Your Frequently Asked Questions
Whatever session you book, you probably have a few questions – especially if this is your first time. I’m happy to help and advise as much as you need, so please do contact me. In the meantime, these are some of the frequently asked questions from my baby photography clients.
What Is Your Studio Like?
Furnishings are soft and plush, deliberately designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. There’s space to feed or change your baby, privacy when needed, and good, fresh coffee readily available. The studio reflects my photography style – clean, fresh and timeless. The end results are all about the baby, the connection, a beautiful moment in time, captured forever. Nothing detracts from that. Your precious baby will be the only focus of every image, with a subtle backdrop of whites and muted colours enhanced only by beautiful, soft lighting and natural shadows.
What Should We Expect at Our Baby Photography Session?
First things first, you’ll be able to park very close to the studio. Don’t feel you need to bring everything but the kitchen sink - just the essentials for your baby. I’ll meet you at the door and you’ll be made to feel relaxed and comfortable. Once baby’s happy and settled, we’ll have a coffee and chat about how the session will evolve and how your baby may respond. Once we get to work, we’ll be guided entirely by your baby – including stopping whenever needed to settle, change, or feed. Once we’ve stopped shooting, I’ll let you know when your digital images will be ready to view. As a guide, we aim for a week, but occasionally it can take up to three weeks.
How Long Will My Session Take?
There’s a ‘how long is a piece of string’ element to this so to cover all eventualities, we allow around two to three hours for newborn family photos. This means you can feed, change and settle your baby, without worry. Chapter Two newborn photography sessions are led entirely by your baby. Patience and timing are everything, so we don’t rush, ever. It’s an experience to enjoy and to remember.
Cake smash sessions and those older baby portraits usually take around an hour, but again, with little ones, there’s always the element of expecting the unexpected, so we aim to be flexible and plan sessions and sittings around your little one’s routine. For maternity photoshoots, I usually allow up to 40 minutes.
When Should I Book?
For maternity and newborn photos, I suggest booking in after your 20-week scan, but some people prefer to do it after their 12-week scan. Of course, babies don’t always arrive when they’re expected which is why I’m flexible with the session date. Initially, I’ll pencil in your due date but won’t set a firm date until baby’s safely arrived. If baby’s already here, act quickly and contact me as soon as you can, and I’ll do my very best to accommodate you.
What’s the Best Age for Baby Photography?
The truth is, I photograph all ages! For newborn baby photography, the best time is somewhere around 7-20 days old - especially if you’re after those precious, curled-up shots. However, anywhere up to around 10 weeks still results in lovely photos. Don’t worry if your little one is older as my older infant photography sessions are ideal for those, and my cake smash sessions are a great way to celebrate their first birthday.
How Should We Prepare?
Comfort is key. Before you arrive, I’ll send a welcome guide with details on what to wear. Aim for low-key, pale and neutral colours which will complement the photography style. If you’ve booked one of my baby sessions, all you really need to do is dress your baby in a white vest under loose-fitting clothes. It's also a good idea to bring a feed or two if you’re not breastfeeding and you can bring extra nappies and wipes – though I also have everything you need. For all other shoots, I’ll make sure you have all the information you need well in advance.
Do I Have To Be In The Photos?
Of course not, if you’d prefer to stay on the sidelines, that’s ok, I understand. We can just include hands and arms.
Can I Bring my Baby’s Sibling to Our Photoshoot?
ABSOLUTELY! We love to welcome older children and toddlers to your session. The Chapter Two Photography Studio is a safe space, where your children are welcome to explore toys and games, sit and chill, or eat all the snacks! I get it, I’m a mum, I’ve been there…
Will My Baby Be Safe and Comfortable During Our Photoshoot?
Your baby’s comfort and safety is ALWAYS paramount, and everything at my studio is created to facilitate that. Whichever baby photographer you choose, make sure they have experience working with newborns and always follow safe practices. They should be gentle, and patient, and prioritise the baby's well-being throughout the session. As an experienced baby photographer – AND a mum – you can rest assured I do just that. Because of the natural style of Chapter Two baby photographs, there are no potentially harmful props and no uncomfortable posing. Here, it’s ALL about baby – just as it should be.
Do You Only Provide Studio Photoshoots?
Studio sessions are perfect for maternity, newborn, older baby and cake smash sessions. Plus, the studio environment minimises circumstances beyond our control. However, older children particularly may rather have the freedom to run wild and play – which produces stunning, happy photographs and means an outdoor location shoot is perfect. I have a number of fabulous locations where I love to meet families. We enjoy a walk and play games whilst I capture the magic of their personalities and connections as a family. And, because they ARE family, dogs are welcome too.
When Will I Get My Photographs?
We’ll wrap up the shoot with a chat about lead times and how your photos are sent. I’ll aim to send digital images within a week, but occasionally it can take up to three weeks. I also offer various options, including beautifully framed prints.
I Still Have Questions, Can You Help?
Of course. I’m happy to help and answer any questions. Contact me today.