After nearly two decades of photographing newborn babies, I can honestly say the biggest mistake parents make before their newborn session is this:

Trying to make everything absolutely perfect.

Perfect baby.

Perfect routine.

Perfect outfits.

Perfect parents.

And honestly? Real life with a newborn simply doesn’t work like that!

By the time most families arrive at my studio, they are running on very little sleep, surviving on tea and biscuits, and wondering whether they remembered to brush their hair that morning. (Spoiler alert - you’re doing fine!)

The good news is that newborn photography really doesn’t require perfection. In fact, some of the most beautiful images I’ve ever captured have happened during sessions where parents arrived apologising because baby had cried all morning, fed constantly, or refused to sleep before leaving the house.

Babies are tiny humans, not robots. They don’t read the session guide and think “Right then, better perform for the camera today.” That’s where experience comes in. I've seen it all - been there, done that. Please don't worry!

“Sorry… we look awful!”

Most new mums (and dads) are exhausted, recovering physically, perhaps living in leggings and most likely running on caffeine and adrenaline.

That is completely normal.

I gently guide parents into flattering, natural poses and use lighting that is soft and forgiving. You are not expected to suddenly transform into a catwalk model two weeks after giving birth! Don't worry - your photos will look fine.

And in any case, years from now, your baby is not going to look at these images and think:

“Mum really should have done her hair better.” They will simply see love.

Some of the most treasured images parents choose are the simplest ones - cuddles, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, your baby asleep on your chest while you look completely smitten.

“We’ve brought twelve outfits…”

Tiny babies can disappear inside large outfits, which is why I usually keep styling very simple using wraps, soft textures, and neutral tones.

Timeless photographs age beautifully. That said, I absolutely love incorporating meaningful items too. Over the years I’ve photographed babies with everything from family wedding veils to rugby balls and even R2D2 making an appearance in the studio!

So yes, bring sentimental items along - just don’t worry if you haven’t packed an entire suitcase of baby clothes.

“What if baby cries the whole time?”

Another huge worry for parents. Newborn sessions are completely baby-led and there is always plenty of time built in for feeds, cuddles, winding breaks, nappy changes and settling.

Some babies sleep beautifully - some need a little extra reassurance. Some decide 11am is the perfect time to stay awake and supervise the entire session.

All completely normal and the reason why newborn sessions can last up to four hours. We work around your baby, never the other way round.

The Sleepy Baby Myth (Well… Sort Of!)

Now, I do send guidance to help encourage a lovely sleepy baby for your session, because those curled-up sleepy images are usually easiest to achieve when baby is nice and settled.

A warm bath, a little playtime before leaving home, feeding once you arrive at the studio - all these things genuinely help. But parents sometimes panic if things don’t go exactly to plan. Please don’t!

Some babies sleep instantly, some need time. Some prefer being wrapped snugly first and sometimes - we get a little “unicorn baby” who sleeps through absolutely everything while making me look like some kind of baby whisperer. (Trust me, they are rare!)

The important thing is that your baby’s comfort and safety always come first.

Please Don’t Stress About The Little Things

I promise you this:

Your newborn session does not need:

A perfectly sleeping baby

Perfectly behaved siblings

Perfectly coordinated outfits

...or perfectly rested parents

You just need to turn up. I’ll guide you through the rest.

And after photographing newborns safely for many years, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photographs rarely come from “perfect” sessions anyway - they come from real moments, real connection, real love...

...And usually at least one parent quietly eating a cheese and tomato sarnie in the corner or falling asleep on my comfy sofa while I cuddle a baby to sleep.