Here’s some of the questions I get asked most about maternity and newborn photo sessions…

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY BUMP SHOOT?

When you start to see your bump pop out, get in touch to pencil a date in. The best time is between 32-36 weeks so your bump is nice and round but you’re not uncomfortable but it goes without saying, all women are different.

If you schedule a date in, we can always rearrange depending on how big your bump has grown and how you’re feeling!

London maternity shoot, urban maternity shoot, bump shoot, parents to be

WHAT IS A FRESH 48 SESSION?

I wrote all about Fresh 48 sessions on this post so have a read of that, but essentially it’s photos within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life, often at the location at which they were born whether that is a hospital, birthing centre or your home.

It’s just a lovely way to get beautiful, natural photos of your baby at such an early stage in their life, especially if you don’t feel you want your birth photographed.

new parents enjoy cup of tea post home birth

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY NEWBORN SHOOT?

I’d recommend scheduling a shoot once you know your due date. Obviously the date can be shuffled if arrival dates change, but you don’t want to be worrying about booking a newborn shoot in the early days of having a baby!

Babies often have no schedule in the early days but that’s totally fine as we don’t need them to do anything, just be their gorgeous squishy little selves!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS?

As with every type of shoot, I firmly believe that you should wear something that makes you feel comfortable first and foremost. This will help you relax into the shoot…

You’ll want to wear something that accentuates your bump shape so either a tight fitting outfit or a flowing one that you can cup your bump in (floating dresses for example can be pulled over your bump).

I’m always happy to chat through outfits with you!

Hertfordshire maternity photographer, St Albans maternity photographer, bump photography

HOW SHOULD I DISPLAY MY PHOTOS FROM THE SESSION?

Like the families I photograph, no two homes are the same. As such I offer a la carte options or packages to let you get your photos the way you want them. I am really passionate about the products I have sourced for you to show off your photos.

My preference is always products over letting your photos sit on a hard drive. Flipping through the pages of beautiful albums or feeling that flutter of pride at seeing your beautiful artwork beats viewing them on Facebook every time.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN ST ALBANS THOUGH?

Yes I’m in St Albans, Hertfordshire but I happily travel all over the UK to photograph families.

Especially with newborns it’s easier to have these shoots at home as the weather is less of a consideration and you’re in your own space with all of your newborn clobber around you! Plus then you have the photos of your baby in their first home, yay!

Wherever you are, we can figure it out, just drop me a line and we’ll figure out the logistics of your newborn shoot together.

Hertfordshire maternity newborn photographer

WHAT IF MY BABY IS UNSETTLED?

Babies are unpredictable, but don’t worry about a thing. They can cry or scream or be sick or poo! Babies do all of these things. I’ve seen it all before (from my own kid and from other people’s!!) and it won’t phase me.

I know it sounds unbelievable, but this too shall pass. And the families with the unsettled, unhappy babies for have come back and said how grateful they are that they made space for those photos because things did change and they forgot how it once was!

CAN OLDER SIBLINGS BE INCLUDED?

Oh my goodness, of course! Your family is entirely about the everyone in your little family unit; parents, siblings, baby, dogs!

For some reason, most first time parents seem to make time for newborn shoots. And most subsequent parents don’t seem to in the same way. So my galleries reflect that sadly.

But yes, siblings absolutely must be included in your maternity session or your newborn shoot – they will be so excited to meet the new baby too!

big sister squishing new baby brother nose fresh 48

WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE INVESTMENT

Because I want everyone to have newborn photos, I keep my session fee really low which covers your shoot.

After your shoot, you only buy what you love from your gallery so you’re in charge of your budget.

I have a la carte options or bundles of products for you to choose from, all of which can be paid on instalments if you prefer.

Plus, I have a great first year bundle so check the pricing page.

Let’s chat!

Want a little more info before we chat? Check out:

Bump & baby session pricing

See bump & baby gallery

How bump & baby sessions work

Not quite ready? Why not download this awesome guide with five awesome ideas on how to make your shoot stress free and as unique as your family?