Brighton Newborn Baby Photography | How to Get the Best Experience from Your Newborn Photoshoot
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a momentous occasion - one that deserves to be captured in all its beauty. As a newborn photographer, and mum, I understand how fleeting those early days are and how important it is to document them with care, creativity, and attention to detail.
In this blog post, I’ll share some insights and tips on how to get the best experience from your newborn photoshoot.
Why Choose a Newborn Photoshoot?
Newborn photography is a way to document your little one’s first months in this world in an authentic and natural way. These sessions are designed to capture those tiny details - the little hands and feet, first smiles, the many feeds, all those newborn nuances that change so quickly. Many parents choose professional newborn photography to document the first month with their newborn baby, a time that otherwise can seem to pass by in a blur.
If you’re in Brighton and Hove, or anywhere else in Sussex, you’re in an ideal location as there are so many talented photographers, who specialise in newborn baby portraits, to choose from. It’s all about finding the right photographer for you and your family so please do some research to see what type of newborn portaits you’d like to get out of your shoot.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot
Here are some steps you can take to ensure you’ll get the best experience from your newborn session:
Book Early: Most photographers recommend planning your newborn session during your pregnancy, ideally scheduling it for when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old. However, if you don’t feel quite ready for your newborn photography session when your baby is only a couple of weeks old then that’s OK. Newborn shoots can be done at any time from when your baby is just one day old up to 3 months. For me it’s more important that you feel good during your shoot.
Communicate Your Preferences: Share your vision for the shoot with your photographer. Look at your photographer’s portfolio and see if it resonates with you. Would you prefer natural, candid shots of your newborn baby? Then I'm your photographer. But if you’re after a more styled newborn shoot with props and backdrops, then I might advise you to contact a newborn photographer that offers studio newborn photography. Letting any photographer know your preferences in advance will help you with choosing the right photographer for you and your family.
Consider Timing: Morning sessions often work best, as babies tend to be happier and less fussy earlier in the day. Discuss the timing with your photographer to find a schedule that suits your baby’s natural rhythm. I will always work around your baby’s needs!
Be Patient: As we all know, babies can be unpredictable, and sessions often include breaks for feeding, changing, or calming. Embrace the relaxed pace and trust your photographer to capture all the moments that are part of being new parents!
Choosing the Right Photographer in Brighton
Brighton is home to a vibrant community of talented photographers, so finding the right one for your newborn session is crucial. Look for someone whose style chimes with your own. Do you love soft, natural light photography or would you prefer your newborn baby shoot to take place in a studio? Check their portfolio, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
As a Hove based photographer, I pride myself on creating a relaxed, supportive environment where parents and babies feel at ease. All my newborn shoots are done in the comfort of your own home and my goal is to capture authentic, heartfelt images that celebrate your growing family. I also love taking new families outside, during the second half of the shoot.
We can go for a stroll along Hove seafront, visit Preston Park or head towards the beach in Shoreham. We’re so lucky we’ve got so many lovely beaches here in Sussex to choose from!
What to Expect During and After the Photoshoot
A typical newborn session lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours - allowing plenty of time for feeding, changing, and soothing your baby. The pace is relaxed, ensuring your baby’s comfort is the top priority, none of my newborn or family photoshoots are rushed.
During your newborn session:
Many photographers in Brighton, myself included, favour working with natural light for its soft, flattering qualities. Although no posing is required for my sessions, I often guide families towards the rooms with the most light so I can take some gorgeous portraits near large windows, for example. As mentioned before, I also love to take families outdoors so, if you feel up to it, we can head out in the second half of your photography session.
After your shoot:
After the shoot, your photographer will carefully edit the images, enhancing their beauty while preserving their authenticity. You can expect your online gallery approx. 3 to 4 weeks after your photoshoot with me.
Your newborn photoshoot is more than just a session, it’s an opportunity to pause and celebrate the joy of welcoming a new life into your family. By choosing the right photographer and preparing thoughtfully, you can ensure the experience is enjoyable and the results are stunning.
If you’re ready to book a newborn photoshoot in Brighton and Hove, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories that last a lifetime. I also cover Worthing, Lewes, Lancing, Seaford, Haywards Heath, Ditchling and work all over East and West Sussex.