One of the questions I’m often asked by parents before their newborn session is:
“But what happens if my baby doesn’t sleep?”
Please don’t worry, your baby doesn’t have to sleep for us to create beautiful photographs.
Some newborn babies sleep almost all the way through their session. Others are wide awake and curious about everything going on around them. Most babies do a little bit of both!
Every baby is different, which is why my newborn photography sessions are relaxed, flexible and completely baby-led.
We simply follow your baby
I have been photographing newborn babies since 2013, and one thing I’ve learnt over the years is that babies don’t follow a timetable!
During your session at my private photography studio in Hillmorton, Rugby, we take everything at your baby’s pace.
There is plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, changing, winding and settling. If your baby needs a break, we take one. There is never any pressure to rush through the session.
Your baby’s comfort and safety will always come first.
Awake newborn photographs can be beautiful too
If your little one decides they would much rather have a good look around than go to sleep, that’s absolutely fine.
Those wide-awake moments can create some of my favourite newborn photographs.
Bright little eyes looking towards the camera, tiny expressions and even the occasional newborn frown can capture so much personality, even when they’re only a few weeks old.
We don’t need to spend the entire session trying to make your baby sleep just because that’s what you might have seen in other newborn photographs.
Instead, I’ll work with what your baby is happy doing.
What if my baby is unsettled?
This is another worry I hear from new parents, but please don’t feel embarrassed or concerned if your baby cries or needs lots of settling during their photoshoot.
Babies cry. Babies get hungry. They need cuddles. Sometimes they just want Mum or Dad.
That’s completely normal.
My newborn sessions usually allow around 1–2 hours, giving us plenty of time to stop when your baby needs feeding, comforting or simply a cuddle.
You’re not expected to arrive with a perfectly sleepy baby!
Do I need to keep my baby awake before the session?
You don’t need to put lots of pressure on yourself before you arrive.
I’d much rather you and your baby arrive feeling as relaxed as possible than have an exhausted or unhappy little one because you’ve been desperately trying to keep them awake.
Before your session, I’ll let you know anything I’d recommend doing to help prepare, but there’s no guarantee that a baby will sleep and that’s okay.
What if we don’t get the sleepy photographs I wanted?
We’ll always try to create a lovely variety of images during your newborn session.
If your baby falls asleep, we can create those gorgeous sleepy newborn portraits. If they’re awake, we’ll capture those beautiful open eyes and expressions too.
Often, babies will drift between being awake and asleep throughout their session, giving us the opportunity to photograph both.
The important thing is that we don’t force your baby into something they’re unhappy with simply to achieve a particular photograph.
Relax and enjoy your newborn session
Having a new baby can already feel like there are a million things to think about, so your newborn photoshoot shouldn’t be another thing to worry about.
Come along, make yourself comfortable and let me worry about the photographs.
We’ll follow your baby’s lead and create images that capture this incredibly short stage of their life, whether they’re fast asleep or wide awake!
Looking for newborn photography in Rugby?
I offer relaxed, baby-led newborn photography from my private studio in Hillmorton, Rugby, welcoming families from Rugby, Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.
If you’re expecting a baby and would like to find out more about a newborn photography session, you can view my newborn sessions and pricing or get in touch with me. I’m always happy to answer any questions before you book.
