Vry often when people think of newborn photography they think, studio, posing and props. So it’s very common for people to have lots of questions about what having your lifestyle newborn photos is all about! Today I’m sharing the answers to the questions I get most often about my work!
Feel free to watch the video below where I answer these questions or you can read the answers instead if you prefer.
How old should baby be when we have our lifestyle newborn photos?
The short answer is, whatever age! With the more traditional posed newborn photography it’s best for baby to be around ten days old. That’s because at that age they are still sleeping for a majority of the day which means a photographer can easily pose baby.
BUT
We’re doing lifestyle newborn photos here, no posing! So baby can be whatever age. Basically, when you are ready for the photos, when you feel ready to invite me in, that’s how old baby should be!
When should I book my session?
Again, that’s entirely up to you! You can book when you’re pregnant or once baby is here. Having a baby is a big deal, it’s draining, physically, emotionally and mentally. So whenever YOU feel ready to book your lifestyle newborn photos is when you should book.
Do you pose baby or use props?
No, I do not pose babies, I may ask you as parents to sit a certain way, ask you to hold baby close but that’s it. As for props I don’t props like your baskets or wraps. I might suggest if there is a certain teddy or a special book that you might like to include.
But no posing or props as you might expect.
Do you handle baby whilst taking lifestyle newborn photos?
No I do not, I am not posing your child so I do not need to touch them. Also I am here to document the connection between you and your child so I don’t want to get in the way of that!
Pre-covid I wouldn’t say no if a parent offered me a cuddle with baby! But again if you don’t want to do that, that’s fine I can just coo over them from a distance!
How do we prepare for a session?
The best advice I can give you is to try and have a nice chilled morning before I arrive. I do realise that’s quite a big ask when you have a newborn! But just have a nice long shower or bath, a bit of a pamper so that when I arrive you’re feeling good.
You don’t have to do anything in particular, these are lifestyle newborn photos, it’s very true. You don’t have to worry about having the house immaculate or repainting the whole place! We just go with the flow.
What if baby is unsettled during the session?
Do not worry! There’s is no rush in a session, I will be there for as long as it takes to get your images. If you need to comfort baby, you need to comfort baby. And that is priority, your childs needs come before photos!
So if you need to change them, change them. If you need to feed them then absolutely go feed them! In fact I love getting lifestyle newborn photos of feeding babies, bottles or breast, it’s beautiful!
If baby is unsettled then just focus on them, I can take a step out if you need a bit of space to soothe them. Whatever you need it’s fine!
How long is a session?
It’s usually around two hours. However, like I mentioned before it can be longer, it can be shorter, it’s baby led. Whatever baby needs, we go with that.
Can my other children be involved?
YES! Absolutely, I encourage it whole heartedly. I love to get shots of the whole family together, I love individual shots of siblings and babies and how they interact with each other. A sibling relationship is so special it’s beautiful to document how it all began!
Do you share the photos on social media?
I have a model release form in my contract which allows me to share images from your session to market my business. HOWEVER if you are not comfortable with doing that, that’s fine. You just let me know and I can take that out of the contract and I won’t share the photos. It’s entirely up to you and how you feel comfortable.
What should we wear for our lifestyle newborn photos?
This is the most popular one!
I usually start by saying put baby in something neutral, no cartoon characters, no patterns. I love a baby in just a white baby grow, simple and timeless.
Then I tell people to think about what Mum is going to wear. After giving birth sometimes your still getting familiar with this new body as Mother! So wear something that you feel good in, something you feel comfortable in and then choose everybody else outfits around what you’re wearing. Choose colours to compliment what you’re wearing.
If you have any questions that I didn’t answer then please drop me a message with those, I’d love to chat with you! www.sarahhailephoto.com/contact
To see more of my work and what I’m all about you can come say hi over on instagram! www.instagram.com/sarahhailephoto
Want to know what Dads had to say about having a lifestyle newborn photo session with me? Check out this blog! https://www.sarahhailephoto.com/post/baby-photography-bristol-newborn-photoshoot