of life. This is when they are all curly which makes them a little easier to pose. In saying that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having them taken a little later as well!


I take great care in creating an exceptional client experience before, during and after the session takes place. Once you make contact about your newborn session, I will pencil you in around your due date. Prior to your due date, session info and tips and tricks are sent out to best help you prepare, but this article may answer some questions as well. After your baby arrives, contact me within 3 days and your exact session date and time will be scheduled. As always, let me know if you have any questions throughout the process!

Newborn Experience

Newborn Experience

I. LOCATION

I absolutely love outdoor newborn sessions. Sessions typically take place in beautiful spots around Whangarei, making the most of our gorgeous environment we have at our finger tips. It also means that we can easily incorporate families and siblings without being cooped up in a studio for hours. However, if you are more interested in having an indoor session (or the weather doesn't lend itself to having it outdoors), we can either have it at your home or in my home studio in Kensington.


II. SESSION LENGTH

Each baby is different and realistically, it’s the little one who determines the length of the session. On average, expect to spent 1-2 hours at the session. This includes feeding, changing and any other things we need to do. This gives ample time to get a few family shots, sibling shots, mum and dad shots as well as wrapped newborn shots. My sessions are typically a bit quicker than the average newborn studio shoot as I don't wait for baby to be asleep or try to get them naked. I also prioritise getting photos of baby with siblings and family as well as baby alone. This means it might fit better with your family.


III. BEAUTIFUL WRAPS & PROPS

I will provide all of the wraps and props needed for your session. I also have a few outfits available to use. Let us know if you have a certain colour scheme or preference to incorporate! If you need some help with family styling, you can read about that here.


IV. CAREFUL POSING

I will never force a baby into a pose.  Some babies are resistant to certain poses and that’s ok! We will move on to others. I'm also very careful to make sure baby is warm and comfortable therefore we may not do particular poses if it is a bit cooler or windy. But in the end we will always get some gorgeous newborn shots of your new little bundle.


V. SIBLINGS SNUGGLES

While focus will always be on the baby, siblings and parents will be included in every newborn session as it's so important to capture those first days with a new family member!


VI. SAFETY FIRST

Safety is always my number one priority. I will ask a parent to stay close as a spotter just in case. This may mean just being an arms reach away or actually holding a prop stable. And don't worry, I can always Photoshop it out!

Session Preparation

Session Preparation

There are a few things that might make the session run a bit smoother. A couple of tips and tricks include:

  • All my props and wraps are of similar neutral and natural tones and textures. So it's best to keep this is mind when you are thinking about what everyone else in the family will wear. I also have a few dresses and baby clothes in my client closet which you are most welcome to use. Have a read here for more styling tips.
  • Make sure to bring nappies and changes of clothes (just like you normally would for an outing) but don't worry, I am totally prepared for mini explosions and all wraps etc can be washed!
  • If baby takes a dummy, please bring this along. It can help with soothing. However, if they don't, that's OK too! Also make sure to pack a bottle for baby or be ready to feed.
  • I'm not precious about whether baby is awake or asleep, but if you would prefer more sleepy photos, then it's a good idea to try to keep baby awake before the session and feed upon arrival.
  • Of course, if none of this works thats OK too! Babies are wonderfully unpredictable and we will roll with whatever they want.