What to Expect During Your Newborn Studio Session

You’ve just welcomed a brand new human into the world (or you’re about to), and walking into a newborn studio session for the first time can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. It’s often the first real outing with bub, and the idea of packing up and heading to a studio might feel like a lot.

That’s why I’ve created a space that feels more like a home away from home: calm, warm, and designed with you and your baby in mind. If you’re wondering what actually happens during a newborn photography session, here’s a look inside the experience.

A Calm and Welcoming Environment

Darryl Kerrigan said “A man’s home is his castle” and this studio is a part of mine! From the moment you arrive, my goal is for you to feel completely at ease. My space is softly lit, quiet, and kept comfortably warm to help your baby feel safe and sleepy. You’ll be greeted with a play space for siblings, refreshments, and a slow pace that honours the rhythm of your little one.

You don’t need to bring much, just baby, a feed, and a few essentials. Everything else is taken care of.

The Flow of the Newborn Studio Session

I am often asked how long a session will go for, newborn sessions usually last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, settling, and cuddles. I only book one newborn session per day so there’s no pressure and absolutely no rush.

My sessions are all baby-led which means not all sessions are the same, I will never force baby into a pose they don’t like. So while there are no hard and fast rules for how the session will unfold, Here’s how the session typically flows:

1. Arrival and settle-in time
   You’ll have time to feed baby, get comfortable, try on wardrobe items and chat through any final preferences.
2. Wrapped solo portraits of baby
   We begin with baby wrapped and settled, capturing all the tiny details: lashes, lips, toes, and peaceful expressions.
3. Parent and sibling photos
   I gently guide you into soft, natural poses with baby in arms, focusing on connection and emotion.
4. Optional outfit changes or unwraps
   If baby is settled and sleepy, we may transition to looser wraps or simple nappy-off poses.

What Should You Wear?

I have a beautiful client wardrobe available, with soft, neutral pieces for mums and babies. If you prefer to bring your own, try to avoid anything too bright or patterned as softer tones photograph beautifully. I’m always happy to guide you with styling suggestions before your session and you will receive my style guide when you book.

How to Prepare for a Newborn Studio Session

You’ll receive a full prep guide in advance, but here are a few simple things that help your session run smoothly:

• Keep baby awake for as long as possible before the session
• Feed baby right before you leave or upon arrival at the studio
• Dress baby in something easy to remove, like a zip-up onesie (no singlets please!)
• Avoid strong perfumes or fake tan, especially on the hands

Most importantly, come with an open heart and zero expectations. Remember, babies don’t always co-operate, and that’s completely okay! I’ll take care of the rest.

After the Session

What happens after your newborn studio session will depend on the collection you’ve chosen.
I offer a range of collections to suit different families, budgets, and preferences. Whether you’re after just a handful of favourites or the full gallery of memories. Turnaround times, image selection, and inclusions vary slightly depending on your chosen collection. No matter what you choose, I edit every image by hand in my timeless signature style!

Get the full guide to my collections here.

I can’t wait to welcome you into my home!