What to expect when you’re expecting

(……..a newborn photography session)

So you’ve settled on booking a newborn session for your growing little bump when he or she arrives, but you’re not too sure what it’s all about. Well I’m here to fill you in on all the deets of what you can expect from a newborn session with Cosy Toes Photography……..

The first thing you need to know is that with booking a newborn session, it’s almost always the case of the earlier the better. You may think it’s better to wait until your little one arrives so you know they lay of the land. I mean, there are so many factors you don’t know until that time right? When they’ll arrive. What gender they will be (if you’re not choosing to find out the gender). How are you going to feel? How are they going to sleep? I appreciate you’re probably a little wary about some of these answers, but I assure you one thing, if you’ve already thought about these beautiful photos of your little one, you’ll be disappointed if you can’t get in with the photographer that you have your heart set on, so it’s better not to risk availability by waiting.

For a newborn photographer, most of our clients book in while they are still expecting. I in fact take bookings when your baby is still the size of a plum snug inside your belly – as early as just after your 12 week scan.

Once you’re ready to book in, I do so using your due date just as a guide. This just helps me plan my availability. Your session date isn’t finalised until your little one makes their appearance. And no matter if they’re early or late – it’s all taken into consideration. With arrival dates so unpredictable, sessions are limited each month to ensure your session can be accommodated regardless of when they arrive.

Now you’re all booked in, this is where the fun begins – planning your session! Eeek, I still get excited at this part, with the knowledge that I’m going to create something beautiful and something that is going to give so much joy.

I’ll send you a link where you will be able to to peruse my props so that you can choose your favourites ahead of time. If you have any special requests, this is the time to mention them so I can plan and source anything additional that I may need. Perhaps you’re a Harry Potter fan and want a themed image, or you have have a dog that you’d like to include. Let me know and I’ll do my very best to accommodate your request.

You’ll also receive some handy hints about the session itself – It’s well worth reading these as they can really make a difference to getting the most out of your session.

Step ahead to the arrival of your sweet baby (I know, I know, it feels like a lifetime away now, but it’s going to fly by). Let me know as soon as you can once your little one is here and we’ll schedule your session date for when your bay is between 5-21 days old.

When you arrive at the studio what happens first will depend on your baby – the session is entirely baby led and we go at their pace. I make sure its a really relaxed session for everyone 🙂

If they’re sleeping we’ll make an immediate start with images of them with the family. The studio gets very warm in order to keep you’re baby comfortable, so we get your portion of the session done before your get all hot and bothered.

I will have pre-selected some outfits and accessories for your little one to wear that will work with your chosen colour scheme. You can choose your favourites for me to use. Then it’s on to the star of the show. This is the bit where you get to watch me pose your beautiful squidgy little bundle. You’ll relax and enjoy as I look after your little one – they’re in safe hands. Hormones can cause all sort of emotions so don’t be surprised if you get a little emotional as you watch. I’ve also had a fair few parents (usually dads lol) fall asleep too with the warmth of the studio and the white noise that I play.

Each baby is different so how quickly the session goes varies. I’m skilled at settling newborns so I do most of this and get your baby back to sleep if they wake. We stop for you to feed your baby as often as they need.

You’ll see first hand how some “trick shots” are created. “ahhh I wondered how you did that” is a phrase I hear a lot. You can have peace of mind that every pose that I do with you precious baby is carried out in 100% safe manor. This means you will be required to “assist’ your baby every now and then. This may be by supporting their head or spotting them whilst they are on a prop or in a bucket.

A couple of weeks after your session, I will invite you back to the studio of the grand reveal of your session. This is where you will see your beautiful edited images and fall in love all over again with your prefect baby. I have tissues at the ready – they are needed often!

Next week I’m going to be blogging about Christmas which will include some information on where to see Santa as well as my Christmas minis sessions. What’s a mini session you say? Marie Myers Photography is a newborn Worcestershire photographer with a Redditch and Bromsgrove Photography studio. Check out her blog this which gives a great explanation as to what a mini session is:

https://mariemyersphotography.co.uk/2019/10/01/what-is-a-mini-session-anyway/ 

I’ll leave you with a few images of what you can expect from your session. If you’re ready to book in, please do get in touch. I can’t wait to create something beautiful for you.