Guide to Preparing for Your Newborn Photoshoot with Hannah Cornford Photography

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a huge milestone, and capturing those precious early moments with a professional photoshoot is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. At Hannah Cornford Photography, I have been specialising in newborn photography for almost seven years, and I love helping parents preserve these moments. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for your newborn photoshoot and ensure it’s an stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Why Choose Hannah Cornford Photography?

As a seasoned newborn photographer based in Strood, Kent, I offer a warm and welcoming studio environment where I use a variety of props, wraps, and accessories to create beautiful and unique setups. I am fully trained in newborn photography and safety is always my number one priority during the photoshoot. My experience and calm approach helps make the photoshoot enjoyable for both parents and babies. Here’s what some of my clients have to say:

Client Testimonial 1: “I have used Hannah for both my newborn shoots now, and she is just fantastic. Hannah is so calm and great with the babies and siblings. The whole experience is great, from the shoot to the viewing session, and we have some beautiful pictures that capture those precious newborn moments and memories.” — Naomi

Client Testimonial 2: “I cannot recommend Hannah enough for anyone wanting to capture precious family memories. Hannah captured our newborn son in a beautiful shoot when he was three weeks old. On the photoshoot day, Hannah was so calm, patient, and caring towards our son, putting us totally at ease. She followed his lead and was ever so gentle when dressing him and changing his position. We felt totally relaxed on the day as Hannah dedicates each day to only one newborn, meaning we didn’t run out of time or feel pressured at all. When we came to view the photos, we were blown away by how amazing they were. Thank you, Hannah, for making us two very proud parents.” — Happy Parents

You can also read many more client reviews on google View all Google reviews

Preparing for Your Newborn Photoshoot

To ensure the best possible experience and results, here are some essential tips to prepare for your newborn photoshoot:

1. Timing is Key:

The best time to schedule your newborn photoshoot is within the first three weeks of your baby’s life. During this period, babies are typically sleepier and more likely to stay in those adorable curled-up poses. This makes it easier to capture those precious, peaceful moments.

2. Keeping Baby Awake:

I often ask parents to try and keep their little one awake for about an hour before the shoot. This can help make sure your baby is ready for a nice, deep sleep once you arrive at the studio. This might involve some gentle playtime, a bath, or even a short walk.

3. Feeding Before the Shoot:

It’s helpful if you can feed your baby just before you leave for the studio or upon arrival. A full tummy means a content, sleepy baby, which is ideal for capturing those serene newborn photos.

4. What to Bring:

You don’t need to bring anything specific—just the usual baby bag essentials such as nappies, wipes, milk and a change of clothes. It’s also a good idea to bring a dummy if your baby uses one.

5. What to Wear:

For parents, I suggest wearing outfits that are comfortable and photograph well. Avoid patterns and bright colors as these can be distracting and date the photos quickly. Simple, solid colors such as black, white, or navy work best. These timeless choices keep the focus on your beautiful baby.

6. Studio Environment:

My Strood studio is set up to be warm and cozy, creating a comfortable environment for both babies and parents. I have a variety of props, wraps, and accessories ready to create stunning and unique setups for your session. The studio is designed to make you feel at home, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.

During the Photoshoot

On the day of the photoshoot, my priority is to make sure both you and your baby feel comfortable and at ease. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Patience and Care:

I dedicate each day to only one newborn, ensuring that we have ample time and no pressure to rush through the session. This approach allows us to take breaks as needed for feeding, changing, or simply comforting your baby.

2. Safe and Gentle Handling:

Safety is paramount during a newborn photoshoot. I follow your baby’s lead and handle them with the utmost care and gentleness. My experience allows me to read your baby’s cues and respond appropriately, ensuring they remain calm and comfortable throughout the session.

3. Variety of Shots:

Using my collection of props and accessories, I create a variety of beautiful setups and poses. From simple swaddled shots to more elaborate scenes, each photo is crafted to highlight the unique beauty of your newborn.

After the Photoshoot

Once the photoshoot is complete, the process of selecting and editing the best images begins. Here’s what happens next:

1. Selecting the Best Images: I carefully review all the photos taken during the session and select the best ones for editing. These images are chosen based on their quality, composition, and the special moments they capture.

2. Professional Editing: The selected images undergo professional editing to enhance their beauty. This includes adjusting lighting and retouching any small imperfections to ensure each photo is perfect.

3. Viewing Session: About two weeks after the photoshoot, you’ll be invited back to the studio for a viewing session. During this time, you can see the edited photos and choose your favorites. This is an exciting part of the process, as you get to relive those precious moments and decide which images you’d like to keep and display.

4. Payment & images: Once you have selected which images and package you wish to purchase this will be paid for at your viewing session. This can be paid with cash or card. Then you will receive your images sent to you at your viewing session via email. So you will walk away with your digital images there and then.

Booking and Payment: Clients can book a session by contacting me via email at info@hannahcornfordphotography.com or by phone at 07970956316. I will then send over a booking form for you to complete. Once I have the form and a £99 deposit, your session will be secured in the diary.

Frequently Asked Questions (Preparing for your newborn photoshoot)

Q: What should we wear for the photoshoot? A: Parents should wear outfits they are comfortable being photographed in. I usually suggest avoiding patterns and bright colors. Simple, solid colors like black, white, or navy are best.

Q: Do we need to bring anything specific? A: No, just the usual baby bag essentials such as nappies, wipes, milk and a change of clothes. Bringing a dummy can also be helpful.

Q: How long does the photoshoot take? A: The length of the photoshoot varies, but typically it can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, changing, and comforting your baby as needed.

Q: Can siblings and pets be included in the photoshoot? A: Yes, siblings and pets are welcome to be part of the session. I recommend preparing them in advance and bringing snacks and toys to keep them entertained.

Q: When will we receive our photos? A: After the photoshoot, I carefully select and edit the best images. You’ll be invited back to the studio for a viewing session about two weeks later to choose your favorite photos. It’s at this time that you will make payment and receive your digital photos. Any wall art or prints will be ready for collection between 2-6 weeks depending on product.

At Hannah Cornford Photography, my goal is to create an stress-free and enjoyable experience for you and your newborn while capturing beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish forever. I hope that this guide on preparing for your newborn photoshoot has helped and with these tips, you can help ensure a smooth and successful photoshoot. I look forward to welcoming you and your little one to my Strood studio and creating stunning memories together. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Preparing for your Newborn Photoshoot