Ever wondered what the journey of a newborn image is? Well, I am here to show you all the behind-the-scenes info from before, during, and after a photoshoot. A newborn session leaves you with stunning portraits of your new baby which you can display and treasure forever. As they grow, it is these images that you will look back on with the fondest of memories. It is when you became a family unit. When you first experienced a boundless love and became responsible for a precious new being.
The Beginning
Congratulations! Not only are you expecting. But if you have booked in with Samphire Photography for a newborn portrait session, you get to remember this magic time forever. After you have booked in and once your baby is born we will confirm your session date. Then we look at colours that you would like to include in your session.
Don’t have a favourite? That is OK. Because I have lots of experience in selecting 2-3 complementary colours for your session, that will work together to give you a gallery of images which are in harmony with each other.
Before the session, with the studio cleaned and ready, I set everything up. So that when you come in you can relax and let me do all the work. My bean-bag fabric is laid down and ready, along with 2-3 props set up. Then, in my handy wooden bowl, I have headbands, hats and adorable cuddlies ready to use. Outside of the items you will see in your portraits there are a large selection of additional items. All needed to make your images the best they can be. These include posing beans, hand sanitiser, extra blankets, nappies, pre-sterilised dummies and wipes all to hand. All equally as important.
The Hard Work Begins
Once you have arrived and settled and your baby has had a good feed, we have a chat. Just to make sure that your baby is all well and to see if there is anything in particular you would definitely like me to try to capture. Then it is over to me. You get to sit back and relax with a coffee or tea in hand. Probably the first one you have had since your baby has been born that you can finish whilst it is still hot!
I will then undress baby and settle them. Generally, I start baby’s session with them on my posing bag. With each pose, I use my experience of how to position your baby safely, ensuring that they remain comfortable throughout and no additional pressure is put on any part of their body. Once posed, I look at my lighting to ensure that is at the correct angle to light your baby perfectly. I also use the best camera angles so that you focus on the beauty of your tiny new baby in your images. From the very first shot down to the last, my focus is always on your baby. Making sure that the images I achieve for you are their absolute best. Gently adjusting your baby and my lights as I work in order to achieve this in all your images.
After The Session
Then it is back to my office to download and back up your images. I select the best image from each pose and then the editing begins.
I edit in the dark to make sure I can see any colour casts in your images and I don’t over-edit as I want your baby to look as natural as possible. But I do eliminate any distracting elements from the image so that you only see the natural beauty of your baby. Skin tones are adjusted as babies tend to be a little pinker due to their blood vessels being nearer the skin surface. Sometimes there may be a spot of jaundice to look at. I make sure that all birthmarks remain in the images, unless requested to be removed, as these are special to your baby. Flakey skin is removed with editing, however, as this is not a permanent fixture!
The Final Image
Once I have my selection of final images your viewing gallery is put together. So that when you come back into the studio you get to see your gorgeous baby portraits, fully edited, so that it is easy to decide on which products you would like.
So there you have it; the journey of a newborn image. It is not as simple as just clicking a button. Many stages are involved. Lots of time, energy and love go into all the portraits I take. Ensuring that as your newborn photographer, you know that when you book a session with me, you can trust that not only your baby is in the right hands but your images are too.
If you would like to book a session you can do so through my website here Newborn Photoshoot Horsham | Samphire Photography. Or if you would like to have a chat feel free to contact me on info@samphirephotography.co.uk
SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | SUSSEX NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Journey of a Newborn Image