How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot: Tips for Expectant Mums in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an unforgettable moment, and capturing those first few weeks with a professional newborn photoshoot is the perfect way to cherish these memories forever. If you're an expectant mum in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire, you're likely looking for a seamless and enjoyable photoshoot experience. This guide is here to help you prepare, ensuring you and your little one are relaxed and ready for a beautiful session.

Why Timing is Everything

Newborn photography works best when your baby is between 10 to 21 days old. At this age, they’re still sleepy and can be gently posed, making it easier to create those dreamy, curled-up shots. I rarely pose a baby under 10 days old.

Book Early: Photographers in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire often have limited availability, so schedule your session during your second trimester. Most photographers will tentatively book around your due date, allowing flexibility in case your baby arrives early or late. I offer a£100 discount to clients booking two months or more ahead of time as this helps me manage my diary.

Consider the Time of Day: Choose a morning session, if possible, as babies tend to be more settled during these hours. Talk to your photographer about their recommendations for optimal timing. I mostly offer 10 – 11am start times but do offer some evening sessions as I appreciate sometimes you have other children you would like to include and well there is school to consider.

Outfit Ideas for You and Your Baby

Wardrobe plays a crucial role in creating timeless and cohesive images. Here's how to plan your attire:

For Your Baby:

• Keep it simple with neutral colours or pastels.

• Wraps, blankets, and rompers provided by your photographer often work best, but feel free to bring a favourite blanket or outfit. We tend to invest thousands over the years into our props and materials so please be assured we most likely have everything!

• Avoid outfits with large logos or busy patterns—they can detract from your baby’s delicate features.

For Parents and Siblings:

• Opt for soft, complementary colours that align with your baby’s outfit or props and your home décor.

• Avoid bold patterns, stripes, or bright colours.

• Mums can consider flowy dresses in muted tones, while dads can wear a simple button-up shirt or jumper.

Coordinating Without Matching: Aim for outfits that harmonise in tone without being identical. For example, soft greys, creams, and blush pinks can work beautifully together.

Essentials to Pack for a Stress-Free Session

Being prepared is the key to a smooth experience. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

• Nappies and Wipes: Bring extras—you never know when you’ll need them!

• Milk and Snacks: If you’re breastfeeding, feed your baby during the first part of our session. For bottle-fed babies, bring enough formula or expressed milk to keep them happy.

• Favourite Blanket: Familiar items can help soothe your baby during breaks.

• Change of Clothes: Accidents happen! Have an extra outfit ready for both you and the baby, just in case.

• Dummy: Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use one, it can be a lifesaver for calming them during the session. They might have liked one but often this is because it hasn’t been offered to baby with the right angle – I can show these tips.

Some Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire photographers provide a detailed preparation guide, so don’t hesitate to ask about their specific recommendations. I certainly do.

Preparing Your Baby for the Session

A calm and content baby is key to a successful photoshoot. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Adjust Feeding Time: Plan to feed your baby at the session starts. A well-fed baby is more likely to stay relaxed and sleepy.

• Keep Them Awake Beforehand: If possible, try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before the session. This increases the likelihood of them sleeping soundly during the shoot. This can be hard in a car journey, but if you can hold off a feed (if baby is upset, please feed your little one!) but if you can hold off and keep them awake it aids with settling them down once you are with me and helps guarantee baby will sleep and allow lots of time for photography and less settling time, stop and starts.

• Dress Comfortably: Avoid tight clothing or socks that might leave marks on your baby’s skin. Loose, easy-to-remove clothes are ideal.

Trust Your Photographer

Choosing a skilled photographer who specialises in newborn photography is essential. They will:

• Ensure Safety: Certified photographers know how to pose babies safely. I have trained rigorously since 2013 in newborn photography and know in great detail how to safety pose a baby.

• Bring Creativity: With a wealth of props, backdrops, and techniques, they’ll create stunning images unique to your family. I have far too much!

• Provide a Relaxed Environment: Many photographers in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire offer cosy studio spaces tailored for newborns, complete with soft lighting and heating. I offer a home studio for a relaxed home from home atmosphere where you can sit back and just admire your baby.

Trust their process—they have years of experience working with newborns and can adapt to your baby’s needs on the day.

Setting Expectations

Every baby is different, and the session will flow according to your little one’s temperament. Be prepared for:

• Breaks for Feeding or Soothing: These are normal and allow for intimate moments that can also be captured.

• A Flexible Timeline: Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours.

• Spontaneous Moments: Some of the most cherished photos are unplanned—your baby’s yawn, a gentle stretch, or a curious glance. These are my favourites!

Relax and Enjoy

This session is about celebrating your baby’s arrival and capturing your family’s unique bond. Relax and let the photographer take the lead. If you're in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire, take a moment to enjoy the journey—these photos will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.

Local Recommendations

If you’re based in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire, many local photographers specialise in creating warm, family-friendly experiences. From rural studio spaces in quaint villages to home-visit options, there’s a photographer to suit every preference and budget.

Looking for inspiration? Consider weather permitting; an outdoor family sessions in locations like:

• Hertfordshire: Ashridge Estate, Cassiobury Park, or Verulamium Park in St Albans.

• Bedfordshire: Woburn Abbey Gardens or Dunstable Downs.

Preparing for your newborn photoshoot can be a joyful and stress-free experience when you plan ahead. By focusing on timing, wardrobe, and essentials, you’re setting the stage for stunning photographs that celebrate the start of your baby’s journey.

If you’re ready to book a session in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire, explore trusted local photographers like Olivia Christina Photography, who specialise in capturing these precious first moments.

Let this session be a memory in itself—a celebration of your family’s newest chapter.