{Meet Matilda – Hear all about her session just before Christmas and find the answers to many commonly asked questions about newborn photography}
There was something very special and rather symbolic about having a newborn session just before Christmas. It was almost tempting to bring along a few baby sheep, a donkey and three wise men but then I stopped myself and came back to reality. Sarah Angel Photography stands for all that is natural and real. Parents, as I know from my own experience as a Mum and that of my Mummy friends, want shots that are timeless, classic and natural.
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What happens prior to the session?
Prior to arriving at Matilda’s home, I had a few email conversations with her Mum and then a quick chat on the phone. I find these conversations, even just through email, are really important for finding out a little more about the family I am visiting and what they are wanting from their newborn session. I can also advise them on how to prepare for the session and decide on the best position in the house for setting up my camera and equipment.
Who supplies the props and blankets?
I supply a large range of blankets, wraps, hats and head-bands. Once I had a general idea of what Matilda’s Mum and Dad liked I filled a large bag with blankets fitting their criteria so they could make their final choices on the day.
Through our phone conversation Matilda’s mum and I were able to plan a general overview of what types of coloured blankets she wanted in the shots, and whether or not she wanted Matilda wearing any hair bands or hats etc. Often parents have a special blanket or bonnet at home, sometimes it has been a family heirloom piece, which we have used to achieve some beautiful and treasured shots. When chatting to Matilda’s Mum I discovered that Matilda had a special blanket with an ‘M’ motif on it and knowing about this prior to her session meant I could make sure this prop was factored in at the start of the session.
What can I do to prepare for the session?
When I arrived at Matilda’s house her parents had turned the heating up so it was very cosy and warm. Babies love a warm room for their newborn session. The recommended temperature for a clothed baby would be 18 / 19 degrees Celsius however an undressed baby would feel most comfortable with a room temperature of 28/29 degrees Celsius. They had Matilda’s nappy and clothing on very loosely as to avoid any clothing marks on her skin. They had Matilda’s special blanket ready for her session and a little hat. Aside from that there was little else for them to do.
What happens at the start of a session?
Once we had all said hello, my first task was to check the available light in our chosen spot below the front living room window. As an on-location baby photographer relying on natural light settings I was a little bit nervous about this session, as, not only was it the shortest day of the year but it was also a very cloudy day too, so there was very little available light. Thankfully it wasn’t too bad and I remembered to pack a special fill-light, which replicates natural day light which we could use to ‘top-up’ the available light. The light I use is exceptionally light and cool to the touch, making it an ideal and safe choice when photographing small babies and children. Dad and I set about moving a bit of furniture to clear some extra space, then I was able to set up my equipment whilst Matilda was fed by her Mum.
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Will you be handling my baby?
Once Matilda was fed and drifted into a fairly deep sleep, Mum handed her over to me to begin placing her in her first position. I work in a very baby-led manner. This means I never force a baby into any position that is too unnatural or uncomfortable for them and I gently coax arm, legs, fingers and head into flattering angles very gently and slowly. Nothing is rushed or forced. Matilda’s favourite positions for sleeping seemed to be on her tummy or on her side. We tried her on her back first but she just wasn’t having it. We tried again later in the session but she still wasn’t having any of it! Matilda’s mum and I were a little disappointed to not get a full range of shots that session but we were both happy that we had a happy baby and a range of shots from the other poses that did work.
What should I do about my baby’s umbilical cord and clip?
Baby’s cord and clip could still be attached by the time they are 10 – 14 days old. It goes without saying that they are not the most attractive things when you’re thinking about a newborn portrait session but equally so, it’s a very natural and normal part of this stage of your newborns life. For this reason I do not offer to ‘Photoshop’ out baby’s clips as this would mean replacing it with another babies belly button and then you wouldn’t have a natural portrait photograph of your newborn baby. Matilda’s clip was still attached when I came to her session so Mum and I discussed the alternative options to achieving great newborn portrait photographs. As well as some clever posing and angles, we did a few shots using wraps or we draped muslin cloth over her tummy.
How might the rest of the session run?
Spending a morning with Matilda and her Mum was such a relaxing and enjoyable time. Matilda needed a few top up feeds and we had to wipe up a little bit of baby poo and change her blanket at one stage. But as soon as she was settled into her poses I would seize the moment and start snapping away whilst Matilda’s Mum enjoyed a few cups of coffee and got to catch up on her emails and have some Facebook time on the sofa. It is very common for newborn sessions to take up to four hours and in this time perhaps only half an hour or so is spent taking pictures whilst the remainder of time is spent feeding, changing and settling a newborn off to sleep. Posing Matilda did take some time and there were a few of those ‘hold-your-breath moments’ where she would stir a little or coo or let out a heavy sigh but this was normal of any newborn session. On the whole she was in a very sleepy mood so we were very lucky to get a good range of shots including one of her draped in her very special blanket embellished with the letter ‘M’. I hope her special blanket lasts a lifetime or longer, just like her beautiful newborn portraits.
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