The first couple of weeks go by so quickly, in a haze of cuddles and sweet milky kisses.
It's hard to find time to capture those moments when all you want to do is get to know this new little person who's become a very special part of your family. I love to photograph those first few days in the life of your little one. A newborn portrait session lets me do the work of capturing those fleeting moments so you have more time to enjoy your baby and one less thing to worry about.
If you're currently pregnant, I would love to chat about photographing your newborn session.
About Your Newborn Session
Newborns are best photographed between 5 and 12 days old. This helps to get those lovely sleepy shots and usually makes the session run more smoothly. Sessions are run at my home in Richmond, Christchurch.
Dress your baby in something that doesn't go over the head and is easy to take off without too much disturbance. It is best if baby has had a good feed before arrival and a good amount of awake time, and they can be topped up again when you get here.
One suggestion is that you try and avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits and caffeinated drinks the day before and day of the session to avoid baby having gas or an upset tummy during the session. Babies that feel a bit uncomfortable don’t always settle very well and the goal is for you both to be relaxed and enjoy your session.
Sessions typically run for two to three hours. I take my time and there’s no pressure when baby needs to feed and settle again with you.
I would still love to photograph your little one if he or she is slightly older than a couple of weeks, but just bear in mind that we might not quite get those same sleepy photos. They’re very interested in what’s going on around them by that stage, so we can get some lovely lifestyle photos instead. (Sometimes a three week old will surprise me and sleep like a champ!)
Newborn Session Pricing
Newborn sessions start with a session fee of $200 which is required at the time of booking. This covers my time and talent in the session, careful professional editing and attention to detail, and an online gallery of 25-35 images for you to purchase from.
Products are purchased separately.
Digital image collections start at $400. Prints start at $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are your sessions held?
Newborn sessions are held on weekdays at my home in Richmond, Christchurch. Usually for a 9:30am or 10am start.
What’s the best age for a newborn session?
I recommend to book your session when baby is between 5-12 days old. I am happy to photograph your baby if they are older than that, but we may not get the same sleepy poses. They’ll still be cute though!
How long do sessions take?
Sessions range from 2-3 hours. The sessions are baby-led, so it really depends on how sleepy baby is and whether they’re wanting to eat all the time!
Can we have family or sibling photos at the newborn session?
Yes! If you have older siblings, we will do their images with baby first as well as family ones if you would like them. After they’re finished, it is best for the older children to be taken home so we can focus on the newborn session without distraction. The room is kept very warm and the sessions range from 2-3 hours so it’s not a lot of fun for a toddler or preschooler.
Do I need to bring anything?
Not really! I have all the props needed, but you are welcome to bring a special blanket or item that you would like baby photographed with and I will do my best to incorporate it into the session.
What does it cost?
Newborn sessions have a $200 session fee which covers my time and talent and does not include any images. Digital image packages are purchased after the session once you’ve seen your full gallery, so you don’t need to decide which package you would like at booking. Send me an email through the Contact page and I will send you my full pricing information.
What happens after the session?
Within two weeks of your session, you will receive an online gallery from which you can choose your images for purchase. Packages are purchased online through the gallery so you can decide from home which package you would like.
Sounds great, how do I book a session?
Contact me to book your slot.
