Essex baby and newborn photographer - What to expect from your newborn session

NEWBORNS AND BABIES

Newborn babies are like a drug-infused bundle of magic. How else can we love something so fiercely that gives us such little sleep and makes our world spin?

The tender moments of connection between you and your newborn, the way your life in these early days of babyhood slows down and becomes focused on an all-encompassing hub of nurture to this tiny human. This new shift in pace and dynamics is what I love to capture in our session because it passes so damn quickly we can barely believe it existed.  

 When I started my journey into newborn photography I took time to consider how I wanted to photograph babies and their families and what was the most important thing for me to capture when my tiny humans were babies. I remembered fondly sitting up in the quiet of the night, marveling at the way they sunk into deep milk-drunk sleeps and how rolls of baby chub cocooned their little features which seemingly disappeared in the blink of a sleep-deprived eye. I would love you to have pictures now to look back on as a fly on the wall into these perfectly imperfect moments of motherhood and see the bonds being made that you feel but don't get to take a peek at yourself.

I like to keep the newborn sessions as relaxed as possible for all of you, allowing me to catch those raw, authentic moments between you interacting purposefully with your baby in an as natural way as possible. Leaving you with dreamy images that are soulful, tender, and embrace every minute.

How do the sessions run?

By the time the day of your session rolls around we have likely chatted a few times via email, so meeting me should feel like meeting an old friend. It’s really important for me to build a connection with you so that you are reassured during this time and are comfortable and relaxed in my presence. I truly believe it is as important in this fourth postpartum trimester to nurture you as a mother as well as your baby which is why I always value a relaxed approach to photography.

You can choose between a session in your own home or come into the studio. Either way, I have everything I need with me to capture timeless, natural images. For an in-home session, all I need is some window light and I bring blankets, cushions, and swaddles with me. The goal of in-home sessions is really to capture a more lifestyle approach with candid shots that document these early days.

For studio sessions, I always suggest you give your baby a feed when you arrive, a car journey nearly always sends them into a deep sleep so when they arrive it can be a little jarring for them. A nice full feed settles the baby down again ready for a calm session. 

If you have picked dresses from the selection I have available these will be steamed and ready for you to put on. Whilst you are getting ready I pop baby into the clothing we have picked out and swaddle them so they feel secure and drift into a settled sleep. The swaddle often helps stop their strong natural startle or morro reflexes, which can often wake them up.

Need to take a break have a snack or take time for the baby to feed? Go right ahead! I have little treats, fruit, and drinks on hand in the studio so there is no rush to your time with me.

We slowly work through the session, letting the baby lead.

If you are feeling comfortable I fully encourage some breast (or bottle ) feeding shots as they are lovely to look back on when this stage of your journey moves on, so please let me know if this is something you would love to have captured at the start of your session.

Siblings

Siblings are welcome to join in on your newborn's session but always seems to be something parents worry about in the run-up to it. The relaxed approach I take is perfect for older siblings. This time can be rough for a little one and I completely understand that. They've been used to your undivided attention and now there's a new little buddy taking up their space and your time. It can be so overwhelming for you and for them. By encouraging some play and focusing on really being in the moment, little ones tend to relax into the session and enjoy the experience.

I am honestly so privileged to photograph your precious moments and I really love getting to know you and following your journey. If you value relaxed real moments over forced and posed ones I'd love to book you in.

I take newborn bookings from your 20-week scan or sooner if you like, to ensure I can fit you in - contact me to book your session or click here to find out more.

Emily

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