Newborn Experience

Newborn sessions take place when your baby is between 7-11 days old. At this early stage, your baby will still be very sleepy and happy to curl up in to those gorgeous squishy newborn poses. After the first couple of weeks, your little one will start to become much more alert and hormone/dry skin can often start in the 3rd week.

That's no problems I often photograph older newborns, whether it's for cultural reasons, medical or you just left it late to book, so that's not an issue it's never too late to get some gorgeous shots.

There are a few subtle differences in the session for a month old versus a session at 7-11 days old, just to make you aware of;

Around this stage they are often a lot more alert in the studio and more aware of their surroundings, so I do tend to get more awake shots than sleepy posed ones. However eyes wide awake often turn out to be some of the parents favourite images! I do slightly more wrapped shots as their startle reflex is more prominent, and they can jump themselves awake more.

Sessions with a month old do last longer, as most babies around this stage like longer feeds so bring along water and snacks for you to keep yourself hydrated.

Baby acne and dry skin normally kicks in around 3 weeks. Hopefully your little one doesn't get in too bad, if they do and it's minimal let me know and I use photoshop to lessen, however if they get it quite bad let me know and we can maybe push back the session date until it eases.

Siblings are welcome in the 'full newborn' session, but if you have booked a 'baby only' session I recommend to book a time that your toddler can be watched by a family member or is at day care, as the session can get very boring, very quickly for a toddler! If you booked the full package and are bringing siblings to photograph, then I will aim to do their photos first and then they can play in the garden, or head off an a mini adventure with a parent in the gorgeous bush reserve behind my house.

Please don't leave it until after your baby is born to secure a newborn session, as I only take on a limited number of newborn bookings each month to accomodate date changes if your little one arrives early or late. To guarantee a booking please contact me a few months before.

A baby only session last approx 1 - 1.5 hours, and a full newborn session that includes parents & siblings normally lasts around 2-3 hours. My sessions are baby led, and this means we will stop as often as needed to feed, change and comfort your little one during the photoshoot, this is why times are approx. There's no feeling of being rushed, the studio is a relaxing space for you to enjoy your photo experience.

As part of your package you are able to choose from my client wardrobe in the studio. I have a range of beautiful dresses for the mamas, and a wide selection of wraps, knitted outfits, headbands, etc. So unless you have a sentimental outfit that is important to you, we will dress your little one from the client wardrobe. If you see an outfit or set up that you love on my social media or website, let me know and I'll make sure I have that one ready.

All newborn sessions take place in my studio where I can control the light, have all my props to hand, and access to the client wardrobe. It's hard enough in the first few days looking after your newborn without the pressure of needing to tidy your home for a photoshoot! All you need to do is arrive at the studio, and sit back and relax for your session.

My studio is the perfect size for 2 adults, so sadly I cannot accommodate extended family at a newborn session.

My home studio is based in Torbay on Auckland North Shore.