For a newborn photo shoot, us photographers aim for baby to be fast asleep. However, Jua (meaning “The Sun” in Swahili), decided she wanted to be awake. And who can blame her? Her first modeling gig, and the photographer wanted her to be asleep??

Baby being awake for the newborn photo is shoot not an issue. I simply work around it, and often the awake shots are a parent favourite. And when all else fails, I say wrap-wrap-wrap. Nothing quite like being wrapped up and feeling snug and safe.

These early days of your baby being small enough into you hands, will fly past before you know it. A newborn photo shoot is a wonderful keepsake of this fleeting and happily-chaotic time of your lives. One definitely worth capturing.

When is the best time to do a newborn photo shoot?

Ideally, I prefer to do a newborn photo shoot when baby is between 5 & 14 days old. I do also photograph “older babies”, however beyond a certain age babies become less pliable, less tolerant, and more awake, and certain poses become more and more challenging.

As I can only book a limited number of newborn shoots each week, to allow for some flexibility in case of early or late deliveries; I do recommend booking your newborn shoot during your second trimester.

You can find more of my newborn work on Instagram, and I’d love to welcome you for your a shoot in my cosy in-home studio in Caversham, Berkshire, England. Get in touch!