Booking a newborn photoshoot is exciting, but many parents worry about what happens if their baby just won’t settle. The truth is, this is completely normal—and it’s something I handle at nearly every session.
So if your little one decides today isn’t their day for photos, don’t worry! Here’s exactly what we’ll do to ensure you still get beautiful images to cherish.
First, It’s Completely Normal for Babies to Be Unsettled
Newborns have their own little schedules, and sometimes they just aren’t in the mood for sleeping, curling up, or even relaxing. That’s absolutely fine! I always allow plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and I have lots of gentle soothing techniques (plus a warm and cosy studio) to help your baby feel calm and secure.
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How We Handle Fussy Moments in the Studio
Every session is designed with flexibility in mind. If your baby needs extra time to settle, I’ll gently work around them, allowing for:
- Feeding breaks to ensure they’re comfortable and full.
- Swaddling techniques to help them feel snug and secure.
- Gentle movement and white noise to mimic the womb’s calming environment.
- Adjusting poses so we capture stunning images whether they’re asleep or awake.
But What If They Stay Awake?
Not all newborns sleep during their session (the vast majority do though) and that’s absolutely okay! Awake newborn photos can be just as beautiful, capturing their bright eyes and first expressions. Some of my favourite images have been of wide-eyed babies taking in the world for the very first time.
In the Unlikely Event We Need to Reschedule
In my years of photographing newborns, I’ve only had to completely reschedule a handful of sessions—and that’s usually due to a medical issue like colic, where the baby was truly uncomfortable. If, for any reason, your baby is unsettled to the point that we can’t capture the images you’d love, you are always welcome to reschedule.
Your newborn session isn’t a one-time-only opportunity. If nature isn’t on our side that day, we can still create stunning memories at any stage in your baby’s first year. Whether it’s at 6 weeks with first smiles or at 3 months when they’re full of personality, there are always amazing moments to capture.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Your newborn’s comfort is always the priority, and I have plenty of experience in keeping sessions relaxed and enjoyable. If you’re feeling anxious about your baby settling, don’t worry—I’ve got it covered. And if the unexpected happens? We have options. Either way, you’ll have beautiful memories to treasure forever.
Thinking about booking a newborn session? Feel free to get in touch—I’d love to chat
