Keep In Mind Before


ILLNESS & VACCIONATIONS

If you, baby, or anyone attending is unwell, please contact me to reschedule - we want everyone feeling their best!

Please don’t schedule baby’s vaccinations within 72 hours before your session, as they may feel unsettled afterward.


TIMING

Please do your best to arrive on time, as I may have other commitments after your booking. I fully understand how tricky it can be to get out the door with little ones, so I allow a 15-minute buffer just in case. If you’re running later than that, it’s important to let me know before your original session start time. Communication is key - if I know what’s happening, we can work together to adjust as needed. In some cases, this may mean shortening the session or rescheduling.


I also recommend avoiding appointments directly before or after your session so you don’t feel rushed near the end.


SIBLINGS

Toddlers and young children are wonderfully full of energy, and I want to make sure their experience in the studio is fun and stress-free.

  • If we’re doing sibling photos, please bring them into the studio once baby is wrapped and ready so we can take family photos first.
  • After that, it’s usually best if they head out with a family member or caregiver while we focus on baby’s portraits. Newborn sessions can be quite long, and it’s not fair (or realistic!) to expect little ones to sit quietly for hours.
  • My studio has lots of delicate props and displays - these are carefully chosen for photos and aren’t safe to be played with. Parents are responsible for ensuring siblings don’t handle or damage these items while in the studio.

This keeps the space calm and safe, helps siblings feel included without becoming overwhelmed, and allows us to focus fully on your newborn’s photos.


GRANDPARENTS & EXTRA ADULTS

The studio is small, so I can only accommodate two adults at a time (plus me). If grandparents or other relatives are joining, they are welcome for family photos (up to four adults total), but will need to leave once their photos are done.


The Morning Of


Keeping Baby Awake

Try to keep your baby awake for 1-2 hours before your session - playing, cuddling, or a nice warm bath helps. This makes them nice and sleepy for photos. Baths are also a great time to gently clean baby’s eyes and skin.


Feeding Before You Arrive

  • If you live more than 45 minutes away: feed baby about 2 hours before leaving, so they’re ready for a full feed at the studio.
  • If you live closer: give them a full feed just before you leave home.

Don’t worry - I allow plenty of time for feeding and settling during the session.


What to Wear

  • For family photos, light neutrals look lovely with cream/beige backdrops or the boho couch. Richer tones suit the darker backdrops.
  • Mums & siblings are welcome to borrow from my client wardrobe - feel free to ask in advance.
  • Avoid watches, Fitbits, and lots of jewellery. Please check nails for chips or bright polish since hands often feature in photos.
  • Standing family photos are hips-up only due to space.
  • For baby, dress them in a zip/button onesie (nothing that goes over the head) and a cardigan/blanket for travel. This makes it easier to undress them gently if they arrive sleepy. Please check outfit sizing if you’d like them photographed in something special - baggy clothing usually doesn’t photograph well.


What to Bring


FOR BABY

You don’t need to bring props or outfits - I have everything we’ll need. But if you have something sentimental you’d like included, please let me know in advance so I can work it into a setup.

Extra milk (expressed or formula), nappies, wipes, baby hair brush if needed, and a pacifier if you use one.


FOR SIBLINGS

Snacks, toys, or a tablet to keep them comfortable while they’re here.


FOR YOU

You’re more than welcome to bring your own food and snacks, especially for longer sessions.

A hairbrush, makeup for quick touch-ups, and hair ties.

A change of comfy clothes if your family photo outfit isn’t easy to relax or breastfeed in.


Photo Retouching


BABY

No need to worry about baby acne, dry skin, or little marks - I’ll gently retouch these if you’d like (at no extra cost). Birthmarks and umbilical cords will stay, as they’re part of baby’s unique story.


FAMILY

I’m happy to touch up minor blemishes or scratches. I don’t, however, edit chipped/bright nail polish, messy hair, makeup colour, tan lines, tattoos, clothing wrinkles, or do slimming/body reshaping. More advanced retouching can be requested for an extra fee.


That’s it! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask - I’m here to make this experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for your family.