Capturing Milestones: My Baby Photography Services

Your baby’s first two years are filled with incredible changes, and my baby photography services are designed to preserve these fleeting moments for you to cherish forever. From those first smiles at 4 months to confident strides as a toddler, my studio sessions capture every milestone with creativity, care, and experience.

The beauty of baby photography lies in its flexibility. My studio is designed to accommodate babies of all ages, offering a comfortable and safe environment. Popular session stages include:

  • 4 Months: When your baby starts to hold their head up and engage with the world around them.
  • 8 Months: Sitting unaided and full of character, this is a fantastic stage for capturing those giggles and cheeky grins.
  • 12 Months and Beyond: From their first steps to their emerging personality, this stage offers endless photo opportunities, including first birthday celebrations.

If your baby is younger than 4 months, you might want to explore my Baby Club Membership, which provides three sessions throughout your baby’s first year.

a close up of a baby's face at a professional photo shoot

4 months

a little boy sitting on a grey chair with this favourite soft sloth toy

8 months

a little boy in a bath tub with a balloon that spells one

12 months

What Happens During a Baby Photoshoot?

Sessions are relaxed and tailored to suit your baby’s mood and developmental stage. My Crawley Down studio is equipped with versatile backdrops, props, and lighting to create a variety of looks in a single session. Whether you prefer classic, minimal styles or something more playful, I’ll ensure you leave with a gallery of stunning images that match your preferences.

We always go at your baby’s pace, allowing for snack breaks, naps, or a change of clothes. My years of experience working with babies mean I’m skilled at capturing those magical moments—whether it’s a cheeky grin or a quiet, reflective expression.

a little girl dressed in yellow plays with her feet while lying on her back

How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Photoshoot

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a successful session:

  • Clothing: Simple outfits without busy patterns work best. Bring a few options to create variety in your photos.
  • Favourite Toy or Comforter: These can help your baby feel relaxed and happy during the shoot.
  • Snacks and Naps: A well-rested and well-fed baby is a happy baby! Try to schedule your session at a time that aligns with their routine.

Kind Words from Clients…

Looking for more inspiration for your baby photography session? Explore my recent blog posts for heartwarming stories, helpful tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. From session ideas to preparing for your shoot, there’s plenty to discover to help you make the most of your time in the studio.

Jorgia

We have been to Sarah for many years and every time I am blown away by how the pictures turn out! She really captures each of my children’s personalities in one snap! Highly recommend xxx

Gemma

I recently had a cake smash photo shoot for my sons 1st birthday and am so happy I found Sarah, she had so many choices for backgrounds and props, the photos are perfect and really reasonably priced for the experience and prints. I would highly recommend and will certainly be using her services again.

Amy

Sarah’s photography sessions are fun and professional. We love the pictures she took as part of the Joey club – capturing the first year of our baby! Thank you Sarah! We will hopefully be back! 😉 x

Christine

Absolutely amazing photoshoot in June. Sarah is so friendly, puts you straight at ease and is fantastic at calming a fussy newborn. Thank you we cannot wait for our Joey Club sessions!

Kay

Took our daughter Skylar for her newborn photos on Good Friday.. Sarah was wonderful with her, made us feel total relaxed, received the photos last night and they are amazing!! Would recommend this talented lady!! Look forward to see you again for more pic of Skylar through the years!

Claire
a baby boy poses in the studio next to his dad's guitar

No Sales Pressure, Just Stunning Photos

After your session, I’ll edit the images and deliver them via your private online gallery. You can browse your photos at your leisure, selecting prints or digital images without any high-pressure sales tactics.

Why Choose My Baby Photography Services?

With over 15 years of experience photographing babies, I understand how to create a calm and enjoyable experience for both parents and children. My studio in Crawley Down is a welcoming space where you can relax while I capture your baby’s personality and milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about my baby photography sessions? My FAQs are here to help! Whether you’re wondering about the best age to book a session, what to bring, or how to prepare your little one for their big day in the studio, you’ll find all the answers you need. If there’s something not covered, feel free to get in touch—I’m always happy to help!

When should I book my baby’s photo session?2025-01-27T13:00:44+00:00

I recommend booking your baby’s photo session about 4-6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially if you’d prefer a Saturday appointment. However, if you’re looking for a last-minute appointment, feel free to get in touch—I’ll do my best to accommodate you!

What backdrops and styles can I choose from?2025-01-27T12:58:54+00:00

My studio offers a variety of backdrops and styles, from classic white and black to themed or colourful setups. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or something more playful, we’ll create a setup that suits your preferences perfectly.

How do I view and order my images after the session?2025-01-27T12:57:01+00:00

After your session, I’ll professionally edit your images, and within two weeks, you’ll receive a link to your private online gallery. You can view and select your favourite photos, and ordering is simple—just add them to your basket and check out!

What safety measures are in place for baby photography?2025-01-27T12:55:57+00:00

Your baby’s safety is my top priority. I always ensure that poses are natural, equipment is secure, and the studio environment is clean and safe. My extensive experience means you can relax, knowing your little one is in good hands.  When you see photos where a baby is off ground level – on a chair or bed for example, you can be sure that there  are a pair of parent’s hands just out of shot making sure that they are well protected!

Do I need to bring any props or accessories?2025-01-27T12:54:16+00:00

My studio is fully equipped with a wide range of props and accessories, but you’re welcome to bring items that hold special meaning to your family. This could include a favourite blanket, toy, or family heirloom – if you’re not sure if something would work, I always say to bring it anyway and we can work it out on the day.  You’ll be able to let me know which, if any, of my props you’d like to include in your session when you receive your options form the day before your session. That way, I can have everything ready and waiting for you so we don’t waste any time!

What happens if my baby is unsettled during the session?2025-01-27T12:52:23+00:00

Babies have their own schedules, and that’s absolutely fine! I’ve been working with little ones for over 15 years, so I know how to handle unsettled moments.   They’re also not brilliant at letting us know what exactly is going on with them  – for example if they’re about to cut a painful tooth – so on rare occasions, if we can’t get them to settle to be at their best during their session, we just put a  pin in it and come back to things a different day.   In the normal run of events though, we’ll give them time to adjust to their new environment,  take breaks as needed and ensure your baby feels happy and secure before capturing those beautiful moments.

Can I include siblings or family members in the session?2025-01-27T12:49:46+00:00

Absolutely! Including siblings or family members in your baby’s photo session is a wonderful way to create treasured family memories. You’ll be able to let me know if you’d like to do this when you receive your options form the day before your session.  I have lots of posing options available depending on the ages of the children involved so there’s always a way to get great sibling pictures.

How long does a baby photo session take?2025-01-27T12:52:30+00:00

Baby photo sessions are booked in my studio to last for an hour so we have plenty of time for outfit changes, different backdrops, and ensuring your baby is comfortable throughout. The session’s pace is entirely flexible to suit your baby’s needs. However, it’s worth knowing that most babies won’t tolerate taking pictures for more than twenty minutes or so (obviously it depends on your little one’s mood on the day) as they can quickly get overwhelmed with the new experience, flashing lights, new person and general excitement.  Don’t worry though, I work fast and we can still generate an amazingly full gallery of images in this time frame – it is one of the first things I learned as a baby photographer!

What is the best age for baby photography?2025-01-27T12:45:27+00:00

Baby photography sessions can be tailored to any stage of your baby’s first year, but there are popular milestones to consider. These include 4 / 5 months (smiling and getting really strong at tummy time), 8 / 9 months (sitting up independently), and 12 months (standing or first steps). Each age captures unique moments you’ll cherish forever!  Obviously all babies differ in the times that they hit these milestones so you’re always welcome to get in touch and talk through when is the best time to schedule your session to create the images that you want.

What should my baby wear for their photo session?2025-01-27T12:43:25+00:00

Choosing your baby’s outfit is an exciting part of preparing for their photo session. I recommend comfortable clothing in solid colours that won’t distract from their adorable expressions. Avoid logos and busy patterns to keep the focus on your little one. Generally (and it obviously does vary from baby to baby) little people aren’t the biggest fans of getting undressed and dressed, so I probably wouldn’t normally recommend more than three outfit changes per session and definitely bonus points if you can layer things up so we can remove one layer and be ready to go in the next outfit!  Not sure what will work best?  You’re welcome to bring a couple of outfit options, and I’m always happy to help you decide on the day!

What’s the Best Age for my First Baby Photography Club Shoot?2020-01-15T12:43:15+00:00

My baby photography club offers you three photo shoots in your baby’s first year.  For the sake of ease of communicating the package details, I say that these are at four, eight and twelve months old.

That’s not entirely accurate though and here’s why. For your first session, your baby is going to be very limited in what they can achieve from a physical point of view – that’s not a criticism, just a fact of four month old life!

Of course, all babies develop at different rate and I have occasionally had four month olds that can sit up by themselves, but most of them are still pretty flopsy when it comes to sitting without at least a little bit of support.  I do have a special posing cushion that supports them while they are on my beanbag and allows them to ‘sit up’ so we can and will use that.  Our second option is to take pictures of them as they lie down on their backs.

However, and this is the part where timing of your first baby photography club session comes into it, I think it’s really nice to have a third posing option in your finished image gallery. This is when your baby is on their tummy. For this reason, I recommend waiting to book your first Joe Club session until your baby can lift their head while they are having some tummy time.

They only need to be able to do for a short period of time and we do have a choice of ‘ramps’ I can give them to offer them a helping hand but my advice would be to wait until they can look up at your pretty consistently.

This will give you a lot more variety in your finished images and it’s a lovely set of shots to have in your finished gallery. You are also more likely to be able to get those cute ‘happy baby pose’ photos if you wait that little extra time for your baby to discover their feet while they are lying on their back.

Like I say, all babies develop at different rates – some babies will be doing all of this at three months and some will get to it a little later.  The four month age suggestion for your first baby photography club photo shoot is just a guide – hit the ‘tummy time confidence’ development stage for the widest range of images from your session.

How Many Outfits can I Bring to my Baby Photo Shoot?2020-01-15T11:53:18+00:00

This is quite a common question that I get when folk are booking their baby photography club photo shoots.   The answer is as many as you want.

I’m down with creating whatever images you would like as part of your photo shoot – I don’t limit you to one style of photography. For some people, this means they have several outfits that they want to include so go right ahead as far as I’m concerned.

However, where this system can fall down is when it comes to your baby’s tolerance for getting changed. Therefore, if you have multiple outfits to include, we get them all out before we start the session and prioritise them. That also lets me see what I’m working with and get out any complementary blankets and props that I think would work well with them. When we have the in priority order, we then work out if we can layer stuff up to minimise the changing fuss. Then we get going and get through as much as we can before your baby gets the hump with us changing them!  Simple as that…

How does the Order Gallery Work?2025-01-15T15:02:29+00:00

My online gallery should be fairly familiar to you if you shop online but in case you need a bit of extra assistance, you can click on the button below to access a help document that walks you through how to access your gallery, choose your favourite images and place an order.  Of course, if you are having problems, just get in touch and I’m always happy to help.

When do I need to pay for my session?2025-01-13T18:43:12+00:00

You need to pay for your photo shoot when you book it.  If your session is more than two weeks away, then you have the option of paying a £20 deposit with the balance being due the week before your session.  Otherwise the full balance is due on booking.

Can I have a first birthday shoot without a cake smash?2019-06-20T09:55:17+00:00

Of course, when you book a first birthday photo shoot, you are welcome to cake smash, tub splash, do both or do neither.  Whatever works for you.  I have some first birthday props such as number 1’s that you’re welcome to include.

Do you send reminders for baby photography club sessions?2019-06-14T18:28:56+00:00

Life is busy and especially so when you’re raising a small child. I’ll send you reminders the month before your next baby photography club session becomes due so you have a little prompt to make your next appointment.

Can we use different backdrops within a session?2025-01-06T14:50:43+00:00

My studio is really flexible and I have lots of different backdrops and lighting options to choose from. They’re very easy to switch between so we can simply create lots of different styles of images for you within one session – I recommend choosing three (you’ll be able to do this from your options form the day before your visit) to create a beautifully varied image gallery.

If we buy digital files, can we print and share them?2025-01-15T15:02:38+00:00

When you buy a digital file from me, the copyright stays with me as it would with pretty much all other photographers out there.  However, that’s just a legal term that I retain as the creator of the image.  You’re able to print and share the image as much as you’d like to – the only things that you can’t do is sell the images or claim that you took them.  Other than that, they are yours to do as you wish with.

How many pictures do you take in a session?2025-01-13T18:42:30+00:00

This is question that I get asked a lot and it’s a really tough one to answer as it depends on so many things.  If I’m photographing a baby and they’re in a great mood, then you have lots of photos where if they are finding things a bit difficult then you get less.  Gun to my head, if I had to offer an average image count, then I’d say that you can expect to find about forty fully edited images in your finished gallery but that can vary wildly so it’s probably not a very useful statistic for you.

Can parents / siblings be in the photos?2019-06-14T17:32:00+00:00

Of course, parents and siblings are welcome to join in with your baby photography club sessions.

Is there an extra charge for adding a cake smash?2022-04-10T15:59:22+00:00

No, you’re welcome to celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a cake smash and tub splash session as your last visit as part of the baby photography club.  There’s no extra charge for this – you just need to bring along a cake, bubble bath and a towel.

When is the best time to book my final Joey Club session?2019-06-14T17:28:59+00:00

Your last baby photography club session is designed to help you celebrate and commemorate your baby’s first birthday so any time around then is perfect to come and visit.  If you’d like to have the images for the birthday itself, then just come in a couple of weeks before so I have time to get everything ready for you.  You’re welcome to make this into a cake smash and tub splash session if you’d like to – there’s no additional charge for this.

When is the best time to book my second Joey Club session?2019-06-14T17:26:35+00:00

The best time to come and visit the studio for your second baby photography club session is when your baby is able to sit unsupported but they haven’t yet started to crawl.  It’s not too much of a big deal if they are already mobile but there’s a lot less chasing and resetting if they aren’t on the move plus we have a wider variety of props that we can safely use.

When is the best time to book my first Joey Club session?2019-06-14T17:24:03+00:00

I recommend booking your Joey Club when your baby has good neck control and can lift their head up when they are on their tummy.  This can often be around the four month old but of course it varies from baby to baby.

When do we choose the images for our frame?2019-06-14T17:21:01+00:00

At the end of the year, you will see all of your images from your sessions so you can choose your three favourites to go in your wall frame.  It’s best to wait to choose them all together rather than choosing one after each session so you can make sure that they will all go together and look great on your wall.

Can we order images from each session?2019-06-14T17:16:21+00:00

After each of your sessions, you’ll see you images in your private online gallery and you can order any you would like at this point.  At the end of the year, you can choose your images for your frame – it’s best to choose them all at once so you can make sure that they will look great together on your wall.  Here’s the link to the prices for prints and digital images.

Can we add a newborn photo to the frame?2019-06-14T17:12:35+00:00

Yes, if you’d like to add a newborn image so you have one from each of your four shoots with me, then the upgrade fee is £20.

What size is the wall frame?2022-04-10T11:37:21+00:00

The wall frame holds your favourite image from each of your sessions sized at 5×4″ and the overall size is approximately 42cm x 23cm.  It can be hung on your wall with either portrait or landscape images and comes with a flat black frame as standard.  There are a range of upgrade options that you can look at if you’d like to increase the number of images, or change the frame which I can give you a price for if you need it.

What’s included in the baby photography club?2025-01-13T18:41:52+00:00

Your £39.95 Baby Photography club fee includes your three sessions in your baby’s first year and the frame with your favourite image from each at the end of the year.  If you’d like to order more images from your session, you’re able to do this from your private online gallery.

What payment methods do you accept?2025-01-15T15:02:42+00:00

My preferred method of payment is bank transfer although I also accept credit and debit cards through the Stripe facility.

What props do you have?2022-04-10T11:40:25+00:00

My prop and accessory collection do change a bit over time as I like to keep things fresh but to give you an idea, I have a ton of bunting (and that really does keep on growing as people come up with new ideas), some very cute miniature chairs, an ivory vintage suitcase and a whole Harry Potter themed mini set (complete with owl) if you are a little bit of a Potterhead.

What should my baby wear to their photo shoot?2019-06-14T15:16:10+00:00

That’s totally up to you – you just need to bring along things that you love that you’d like to see your baby photographed in.  If you’re having more than one family member in the pictures, it’s a great idea to coordinate – even if its just in colour or tone (you don’t need to twin, though you’re welcome to).   I have some outfits at the studio (think pettiskirts and rompers for girls, and nappy covers and knitted trousers for boys) that you’re welcome to borrow and some people like to have photos of their little ones wearing nothing but a smile.  It really is about whatever works for you.   There’s always time for outfit changes if you want to.

Can we bring our own props?2019-06-14T15:12:31+00:00

You’re welcome to bring along anything that you’d like to include in your photo shoot – including any props or accessories. In fact, it’s a great idea as it makes your session really unique to you.  I’ll do my best to work with anything you bring along to create your personal images.

What do I need to bring to my baby photo shoot?2019-06-14T15:11:02+00:00

Other than your normal baby bag (like you’d leave the house without it!), you don’t need to bring anything to your session.  You might like to bring along changes of outfit and any props and accessories that you’d like to include but it’s not essential, I have everything we need at the studio.

My baby is crawling, is that a problem?2019-06-14T15:08:46+00:00

Once your baby is crawling, it does get harder to persuade them that sitting still for photos is a fun idea so there is definitely a lot of chasing and resetting once the initial surprise of an unfamiliar environment has worn off. That said, it’s a good work out for us and there are still tons of great photos to get.  If you’re interested in using a lot of props, then it’s best to get in while they can sit unsupported but before they crawl but a mobile baby isn’t an issue at all in the studio.

My baby can’t sit up yet, can they still come for photos?2019-06-14T13:57:09+00:00

Yes of course, I have a giant beanbag they can lie on and a specially designed cushion that allows them to sit up.  If I’m being entirely honest, if you’ve missed the newborn window of two weeks, then I think you get better value from a session if you wait until they have good neck control and can get their head up when they are on their tummy (even if it’s just for a moment or two).

Can I order gift certificates?2025-01-13T18:41:52+00:00

Yes, you can order a gift certificate for any of my photography services. You can order a personalised voucher by following the link below…

Can I bring my dog to sessions?2019-06-14T13:35:46+00:00

I love dogs and they’re welcome at my studio.  When you’re combining a dog and baby portrait, the only advice I have for you is to wait until your baby is able to sit up unsupported as otherwise it’s very difficult to pose them together.  Probably don’t bring them if you are having a cake smash as that’s probably just a disaster waiting to happen – even the best trained dog is probably going to be unable to resist all that cake!

What happens if my baby is ill?2019-06-14T13:33:06+00:00

We won’t get good pictures if your baby is ill or unsettled and so it’s normally best to cancel if you know that your baby is under the weather.  If you could give me as much notice as possible then that’s always appreciated although you can’t always tell in advance of course.  I don’t offer refunds for sessions but you’re always welcome to reschedule if you need to when your baby is not feeling their best.

How long is a baby portrait shoot?2019-06-14T13:31:22+00:00

We book the studio for an hour for a baby photo shoot although in reality, little people would never actually shoot for much more than half of that.  When they’re really small, sometimes the window can be just 15 minutes before they’ve had enough – don’t worry though, we can still get lots of great images in that time.  The rest of the time is there if we need extra for feeding, settling and getting changed.

What time of day is best for sessions?2019-06-14T13:28:09+00:00

You should aim to bring your baby along when they are at their best so have napped and eaten – though babies are notorious for changing their schedule just when you think you’ve got it nailed.  Quite often that means that a start time of 10 or 11 is ideal and after lunch and afternoon nap means the afternoon sessions start at 2pm and 3pm.  That said, there’s no fixed start time as far as I’m concerned – just whenever is best for you and your little one.

Can parents and siblings be in the pictures?2019-06-14T13:24:40+00:00

Absolutely – parents and siblings are welcome to join in with the photos.

How much does a baby photo shoot cost?2019-06-14T13:17:56+00:00

A baby photo shoot includes your three favourite digital images and costs £95.  There’s no sales or viewing session to attend – you simply view and order from your online gallery.  Parents and siblings are welcome to join the session as well.

What if my baby cries?2019-06-14T13:14:50+00:00

When you book a baby photo shoot, we have the studio for an hour where, in reality, a baby wouldn’t usually shoot for more than 20 minutes or so.  We have that extra time for allowing for feeding, settling and generally gently encouraging them.  That said, if your baby is really inconsolable (and days can happen when they just won’t settle down), we simply reschedule for another time.  Trying to pursue photography with a baby that has really had enough of the whole affair is just stressful for them and for you, so if it comes to it, know that we can book another day to take care of things when they will no doubt being in a happier mood.

When is the best time to get baby photos?2019-06-14T10:24:26+00:00

This is a tricky one as there is something special about all of your babies development stages.  However, if you miss the short window for newborn images or just don’t fancy them, then I recommend waiting until your baby can lift their head when they are on their tummy before coming to visit for photos.  Prior to this stage, they’re very limited in terms of what they can do (I’m not criticising!) and although I have a specially designed pillow that allows them to sit up, until they have good neck control they tend to just slump.  If you wait until they’re a little bit stronger, then you’ll get much more variety in your finished images.

How long do you keep the images?2025-01-15T15:02:46+00:00

I keep your images for 18 months following your session date and after this point, they are permanently deleted so if you are purchasing digital copies, I can’t stress enough to back them up safely.

When is the studio open?2025-01-06T14:43:21+00:00

My studio is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Do we see images in colour and black and white?2025-01-15T15:02:51+00:00

I present all of your images in colour and then I’ll add in black and white copies of some that I think particularly suit it. Of course, if you’d rather have an image in black and white then just ask and I’m happy to switch it over for you.

What backdrops do you have?2022-04-10T11:21:36+00:00

I have a range of backdrops you can use for your child at a photo shoot and you can make a choice on what  you would like when you arrive at the studio.  However, if you’d like to take a look in advance…

Do you edit the images?2025-01-15T15:02:56+00:00

Each of your images is edited to make sure everything looks at its very best – that’s why you have to wait a little while after your session before you see them.

How long will it be until I see my pictures?2025-01-13T18:40:31+00:00

Each of your images is professionally edited and so there will be a bit of a delay before you can see your images while I get everything ready for you. This can vary according to a number of factors but generally, it’s about a two week wait before your images are uploaded to your private online gallery.  I’ll be able to advise you better on exact waiting times at your session.

Where do sessions take place?2025-01-15T15:03:02+00:00

Sessions take place at my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, West Sussex.   You can find out more about it including the address and directions at My Studio Page.

Is there a minimum spend?2025-01-15T15:03:06+00:00

There’s no minimum spend or nasty pricing surprises with any of my photography.   You’ll already know the price of your photo shoot and what’s included and if you’d like to order more, you simply do so from your online gallery.

How much are additional prints and digital images?2025-01-13T18:39:52+00:00

I believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing so you won’t get any nasty surprises.  You’ll already know what your session fee includes in terms of images, and you can simply order more from your online gallery if you’d like to – there’s no sales or viewing session to attend.

Here are the prices for additional digital images and prints. 

How do we see our images?2025-01-13T18:39:52+00:00

About two weeks after your session, I’ll have your images edited and uploaded to your private online gallery.  There’s no sales or viewing session to attend. I’ll email you a link and a password and that will take you straight to your finished images.

What size and format are the digital images?2025-01-15T15:03:10+00:00

Any digital images that you purchase will be sized at 10×8″ at 300ppi so perfect for printing up to this size or slightly larger (you have more flexibility on size when it comes to canvases as they are printed at a lower resolution).

Can I use my phone/camera in the studio ?2025-01-15T15:03:15+00:00

Sorry but no.  Obviously you can use your phone for making and receiving calls but I don’t allow any videography or photography inside the studio.  If you are caught recording or photographing the session, you will be asked to leave and the session will be terminated without refund.  All in all, that’s a horrible situation for us all to be in so please respect my copyright.

Recent Baby Blog Posts

Looking for more inspiration for your baby photography session? Explore my recent blog posts for heartwarming stories, helpful tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. From session ideas to preparing for your shoot, there’s plenty to discover to help you make the most of your time in the studio.

2025-01-27T14:36:45+00:00January 24th, 2025|Baby Photography|

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