What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session

Bringing your little one in for their first photoshoot is an exciting experience, but I know it can also feel a little overwhelming. My goal is to make the entire session as relaxing and enjoyable as possible for you and your baby. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect during your newborn photography session at Clare Barker Photography.

Before Your Session

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, I recommend booking your newborn session while you're still pregnant—ideally after your 20 weeks scan. This guarantees availability around your due date, and once baby arrives, we’ll confirm a date within the first two weeks of birth for the best sleepy poses.

Ahead of your session, I'll send you details of everything you need to know, including what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day. If you have any special requests for colours or styles, you can let me know in advance so I can tailor the session to your preferences.

On the Day of Your Session

My studio is located in Garforth, Leeds, with free parking available directly outside. When you arrive at my cosy and private studio, you’ll be welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere. The studio is designed to be a relaxing space where you can sit back, unwind, and enjoy the experience while I take care of everything.

What to Bring:

- Extra nappies and wipes  

- Milk (breast or bottle, whatever works for you!)  

- A dummy (even if baby doesn’t usually use one, it can be helpful for settling)  

- Any sentimental items you'd like to include in the photos  

The studio will be warm to keep your baby comfortable, so I recommend dressing in light layers. There’s also plenty of time for feeding and cuddles, so there's no need to rush!

The Photoshoot Process

Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, meaning we work at your little one’s pace. If they need feeding, cuddling, or time to settle, we take as many breaks as needed.

What Happens During the Session?

- Wrapped & Swaddled Poses: We usually start with baby wrapped up snugly, which helps them settle and allows for beautiful, timeless images.  

- Classic Newborn Poses: Once baby is content and sleepy, I’ll gently guide them into a variety of natural and comfortable poses. If there are any specific poses you would like to try then just let me know. 

- Family & Sibling Portraits: If you’d like, I can capture beautiful images of baby with parents and siblings, creating timeless memories for the whole family.  

After Your Session 

Once your session is complete, I carefully edit your images to create a stunning final gallery. Around 7 to 10 days later, you’ll be invited to a viewing session where you can see your images and choose your favourites. This is also when you can select beautiful prints, albums, and wall art to cherish forever.  

Final Thoughts 

A newborn photography session is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the fleeting moments of your baby’s first days. My aim is to provide you with a stress-free, enjoyable experience while creating beautiful, timeless images that you’ll treasure forever. If you have any questions or would like to book your session, feel free to get in touch—I’d love to capture these precious memories for you!  

If you like this blog, you may also like When Is the Best Time to Book a Newborn Photoshoot. 

Clare Barker Photography – Capturing the beauty of new beginnings.