Safety and Calm


My number one priority in a newborn photo session is making sure baby is safe. I have taken newborn safety courses and baby CPR. I am a trained registered nurse. I am no longer a practicing nurse but I have a good education behind me. I have an assistant at most of the sessions. The assistant is there to help keep baby safe and move things around so I am focusing 100% on the baby.

I try to make the studio a calm environment to help keep baby calm. The lighting is kept dim, I have a shusher, soft music playing and calming essential oils burning. I take things slow so as to not startle the baby when transitioning from one pose or prop to another. I often have parents comment on how much patience I must have (I'm not sure my own children would agree) I also allow for feeding and cuddles as needed during the session.

Sleeping infant wrapped in white swaddle lying on cream fur rug during newborn photo session. Palmerston North Manawatu Baby


Welcome to the Studio


The studio is at the front of my family home in Summerhill, Palmerston North. The entry to my studio does not take you through my home, however if you need a bathroom you will need to go through my home. The area is quiet and safe. You will need to park on the road, no parking meters around here :) The room is kept very warm and I suggest you wear layers! Babies can't regulate their own body temperature very well before 5 weeks old so the room is kept warm for them, the reat of us fell like we are on a tropical island.

I have everything needed for the session including a large variety of colours and props. I will ask you what sorts of colours you prefer and then I use my creative talent to create a beautiful session for you.

I am a Mum to 3 boys. The oldest is 26 and lives away from home with his partner, my next child is 19 and is at Massey University on Palmerston North and my youngest is 13 and has just started high school. On the odd occasion you may hear the front door as one or other of them leave or enter.

Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in soft yellow blanket rests on floral pattern fabric. Palmerston North Newborn Baby
Newborn photographed sleeping peacefully on brown pillow. Palmerston North Newborn Baby Photograph family
A joyful newborn baby laughs while lying on a floral background during a professional photo session. Palmerston North Manawatu Newborn Photo


When, time of day and how long will it take?


Newborn sessions are best done under 2 weeks old but can be done up to 5 weeks relatively easily. I have done a newborn session up to 7 weeks old but this is not my preference. When you book earlier on your pregnancy I pencil in your due date. Once baby is born I ask that someone lets me know and then I can give you the exact dates I have available in the following weeks. On the day, I start the session between 9-12 am. The reason for this is that a session can take 3+ hours so we need a good amount of the day. Babies are also usually more settled and sleepy at this time rather than later in the day. With the session taking that length of time I suggest you bring some snacks/lunch and drink. I do provide drinks if you request.

Loving couple in white shirts cradle and gaze down at their baby against a dark studio backdrop. Palmerston North Newborn Baby Family


What to Wear


As mentioned earlier wear layers! It gets hot in the studio. If you are doing family photos white or black look good, but I don't have any strict guidelines. Wear something comfortable and not overly ornate. The simpler the better I think. If you are not doing family photos come prepared to have you hands in some photos. I don't always do these images but if the moment works I will, so be prepared, clean hands, clean nails and no watches, sharp bracelets or hair bands on your wrists.

For the baby, a dome or zip up onesie that is easily removed works well.

Close-up black and white photo of tiny newborn baby feet showing delicate wrinkles and toes against. Palmerston North Newborn Photo
Black and white portrait of a happy baby with dark hair against a light background. Palmerston North Newborn Baby
A tender black and white photograph of a parent and baby's hands gently touching in a loving embrace. Palmerston North Newborn Baby


Siblings


If you have booked for sibling and family photos I have started doing this on a seperate day. I find it makes the newborn only portion so much smoother. If this is not possible then I prefer to do the sibling and family portion at the end of the session. I ask that the sibling is not brought to the session until towards the end once I've got the newborn only part of the session done.

If you have a more reserved child who may find the new environment overwhelming I am happy to offer a studio visit.

If the sibling is under 2 1/2 please be prepared that we may find it more challenging to get sibling photos. Sometimes I will suggest coming back in 6 months time to get sibling photos. I know its not ideal but I want to make it an enjoyable and positive experience.

A black and white portrait of a peaceful newborn sleeping while a young boy sits nearby looking down at the baby. Palmerston North Baby


After the session


I always aim to have your gallery to you in 2 weeks, but sometimes it can take up to 3 weeks. I will then send you a proof gallery from which you will choose your favourite images which are part of the session price. You have the option to purchase extra images as well. each session also includes a matted print of your choice and if you would like more printed images, canvases a photo book I can assist you with this too.


And thats it. I hope I have eased your mind and helped you to not be too apprehensive or overwhelmed for the session. It is such an exciting and precious time in your families life and I feel incredibly honoured to be able to be a part of these early days and provide you with some precious memories on film.