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How to Feel Prepared for your Newborn Photography Experience

A newborn baby is sleeping in a heart shaped basket surrounded by flowers.
A baby in a purple dress is sitting on a wooden swing surrounded by flowers.

Because
Time. Doesn't. Wait.

Your first few days with your newborn baby are some of the most special memories you will ever have. Capturing timeless portraits for you to treasure forever is the best way to remember every single moment.


When I talk to parents prior to their newborn photography experience I know they are absolutely focused on capturing timeless portraits of their beautiful baby in those very early days.


However, they are often more reluctant to get in front of the camera themselves. Is this you? I am here to reassure you how precious these first family portraits actually are. Every time I capture portraits of mum and dad with their tiny newborn, they are some of the most treasured portraits.


Believe it or not, they are also the portraits most likely to lead to tears in the viewing session. Often that perfect family portrait of the three (or more!) is the one that new mums and dads choose for their wall art too.

Understandably mums are often feeling rather tired, even a little shell shocked, so soon after birth and I totally understand that you might be reluctant to get in front of the camera. But do ask yourself how you would feel if you don’t take the opportunity to capture portraits of yourself at a really significant moment in your life.


When you have done something as amazing as giving birth, you really deserve the chance to look back on amazing portraits of yourself with your proudest achievement – your newborn baby!


The logo for sarah ballock portraits is a blue circle
A newborn baby in a green sweater is holding a teddy bear.

How Should New Parents Prepare Before the Studio Session?

If you are at all nervous or apprehensive, let me know how you are feeling before you arrive, and discuss any concerns with me as we go along. We always have a Zoom call about a week before your session and I am happy to chat through everything with you. I can assure you, you are not the first and definitely won’t be the last!


Take a little look at some of the beautiful portraits of new parents on our website, every single one of them was nervous before their session too and all were delighted with their final artwork and happy for me to share it with other people.

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TIME TO RELAX

You will be able to totally relax during your session. My mission is to ensure mums and dads feel pampered throughout in a comfortable and cosy environment, so this should help you feel at home.


You look amazing and I promise this will show in your final artwork. I have captured portraits of hundreds of new mums and dads and without exception, everyone looked fantastic. Don't worry about anything....I will make sure you know what to do, how to sit and how to hold your baby. I will guide you gently through the whole experience.


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The logo for sarah ballock portraits is a blue circle

Natalie Newbold, Mum to Henry and Darcey


"On arrival at the studio we as parents were made to feel special in a relaxed environment with “Mummy & Daddy cups” for hot drinks and complimentary cold drinks & cookies.

Sarah looked after Henry straight away so that we were able to sit back & enjoy the experience of watching her capture Henry. Nothing was rushed & Sarah’s priority was that Henry was comfortable & content at all times which was lovely to see.

We liked the fact that Sarah supplied nappies & wet wipes when changing between different poses, again another added touch. We also fed Henry in the studio and didn’t feel rushed in any way."

A white background with a few lines on it
The logo for sarah ballock portraits is a blue circle
A woman is sitting in a chair with her arms crossed and smiling.

Remember that even if you are feeling very critical about your appearance at the time of the studio session, you will look back on this time with happy memories. Also remember, when you look back at your artwork with your little one as they get older, all they will see is their amazing mummy and daddy, and that is more precious than anything else. Don’t miss the opportunity for me to capture portraits of you and your family that you will treasure forever.


Your Appearance

I also suggest you allow plenty of time for the experience, so you aren’t feeling rushed at any point. I only book one newborn photography experience a day, so we can totally work at a pace which is right for you and your baby and capture the very best portraits of everyone.


A woman is reading a book to a young boy who is sitting in a chair.

Working at Your Baby’s Pace



A group of people posing for a picture with their arms crossed
A woman is holding a baby in her arms and smiling