Why does newborn photography cost more than you expect?

If you wanted to recreate this image, this ONE picture costs over £450 to produce!

And that does not even include the cost of the camera, lighting, editing software, insurance and time.

Typically, a full newborn shoot consists of 20-25 pictures. With lots more props, accessories, different backdrops and/or backgrounds and a specialised posing table/beanbag and frame.

So when you actually break it down, it would of cost thousands for the photographer to style your newborn shoot even before they had taken a single shot with their camera.

And that is without factoring in the time and cost of training for newborn posing and newborn safety, as well as learning photography itself.

So that can be why newborn photography probably costs more than you expect…

‘Yes, but…’ I hear you say, ‘…you don’t buy new props for every newborn, you will eventually earn the cost of the props back and more?’

And you would be correct. However, these props need regular replacing and updating. These include the replacement of broken or worn out items, like light bulbs and SD cards, the purchase of new props because of new trends and styles, and also having to by props for a client request. So, although we are not having to buy props for every single client, we are buying props regularly. And we need a good variety of props to suit every clients tastes and expectations.

Another reason each image costs as much as it does is because the time it takes planning and putting together a session. Then the time it takes after the session in editing the pictures. It averages about 10 hours per newborn session for behind the scenes work that goes on for preparation and styling and then the work in editing the finished images.

So when you see a newborn picture taken by a photographer, please appreciate the time, money and sheer effort that has gone into creating that one photo.!

Creating pictures, creating art

I am a photographer. I am a newborn photographer. But this is only a part of what I do. Part of my job is creating art. Not just any art, but meaningful, timeless art.

And the subject is a beautiful new baby. Loved by everyone they have met in their short little lives.

So it is essential that this baby is captured in such a loving, compassionate way for the baby and its’ family.

That is why I design every newborn session individually. Each one is bespoke. Each one is meticulously planned. I send out a questionnaire to understand what is expected of me in producing a gallery of perfect images for the parents.

And if I am able to find out any family tradition or culture, any family story, I will create a photo that not only shows off your beautiful baby, but paints a story.

Recently, a lovely lady got in touch to book a newborn session. When I spoke to her on the phone prior to that day she confided in me that this baby was the culmination of trying for 10 long years. So I immediately said that we need to tell this story! At that time, I had no idea how I was going to go about it, but I knew that I had to photograph this much longed for baby to tell his parents story of how desperately wanted he was.

“Leave it with me” I said. And after hanging up the phone I immediately set about figuring out how I was going to tell their story in a picture.

This baby is not a rainbow baby (a baby born after loss), nor was this baby conceived through IVF (although they did use this option, this baby was conceived naturally). So I could not use the obvious rainbows and IVF needles that you may have seen in many baby pictures online.

And then…

It came to me while watching a period drama…

In the sumptuous BBC Victorian TV show, the hero pulled out his pocket watch to complain about how much time had past since he arrived for a meeting at his bank. (Not relevant, I know, but trust me!)

TIME!

10 long years of hoping, 10 long years of dreams, 10 long years of anguish, to be then granted their deepest wish.

Straight away, I googled miniature pocket watches! I was going to get their baby to hold the pocket watch to indicate the time his parents have waited to become parents, the time it has taken for their baby to arrive. In one picture I will be able to tell their story!

The watch that arrived was perfect! Perfect size for a baby to hold. Perfect simplistic style that would not detract from the baby. Just perfect!

Eventually, baby Oscar arrived and it was time to complete the newborn session. I came with all my props and the pocket watch. As I prepared baby Oscar for this much planned set-up I asked his parents “what time was he born”. So then I inputted that time into the watch, turning the hands to match that time. And then I place the watch into the baby’s hands, making sure that the watch could be clearly seen.

Click… I got the picture. And the mother cried!

Tears of joy. Tears of relief. Tears of 10 long years.

I knew in that moment, this picture means so much! A picture can literally paint a thousand words, and this picture represented the joy and struggle of the new baby.

I didn’t fully appreciate her emotions until after the session had finished and I arrived home. But as I viewed the images from that session on my computer, I knew I had captured something really special for that family.

The finished picture

Me… award winning?!

At the weekend I attended Crewe Hall for The Guild of Photographers annual awards evening. It is the first award ceremony I have ever attended, so I didn’t know what to expect. Like the Oscars for photographers in all fields, but on a much muted scale.

I was nominated for an award… Image of the year in the newborn category. Only 10 images in each category are chosen out of thousands of entries, so I was pretty proud of my achievement already! But having looked at my competion of the other 9 I was not confident I would win. Some might say that it is being modest, or quietly confident, but I can genuinely say that I was in no doubt I would win the category. The standard was very high. Every single one was beautifully crafted. But for me, I was going to enjoy my moment of even reaching a nomination in the prestigious industry board such as The Guild of Photographers.

Newborn Image of the Year finalist

As a busy mother of 3, and hardly ever getting an opportunity for a night out, the occasion was not lost on me. I wanted to enjoy every part of the evening. From getting glammed up (it was a black tie dress code) to actually being able to have a child free, non-interrupted conversation with my husband (well, I wasn’t going to go on my own!).

The evening started off with a tasty 3-course meal and lots of photography related conversation.

And then the business of the awards…

(As predicted), I lost out to the amazing Anneka Lewis for her stunning portrait of a father and newborn for image of year. Her picture is truly stunning and a deserving winner!

Slight disappointment ran through me (well, I am human) but it was quickly quelled by a sip of wine and an engaging chat to my new photographer friends on my table.

As the evening went on, the images and their winners were announced. Absolutely beautiful pictures displayed with their authors collections their hard earned, and well deserved awards and certificates. It was so amazing to see the talent on display and some really breathtaking photography.

And then, the shock of MY name being called out for one of the top 10 photographer for newborn, maternity and baby photography category!!!

Top 10 photographer

The awkward moment when you have to have you picture taken in front of a room full of people!.

It is still sinking in, even as I write this. And I will probably never quite believe that I actually achieved something so big. Imposter syndrome is real, and it weighs heavily on me. But now I am going to take this opportunity to acknowledge that I really enjoy and love my job!

A parents guide to newborn posing

Newborn posing: What do you like?

If you have decided to book a newborn photoshoot when your baby arrives, it can be very overwhelming choosing how you want your baby to be photographed.

There are so many ways to capture your new baby, so it is important to do it in a way that you love.

Therefore I have put together this guide so you have the knowledge to ask your photographer to photograph your baby in the way you have always imagined.

Wrapped

Wrapped poses are a beautiful and timeless way to capture your newborn that truly highlights how tiny they are at this age. Wrapped poses can be done in a variety of ways, including in props.

Unwrapped

Capture you baby undressed and unwrapped in a tasteful way so you can remember how tiny they were

Dressed

From cute little wool all in one romper outfits to beautiful lace. Every newborn will look adorable.

Potato

Surrounded by luxurious fluff, this pose is another example how wrapped poses can be so versatile.

Bowl 

Partially wrapped or dressed so your baby feels nice and safe, your baby will curl effortlessly in the bowl.

Bed  

Either wrapped or unwrapped, the use of the bed is always a favourite. Your little one will look snug as a bug and ready for a lovely sleep.

Side Laying Prop

Similar to tushie up/bum up pose but not as strict in a cute little prop.

Bucket/Basket

A great way to show your baby off

Tushie up/Bum up

This pose is a natural way to capture your baby asleep

The lazy lean

The sister pose to the bum up pose. The pose is essentially the same except the back leg is laying against the blanket causing the tushie to be on it’s side (leaning).

Side laying

A sweet little pose that can be accessorised with a pillow and teddy bear so that your baby looks ready for bed

Womb Pose

The womb pose is a favourite. Babies become so cute and squishy in this little pose, resembling how they were in their mummy’s tummy

Froggy

The froggy pose is a parent’s favourite. It must be something about those squishy little lips and the little fingers on their chubby newborn cheeks

Post Froggy 

Right after the froggy pose the baby is put down onto the cushions for another squishy-faced pose.

Huck Finn

The Huck Finn pose features the baby on their back with their little legs curled up over their bodies.

Taco

Taco pulls the back leg to the elbow and rests those little fingers on the head. 

Chin On Hands

Not every baby loves this pose, but this pose is just so perfect when it is done. 

Sleepy Baby Pose

The sleepy baby pose looks simple, but the truth is, not every baby will do it due the high startle risk.

Sibling Poses

Because every new big brother or sister wants to show off their new sibling

Family Poses

In years to come, your new baby will see how happy and in love with them, and will treasure these pictures just as much as you

I hope this helps you to gain ideas for your newborn photoshoot. If you would like a visual guide to newborn posing, then please follow this link

to sign up to the free visual posing guide

Memory books for baby’s first year: are they worth the effort?

When I was pregnant with my first child a friend of mine suggested I should start a memory book to record my baby’s first year. 

I initially thought it was a good idea, but then my daughter was born, and with all the best intentions in the world, it got sidelined to sleepless nights, nappies and endless feeding. 

I had no energy or will to remember to write a cute story of how she was sick in her dad’s mouth at 5 o’clock in the morning when he was trying to burp her while lying down! 

But I persisted. 

Bleary eyed. 

Writing and collecting photos. 

Spending valuable time documenting every detail in my book when I should of been folding baby grows. 

Then my second child was born. 

I knew that after the fog of a new baby lifts there was no way I could remember those little details. This time round I knew how important a memory book was, any why I created a memory book for each of them.

I lovingly documented their first year in this world. 

It holds little trinkets and LOTS of photos. It reminds me of countless memorable moments, their first words and funny little stories that have faded over time. 

I have a lock of their hair carefully preserved, collected from the hairdressers floor of each of their own 1st haircuts. Something I at the time, compared a hair trim to cutting off a limb. 

How does a haircut become so emotional?

Every now and then I pull out these books and read each one like it was the first time I had set eyes on them. I turn each and every page with a smile and reconnect to a moment that I had lost to the back of my mind.

I study the pictures it holds with new appreciation at how tiny they were, how they were so similar and yet so different. 

And although I remember those moments captured in those precious photographs, somehow those memories have blended, and I struggle to remember which child belongs to which moment. Something which was highlighted by the subjects of these books, my now 18 and 12 year old.

They are both curious of themselves of a time that they don’t remember. 

They absolutely love going through the memory books and discovering a bit about themselves that they do not know, asking questions and laughing at their dad’s hair and my “dodgy” outfits. 

Which I try to explain, with too much enthusiasm, that it was the height of fashion in “those days”.

I created those books, crammed full of memories, to immortalise a precious moment in my life to forever look back and remember my babies. 

But in doing so, I created a record for my children to learn something of themselves that they have no recollection of.

And seeing how much pleasure and discovery these simple books give to each of them makes these books one of the most valuable, treasured and irreplaceable items that I possess. 

Are memory books worth the effort? Yes they are.

Follow me on Facebook:

Introducing my new magazine

After many hours in front of my computer I am so happy, and relieved, that my magazine I have put together is finally finished. The concept of my magazine is to provide information on the photo sessions I hold and to display my work. I must admit it is very raw. This is the first time I have ever attempted anything like it. I definitely did not understand the work to produce such a project. And now I have completed it I have already decided how I am going to improve it the next time. I hope to update it regularly to reflect my latest work and any new information.

So please take a quick peek…

Thank you ♡♡♡

Tips for photographing your newborn

The newborn days are so precious, yet so fleeting. As a newborn photographer, I can appreciate how quickly these days go by and how important it is to capture all of the sweet details of a new baby, while they are still little.

Many parents opt to hire a professional to photograph their baby, but some are excited at the prospect of capturing their baby’s first days themselves. 

I would love to share with you some tips and ideas to help you create beautiful images of your own baby and to make this experience an enjoyable and stress-free one for the both of you.

One of the benefits of photographing your own newborn is that time is on your side. When I shoot a newborn session for a client I allow a 3-4 hour window in which to work and create a varied gallery, you have days – weeks even – at your disposal.

The first two weeks is the best time to photograph a newborn in newborn photography, but it is very possible to photograph older babies in the ‘newborn style’ as well. Remember, time is on your side! If you pace yourself, you can capture an amazing variety of images of your sweet new baby.

Lighting is everything!

Lighting can make or break an image. But did you know that you do not need any fancy studio equipment to get this right. Photographing in front of a living room window or a french door is a good way of utilising natural light. If you have direct sunlight coming through the window, a good way to soften, or ‘diffuse’, the light is to hang a sheer net curtain or voile in front of it.

A good rule of thumb for nice soft shadows and highlights is to have your baby angled such that the light flows from the top of baby’s head on down their body at approximately a 45 degree angle. Look for a soft shadow underneath baby’s nose to verify that you have this right.

Feel free to experiment – for more dramatic lighting and shadowing go for a more drastic angle. Have fun playing with different angles and perspectives.

Happy baby!

There are a few simple things you can do that will ensure a happy baby and a productive photo session. The first is to keep your shooting area warm – really warm. I use a small space heater, while taking care that it is not directly blowing hot air on the baby.

In addition to having a warm shooting area, white noise does wonders for keeping baby asleep. I downloaded an app to my iPhone which has a number of soothing sounds that you can play for baby while you are shooting. I just keep my phone on the blanket, out of shot, to keep baby sleeping.

The third trick probably goes without saying but make sure baby has a nice, full belly and is not hungry during your shoot.

Also, when I think of classic newborn pictures, I would probably conjure up images of tiny, swaddled babies. There is probably a good reason for this, as swaddling helps soothe and settle babies, and even helps them to sleep. A tip in doing this is to wrap your baby tightly, but not too tight to restrict their blood supply. Watch for feet and hands that turn purple or grey, as it might mean that you have swaddled your baby too tight.

In addition to these things, I have found that most babies (including my own) are much more cooperative and contented in the morning hours than in the afternoon and evening hours. Try to do your shooting between breakfast and lunch, and I think you will agree that this is the best time for most babies.

Safety, safety, safety!

This goes without saying, but please make sure your baby’s safety is the number one priority while you are taking his or her photos. Do not leave your baby unattended while in a pose, on a bed, sofa or beanbag etc, in a prop and with any older siblings. If you are trying a more difficult pose or working with props, have someone there to help you and to spot baby.

Many of the more difficult looking poses and setups are actually composite images, and not created from a single image. They are made up for two, and occasionally more, images so that the baby is safe and supported at all times in a pose. I would strongly advise you not to attempt these poses, as if they are done without proper training, they can potentially be dangerous for your baby if done incorrectly.

I love adding variety to a newborn gallery by adding props. This can be a bucket, bowl or basket. If you decide to use any of these, please put a weight in the bottom to ensure it will not tip over once your baby is put in it. If you do not have a proper weight to hand, a big bag of rice or a bag of sand will do. Just so long as it is heavy enough to counterbalance your baby’s weight.

Plan ahead

Before you even pick up your camera, plan how you want your pictures to be staged. Do you like natural images? Or are you more drawn to posed pictures? Consider adding textures. Fur, wool, hessian, knitted blankets and wraps will give your image extra depth and content. Pick colours that compliment each other, or just one colour to give consistency through the image. If you are planning to print and display your images of your baby in a certain room of your house, think about it’s colour scheme or style, and shoot your image to make it cohesive for that particular room. Also, look online at professional newborn photographers images to give you inspiration and ideas.

It’s all in the details

Don’t forget to document all of those sweet little details that make your baby unique! That little upturned nose, her rosebud lips, his crinkly little chin, those tiny toes and fingers – these are all things that you will not want to forget as your baby grows.

Consider capturing the nose, lips, eyelashes, ears, toes, fingers, belly buttons, hair, and fuzzy shoulders.

Siblings

Some of the sweetest and most endearing photos you can take of your new baby will be the ones you get with his or her older siblings. 

Older children may be able to hold their new brother or sister, while simple laying down poses are perfect for younger children. This will make your older children feel special and involved as well, which is always a bonus when there is a new baby in the house getting a lot of attention! For older siblings under 6 I always get them to lay on the floor on a flokati or a blanket and place the baby beside them. Then I shoot from above, making sure my camera strap is around my neck to avoid the camera from dropping on them if I accidentally dropped it. By lying the siblings down with the baby, I am safe in the knowledge that the baby will not be dropped. However, I do recommend someone to sit next to them while you are taking the pictures because if the older child moves quickly, they may endanger the baby.

What about you?

I know firsthand how difficult it can be having photos taken of yourself, but please, hand your camera to someone else – your husband, an older child, or a friend – and get a few pictures of yourself with your new baby. Even if you really don’t want or feel like it, trust me. This will be a priceless treasure for your new baby as he or she grows up.

As a photographer, I think it’s safe to say that I am more comfortable being on the back side of the camera, but it is so important for our children that we get in front of it, at least once in a while.

Lastly…

Remember that your images do not have to be technically perfect to be beautiful. You are capturing and documenting your gorgeous newborn for you to look back on in years to come. And that is all that matters.