Babies / Baby Portraits: What to expect at your shoot
What should I and my baby expect at a photo shoot?
The thought of visiting a photography studio with your new family member can make you feel a little apprehensive.
I will try and put your mind at ease by describing what happens during your photo shoot and what the environment will be like.
Most importantly, we will plan the event around you and your baby. Some babies like their precise routines, others aren't quite so structured; we will aim to book an appointment at the studio that best fits in with your schedule.
The studio is located in a peaceful setting, it is new, bright and welcoming. It stays nice and cool in summer and is well heated in the winter (there's nothing worse than shivering during a shoot). When you arrive, and you have had a chance to sort out your baby (taken coats of etc), we will spend some time talking about the pictures we want to make. If your baby likes music, we can ensure there is some playing in the background.
Next, if you need to change your baby's clothes (those for the pictures), now is the best time. Once you and your baby are ready, I'll ask you to put them on the stage (this is a raised area where we can position your baby, props, toys etc) ready for the shoot. I'll then take a few pictures while you are talking to your baby (or doing whatever it take to get the expression you want me to capture!). As the shoot progresses, we will adjust positions and any props/toys to ensure we get the opportunity to capture your little one at their very best.
When I am sure we have got a suitable selection of photographs, we will finish the shoot. If your baby decides differently and wants to finish early or just wants a break, then we will stop the shoot. If we need to, we can schedule another appointment so that you can return to try again.
When all the photographs have been taken, then at the end of your shoot, we will make an appointment for you to return to view the images.
At what age should I take my baby for photographs?
There are several development stages that are important steps to record:
- Newborn (2-6 weeks)
Some parents like to have a newborn picture, others don't. Newborn pictures can capture the emotions of those precious first weeks especially when soft subtle, low lighting is used. This style of shot can work very well in black and white and can also hide some of the flaky skin, red patches etc that are sometimes present on newborns.
If you would like newborn images, there are some intimate poses, with parents holding their baby, that work very well. For these shots, it is a good idea to bring long sleeve black tops for the parent. - When your baby starts to roll onto it's front!
This makes for some great pictures, especially when they can lift their heads. - When he or she can sit.
Once at this stage, babies are usually pretty mobile and the fun really starts. They love to get about in order to explore their environment. This is a great time to catch those big smiles as they see something new, or concentrating faces while they play with a new toy. - When your baby can stand.
They aren't quite ready for school but they are well on their way! It's so exciting to see them stand for the first time; I love the way they wobble and fall back down right on their behinds, bending perfectly at the waist, back into a sitting position.
Do you have a baby package?
Yes! I have a Baby's First Year Package. This includes 4 shoots in the first year and you will receive a beautiful, deluxe framed composition with your favourite images that tell the story of the first 12 months development.
Can I get some pictures for my baby's passport?
It's so difficult getting acceptable photos from a booth; while you are at the studio, why not consider having your baby's passport photos taken?
What happens after my shoot?
I process the images and make an initial selection of the best pictures. When this is completed, I will contact you to confirm your next appointment back at the studio for the viewing, the appointment is usually about a week after the photo shoot.
Tell me about the viewing
Sit back on the sofa as I dim the lights and start a slide show of your pictures. Your photographs will be projected in the studio for your viewing and selection.
When the slide show is over, we will go through the pictures and you can select your favourites!
There are framed prints, canvases and multi-image options to consider. The multi-image product is a great way to display a group of pictures from your shoot, especially if you are finding it difficult to decide which photographs to have.
My frames are all hand made and are of the finest quality components, acid free mounts are used so that there is no discolouration over time.
Once you have selected your images and presentation it will take approximately two weeks for your order to be be completed. When it is ready, I will contact you to make collection arrangements.