Welcoming Your Newborn:
A Guide to Your At-Home Session with Bee Focused Photography
Congratulations on your new arrival! There’s nothing quite as special as those first few weeks with your newborn, and I’m honoured that your considering Bee Focused Photography to capture these precious moments. Whether you’re based in Horsham or anywhere in West Sussex, I’m here to ensure that your newborn photography session is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your in-home newborn session.
Before Your Session
A Few Weeks Before: Once you’ve booked your session, you’ll receive an email containing a contract with all the details of your upcoming shoot, including terms and conditions. This contract will also outline how to pay your deposit to secure your booking. I know planning outfits can sometimes be stressful, so I’ll send you a guide on what to wear. It’s packed with tips on what works well on camera, helping you to choose outfits that will make your photos timeless.
A Week Before: As your session date approaches, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance. This is also the time to think about which rooms you’d like to use for the shoot. Consider the lighting and space in your home – where is it lightest during the time of your session? Often, master bedrooms and living rooms work best, especially for those cosy, intimate family shots. Don’t worry about perfection; even something as simple as laying a duvet near a window can create a beautifully lit space. If you have a plain duvet or bed throw in neutral colours like grey or navy, it can be an excellent backdrop. But remember, if you’re too tired to prep the space (and who could blame you with a newborn?), we can make decisions on the day.
On The Day Of Your Session
When the day arrives, I recommend dressing your baby in the first outfit you’d like them to wear before I arrive. That way, if your little one dozes off after a feed, we can start with those peaceful, sleepy shots. However, if the timing doesn’t work out, don’t stress – we’ll work around your baby’s schedule.
During Your Session
Your newborn session will last up to two hours, providing plenty of time to capture a variety of moments without feeling rushed. When I arrive, I’ll take a look around your home to identify the best spots for photos. If you’re still getting ready, feeding your baby, or dealing with a nappy change, there’s no need to worry – we have ample time.
The session is designed to be flexible and relaxed, with breaks for feeding, changing, and, of course, cuddles. My style is largely documentary, which means I’ll follow your family around, capturing those natural, everyday moments that make life with a newborn so special. If you prefer more posed images, we can start with those and then transition into a more relaxed, candid approach.
If your newborn has an older sibling, I’ll begin by taking a few photos of them alone to make them feel special. Then, we’ll include the baby and get some lovely sibling shots before moving on to family portraits. After that, I recommend letting the older sibling(s) head off for some fun while we focus on capturing individual shots of your newborn and some with mum and dad.
After Your Session
After your session, I’ll carefully edit the images, selecting the best ones that truly capture the essence of your family. My editing style is natural and minimal – I’ll remove minor blemishes and enhance lighting and colours, but I don’t offer advanced retouching. I believe in preserving the natural beauty of your family just as you are.
Once the editing is complete, you’ll receive a link to a password-protected online gallery where you can view your photos. From there, you’ll be able to download your 15 included digital images and order additional prints or products if you wish.
I’m thrilled to be part of this special time in your life, capturing those fleeting moments that you’ll treasure forever. If you have any questions as your session approaches, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
For families in Horsham and across West Sussex looking for natural, heartfelt newborn photography, Bee Focused Photography is here to tell your story. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!
