Should I book a newborn photoshoot?

Parents often ask, “should I book a newborn photoshoot?” If this is you, Congratulations, I am assuming you are expecting a baby. Or perhaps you’ve just had a baby. Newborn photographers are often booked up in advance. But others may be able to fit you in at late notice. Either way you will see lots of beautiful websites, full of gorgeous babies. A newborn shoot is an investment, so who should you choose? You might wonder if it’s worth the time and the cost.

I expect you have lots of questions and concerns. Such as ‘will a shoot be stressful?’ Or ‘maybe it’s too expensive?’ Below are some common worries and my thoughts about these. Hopefully these will answer some of the questions you have and set your mind at rest.

Obviously, I’m going to tell you that I think newborn sessions are priceless. And that you won’t regret booking a shoot. But you need to make up your own mind.

I LOVE THE IDEA, BUT IT MIGHT BE HARD TO GET MY ACT TOGETHER

No problem – I come to you. I take all the photos in your own home. You don’t need to bring your toddler to a studio and make them hang around for hours while the shoot takes place. You don’t need to drag your new baby out of the house on a freezing cold day. I bring everything to you. I have my newborn posing beanbag and all my blankets and wraps with me. We do everything in your home in the warm.

We chat and drink lots of tea. If you have a toddler, they can watch Bing or Paw Patrol until we need them for a couple of shots.  If the baby is sick all over you, you can get changed. You can put the dinner on or stick a load of washing in whilst I am taking pictures of the baby.  You can tell me your birth story if you like. Or you can ignore me completely and grab half an hour on Facebook. 

I COULD TAKE THESE PHOTOS MYSELF – MY PHONE IS REALLY GOOD 

Of course you can take them yourself. The phone cameras ARE really good.  You will get some really cute images. but you may not be in any of them. Also, positioning the baby for the best possible results can be hard. We have all seen photos where the baby is mashed into the duvet and you can’t see their face. If you decide you do want to take your own photos, please read the section at the end about iPhone lessons and remote guided shoots. 

EVERYTHING IS TOO HECTIC RIGHT NOW. I WILL GET PHOTOS WHEN THE BABY IS OLDER 

Photos of babies are fabulous at any age so of course you can wait until the baby is bigger, or can sit up or turns one or leaves home … Joking apart, if you are a new parent you may not realise just how fast your little one will grow. The years are going to whizz past in the blink of an eye.  Babies are only tiny for a really, really short time. Those shots when they are tiddly and curled up like little birds are priceless. We capture tiny little finger nails, chubby feet and squishy legs. It really is such a precious time that you don’t get back.  

I know you are probably exhausted after the birth of the baby and tired from sleepless nights. Perhaps you have older children and getting photos taken is the last thing on your mind. But it will be worth it and you will treasure those images for ever. Babies love to look at these images when they grow up.  But if you do decide to leave this until the baby is older that’s fine, shoots with older babies are great too. Just get in touch anytime for some images – they don’t have to be brand new to capture that squishy baby-ness. Waiting until they can smile can be wonderful.

I THINK I LOOK TERRIBLE – I DON’T WANT TO BE IN ANY PHOTOS 

This is one that I really do understand. You are not feeling your best – but babies, when they grow up, do love seeing pictures of their mums and dads. This is where it really does help getting a professional to take the images. We know the most flattering way to pose you and the best angles to use so you look fabulous. We also have the magic of photoshop which can help hide those tired eyes. Also this is not a fashion shoot – most of what I am trying to do here is capture the love between you and your baby – so often these images are taken very close in. I will never force you to be in photos if you are really against it, but I will gently encourage you and most people are really, really glad that they agreed afterwards. Trust me. 

** TAKING YOUR OWN PHOTOS ** 

If this is the way you decide to go, I have a couple of ways to make sure the photos you take yourself are the best they can be.  I can do a remote shoot with you over WhatsApp video or FaceTime where I guide you to pose the baby and yourself and any siblings. I talk you through where to stand and the angles of the phone. You will learn a bit about light, framing and angles along the way and get a really great set of photos. We need 2 adults, 2 phones, a bed in a room with decent light and a plain wall.  I edit the photos you’ve taken to make them look more professional. 

Alternatively – I can come to your home and give you an iPhone lesson in person – showing you the same thing.  The bonus of this approach is you learn some great tips and you are able to use these as the baby grows to make sure you are getting the best images you can get. 

REMEMBER – BABIES GROW FAST – PHOTOS ARE FOREVER 

I hope you do decide to book a newborn shoot – having these precious memories of the early days are so incredible. Photos are not always for you either, photographs are our legacy, they are heirlooms, they will form your family history. When your children grow up they will love looking through these photos. I know my daughter gets so much pleasure looking through photo albums of when she was little (because YES I do print them out – I don’t just leave them on the phone or the computer). So remember you are not just having these photos taken for yourself, they are for your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

For more information or to book please get in touch info@siobhanmurphyphotography.co.uk or use the contact form here.