Newborn Photoshoot Guide
Your Newborn shoot Guide – by Hannah MacGregor | Surrey photographer
First up, a massive congrats! And thank you for considering me to be part of your new baby’s first couple of weeks with a newborn shoot.
This guide is to prepare you for your newborn shoot, please know – there is no set plan! Babies are unpredictable, and sometimes we may need to take a break, so you can feed, settle or change nappies. We can see how things go and be led by your baby. In this guide I will show you some examples of the kind of shots I will hope to get with you & your baby.
I will bring a box of blankets & wraps & a large bean bag to photograph your baby on, but can also use a bed if its in good light too – So apologies that when I show up on the shoot day, I may look like I am about to move in!
I prefer your shoot to be more ‘lifestyle’ and less posed – with still making sure all photos are flattering to you & your baby.
See more of my featured newborn shoots on my website here:
HOW DOES NEWBORN SHOOT WORK?
Newborn guide | Surrey Newborn photographer
I will pencil in your due date to my diary and when baby arrives let me know as soon as possible. I will arrange a shoot day when baby is around 6-10 days old, as this is when your baby will (hopefully) be most sleepy & settled.
My newborn shoots take place at your home. I will bring blankets, wrap. We can get some natural shots of you and your baby just in window light & around your home. I do not rush you or baby, we take our time, making sure your baby’s needs & safety is put first.
Newborn shoots are slow & take patience – Do not worry about any baby accidents. All the blankets and wraps that may get dirty I can take home & wash before my next shoot.
We can use clothes you have bought too – Isla & Fraser have some gorgeous pieces.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A date that works for you & your family
- A relax natter about your shoot
- No time pressure & baby safety always first
- Blankets& wraps
- Beautiful edited images to choose from
- Sneak peeks on my instagram shortly after shoot
HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST? | NEWBORN GUIDE
TOP TIPS
Light
I try to not use any flash for newborn shoots to not startle your baby. We need to make sure we have a good natural light source. A large window is ideal. We will pull back curtains, take up the blinds & let light into the space. You can send me a pic of where you think may work in your home before the shoot & I can let you know if we are all good.
I can pop the bean bag in front of a large light source near any window/bi fold doors if I can’t use your bed. And then use window light for your family shots in a bedroom/nursery.
– Natural light is most flattering
– The larger the light source the softer the light & shadows.
– Ceiling lights & lamps can create colour casts & harsh shadows so best to switch off.
– If it is warm enough we can go outside for some photos, but most of my newborn photography happens indoors.
LOCATION
YOUR NEWORN SHOOT GUIDE
We will keep it all as simple as possible – Often your bed is a great simple back drop for parent & family images as it’s often next to a large window. The bean bag is for shots of just baby – I will lay blankets on the bean bag to create a mini studio set up just for them.
White linen works well on a bed. If you don’t have white, go for non patterned bedding or we can lay a blanket down. Texture & layering can work well for a shoot, so using a duvet, then a blanket or wrap can add some interest to the images.
If your bedroom is dark, we can take a white duvet to the light source, and lay it next to for eg, near bifold kitchen doors. We can ‘cheat’ it actually being the bedroom.
We can also do some shots in your baby’s nursery, even if they are not sleeping in there yet.
When a space is clear of clutter it works best for photos, but I can tell you what we may need to ‘hide’ and what is not in the shot anyway. Please don’t feel like you have to do lots of tidying before I arrive!
WHAT TO WEAR
First & foremost make sure you are comfy in what you are wearing and feeling your best. From experience I would say neutral colours such as greys, light blues, soft pastels, beige work well for newborn shoots. Its best to avoid black or white & no logos/ wording on clothing. There is also a guide on my instagram guides with more advice on what to wear at a shoot.
As a family, think about what you are all wearing – You should all be dressed in a similar colour palette so that you complement each other in the pictures.
To keep the shots timeless & straightforward, babies can be in a simple white baby grow or white vest. You can use a blanket, scarf or wrap to cover up a nappy.
TOP TIPS | NEWBORN GUIDE
ADVICE
- – Make sure the room is warm, you can turn up the heating and i will bring a plugin blower heater. Make sure all the windows are closed.
- – Newborn shots are easiest when your baby is settled, so best to make sure they are well fed, nappy changed & in a deep sleep for pictures. If you need to feed baby before I arrive you can feed them in a simple white vest or baby grow so we can start with these shots.
- – It’s best not to move your baby too much. We will try and get a few diff pictures from each set up that we do so that your baby is not moved around too much and disturbed.
- – Holding your baby so their head is closer to yours may feel a bit strange but works better for pictures.
- – Adding some texture to the images works well. If you have a favourite blanket or anything sentimental we can add these in too
- – If you want to risk doing some nappy free shots of baby cuddles we can pop some old towels on the floor underneath you so you can ‘try’ and catch any accidents before they hit the carpet!
- – Remember I will be there talking you through everything, so please don’t worry!
If you need to stop, feed, cuddle or change baby we will stop & start as we need.
It is super special to slow time down in these first few days whilst you still in your newborn bubble & celebrate your tiny new human!
We are making memories that will make your heart happy x
The next few images give you some examples of the kind of shots I will aim to get at your shoot
VARIETY OF IMAGES
I will aim to get lots of different images of your little one with out moving them too much. From above like this is a lovely shot & can be done when they are asleep or awake! Newborn photography needs us to be patient – The shoot may take 3-4 hours with lots of stopping & starting.
ADD IN SIBLINGS /FAMILY HANDS / MORE SPACE ON BED
If you have any siblings they are welcome to join in the shoot – Photographing from above like this is great way to get them next to each other too.
ALL THOSE BABY DETAILS
I will get all the details too – getting close ups of lips, lashes & noses. Tiny feet & hands are also super cute to capture.
We can also get babies on the bean bag or bed, wrapped & curled up to get some beautiful sleepy shots like this too:
GETTING PHOTOS WITH MUM
Getting baby close to you works so well for pictures. Before I give you the baby cross your arms with your hands close to your face. I will get you to hold one hand under your baby’s head and use the other hand to keep their legs crossed up & small.
Our aim is to get some photos like this.
FAMILY PHOTOS
We will also do your first official family photos too
GETTING PHOTOS WITH DAD
Dads – I will get Dad to sit on edge of bed, or stand near window is great for photos. Looking toward your baby rather than the camera often works better. We can get a close up image of Dads hands to show how small baby’s head is too.
Here are a few variations of how baby can be held:
BLACK & WHITE SHOTS WITH BLACK BACKDROP
I also love to capture some simple black & white shots on a black sheet on the bean bag – These are done very simply with baby asleep or awake & parents hands in to frame the baby.
I can’t wait to meet your baby & get to celebrate with you! Having a new baby is so super precious! I will talk you through the shoot but hopefully this guide will help you know what to expect & prepare.
Any questions always give me a shout and I can answer any concerns x
Big love
Hannah x
