Baby / Family Photoshoot prep guide

So – the big day has arrived and you have a new member in your family. Congratulations! A few days or weeks have passed and you have come to terms with all the new feelings and excitement. That means it is the perfect moment to preserve some memories for the times to come. But also to start preparing for your first ever photoshoot with the tiniest member of your family.

Things to think about...

Timing...

Baby / Family shoots generally last around the two-hour mark. This is because I follow the little ones’ lead and work around them. Making the shoot a little longer takes away the pressure and gives time for any changes, feeding etc., that’s needed during the day!

What next?

You’ll receive your online gallery within 2-3 weeks after the shoot. An online gallery is an instant way to view your images. Once your photographs are ready, you’ll be sent a unique link to your photo session and a private password. You can expect around 30 beautifully edited images from your photo session for you to choose your ten from. Once you get your gallery, you’ll be able to purchase additional digital files if you want.

What to wear...

First and foremost, the most important thing to keep in mind when putting together a shoot wardrobe is comfort! If you’re not comfortable, you won’t feel confident in front of the camera, which will come through in your pictures. For a newborn/baby shoot, chunky knits and simple clothing work best. I also love colour, so a vibrant muslin, or cushions, plants are welcome!

Try to wear solid colours and avoid patterns so they do not catch the attention from the main subject – the baby. One of the most common suggestions is to pick one or two colours and then coordinate different tones of the colours together. For example, you can mix light and dark grey or blue together.

COVID-19 & Safety...

Before I arrive at the location of our shoot, I’ll sanitise my hands with my own personal hand sanitiser and repeatedly throughout the shoot.

If there’s a sink and soap on location, I’ll wash my hands before and after the shoot for 20 seconds.

I’ll wear a mask during our time together.

I won’t touch you or anyone else at the location, which means no high-fives or hugs, unfortunately!

If myself, anyone in my household or anyone I’ve been in physical contact with becomes ill with signs of coronavirus, I’ll notify you immediately and our session will be postponed.

If you, anyone in your household or anyone they’ve been in physical contact with becomes ill with signs of coronavirus, you must notify me immediately and our session will be postponed, free of charge.

If you’re self-isolating or you’re living with someone deemed as high risk, currently, I’m not able to photograph you until a safer date.

Checklist:

Make sure that the adults have eaten before the photoshoot as they can be long and the word 'hangry' exists for a reason.
Have at least one change of clothing to hand, just in case any accidents happen.
If there are any toys or props that you would like to add to the shoot then please have these ready.
If the baby is using a dummy then please have it to hand. It often helps soothe babies into the poses and facilitates getting them to sleep. If your baby is not used to a dummy or you do not feel comfortable offering one, do not worry, it is not a must.
As it is a home shoot, try to pack any unnecessary items away e.g. washing baskets but also remember that I don't want you to stress! I am not focussing on your home, I am focussing on your family! A camera can work wonders to fade out parts of a back ground.
If you are breastfeeding then please do not worry if you have to feed during the shoot. As a Mother myself, it is a beautiful thing and some Mother's may even wish to have these moments captured discreetly.
Siblings are more than welcome to be included in the shoot.