NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS

Planning a newborn photoshoot in London? As a certified newborn photographer, I’ve answered the most common questions about safety, preparation, and pricing to help you feel confident.

When is the best time to photograph a newborn?

The ideal window is 5–14 days after birth when babies sleep deeply and curl naturally. However, beautiful sessions can be done up to 6 weeks — we’ll focus on their unique personality at this stage. Flexibility is key!

How long does a session take? What if my baby is fussy?

Sessions typically last 2–4 hours, with no rushed time limits. We’ll pause for feeding, nappy changes, or cuddles. Unlike many London studios (which cap at 1.5 hours), I prioritise your baby’s comfort over strict schedules.

How do you ensure my baby’s safety?

Your little one’s well-being is my top priority. I:

  • Use only hypoallergenic, organic fabrics (no cheap synthetics like some studios);
  • Am certified in newborn first aid;
  • Composite all posed images (e.g., parents’ hands always support baby, even if edited out later).

Your style looks very natural. Can we avoid props and posed setups?

Absolutely! My «clean organic» approach focuses on authentic connections — your hands holding them, their tiny yawns, your quiet joy. Props are optional (though I offer delicate, neutral-toned wraps if desired).

Why do you use muted colours instead of bright ones?

Soft palettes ensure your images remain timeless and keep the focus on emotions. However, we can incorporate meaningful pops of colour (e.g., a grandparent’s knitted blanket or sibling’s toy).

Do you shoot at home or in a studio?

Both! My Chelsea studio has climate control and sanitised setups for classic portraits. Home sessions capture your family’s true essence — their nursery, your bed’s morning light. Many clients book a hybrid session (50/50 split).

Can we include our pets in the photos?

Of course! Pets are family. I’ll send a prep guide (e.g., tiring them out pre-session) to ensure calm, adorable interactions.

Why are your prices higher than photographers on Etsy/Facebook?

My fees reflect:

  • 10+ years’ expertise (500+ newborns photographed);
  • Hand-editing each image (no batch presets);
  • Lifetime archival — free backup if files are lost.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes! A popular choice for grandparents. My vouchers include a bonus «Then & Now» mini-album (e.g., newborn + first birthday sessions) — unique to my service in London.

What if my baby won’t sleep during the session?

Some of my favourite images feature wide-eyed babies — their first gazes, stretches, or gripping your finger. We’ll follow their lead.

Can my partner and I be in the photos too?

Absolutely. These are your memories as much as your baby’s. I’ll guide you into natural, flattering interactions (no stiff posing).

How many photos will we receive, and when?

You’ll get 25–35 hand-edited high-resolution images within 2–3 weeks (vs. 7–10 days at rushed studios). I prioritise quality over speed, ensuring each image is perfected.

Do you provide RAW files?

No, as RAW files are unedited and don’t reflect my artistic style. But all delivered images include full printing rights and are optimised for albums/canvases.

Can you remove baby acne/redness in photos?

Yes, I delicately retouch temporary skin imperfections while keeping your baby’s natural texture (unlike overly airbrushed styles some studios use).

What if my baby cries the entire session?

I’ll use white noise, swaddling, and warmth to soothe them. If needed, we’ll reschedule — no extra fee. 80% of my sessions start with tears but end with calm!

We’re sleep-deprived — will we look terrible in photos?

I direct parents into flattering, natural poses (forehead kisses, cradling baby close). Soft lighting and neutral tones minimise shadows. You’ll see only love, not exhaustion.

Can you photograph premature/NICU babies?

Yes, with extra precautions. I’ve worked with preemies as small as 2 lbs — slower pace, hospital-grade sanitisation, and adjusted poses. Parents receive a discounted «Little Fighter» package.

Our family is multicultural — will your lighting work for all skin tones?

Absolutely. I use adjustable lighting setups and edit to enhance each family member’s unique undertones (no «one-light-fits-all» approach).

Can we do an outdoor newborn session in winter?

For babies under 3 months, I recommend studio or home sessions — their temperature regulation is too delicate for British winters. For older babies, we’ll plan a short outdoor segment with warm wraps.

Do you offer Christmas-themed setups?

Yes, but subtly — think neutral holiday textures (cashmere stockings, evergreen sprigs) rather than loud «Santa hats». These blend seamlessly with my timeless style.

How do we store photos to last decades?

I have provided a free digital archive for 5 years + a guide on professional printing (avoiding fading from high-street labs). Upgrade to a handmade heirloom album for £200.

Do you offer milestones (3 months, 1 year) packages?

Yes! My «First Year Collective» includes 3 sessions (newborn, sitting up, first birthday) at a 15% discount. Many London studios charge each separately.

What if I hate how I look in photos?

I’ll reshoot or refund your parent portraits — but in 8 years, no one’s asked! My framing focuses on connections, not «perfection».

Can we bring grandparents/siblings?

Of course! I allocate extra time for family groupings. Siblings get breaks with toys to avoid meltdowns.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ families?

With warmth and respect! Your family’s story is unique, and I’ll capture it authentically.

How do you sanitise your studio/props between sessions?

After every client, I:

  • Steam-clean all fabrics at 90°C (most London studios use only spray disinfectants);
  • Immerse props in baby-safe antibacterial solution;
  • Wash hands with hospital-grade sanitiser before touching your baby.

Will our photos appear on your website/social media?

Only with your written consent. I offer 3 privacy tiers:

  1. Full anonymity (no sharing, even as examples);
  2. Private gallery (password-protected for family only);
  3. Featured (with credit, e.g., «Beautiful baby Emma, 2024»).

Do you share raw files with third-party retouchers?

Never. All editing is done personally by me — no overseas freelancers have access to your images.

How do you handle toddlers during a newborn session?

I:

  • Book morning slots when toddlers are freshest;
  • Have a dedicated «toddler assistant» (my husband or trained colleague) to play with them off-camera;
  • Start with sibling shots first, then let them leave with a nanny/grandparent.

Can we incorporate our traditions (e.g., henna, christening gown)?

Absolutely! I’ve photographed:

  • Jewish bris blankets;
  • Hindu naamkaran threads;
  • Nigerian gel wraps. Just inform me in advance to research respectful posing.

What if we lose our digital files after delivery?

I archive all sessions for 5 years (vs. standard 1–2 years in London). Recovery fee: £50 (waived for album purchases).

Can you recommend a framer/album printer in London?

Yes! I work exclusively with The Print Space (archival quality) and Folio Albums (luxury lay-flat designs). Clients get a 10% discount through me.

What if I go into labour early/late and miss our booked session?

I hold flexible slots for such cases — just notify me within 24 hours. No forfeit fee, unlike 70% of London studios.

Do you have backup equipment if something breaks mid-session?

Yes, I bring duplicate cameras, lenses, and lighting — a standard even many «pro» studios skip.

What camera/lens do you use? Can we get unedited test shots to check lighting?

I shoot with Nikon Z6II + 50 mm f/1.4 + Z35 mm f/1.4 for creamy bokeh. Test shots are unethical — my portfolio reflects real results.

Why don’t you offer «cake smash» photoshoots like others?

My speciality is delicate, timeless imagery — sticky cakes clash with this aesthetic. But I’d love to recommend trusted colleagues who do them well!

Can we receive instructions/contracts in our native language?

Yes! I provide translated docs in French, Arabic, and Russian via certified services. Sessions are conducted in English, but simple phrases in your language can be used.

How do we handle time zone differences for planning calls?

My booking system shows your local time automatically, and I offer 24/7 WhatsApp support for urgent queries.

My baby has severe nappy rash — can you edit it out?

Of course, discreetly. I’ll also provide shoot-time tips (like loose swaddling) to avoid discomfort.

I’m breastfeeding and want privacy — how do you handle this?

My studio has a private nursing nook with blackout curtains. At home, I’ll step out or focus on detail shots (tiny feet, your hands) during feeds.

Can we see full galleries from past sessions, not just your highlights?

Yes! I’ll share 3–4 complete client galleries (with their permission) to show consistency. Many photographers only showcase «perfect» shots.

Do you donate a portion of profits to baby charities?

Yes, 5% of each session goes to Tommy’s (UK pregnancy research) and Bliss (preemie support) — you’ll get a certificate to gift if desired.

Can you recreate a specific photo/painting we love (e.g., Renaissance baby portraits)?

Yes! I offer custom art-directed sessions with:

  • Hand-painted backdrops (like 18th-century oils)
  • Heirloom props (antique christening gowns from museum collections)
  • Digital art fusion (e.g., your baby as a cherub in a classical fresco).

What’s your stance on AI editing? Do you use it for skin smoothing or background changes?

never use AI tools:

  • Skin is retouched manually to preserve the natural texture
  • Backgrounds are shot authentically (или composited from my library, not AI-generated)
  • You’ll receive a before/after slider to compare edits.

Why should we choose you over [известный конкурент в Лондоне]?

While [Competitor] does great work, I differentiate by:

  • Dual-artist approach (my husband’s videography angles add depth)
  • No batch sessions (only 1 booking per day для максимального внимания)
  • Lifetime file guarantee (у них обычно 1-year storage). Let’s chat — I’ll show how this impacts your experience.

Need more details? Let’s chat on WhatsApp!

CHAT WITH IRENE

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