MINI NEWBORN SESSION GUIDE

HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

So your session can run as smoothly as possible, I have compiled a prep guide to help us get the most out of your session!

How long does a mini newborn photography session last?

Mini newborn sessions usually last up to 1 hour. 

What should I bring to the session?

Please bring plenty of nappies, wipes, muslin cloths and a change of clothes for baby. There’s no need to bring other clothes or accessories as I provide the wraps, headbands etc.  If your baby has a dummy, please bring two sterilised dummies with you as these will help settle baby for their photographs.

Wear thin layers yourself as the studio will be warm!

Should I feed my baby before the session?

Yes, please give your baby a full feed just before setting off from home – it is really important that you follow this advice as best you can to help the session run as smoothly as possible. Please also bring an extra feed with you to the session, in case baby gets hungry.

The best way to settle baby for their newborn photographs is to ensure they have had a good feed, so they can happily drift off to sleep. A full tummy will help them to be relaxed and settled, so we have the best chance of capturing a beautiful set of images during your session.

If you have concerns over your baby’s feeding, such as reflux, please don’t worry – I am used to working with baby’s with feeding issues, colic etc. I always go at baby’s pace and there’s no rush or pressure – I like to keep things calm for all of us!

If your baby is in an established feeding routine that you would rather not change, it may mean that if baby get’s hungry they may not settle as well. If you choose not to follow my advice on feeding, whilst this is of course your choice, I can only capture what I can when baby is settled.

Should I keep my baby awake before the session?

This isn’t necessary, please just let them sleep and continue to feed them as usual as a tired, hungry baby is often far more difficult to settle!

What should I dress my baby in to arrive at the studio?

Please dress your baby in a front-fastening baby gro/sleep suit, with no vest underneath (unless it’s particularly cold!). I’ll ask you to undress your baby (keeping their nappy on) once you arrive at the studio.

My baby has dry skin, what should I do?

Many newborn’s will have flaky skin during those first few weeks of life, so please don’t worry. It’s entirely up to you whether you choose to use a lotion on baby’s skin or to give baby a bath before their session, but if you’d prefer to do neither, that’s fine too.

Can I have photos taken of my baby with their siblings/with us?

The Mini Newborn Session does not include family and/or sibling images. If you would like to include family and/or sibling images, you would need to book one of our Signature Newborn Sessions, which you can find here.

Can I bring my extended family or friends to the session?

Only immediate family (i.e. a maximum of two adults accompanying baby) should attend a mini newborn session in our studio. This is both due to limited space in the studio and it’s just best to avoid unnecessary distractions whilst we focus on capturing your images.

How will you pose my baby?

If your baby arrives at the studio awake, we will start by taking images of them awake on our posing table. If they are asleep and remain asleep during their session, then images will be of your baby asleep.

I will wrap your baby (in long pieces of material) to encourage them to be calm and settled. Baby’s really love to be wrapped up, it helps to soothe and relax them and I often find this is their most settled period during their time with me. I will then photograph your baby in/on the prop OR fluffy rug you have selected before your session.

What about the comfort and safety of my baby?

My studio will be warm and cosy, so baby will be comfortable throughout. I have 21 years experience as a full-time professional photographer (14 years of which I was a medical photographer) and 8 years experience in photographing newborn babies. I am fully aware of cleanliness requirements and hand hygiene protocols when handling newborn babies. I have also undertaken newborn posing, photography and safety training with some of the top newborn photographers in the country. 

Our Sickness Policy

To protect the health of all families – particularly our newborn babies – I kindly ask that you do not attend your session if you or anyone in your household is unwell.

If you (or anyone attending) has been feeling unwell in the days leading up to your appointment, please get in touch as soon as possible and we will rearrange your session.

For any illness that may be contagious – including sickness or diarrhoea – a minimum 48-hour symptom-free period should be observed before attending.

If anyone in your household develops symptoms of a contagious illness in the week leading up to your session, please contact me to reschedule. If you have tested to rule this out and are feeling well, you are very welcome to attend – I simply ask that you keep me informed.

What if my baby doesn’t settle well?

It’s really important that you read this prep guide in full before your session to ensure we get the best outcome possible. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that these guidelines are followed (feeding advice etc.) as I can only capture images of your baby when they are settled. 

I will always do my best to capture a lovely range of images for you, but I can only capture what I can depending on your baby’s mood on the day. If we need a little extra time (more than 1 hour) to capture your 5 images, then I will keep shooting until I feel this has been achieved. Decisions on whether we feel more time is needed or the 5 images in this package has already been achieved to our usual standard in the allocated time is at the sole discretion of the Photographer.

Need to reschedule?

If you need to change your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.

Your package fee secures your booking in the diary and is non-refundable. I do allow one reschedule within 14 days of your original session date, subject to availability.

If you need to contact me within 48 hours of your appointment, please do so by text message or email.

If you do not attend your session, or arrive more than 20 minutes late, a £49 rescheduling fee will be required to book another appointment.

When will I see my photographs?

After your mini session I will select and edit the best 5 images from your session and send your digital images to you via a download link in an email within 2 weeks. 

Can we order prints or wall art from a Mini Session?

Of course! If you would like to purchase prints and/or wall art of your images, please mention this to your Photographer at the session and they will talk you through the options available. Payment for orders is due at the time of ordering. You can expect print orders to be ready for collection approximately 3 weeks from the time of your order, whilst wall art or an album will be ready to collect in around 6-8 weeks time. 

Where is your studio?

You can find me at; First Floor, 29 Station Road, Steeton, West Yorkshire, BD20 6RL (above Imagine Hair & Beauty Salon).

Please enter via the front door on Station Road and head up the stairs, where you will find my studio on your right. There is no on-site parking at the studio, but I will advise you of close-by on-street parking options before your session. Please try to arrive on time, but if you are running late, please message me on; 07956114916.

I welcome any questions you may have, so if you don’t find the answer in this guide – just ask!

For full booking, cancellation, and rescheduling terms, please take a moment to read my full Terms & Conditions here: https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/