Welcoming a new baby is one of the biggest, most beautiful changes your family will ever experience. Those first days are a blur of feeds, tiny yawns, sleepy cuddles and learning a whole new rhythm together, and they pass far too quickly.
A newborn session gives you the chance to pause, slow down and preserve this chapter exactly as it feels: soft, tender and full of love. If you’re thinking about booking a newborn photoshoot in Leicestershire, here’s exactly what to expect when you visit my cosy studio in Shepshed.
A calm, baby-led session
My newborn photoshoots in Leicestershire are completely baby-led. There is no pressure for your baby to sleep, pose perfectly or follow a schedule. We simply work around their feeds, nappy changes and need for cuddles.
Most newborn sessions last around two hours, although I always allow extra time. Some babies settle quickly and we move through setups gently; others need more feeding, soothing and reassurance — and that is completely okay. Your baby sets the pace, and I will never rush them.
The studio is warm, quiet and private, so you can relax, feed your baby comfortably and take your time settling in. I want you to leave feeling like you’ve had a calm, enjoyable experience, not a stressful appointment.
One of the most important things I’ve learned as a newborn photographer is that when mum is relaxed, baby is relaxed too. Babies pick up on our energy, so there is no rush, no pressure and no need to worry about doing everything perfectly. You can take a breath, have a coffee, feed your baby and simply enjoy the experience.
When you arrive
When you arrive at the studio, we’ll start slowly. There’s no need to rush in and begin photographing straight away.
We’ll have time for a feed, a nappy change and a little settling time. If your baby needs a top-up feed when you arrive, that’s perfect a full tummy often helps them feel cosy and sleepy. I’ll guide you through everything, so you never need to worry about what happens next.
If you have older children or a partner joining, we can include them in the session too. Family and sibling photographs are such a special part of a newborn gallery, and I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included.
What to wear
You don’t need to worry about what to wear. I have pieces from my studio wardrobe available for mums to borrow, so you can choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful on the day.
I’ll also help you style the rest of the family, including your partner and any siblings, so your colours and outfits work beautifully together in your photographs. Soft, neutral tones such as cream, beige, white, soft grey and muted earthy colours photograph especially well and keep the focus on your baby.
If you have a special item you’d love to include — such as a family blanket, a knitted cardigan, baby shoes or a scan photo — you are very welcome to bring it. Personal touches often make an image even more meaningful.
Grandparents Are Welcome
Grandparents are very welcome to join part of the session too. I absolutely love capturing three-generation photographs
These images become such treasured family heirlooms, and they are often some of the most emotional photographs from the whole gallery.
One of the reasons I started my business was after losing my mum. The only thing I have left of her now are the memories we have in print. Since having my own children, I wish more than anything that she was here to see them grow.
Photographs have a way of holding onto the people and moments we love, even when life changes. That is why I feel so passionately about creating images that families can look back on for generations.
If you would like to include grandparents, just let me know before your session. We can plan the timing together and make sure everyone feels relaxed, comfortable and included.
What we’ll photograph
Every newborn session is tailored to your family, but a typical gallery may include:
Sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits
Awake images showing your baby’s little expressions
Tiny details such as fingers, toes, lips and baby hair
Parent-and-baby photographs
Family images with you, your partner and any siblings
Grandparent and three-generation photographs, if you’d like them included
Natural, relaxed moments rather than stiff or overly posed poses
My style is soft, natural and timeless. I use beautiful natural light wherever possible, creating warm and airy images that will still feel lovely to look back on in years to come.
I’ll gently guide you into natural positions and capture the real connection between you and your baby. You do not need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands — that’s my job.
Outfits, wraps and props
You do not need to bring lots of things for your baby. I have a selection of newborn wraps, blankets, bonnets, headbands and simple props available in the studio, all chosen to keep the focus on your baby.
If you have a special item you’d love to include — such as a family blanket, a knitted cardigan, baby shoes or a scan photo — you are very welcome to bring it. Personal touches often make an image even more meaningful.
What to bring
To make your session as relaxed as possible, please bring:
Your usual feeding supplies, whether that’s bottles, formula, expressed milk or anything you need for breastfeeding
Nappies, wipes and a spare change of clothes for baby
A muslin or two
A dummy, if your baby uses one
A special blanket, outfit or prop if you’d like to include one
A drink and snack for yourself
Please don’t worry if you forget something — we can work around it. The most important thing is that you and your baby feel comfortable.
Feeding, crying and breaks are normal
Your baby may need to feed, be changed or simply have a cuddle during the session. That is completely normal and expected. Newborn sessions are not about getting the “perfect” baby; they are about documenting a real, precious moment in your family’s story.
If your baby is awake for part of the session, we can capture beautiful awake portraits too. Some of my favourite newborn images show babies with their eyes open, looking up at their parents or stretching in their tiny hands.
There is no need to apologise for a crying baby, a messy nappy or a feed that takes longer than expected. We have time.
After your session
After your session, I carefully select and edit the best images from your gallery. You’ll receive a beautiful online gallery where you can view your photographs, choose your included images and order any additional images or prints if you’d love them.
I know how much these photographs will mean to you, not just now but in years to come. One day, your little one will be able to look back and see how tiny they were, how loved they were, and how their story began.
Ready to book your newborn session?
If you’re expecting a baby and would like a relaxed, natural newborn photoshoot in Leicestershire, I would love to hear from you. My studio is based in Shepshed, near Loughborough, and I welcome families from across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands.
Get in touch to check availability, ask any questions or reserve a provisional date around your due date. I’d be honoured to capture this special chapter for your family.
