Newborn Sessions
If you like the idea of having newborn portraits within the relaxed comfort of your home, you can choose either my traditional newborn session or natural lifestyle newborn session based on which style best suits your family.
Traditional Home Newborn portrait sessions with Samantha
As a Mum of two, I understand this is a special yet transitioning time for you. I know only too well how quickly time passes, so I gently work with your baby to get authentic portraits that resonate with you forever.
I want you to look back with wonder and gratitude that you took the time to do this for you and your baby. I do this by finding out what you love, and approaching it with the intention of creating something that truly speaks to your soul.
When
Sleepy newborn portraits are best taken within the first 2 weeks of birth. This is when your baby is most sleepy and still very flexible from being in the womb, so those sweet newborn poses are easily achieved and perfectly comfortable during this time. If your baby is 14-21 days old and still quite small, it can still be possible to have a more traditional session using comforting swaddling techniques.
How long
Newborn sessions start around 10.30am and can take 4-5 hours allowing time for soothing, feeding and taking beautiful images of your baby.
When to book
You can contact me at any time during your pregnancy. My diary tends to fill up around 6-8 weeks in advance so the earlier the better to avoid any disappointment. However, if your baby has already arrived please don’t worry – it’s always worth checking if a slot has become available.
Natural Authentic Newborn Lifestyle sessions with Samantha
If you lean towards earthy newborn photographs that capture authentic and soulful moments then this really is the session for you.
These sessions have a more natural look and feel. They are filled with light, love and soul. I can capture you, your baby and elements of your home beautifully no matter how small or large your home. They encompass very natural everyday moments with your baby plus more. I also love focusing on parent interactions and emotion too.
When
These are perfect for babies 3 – 12 weeks old. I’ll work with your baby’s rhythm on the day. Whether they are awake or asleep, I’ll capture your baby naturally.
How long
These sessions start around 10am and can take around 2-3 hours.
When to book
You can book this session at anytime but the earlier the better just to be sure I have availability for your baby.
Authentic Baby Lifestyle sessions
These sessions take on a natural look and feel. They are filled with light, love and soul. I can capture you, your baby and elements of your home beautifully no matter how small or large. They encompass very natural everyday moments with your baby plus more. As with my natural newborn sessions, I love focusing on parent interactions and emotion too.
When
For babies 3 months to walkers. At around 3 months babies can become smiley, often sitting by 7 or 8 months, and sometimes standing around a year old. They are often animated and full of character, so this is essentially what I try to capture – authentically and as naturally as possible.
How long
These sessions start around 10am and can take around 2-3 hours.
When to book
As with the above session, you can book this session at anytime but the earlier the better just to be sure I have availability for your baby.
Authentic Family Lifestyle sessions
I can tell the story of your family’s profound love if you want me to, or I can just document it as it happens. Authenticity lies at the heart of what I do, I sincerely want to make you and your family feel at ease whilst telling your story or creating your portraits.
I will weave my way into you family for a few hours to tell your story as it happens. Expressions, love and laughter, ups and downs, elation, even normal day to day stuff that you do and see every single day; bedtimes, nap times, playtime, going to and from places. I’ll go wherever you go. I’ll document it all, but you will be my guide and I will be happy to do whatever resonates with you the most.
These sessions are raw, uncut, totally natural. I will use my camera, knowledge of light, love and family life to capture you all within your home, or at a location of choice – as you are.
All I ask is that you tune into being there in mind, spirit and soul, and I will capture moments as I see and feel them.
These are the stories that you will want to put into books or around your home as a reminder or what matters most.
These are the very images your children will look back at – it will trigger a memory and an emotion.
Remember every family is different, so I look to photograph your family in the way that makes sense to both you and me.
Portrait sessions
These sessions are really to capture those beautiful portraits of your child or you, either in your home or at another location. Every single one is different, and we will work together to create something truly special.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I am anxious, nervous or apprehensive?
I totally understand this, you are not alone. I can get nervous too when I’m being photographed!
Tell me if you feel this way. I want to know and I genuinely want to help. I want to make you feel at ease, because that’s when I know I’ll get those images you’ll love.
I’ll take my time to help alleviate any concerns and apprehensions you have by getting to know you and your family. I have lots of experience working with families, whether it’s navigating nap times and feeding, working with high energy excitable children, or reassuring those who struggle with shyness. We are all human and we come with so many dimensions and emotions.
I cannot tell you how fulfilling it is to do what I do. I get to see inside people’s lives. I have seen joy, sadness, hope and fears. It’s what makes us human and it gives me so much pleasure to be the one to record your story and moments in a way that represents you best.
What if my newborn doesn’t settle?
Please try not to worry about this. I’ve photographed hundreds of babies so I’m experienced with how to deal with unsettled babies and still get wonderful results. The truth is, it’s a rare occurrence. I find that trusting in my own experience and my intuition helps me to handle your baby the best way I know how.
How do you make sure my baby is safe during the session?
As a mum of two and an experienced newborn photographer, your baby’s safety is hugely important to me. So much so that I will never undertake any posing that I feel cannot be achieved in a safe way. I just wouldn’t feel right undertaking a pose that I wouldn’t happily do with my own baby.
In my 7 years as a home newborn photographer I have photographed hundreds of babies in homes across the UK. I’ve attended training sessions and, I have advised and supported other newborn photographers around safety and posing too. I always advocate safe posing techniques within the industry.
Although most tricky poses can be achieved using composite techniques, I will occasionally tell parents that I’m not completely comfortable to undertake certain poses regardless of other work they might have seen. I can’t comment on what other newborn photographers do, but what I can say is that I’ll always do what’s best for your baby.
I have completed the Basic disclosure check (formerly a CRB check), I am fully insured, and I am a PRO member of The Baby And Newborn Photographers Association. BANPAS strive to encourage high standards of customer service, quality images and safe practice across the profession of newborn photography.
How do I book you?
Get in touch through my contact form and tell me how I can help. Please share any dates you have in mind with me so I can check my availability for you. You can also call me on 07958 213958.