If you’re expecting a baby in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar or anywhere across Teesside, you may be starting to think about newborn photography. This complete guide to newborn photography in Teesside will walk you through everything you need to know.
After photographing local families for over 15 years, I know many parents have questions about when to book, what happens during a session and whether it’s still possible if baby has already arrived.
When to book a newborn photographer in Teesside.
The best time to book your newborn session is just after your 20 week scan. Booking early ensures you can secure your due date with your ideal photographer.
Because baby’s arrival is unpredictable, a good newborn photographer will pencil a date for your shoot that is just after your due date. They will then keep in touch and rearrange if baby arrives early or late.
I manage my diary by booking newborn sessions for approximately two weeks after baby’s due date. Often, first babies will arrive a few days late and so the booked date fits within the 7 – 14 day ideal window for your shoot.
Many experienced newborn photographers allow space in their diary so sessions can move depending on when baby arrives.
The best age for newborn photography (and what if plans change).
Most newborn photographers prefer to photograph babies between 7 and 14 days old because your baby will be more settled and sleepy in these early days.
Once baby reaches two weeks old they become hungrier and more active. You will therefore need to allow more time for feeding and settling during your shoot.
After two weeks, baby will begin to stretch their limbs and move more which makes the sleepy curled up poses a little more tricky.
Another benefit of capturing your new baby within the first 14 days is that both parents are likely to be on leave and available for the photographs.
All of the above is good advice, however there is one more thing to consider. If, for whatever reason, you are not able to go ahead with your shoot in the first two weeks then please do not feel you have missed your only opportunity.
A newborn photographer should never put new parents under any pressure as you may need more time to recover from baby’s birth.
Even though babies grow quickly they are still tiny and new for months after they are born.
I can capture your baby at any time and there is always a bright side to having to wait a little for the shoot: at two weeks old your baby will be more alert and I can capture their eyes open, a shot that parents always love.
What happens during a newborn session (step-by-step).
The best newborn sessions are always baby-led. Working with your little one’s routines and rhythms will allow for a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
On arrival I take time to settle in and have a chat about the session ahead, advising on the best places to take the photographs, the available light etc. I also work with the family to include any personal or sentimental items into the photographs. These could be things like your scan photo, a special blanket or hat knitted by a family member, or a comforter that was gifted to them at birth.
The order in which I take the photographs depends on how baby is feeling when I arrive. If baby is sleepy and settled I will start with the photographs of baby on their own. I bring a soft beanbag, blankets and a studio light for this and will set them up in a suitable place within your home.
If baby is more unsettled at the beginning of the session then, after feeding or changing, I would begin with cuddly family photographs so that baby feels safe and held.
Siblings are welcome to join the session and I will always work around their routine too.
One of the benefits of an at-home session is that any older children are comfortable and can play or have a snack until it is their turn to join in.
Where possible I will try to capture the sibling photographs first so the older children can relax and are not waiting around.
As part of your session I will capture a variety of photographs including tiny details, baby both asleep and awake (with eyes open), siblings, family and natural moments.
Your session usually lasts approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, though I don’t book more than one session per day so your shoot will never be rushed.
What happens after a newborn photography session.
After your shoot I will work behind the scenes to edit and gently enhance the best images from your session. I will then create a beautiful private online gallery for you to view and share with family and friends.
My sessions already include 10 high-resolution digital images. You can select these in your gallery and download them directly to your device.
You will have the option to choose additional digital images or upgrade your package to include the complete gallery of photographs.
Alongside digital options, I offer a collection of quality prints, frames and other presentation options which you will have the opportunity to order for delivery direct to your door.
I bring a selection of beautiful print, frame and album samples with me to your session allowing you to explore all the presentation and gift options available whilst I work.
Why many families choose at-home newborn photography sessions.
I ran a newborn and family photography studio in Middlesbrough for 15 years and photographed hundreds of newborns there.
My Studio was always warm, comfortable had everything I needed to capture beautiful photographs. I found, however, that I was able to pack up my lights, posing beanbag and blankets and bring them to my client’s home.
When I introduced Newborn ‘At Home’ sessions approximately 5 years ago, they soon became very popular. Clients would often say how lovely it was not having to pack everything up and rush around after a sleepless night.
In fact, coming to the Studio was often baby’s first trip out of the house leaving parents a little frazzled when they arrived.
After introducing the ‘At Home’ newborn sessions many families began asking to move their sessions to their home once their baby arrived, simply because it felt easier and more relaxed.
Here are some of the benefits of a Newborn at-home session in Teesside:
- Everything you need is already to hand; no packing or worrying about forgetting anything.
- You can relax, change outfits or freshen up whenever you need to.
- Siblings feel comfortable at home and can play or snack between shots.
- If one parent is working from home, they can easily pop in and out.
- Your home creates a meaningful, personal backdrop for your photographs.
- Years from now, you’ll be able to look back and remember these early days in the place it all began.
There’s no need to tidy everywhere before the shoot. A few clear spaces around a window, a comfy chair or sofa and possibly in baby’s nursery (if they have one) are all we need.
With soft window light I can capture simple, beautiful photographs that could have been taken in a Studio.
I bring everything I need with me (basically a mini Studio) for baby’s photographs so their pictures on their own are exactly what I would have taken in my studio environment.
What you need to pack if you are travelling to a studio.
If you are travelling to a studio, it can help to prepare a bag the day before so everything is ready and you’re not rushing on the day. I recommend bringing:
- Nappies: bring plenty, just in case.
- Feeding supplies: breastfeeding is always welcome; if bottle feeding, it’s best to bring extra milk as babies can be more unsettled in a new environment.
- A simple baby grow: plain and neutral (white works beautifully), as you may be asked to change baby during the session.
- Light layers only: avoid tight clothing, waistbands or socks that can leave marks on baby’s skin.
- Minimal outfits: too many layers can be tricky to remove and may unsettle baby.
- Any sentimental items: such as a scan photo, comforter or special blanket you’d like included.
- Wipes and muslins: useful for little spills and changes.
- Snacks and drinks: sessions can be longer, so it’s helpful to have something with you.
- For yourself: a hairbrush, make-up and a spare outfit in case you’d like to freshen up.
What to wear for your newborn photography session.
I recommend light or natural tones where possible as this helps your baby take centre stage.
Keeping your clothing plain (no logos or patterns) ensures there is nothing distracting from the main focus of the images: your beautiful new baby.
It’s also a good idea to wear something you are comfortable and feel confident in.
Coordinating your colours as a family gives the photographs a soft, unified style. You can keep this really simple and go for white or light grey.
If you are not feeling at your best we can focus on close images with baby in your arms or your hands around baby in the photographs.
After many years experience I know all the best ways to create flattering family pictures.
My experience as a newborn photographer.
My baby and family photography studio was established in 2009 which (at the time of writing this) was 17 years ago! In that time I have photographed hundreds of newborns with their families and established my own newborn photography style.
I am a Mum myself and when my son was born I remember just gazing at him and taking in all the tiny details. These are the things I love to capture for new parents: their own unique baby. I believe every baby is an individual from day one, a tiny person with a character of their own.
For this reason I do not photograph newborns using lots of tight swaddles and props. I love simple, natural photographs and authentic moments.
Your baby’s safety is my priority and I will never place your baby in unnatural or uncomfortable positions. All little ones should be able to move freely. Little yawns and stretching limbs can make lovely candid, natural images.
My newborn sessions are always baby-led and we take cuddle and feeding breaks whenever they are needed. I bring a calm and relaxed approach to every session so you can enjoy the experience and make the best possible memories.
Because I have been working with families for so long I have built strong relationships with my clients, many of whom I have been working with from the beginning. Some of the very first newborns I photographed are now teenagers and it’s wonderful to see how they have grown.
As well as my long career as a professional photographer I am also a qualified teacher specialising in early years. I have a deep understanding of child development and connection to the joys of family life.
FAQs
What if my baby is already three weeks old?
I know there can be a lot of pressure on parents to capture their new baby within 7-14 days of birth, however it is important to be realistic. Not only is baby’s arrival unpredictable but birth itself can leave new parents needing time to adjust.
It is never too late to capture your baby, at three weeks or even three months.
Do I need to tidy my house for a newborn at-home session?
When I think back to our living room in the first few weeks after our son was born I can remember a make-shift changing station set up in the corner, moses basket and muslin cloths scattered around everywhere. That’s just life with a newborn.
When it comes to your shoot we only need a few clear areas and we’ll just move things to one side when needed. The photographs are focused on you and your baby, the room around you is just blurred out in the background.
Can siblings be included?
Yes absolutely. Sibling photographs are a priority for me in all my sessions. I have worked with families of all sizes and have lots of experience of working with toddlers. Over the years I have developed lots of tried and tested ways of bringing siblings together safely with newborns to capture beautiful, gentle moments.
Choosing the right newborn photographer.
When choosing a newborn photographer, it’s important to find someone whose style and approach feels right for your family.
Some photographers work in studios with posed setups, while others (like myself) offer relaxed, baby-led sessions at home.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your photographer’s experience, approach and the way they work with babies.
I hope this complete guide to newborn photography in Teesside has helped you feel more prepared and confident about capturing these early days.
If you’re expecting a baby in Middlesbrough or anywhere across Teesside and would like relaxed, natural newborn photographs in the comfort of your home, I’d love to hear from you.
I photograph a small number of families each week to ensure every session is calm and unhurried.
Most families book during pregnancy to reserve a space, but if your baby has already arrived you are always welcome to get in touch.
A few helpful resources for parents in Teesside.
Alongside preparing for your newborn photography session, you may find these trusted resources helpful during the early days with your baby:
• NHS – advice on caring for your newborn, feeding and recovery after birth.
• National Childbirth Trust – support, courses and guidance for new and expectant parents.
There is so much information available, so it’s always best to find advice and support that feels right for you and your family.
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