Hello !

A newborn portrait session is about many things. A lot of new parents bring their babies to me to capture the precious but fleeting moment when they’re the smallest they will ever be, yet to unfurl and still smelling ‘new’ in a way words can’t capture. This is my privilege. But I see my role as more ; I strive to make the shoot itself an oasis of calm in the chaotic flurry of new life, for the new parents to rest. This is my pleasure. Then long after the day parent and child together can hold the photos and reflect, and be amazed at how much is different and the same. To remember the tenderness they share. That is my hope.

Your newborn session will take place in my studio, located at The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4AA. My studio space is small and cosy and can only fit two adults comfortably. Please let me know if for any reason a third adult will need to attend.

There are two Pay and Display car parks on the estate, North Yard car park (the closest) and Trinity car park. You can pay for 3 hours and then extend it if the session runs longer. (if you pay via the app). I will be waiting in the courtyard to meet you if you could send me a text when you arrive please. Putting North Yard car park into your Google maps is the best way to arrive at the right place.

Once we have moved up to the studio you don’t need to do anything else besides sit down and relax. From this point I am happy to do everything for her/him. Undressing, changing etc if that is comfortable for you. As a mum with fifteen years of nannying for newborns and children I am completely comfortable and experienced so this is a nice opportunity for you to sit back and relax! I will offer you some tea and coffee and provide you with some snacks.

It is important for a new baby to be warm and comfortable during a shoot. This means that it is often very warm for the parents and/or siblings. Please make sure to wear cool and comfortable clothing, as you will get warm. If parents and /or siblings are having photos please wear light, neutral colours. I recommend creams/oatmeal/beige or browns as they always look really lovely. Please avoid any logos or very busy designs. Babies do not need any clothing as I have some lovely knitted rompers and also often leave the top half the baby naked. On the day of the shoot please make sure to dress her/him in front opening baby grow with no vest on arrival if possible. My photos are very natural and completely baby led . I don’t do much wrapping of the baby or put them into any positions that they are not comfortable in.

A sleeping baby is what we are aiming for. If it is at all possible to keep baby awake and busy for the hour or two before you leave home for the shoot that would be great but only if this is comfortable for them. Please feed her/him to full tummy just before you leave the house, make sure she/he has a really good feed. If your baby is asleep on arrival that is perfect and I will begin the shoot. If he/she is awake and needs feeding that will happen first so that they settle into a nice deep sleep.

There is a lovely communal room a few doors down from my studio which has couches and tables. This is the perfect space for a sibling to have a little break or snack during the shoot and also whilst baby is having their individual photos done. Please bring a few things to keep them entertained during this time.

Please bring a few extra nappies. If you are bottle feeding, please bring a few extra feeds just in case. And it will be really good if you could bring a dummy; even if you are not planing to use one going forward, dummies sometimes can work magic and can be a great help to settle baby, especially for those babies that are light sleepers or have a very strong sucking instinct. This is only if it is comfortable for you.

We like to allow plenty of time for feeding and cuddling during your session, so plan to be here for up to 3 hours. Throughout this time you may get hungry so I recommend bringing extra snacks with you, there is also a cafe downstairs (open on weekdays and Saturdays), I will have tea and coffee for you with some snacks.

If you have a special item or small soft toy etc you would like to incorporate in any of the photos, feel free to bring them along.
In the meantime, if you have any questions at all regarding your baby’s session, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This special outing is likely one of your first as a family with your new baby and it should be an enjoyable and stress free experience. My aim is for you to enjoy every moment!