I missed having newborn photographs…. What can I do?

As a mum to a now two-year old, I totally understand how the newborn phase can pass you by in the blink of an eye.

I also realise that many people haven’t even heard about newborn photography until their little one is already too old for a typical newborn session.

They change so much between being newborn and the time when photographers typically photograph them as they’re turning one. I love taking photographs of little ones as they are hitting that major milestone but there is so much more of them to capture and remember before they reach that first birthday.

Firstly there is an option to have lifestyle photographs of your baby at any age. This little lady (below) was 5 weeks old at the time of her session and she was fully alert and awake for the whole thing, which was exactly what mum had hoped for. She wanted to capture her beautiful eyes and her being just how she was, no posing, just natural photographs.

There is a tricky age for photographing babies and this is around the 3-6 month age, before they can sit but while they’re no longer still and curled up enough to capture more baby like poses. That being said it is still possible and it just may require mum and/or dad to be in some of the photographs holding and interacting with their little one during the session.

The Glorious Sitting Phase

I remember the sitting phase so well with my daughter. I think it’s something first time mums don’t truly appreciate until it has passed (I certainly didn’t). They sit still wherever you leave them, meaning you can turn your back for a second to get a cup of tea knowing they won’t have gone too far. Fast forward to when they’re walking and you’ll have many a brew (as we like to call them up north) go cold due to always being on high alrert and stopping them getting into everything and anything they can get their hands on.

The sitting phase was a lovely time for being calm and still as a mother and also the most amazing time to capture her as a photographer. These are some of my favourite images from the sitting period in my daughters life. I was lucky as she didn’t really get moving for quite some time and was an even later walker, so I had an abundance of time to photograph her right where I placed her 🙂

It’s not just their inability to move that makes this age a great one for photographing. Their little personalitities are flourishing. They are so happy at this age, they are full of joy and smiles and giggles and there is nothing more beautiful than capturing this in the most timeless setting possible.

Oh and did I mention the squishy chubby scrumptious rolls…. Oh I love the squishy bits!

Sitter Sessions

I offer sitter sessions just like in the photographs above. I have a range of outfits so you don’t need to worry about what they need to wear and I place them on a large soft piece of foam which has a lovely white duvet and pillows on top. They can sit/lie/roll around to their hearts content. If they’re crawling a little that’s ok too. It’s also amazing if you want to get in some of the photographs with them. How much or how little depends entirely on your preference.

Sitter sessions usually last around 30 minutes, a lovely length of time for them to be happy and curious without becoming over stimulated and tired. I have a gorgeous selection of toys from Sarah & Bendrix if they need something to keep them entertained or to help them warm up to being in a new place.

I specialise in photographing babies and the way in which I work is to be as relaxed as possible and follow your babies lead. There is nothing more scary to a baby than a complete stranger being too lound and in their face if that is not something they’re comfortable with. So for every session I let the baby lead the pace. If they need to cuddle with mummy for a while on set that is fine, if they take a little while to warm up to me then there is time. Many parents comment on the amount of patience I have with their little ones but that really is the only way to be if you want to capture them being themselves. They have to feel relaxed and at ease and that is my ultimate aim the second they walk through the door. So I won’t be barking orders and I won’t get too close if they seem at all scared. I will be patient and offer them a toy, or play peekaboo, or if needed completely back off until they’re ready.

I offer a home from home environment for all my baby sessions, which is much easier on babies than a big bright commercial studio.

If you’re interested in a session please check out my session options & prices or get in touch below.