Classic, timeless & Natural Imagery
Motherhood is one of the most wonderful experiences we will experience – the love and happiness our little ones bring us. But, it’s crazy how fast time goes by when you have a child. The moment you waited for and dreamed of for so long soon comes around and once it’s here, you need to make the most of every single second!
One beautiful way to make the most of this stage is to consider newborn photography in Hampshire – whether we capture their tiny features and sleepy faces in your home or in my studio, it’s an investment you will never regret as you’ll be able to remember how tiny they truly were and a time in your life that filled you with the most joy.
Talking of Hampshire newborn photography, let’s get into what natural lifestyle newborn photography is, why you should invest in it and some other common questions that pop up…
Hampshire Newborn Photography – Everything you need to know!
- What is natural lifestyle newborn photography?
- Why should you invest in a newborn photography session?
- How do you choose your newborn photographer Hampshire?
- How would you describe your newborn work?
- Do you offer Bump to Baby Sessions?
- How to book your newborn photography session in Hampshire?
- When to book a newborn photoshoot session?
- How long does a newborn photo session take?
- Where can you have your Hampshire newborn photography session?
- What time do you do newborn sessions?
- Do you provide props for your newborn photography sessions?
- What if my newborn cries or is awake the entire session?
- Can we involve grandparents, siblings or pets?
- What kind of light do you use?
- What are your newborn photography packages?
- How many photos will you take?
- How do I choose the images?
- Safety and Newborn Photography
- How do you prepare your home for a Hampshire newborn photography session?
- How do I decide what to wear for my Hampshire photography session?
- The Client Closet
- What is my experience with photographing newborns?
- Am I insured?
What is natural lifestyle newborn photography?
Natural lifestyle newborn photography is a style that captures life in its rawest, most organic form. It focuses on authentic moments, allowing the beauty and complexity of everyday family life to shine through each image.
With a focus on capturing the real emotions and connections between parents, siblings, grandparents, and their new arrival, these photographs tell unique stories about each family’s individual journey.
Natural lighting is used to emphasise natural features and create art with shadows. I love photographing this style in clients’ homes for their Hampshire newborn photography session or in my beautiful Southampton-based lifestyle studio.
As a Hampshire newborn photographer, I subtly interfere with scenes rather than stage manage them; creating an environment that is free from extreme posing or unnatural props. Instead, I provide gentle guidance and allow your family to be themselves.
Instead of constructing a scene or story, this type of photography celebrates the everyday activities that follow after welcoming a new baby into the family. Natural lifestyle newborn photography results in pictures that freeze those delicate, ethereal moments where perfectly composed backdrops are replaced by genuine connection, raw emotion and beautiful details of what makes being a parent so fulfilling.
Why should you invest in a Hampshire newborn photography session?
Newborn photography sessions are a wonderful way to commemorate the very special occasion of welcoming a new life into your family. A lifestyle newborn session seeks to capture your little newborn bubble at your Hampshire home so that all your memories are captured in photographs as those early days can be a sleepless blur and are easily forgotten!
A Hampshire newborn photography session captures your new arrival at their tiniest- they will never be this small again. The first year goes by in a flash of sleepless nights, and milestones like smiling, crawling and walking and you don’t want to miss capturing your fresh little one’s teeny toes, downy hair, fuzzy skin and curly shape.
Not only do newborn photo sessions capture beautiful photos of this fleeting moment in time, but they also keep memories that can be passed down to your family for generations to come. Some of my most treasured objects are photo albums from my ancestors. The photos and memories taken during this session are invaluable and you’ll be glad you have them when your child grows older, after the pram, cot and toys are all given away.
How do you choose your Hampshire newborn photographer?
When it comes to capturing those precious newborn photos, selecting the right newborn photographer can be a daunting task! Before making any decisions, first, consider your style and aesthetic preferences.
Do you prefer studio or natural light, classic poses or candid moments? Do you prefer a home newborn session or a studio session? Do you prefer a cooler or warmer look? Do you prefer traditional poses or a more candid look?
Once you know what type of photos you want to display in your home, begin your search for a Hampshire newborn photographer who has a portfolio filled with images that match your vision. I also find it helpful to check out their “About” page or their Instagram to catch a glimpse of their personality to see if you think you will connect. Feeling comfortable and having a connection with your newborn photographer helps to create unique art and beautiful images.
The next important factor in choosing your newborn photographer is finding someone with vast experience who focuses on newborn safety. Next, read online reviews from this photographer and see if past clients were happy while working with the newborn photographer. Taking these steps will help ensure that you have beautiful lasting memories to cherish forever.
How would you describe your newborn work?
Natural newborn photography differs from traditional posed newborn photos in that there isn’t any specific direction given during the session. Instead, all of the focus is on creating pure, organic images that capture the sweetness of your baby without any props or staging.
The goal of a newborn photoshoot in Hampshire is to capture your baby in its purest form, interacting with you and its environment naturally rather than posing for a camera.
I would describe my newborn photography as artistic, warm, organic and raw imagery that plays with shadow and uses this to enhance loving moments between baby and you. I love capturing the connection between a new baby and their parents.
The love is amazing to witness and I place such importance on capturing these memories for families as they are truly priceless. I love travelling to homes across Hampshire to capture babies’ early days in their first home.
Do you offer Bump to Baby Sessions?
Yes! I have a Maternity & Newborn Session package that captures you pregnant and later when baby is here. I think maternity sessions are so important as I find so many women regret not having a maternity session because they felt like they were too uncomfortable with the changes to their body or they didn’t feel well.
Yet it is so important to capture the amazing miracle that your body is creating and celebrate the life you are bringing into this world. Having a professional maternity session helps capture you in your most flattering light and celebrates the anticipation and excitement of baby arriving soon.
Maternity photography in Hampshire is best photographed from 32-25 weeks and can be photographed in your Hampshire home, outdoors anywhere in Hampshire or in my Southampton lifestyle studio.
How it works:
How to book your newborn photography in Hampshire?
We reserve your session for your approximate due date month and I have you contact me within 48 hours of baby arriving to schedule the exact session date based on how you’re feeling. This way it is less difficult to rearrange if baby arrives early or late.
To reserve your session I require a £100 deposit which will be deducted from your final package amount.
When to book a newborn photoshoot session?
It is best to book your Hampshire newborn photography session after your 12 or 20-week scan so that you are prepared and have reserved a session around your due date.
When baby arrives time truly flies and you may find you have left it too late as newborn photographers may be booked up. Newborns are best photographed under two weeks old (as they are at their teeniest and sleepiest which makes for an easier session) so time really does get away from you in those first few weeks as you are busy with a flurry of visitors and getting used to a new routine.
Having your newborn session booked early is one less thing to worry about when baby arrives!
How long does a newborn photo session take?
My Hampshire newborn photography sessions typically last longer than a regular family photography session as newborns can be unpredictable! Usually, newborn sessions are about 2-3 hours long and allow for lots of feeding breaks, soothing and we completely work around baby’s mood.
Newborns usually need more cuddle time so I always allow for lots of this in my newborn sessions! I always make sure to get a large variety of images so you have lots to choose from. At your Hampshire home, this consists of moving from room to room and shooting in different areas with lots of opportunities for wardrobe changes.
Where can you have your Hampshire newborn photography session?
My Hampshire newborn photography sessions can be held in the comfort of your Hampshire home–I travel to newborn shoots in many areas of Hampshire like the New Forest, Southampton, Winchester, Totton, Romsey, Lymington and Portsmouth.
Newborn home photography sessions are just the loveliest because they allow you to capture the unique bond between your family and your new addition, in a comfortable and familiar setting.
Having a newborn photography session at home means that everyone is comfortable and relaxed. You don’t need to worry about packing up all the baby gear for a long car ride and there is no fear of being late or forgetting anything.
Having a Hampshire newborn photographer come to you also ensures that you have everything you need on hand, from extra nappies to favourite toys and extra snacks!
Your home is filled with memories, little touches, and details that make it special and unique. These details help create a story that will be remembered for years to come through photographs.
A professional photographer can help capture these moments through creative angles and lighting techniques that bring out the beauty in your space during your newborn session. Images taken in your own space make them even more meaningful as they become part of your family’s beautiful story and a special memory of your baby’s first home.
If you feel your home isn’t suitable (if you feel it’s too small, undecorated or a bit too cluttered), I have an amazing boho lifestyle studio specifically set up for newborn, maternity and family sessions in Southampton, Hampshire.
What time do you do newborn sessions?
Newborn photography sessions typically take place around 10-11am as my photography style is heavily reliant on natural lighting and the warm, organic beauty it provides to an image.
Knowing when is the best time for a newborn photoshoot is important and to me, natural light is best around this time and I find newborns are sleepiest around this time!
Do you provide props for your Hampshire newborn photography sessions?
My style of photography is natural and minimal, I only use wraps, blankets and organic-looking clothing (knitted and linen fabrics in neutral colours are my favourite).
When I did posed newborn photography I used buckets and props but discovered when I had my own children that I preferred a more timeless look that puts the focus entirely on baby and family with few distractions.
I adore natural textures and earthy colours as these enhance a newborn session and don’t distract from it.
What if my newborn cries or is awake the entire session?
Your newborn has just arrived and is still so small and dependent on you, of course they will cry at some point during the session and that is completely okay! I have 10 years of experience with newborns and am experienced with all temperaments of newborns.
I have vast experiencing in soothing babies and have many tricks up my sleeve to help the session go smoothly. The beauty of a natural newborn session is that it doesn’t matter if baby is awake or asleep the whole session!
We just capture them as they are and how they are happy to be! Natural newborn photography is all about capturing baby yawns, adorable awake expressions and baby snuggled up to mum and dad. I never force moments, a newborn session just involves lots of baby cuddles so that they are happy and feel safe!
Can we involve grandparents, siblings or pets?
Of course you can! I know just how important every member of the family is and if grandparents are visiting baby I love incorporating them into the session! It is pretty amazing to watch three generations of a family come together and witness their loving connection.
Siblings are always part of the Hampshire newborn photography session, regardless of age as it is so important to capture the whole family together.
Pets are always welcome in my sessions as I absolutely adore animals. Animals are part of the family and it is so important to have them in your family photos. I actually get so excited when I see a client has a pet when I arrive at their home! They just add so much happiness and humour to a session!
What kind of light do you use?
For my natural lifestyle sessions I only use natural lighting. I love the moodiness, grain and warm ambiance it adds to all my work. For many years when I did posed newborn photography I used studio lighting but really feel that natural lighting adds so much more character.
Newborn Photography Packages:
What are your newborn photography packages?
I offer 4 different packages for my newborn, baby, maternity and family photography sessions. I offer 5 digital images, 15 digital images or 30 images. I then have a maternity and newborn package that is combined to offer you a great deal on both sessions. You do not need to choose which size package you would like until you see your private online gallery of images and then you can narrow down your choices together with your family in the comfort of your home.
How quickly will I get my Hampshire newborn photography photos?
I aim to deliver your gallery within two weeks of your newborn session. This way you can start sharing them very soon!
How many photos will you take?
I take a lot of photos during our session as I love getting as much variety as possible so you have lots of choice! I then narrow them down by taking out the blinking, unattractive or blurry images. Your gallery will have about 80 to 150 shots to choose from in it.
How do I choose?
Your gallery will be sent to you two weeks after your session via email and you can then choose how many images you like in the comfort of your home. You can then choose from my three packages based on how many images you like!
Newborn Safety:
Safety and Newborn Photography
As a parent, you want to capture all of those precious newborn moments with beautiful, professional photos. But for the safety of your baby, you need to make sure that any photographer you work with is familiar with newborn photography safety protocols.
So what are these protocols and how do you make sure your little one is safe during their photoshoot?
The temperature in the room should not be too hot or too cold—it should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s any hotter or colder than this, your baby will be uncomfortable and possibly unsafe. Make sure you ask your Hampshire newborn photographer about the room temperature before booking a session.
It is paramount that your newborn photographer follows strict sanitation practices when handling your baby during a photo session. All blankets and outfits must be sanitised and cleaned between each use, and it goes without saying that all hands must be washed before handling your newborn.
Additionally, clothing worn by photographers should be freshly laundered for each session and always kept clean throughout the shoot. As babies this little can’t fight germs and illness as easily, so it is so important to keep them safe.
Your newborn photographer should also have knowledge of how to safely position babies and support them properly using poses that don’t put any strain on their bodies or cause them discomfort. Natural newborn photography is much safer as newborns are never put in dangerous positions and aren’t overly posed.
How do you prepare your home for a Hampshire newborn photography session?
The first step in preparing your home for a family photo session is to declutter the spaces that you think are most suitable to shoot in. I love shooting lifestyle home sessions in bedrooms, the living room and the nursery.
To declutter for a home newborn session means getting rid of any unnecessary items that may distract from the photos or take away from the aesthetic of the room like hoovers, nappies, brightly coloured toys etc.
Don’t forget to pay attention to things like small appliances and electronics that may be visible in the photos and date your images. Basically, anything you wouldn’t want to be in your family photographs should be removed from the space.
I also always recommend using neutral bedding with no pattern on your bed for a neutral backdrop. Cuddly family images always look so lovely in the bedroom and I find neutral colours to look the most timeless.
How do I decide what to wear for my Hampshire photography session?
The next step is selecting what outfits you and your family will wear during the photo session. Make sure everyone has an outfit that coordinates with each other so that everything looks cohesive when you’re all together in front of the camera.
For sessions, I love timeless, classic and warm earthy neutrals as they always work well and blend together for each family member. Natural materials like linen, cotton, cord, wool all work well for an interesting texture! Colours that work well on parents and baby are creams, rusts, browns for a more natural look. No prints or logos are best for a more timeless look.
For Mum I love long flowy dresses as they are so relaxed, comfortable and flow well in sessions. On Dad, a collared dress shirt can look a bit stiff and uncomfortable in a home setting, sometimes a relaxed t-shirt or jumper works better depending on your style! I recommend taking watches and socks off during the session as these can be distracting!
For baby there is no need to have any dressy outfits for baby to be photographed in as these do not often fit baby properly and can hide them in the images. They are often distracting and take the focus off baby. If you have a neutral/plain baby grow (in linen, cotton, wool) that works well too! I also provide wraps and blankets to swaddle baby in.
The Client Closet
One of the benefits of using a professional Hampshire newborn photographer is the use of a Client Closet. I have a lovely collection of dresses for mum and outfits for baby that are carefully selected from high-quality vendors.
Each piece is selected because they are flattering for family or maternity sessions and suit the warm, organic vibe of my images. I have a wide array of baby outfits up until one year old that include hand-knitted rompers, bonnets, nappie covers, blankets and wraps.
My Client Closet baby outfits have a lovely organic look to them and suit the organic, pure and natural style of my photography. The Client Closet takes the guess-work out of planning what to wear for your family photography session and makes life easier for you as you can select from my gallery of all the beautiful outfits I have before your session.
What is my experience with photographing newborns?
Ah, where do I begin? It’s been a long process to get where I am today in photography. I’ve been photographing newborns for 10 years and I love them so much that I have specialised in them and photographed over 1000 newborns.
Newborns are my absolute favourite because of the excitement and happiness they bring to the world. I love capturing them at their tiniest and adore capturing your first images as a family together. I started out as a headshot photographer for actors (I photographed the now-famous Damson Idris for some of his first headshots) and then decided to focus on families and newborns.
With the transition, I found my passion and evolved to taking highly posed images of newborns in props (think Anne Geddes) in my studio. I trained in newborn-safe posing with some of the best newborn photographers in the world like Jade Gao, Kelly Brown and Amy McDaniels.
I then progressed to teaching my own 1-1 workshops for newborn photography. I did studio-style newborn photography for many many years until the pandemic when I had my own little girl.
When choosing our family photographers I always veered towards more natural images and realised it was because I wanted something more timeless and classic that would look good forever on our walls and wouldn’t date easily.
I got rid of my studio and all my props and went back to basics, travelling to homes and photographing newborns in a natural lifestyle way. I realised I found my passion again and loved the challenges of entering a different home every time and figuring out the best spots to photograph in, the best lighting and how to make each home look artistic while putting the focus of the love of each family and their teeny tiny newborn.
I love how different each session is and I love being welcomed into a client’s home and getting to know you over a cup of tea and playing with your pets (I am a huge animal lover). I now have a Southampton home studio to offer clients who feel their homes aren’t suitable for a newborn photography session and have decorated it in a relaxed boho style.
Am I insured?
Yes, I have been a professional photographer for 10 years now and think it is very important to be insured. I am fully insured with public liability.
Ready to book your Hampshire newborn photography?
Now you know everything that you need to know about my Hampshire newborn photography you should feel much more confident about whether this is right for you!
If you would like to enquire, I would love to chat!
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