Frequently Asked Questions on my Newborn / Maternity Photography

Professional  maternity, newborn, baby and family photographer based in Mattingley, Hampshire, close to Basingstoke and Reading, only an hour away from London.

Here are some important questions I often receive before my sessions.  

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions unanswered.

When is the ideal time to have a Maternity/ Newborn session and when should I book?

That's such a good question! It's best to book your maternity session as early as possible to secure availability. 

In my experience, the best time to have your maternity shoot in between 32 and 36 weeks. 

It may sound crazy but you should book your newborn shoot early too! It's such a small window that you don't want to miss your opportunity.

Newborn sessions work best when your baby is between 5-12 days old. During this time, your little one still has the “curl”, which simply means her arms and legs still curl up easily. Also within the first 10 days, your baby falls into this deep sleep after being fed. That way I can take lots of gorgeous photos without disturbing them too much.

If you have already had your baby, just get in touch asap, and I'll do my best to help you.  

How long will the Maternity/ Newborn session last?

A maternity photo shoot will last around 1 hour. 

A newborn session lasts typically around 2-4 hours. As you can't direct a small newborn, I adapt to his or her schedule. So if baby doesn’t want to sleep and you will need to attend to his/her needs, we've got plenty of time and there is no pressure.

Where will the photoshoot take place? 

Your session would take place in my studio in Mattingley, RG278LJ

What kind of props do you use and what will I need to provide? 

I have some lovely comfy beanbags and baskets which are perfect for a newborn shoot. I also have a big selection of beautiful throws, little blankets, hats, wraps, hairbands.

If you have any sentimental or special items that you'd like to appear in the photos, please bring them to the shoot.

What should I wear to my session? 

I have a lovely selection of gowns and dresses and you're very welcome to borrow anything you like for the shoot. 

Similarly if you'd prefer to wear your own clothes, that's great too.

Whatever you feel comfortable in.

You can have a look at my gowns when we meet before the shoot.

Make sure what you wear is comfortable so you can move freely and feel relaxed. A lovely maxi dress, an elegant top, a simple shirt, jeans.

It is best to keep large, bold patterns to a minimum as they can be distracting in photos. 

And please avoid text on shirts and t-shirts. I want the focus of the photos to be you!

Instead of having everyone wearing matching colours, try to stick to a simple colour scheme to create variation.

I would like my older son/daughter to be part of the shoot, is this possible?

Absolutely! I love having a sibling in a newborn shoot too. Capturing the interaction of your firstborn with your newborn can be very emotional and special.  

Do we, the parents, need to be/ can be in the photographs?

 Of course, it is your choice. But I do encourage you to think about this too. The images in which you and your partner hold your precious baby can be the most beloved images of them all.

How long after the session can we expect the images? Do I need to come to the studio to see the final images? 

You will have a private password protected gallery roughly 2-3 weeks after the session. You're welcome to share the details with your family members and friends if you wish. You will receive the USB and prints with the images soon after.

Do you have payment plan options?

Yes. A £50 non refundable retainer is required at the time of the booking, further payments can be arranged depending on the package you choose. T&C apply.

Will my images stay private? 

I take the privacy of your images very seriously. Your photos will not be used in any way without your permission. If permission is given, I like to share a few of my favourite images from the session on my Facebook Business Page, Instagram and website.

If you have any further questions please do drop me a message and I'll do my best to help you.

Thank you