The Complete guide to newborn photography - for parents.
Congratulations!
If you're expecting a baby, you're about to begin one of the most incredible chapters of your life.
Right now you're probably thinking about hospital bags, baby names, tiny sleepsuits and whether you'll ever feel ready (spoiler alert... no parent ever truly does!).
Newborn photography might also be on your list, but with so much information online, it can be difficult to know where to start.
When should you book? Is newborn photography safe? What if your baby won't settle? Will older siblings join in?
These are all questions I hear every week, so I've put together this guide to answer them honestly and help you feel confident before your session.
As a newborn photographer based in Boston, Lincolnshire, I've photographed over 100 babies in my cosy studio over the last five years. I'm also a mum myself, so I understand just how overwhelming those early days can feel.
My sessions are completely baby-led, never rushed, and designed to give you the chance to slow down for a few hours while we create beautiful memories of this fleeting stage.
Whether you're expecting your first baby or your fourth, I hope this guide answers every question you have.
And if it doesn't...
Please just ask me.
I'd always rather you felt completely comfortable before booking.
Why Do Parents Choose Newborn Photography?
The first few weeks with a newborn pass incredibly quickly.
One day your baby fits perfectly across your forearm, and before you know it they're smiling, rolling over and growing out of their first clothes.
As parents, we're so busy feeding, changing nappies and surviving on very little sleep that it's easy to miss just how much changes from one week to the next.
That's why newborn photography means so much. It's not just about creating beautiful images for today. It's about preserving the tiny details you'll struggle to remember in years to come.
The wrinkly little toes.
The flaky newborn skin.
The sleepy stretches.
The way their whole hand wrapped around just one of your fingers.
These are the moments that disappear first.
Years from now, your photographs won't just remind you what your baby looked like.
They'll remind you exactly how it felt to hold them when they were brand new.
When should I book my newborn photography session?
One of the most common questions I receive is when parents should book.
The answer is actually much earlier than most people expect.
The ideal time to reserve your newborn session is shortly after your 20-week scan. At this stage, we don't choose a fixed session date. Instead, I reserve space around your due date so that when your baby arrives, we can arrange the perfect time for your photographs.
The best age for posed newborn photography is usually between 5 and 21 days old, while babies are still naturally sleepy and love curling into those beautiful womb-like poses.
If your baby has already arrived, don't panic. It's always worth getting in touch as I occasionally have availability at short notice, and beautiful images are possible with older newborns too.
Read my full guide on when to book your newborn photography session.
Is newborn photography safe?
As a parent myself, this is exactly the question I would ask too.
Your baby's safety should always come before any photograph, and it's essential that you check that your photographer is DBS checked and has plenty of experience in working in newborn photography.
Every newborn session with me is completely baby-led, which means we never rush your baby or ask them to do anything they're uncomfortable with. If they need feeding, cuddles, changing or simply a little extra time, we stop.
Many of the beautiful curled-up poses you see online are only attempted if your baby is happy and comfortable. Every baby is different, and no photograph is ever worth compromising their wellbeing. honestly some of the things ive seen would shock you just to get 'the picture'. Id rather be upfront and honest if I feel baby isn't happy doing something than force them into doing it.
After photographing hundreds of newborns, I've learned that patience is the secret ingredient to every session. We simply work at your baby's pace.
What should we wear for our newborn photography session?
One of the biggest worries parents have before their session is what everyone should wear. The good news is that it doesn't need to be complicated.
The focus of your photographs should always be your beautiful new baby, so I recommend choosing clothing that is timeless rather than trendy.
Soft neutral colours such as creams, whites, beiges, light greys and earthy tones photograph beautifully and keep the attention where it belongs, on the connection between your family.
Try to avoid clothing with large logos, bold patterns or bright neon colours, as these can distract from the images.
For babies, you don't need to worry about bringing lots of outfits. I have a carefully chosen collection of wraps, blankets, hats, headbands and handmade props available for you to use during your session.
If you're ever unsure what to wear, just ask. I'm always happy to help you plan outfits before your session.
Jessy's Tip:
"Comfort always comes first. If you're comfortable and relaxed, it shows in your photographs. Don't feel you need to buy a whole new wardrobe just for your session!"
What If My Baby Won't Sleep?
This is probably the question I'm asked more than any other.
The truth is...
Babies don't always sleep -and that's completely okay.
Every newborn is different. Some babies snooze peacefully for most of the session, while others are much more interested in seeing what's going on around them!
My sessions are completely baby-led, which means we never expect your baby to fit into a timetable. If they need feeding, cuddles, changing or simply a little time to settle, that's exactly what we'll do.
Some of my favourite photographs have been of wide awake babies making eye contact with the camera or holding onto Mum and Dad's fingers.
The most important thing to remember is this:
Your baby's comfort will always come before getting a particular pose. With patience, experience and plenty of time, we almost always create a beautiful gallery, no matter what kind of day your little one is having.
Can Parents, Siblings and Grandparents Be Included?
Absolutely.
Some of the photographs families treasure most aren't the posed newborn portraits. They're the tiny moments shared together.
Parent photographs are included in every newborn session because, although you may not feel your most glamorous after having a baby, these images become priceless with time.
If your baby has older brothers or sisters, I'd love to include them too. Watching siblings meet and cuddle their new baby is always one of my favourite parts of a session.
Grandparents are also very welcome if you'd like to include three generations in your photographs. These images often become some of the most meaningful family keepsakes.
Every family is different, so we'll tailor your session to suit the people who matter most to you.
Choosing the Right Newborn Photographer
Choosing someone to photograph your brand new baby is a very personal decision.
Beautiful photographs are important, but they're only one part of the experience.
When looking for a newborn photographer, it's worth asking yourself a few questions:
• Do I feel comfortable with them?
• Do they explain how they keep babies safe?
• Do I like their editing style?
• Do they have genuine reviews from other parents?
• Can I imagine trusting them with my baby?
As a parent myself, I understand that handing your newborn to someone else can feel daunting.
That's why I take time to get to know every family, answer every question and make sure you feel completely relaxed before we begin.
My aim isn't just to create beautiful photographs.
It's to make your whole experience feel calm, enjoyable and memorable.
What Actually Happens During A Newborn Photography Session With Me? - A Timeline
Jessy's Tip:
Many mums tell me they almost didn't get in the photographs because they were tired, hadn't done their hair or didn't feel like themselves after giving birth. Every single one has been so glad they did. Years from now, these photographs won't just be for you, they'll be for your children too.
Walking into a newborn photography studio for the first time can feel a little daunting, especially when you're running on very little sleep and adjusting to life with a brand new baby. My aim is to make the whole experience feel as relaxed as possible, so here's exactly what you can expect.
Before You Arrive
A few days before your session, I'll send you everything you need to know, including what to bring, how to prepare and simple clothing suggestions for parents and siblings.
There's no need to worry about bringing lots of outfits for your baby. I provide a beautiful selection of wraps, blankets, hats, headbands and carefully chosen props, so everything is ready for you when you arrive.
Arriving at the Studio
When you arrive at my cosy Boston studio, there's no rush.
We'll have a chat while you settle in, feed your baby if needed, grab a coffee and make yourselves comfortable. The studio is kept lovely and warm so your little one stays cosy throughout the session, which also helps them settle more easily.
This is your time to slow down. Many parents tell me it's one of the first chances they've had to simply sit down and enjoy watching someone else take over for a little while.
During the Session
Every newborn session is completely baby-led. That means we work around your baby's needs rather than expecting them to fit into a timetable. During this time ill go through a number of gentle poses, wrappings and details of your little one.
If your baby needs feeding...
We stop.
If they need cuddles...
We stop.
If they need changing...
We stop.
There is never any pressure or rush.
Some babies sleep for most of the session.Some stay awake and curious. Some decide they want an extra feed every twenty minutes!
Whatever your baby needs, we'll simply work with them.
Tiny Details
One of my favourite parts of every session is capturing all the little details that change so quickly.
Tiny fingers.
Wrinkly toes.
Long eyelashes.
Little lips.
Those are often the photographs parents tell me become their favourites.
Family Photographs
Family photographs are usually taken towards the end of your session, once everyone has had time to relax and settle in. However, if you have an older sibling joining us, I'll often capture these first while they're still happy, engaged and ready to join in. Every session is tailored to your family, so we'll always do what works best on the day.
Don't worry if you're not sure how to pose or feel a little nervous about being in front of the camera. I'll gently guide you throughout, helping you into natural, flattering positions that feel comfortable and relaxed.
My aim isn't to create stiff, formal portraits. Instead, I focus on the genuine connection between you and your baby, capturing the little moments that tell your family's story.
Before You Leave
Before you head home, we'll make sure you're happy, answer any questions and explain what happens next.
I'll carefully edit your images before inviting you to view your gallery and choose your favourites.
Then all that's left is to enjoy your photographs and relive these precious early days whenever you look back at them.
💙 Jessy's Tip
Please don't worry if your morning hasn't gone to plan.
Nearly every parent arrives saying something like...
"They've been awake for hours."
"They cried all the way here."
"They've just been sick on their outfit!"
I promise you're not the first, and you definitely won't be the last!
Babies don't read schedules, and they certainly don't know they're having their photographs taken. That's why I allow plenty of time and let every session unfold naturally.
A Final Thought
If you've made it this far, hopefully you're feeling a little more confident about what to expect from a newborn photography session - and congratulations on reading so many of my ramblings!
I know welcoming a brand new baby into the world can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make, and choosing someone to capture your baby's first days is a very personal one.
My hope is that this guide has answered some of your questions and helped you understand how relaxed, baby-led and enjoyable a newborn session can be.
Every family who walks through my studio door has a different story, but they all have one thing in common...
They want to remember this tiny chapter before it slips away.
I'd be honoured to help you preserve those memories.
Still Have Questions?
If there's anything I haven't covered, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
No question is ever too small when it comes to your baby, and I'm always happy to chat before you decide whether a newborn session is right for your family.
Get in touch here → CONTACT