This family weren’t sure at the start of the session whether they wanted to be in any of the photos. That’s completely fine, there’s never any pressure either way. So we got on with the newborn session, and their baby was so settled and quiet throughout that something shifted.

a newborn sharing a skin to skin moment with dad at a photo shoot

Dad had been thinking about it the whole time. At the end of the session he decided he wanted to do it, skin to skin, just the two of them. It took about five minutes. The result is this.

Mum felt she wasn’t camera ready, also completely understandable, given she’d just had a baby. So she chose to be in the photos a different way: just her hands, holding her newborn. No pressure to have perfect hair or makeup, no full shot, just the most important part. It’s just as lovely and a lot less stressful.

Both decisions made in the moment, both completely right for them.

Newborn Photography in East Grinstead

The best time for your baby’s newborn session is between five and ten days old, when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest and those calm, natural images come easiest. I’d recommend booking while you’re still pregnant, so we can pencil in a provisional date and adjust once your baby arrives.

Your session takes place in my warm, cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. Sessions are relaxed and unrushed, and include three digital images of your choice for £95. There’s no sales session, just a private online gallery where you can view and choose your favourites in your own time.