The First 14 Days

— Section one

When to book your session

The sweet spot for a sleepy, curled newborn session is the first two weeks — ideally between five and fourteen days new. At this age babies settle quickly and fold softly into gentle poses.

Baby is already older than two weeks?

Please don't worry — it is never too late for lovely photographs. Older babies become more awake and expressive, and we simply lean into a softer style: wraps, parent-and-baby cuddles, and those first alert gazes. Older babies, sitters and milestone sessions are all welcome.

— Section two

The week before

A little gentle preparation makes the day feel easy. Nothing here needs to be perfect.

• —Confirm your session time and the studio address, and save my number in your phone.
• —Choose outfits and lay them out. Give anything new a wash so it is soft.
• —If you would like the bare, wrapped look, gentle moisturising in the days before helps with dry newborn skin.
• —Note any specific moments that matter — a family heirloom, a special wrap, the grandparents, the nursery.
• —Rest when you can. A relaxed parent makes for a relaxed baby.

— Section three

What to wear — for parents

My studio style is soft, warm and timeless — so the images never date and your baby stays the subject of every frame.

• —Choose soft, solid neutrals — cream, oatmeal, warm taupe, sage, dusty blue, soft grey.
• —Reach for fabrics with a little drape and movement; avoid stiff, clingy or very shiny materials.
• —Skip bold logos and busy patterns — they pull the eye away from baby.
• —Coordinate, don't match. Tones from the same family look more elegant than identical colours.

For siblings and baby

• —Keep siblings in the same soft palette so everyone sits together. Plain knits, soft dresses and neutral basics work beautifully.
• —For baby — I provide all the wraps, bonnets and layers in the studio. No need to bring anything.
• —If you have a special outfit, gown or heirloom, bring it and we will work it in.

— Section four

Feeding and sleep — the real secret

If one thing shapes a smooth session, it is a baby who is full, warm and sleepy. Here is how we set that up — and why you never need to worry if it doesn't go to plan.

• —Keep baby awake beforehand. Try to keep baby a little more awake in the hour or two before, so they sleep deeply once we begin.
• —Feed at the start. Plan to feed as you arrive or right at the start. A full tummy is the best settling tool we have.
• —We keep it warm. The studio is kept warm and cosy — newborns relax far more easily when they are snug.
• —No clock-watching. We move at baby's pace, with time for feeds, cuddles and nappy changes. Sessions are never rushed.

— Section five

On the day

Here is how a studio session usually unfolds. Allow a few hours; we use as much or as little as your baby needs.

1. 01Arrive and settle. We say hello, you get comfortable, and baby has a top-up feed while we chat through the looks you love.
2. 02Gentle posing. Once baby drifts off, we move gently through wrapped and bare setups — always led by what baby is happy to do.
3. 03Family moments. We bring in parents, siblings and grandparents for those connection photos while everyone is fresh.
4. 04Breaks as needed. We pause whenever baby asks. There is no rush.
5. 05Your gallery. Shortly after the session, your full hand-retouched gallery is delivered via a private online gallery — yours to download, print and share.

— Section six

What to bring

I keep the studio stocked with wraps, props and layers, so your list is short:

• —Extra nappies and wipes — more than you think you need.
• —A dummy if your baby uses one — wonderful for settling.
• —A spare feed — expressed milk or formula — for a top-up on hand.
• —Any heirloom, wrap or outfit you would love included.
• —A change of clothes and a small snack for older siblings.

— Section seven

Safety and your peace of mind

This is the part I care about most. A session should never put a baby at any risk, and experience is what makes it both safe and calm.

• —Baby-led, always. Every pose is baby-led and supported. Nothing is forced.
• —Experienced hands. Years of hands-on care mean I read tired and hungry cues early, before baby is upset.
• —Clean and warm. The studio is warm, clean and quiet, with hands and props sanitised throughout.
• —You stay near. You are welcome to stay close the whole time — the most tender images often come from those in-arms moments.

— Section eight

Siblings, grandparents and the family dog

• —Siblings first. Photograph siblings first, while they are fresh, then let them relax with a partner or grandparent.
• —Bring the grandparents. Three-generation photographs become some of the most loved of all.
• —Pets, with a plan. Love your dog included? Let me know in advance and bring someone to handle them.