Newborn Photoshoot FAQ

When should I book my photoshoot for?

I recommend booking your shoot for about 5 weeks + after your due date. I will not take bookings less than 3 weeks after for a number of reasons. You could go 2 weeks over (yes, even if your midwife says Bambi could arrive at any minute! I was told to expect an early babe at 30 weeks when I measured full term and babe was ready and engaged... he was almost a week overdue!) Also if you are overdue a week is not much recovery time. Get settled, get feeding established (however your feeding) and it will be a whole lot more enjoyable.

How does it work?

I will come to your house with my camera, some gentle lighting and a few minimal props (think blankets not caterpillar dress up!) I will spend time photographing your precious little bundle, maybe parents and siblings too. I will go away and edit all your photos and then send you edited previews. (these will have a watercress over them).

mini giftcard holders will then choose their favourite three images and receive them in digital form ready for print or media OR choose to upgrade to a luxe package a nd get all the images in media and print digital form.. I will not offer this as such but if you want to upgrade thats great.

luxe giftcard holders will ok the images and then receive all the digital edits for print and media.

If you are purchasing your own shoot you will pay a £50 non refundable booking fee (deducted from total cost) to secure your shoot. Once you receive your previews and decide on which package you wish to purchase, you will make your final payment and receive your files.

There are absolutely no hidden costs at all. No extras or add ons.

What should we wear?

In short - whatever you feel comfortable in.

If you like my imagery it may be you want to recreate the minimal, tonal aesthetic. In this case I would go for neutral, relaxed fit clothing. However if your about colour, great, get your rainbow dungarees on!

Whatever your style I would always suggest that you have a white vest available for baby, this means we can get some timeless simple shots focusing solely on their tiny little features. Otherwise, consider if there are any special items? a heirloom cardigan? nana's knitted blanket?

What if my baby doesn't settle?

Not an issue. I am a mother of three, I know what it is like. Photoshoots are relaxed and laid back. I don't have a tick list of poses, I work alongside baby's needs. If baby is less settled, we can try some cuddle shots, If baby is asleep when I arrive, lets be super quiet and get some sleeping shots before they wake. Although shoots trend to be around 60-90 mins there is no rush. If baby needs feeding go for it (I am more than happy to capture your feeding journey if you wish or also happy to step outside for a while), If they need changing, go for it. We want baby to be happy and you guys to be chilled so we will just go with the flow.

Autumn/Winter Essentials

Crisp, bright mornings and crunchy Autumn leaves. I love the seasonal transition, this time of year and the embracing of that hyggeligt feeling.

Although hygge is mainly associated with being indoors, lit candles, a sharing board of pastries, it is totally possible to expand the feeling outside. It is all about the simple pleasures, the enjoying the small things. Nature, getting out, seeing it feeling it. Forest bathing, rock scrambling. just enjoying that time.

Now we are back in lockdown, getting out and exploring is more important than ever and with the right kit you can get out and enjoy that fresh (maybe wet) air whatever the wheather... Just remember the hot choccies for when you get home.. or maybe be organised and add a flask to your bag.

Here are my top pics this season.

1. Toastie Black Cherry / Blossom ECOREVERSIBLE Cloud Puffer - I haven't tried this coat but I have solid faith in Toastie providing beautiful, quality products. This coat is water repellant and has a high insulation rating plus..and for me this is a big one. It is filled with a sustainable Eco friendly 'down'! It is pretty hard to find a coat that ticks all those boxes this season so I am impressed! I love this colour, Nola has a tendency to spill hot chocolate on coats the day they come out of the wash so the reversible quality would be a game changer here! I would Choose the Navy version of this coat for Ez as his preference is always blue and I can't argue when it looks that good!

2. Hunter and Rose Chunky Knit Jumper - We have this in pink for Nola and it is beautiful, it certainly is 'chunky' and snug as a bug. The knits come oversize and look great paired with leggings. We also bought this Teddy Jumper and it is BEAUTIFUL. So cuddly and soft. Anything in teddy is a must for me this Autumn/Winter. Last year I found teddys great for layering especially when that coat has to come off for car safety, these offer the warmth without the pouffe of a coat. I would size up and wear this oversized with leggings for that ultimate Snuggly look. Use the code FRIENDS15 for a 15% discount storewide -I would totally recommend this with the co-ord leggings too!

3. Toastie Evening Star Waterproof Overalls -You may well have seen Ezra and Nola's overalls on our previous blog. But I couldn't miss them off this blog too. After all, they are a winter essential. Waterproof and super soft, perfect for a wet playground adventure. We love the fact that the shell of these overalls are made from recycled PET bottles! And surely this print can not be rivalled!

4. Leiwood River Rain Boot from Kidly -Leiwood are always a winner here, their signature muted tones (There is a mustard stripe up the back) and laid back, stylish, playful design. Find the same design with a khaki base over at scandiborn (Click here).

5. Little Lottie Designs Knitted Bonnet - Knitted by the founder of Little Lottie Nanna! how wonderfully wholesome is that! Beautiful tones galore here. I prefer a little bonnet to a hat to keep those ears and chubby cheeks warm! Would totally pair with the scarf!

6. Tiny Human Store Nova Pelliere Wool Coat - We were gifted this coat in leopard for Nola and it is fab an unbelievably fluffy! It comes perfectly oversized so no need to size up. I would love a Mama sized one of these, Nola looks like an absolute style icon the moment she pops hers on. These also look great under the Toastie overalls (See images on my grid). I often use a big Bambino muslin as a scarf here.

7. Bambino Current Muslin Blanket - All those Muslins from the baby days definitely do not need to retire now you have a toddler (or older). Come the colder months I use mine as a scarf and they look great. I love this berry colour on Nola.

8. Condor tight from Kidly - A must. Girls or boys. Tights are needed. we always have tights handy to slip on under trousers on those super cold days. Nola often wears hers with a jumper under overalls if we are just nipping out for a walk too - helps avoid the slipping down sock disaster.

9. Boboux Jodhpurs - Our go too winter boots. This year we actually have a different style for Nola (keep an eye on the grid) but, I thought I would share these as they are more traditionally unisex. These are such great boots. Firstly they are so so soft and easy to wear - In fact many barefoot families will recommend Bobux shoes. This was the main appeal for us. Ezra really struggles to find shoes that fit him well without rubbing his feet. most obvious shoes are a straight no go.

I fancied trying a Mama explorer must have blog. Is this something that you would be interested in? I think I have my eyes on the perfect coat already!

All images taken from the store or stockist website. None are mine.

For clarity, I have previously worked with Toastie, Little Lottie Designs, Tiny Human Store and Bobux for gifted collaborations however, this didn't influence my decision to use them for the blog. I work with brands I love!

Hunter and rose gifted me a knit to use on the blog which is so kind, Thank-you! I used a PR discount to but the other items tagged. Use this code for 15% of your order FRIENDS15.