A behind-the-scenes look at how a newborn session actually runs — slow, gentle and completely led by your baby.
If you're a new parent reading this at some ungodly hour with a baby on your chest, firstly — well done for finding us. Secondly, I want to reassure you that a newborn session is nothing like you might be imagining. There's no rigid schedule, no pressure, and absolutely no expectation that your baby will perform on cue. Because, as you've probably already discovered, babies don't do anything on cue.
Most families come to us at our Papworth Everard or Waterbeach studio when their baby is somewhere between five and fourteen days old. This window tends to work well because newborns at this age sleep deeply and are still curled and compact in that way that doesn't last nearly long enough. That said, if you're reading this with a three-week-old and wondering if you've missed the boat — get in touch. We'll have an honest conversation about what's still possible.
When you arrive, the studio is already warm. Warmer than you probably keep your house, honestly. Babies settle much more easily when they're comfortable, and that means we heat the space before you get here so there's no waiting around for things to feel right. You're welcome to bring a bag, a change of clothes, snacks for yourselves — treat it like you're visiting somewhere you can properly relax, because that's exactly what it is.
The session itself takes around three to four hours, and I know that sounds like a long time. It isn't, really, once you're in it. A big portion of that is feeding, soothing, settling and just waiting for your baby to reach that deep, heavy sleep where we can work. I never rush that process. If your baby needs feeding twice, we feed twice. If they're unsettled and need twenty minutes of skin-to-skin with you before they'll drift off, that's what we do. The photographs only happen when your baby is genuinely calm and comfortable — not before.
For the posed newborn images — the curled-up, basket, wrapped shots — your baby will be in my hands the entire time. I move slowly and I narrate what I'm doing so you always know what's happening. Nothing happens quickly. Every position is only attempted if your baby seems settled enough to hold it, and we come straight back out of anything that isn't working. You're welcome to watch from a few feet away, or sit on the sofa with a coffee. Some parents find it easier to watch; others find it easier not to. Both are completely fine.
We also do family portraits and sibling shots during the session — usually at the start, before the baby is fully settled, or at the end. If you have a toddler coming along, the same rule applies: we work at their pace, not ours. Bribery with snacks is fully endorsed.
One thing I always say to new parents: please don't stress about how your baby behaves on the day. A baby who feeds constantly, cries, refuses to sleep or only settles on your chest is just a normal baby. We work with all of it. The only sessions that don't go to plan are ones where parents are so anxious about things going wrong that they can't relax — and even then, we get there eventually. You've kept a small human alive for the past week or two. Coming to a studio session is genuinely the easy part.
If you're thinking about booking or you're not sure yet whether newborn photography is something you want to do, I'm always happy to have a no-pressure chat first. You can find out more about our newborn sessions and what's included on the newborn photography page, or drop us a message and we'll go from there. No hard sell, I promise — just a conversation.
Common questions
How old does my baby need to be for a newborn session?
We ideally work with babies between five and fourteen days old, as this is when they tend to sleep most deeply and still have that newborn curl. If your baby is older than this, get in touch anyway — depending on their age we can often still create beautiful work, just with a slightly different approach.
What should I bring to the session?
Bring everything you'd normally take out with a newborn — nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and plenty of feeding supplies whether you're breast or bottle feeding. Snacks and drinks for yourselves are a good idea too, since sessions run for several hours. We provide everything else in the studio, including all props, wraps and accessories.
Is it safe for my newborn to be posed in those curled-up positions?
Yes, when done correctly by an experienced photographer. I've worked with newborns for years and I'm trained in safe posing. Your baby is never left unsupported, every position is only held if they're comfortable and settled, and I move very slowly throughout. You're welcome to watch everything I do — there are no surprises.
Something Blue Productions
Photography and video for weddings, families, newborn and maternity. Two studios in Cambridgeshire.
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