Pocket Guide to Newborn Photography

aheader image for my newborn photography pocket guide

Welcoming a new baby is a whirlwind, and I know there’s a lot to think about in those early days. This Pocket Guide brings together the most common questions I’m asked about newborn sessions so you can find everything in one place.

Newborn photography is a way to capture your baby’s first precious days with timeless, professional images. I specialise in safe, studio-based newborn sessions in Crawley Down, West Sussex (in between Crawley and East Grinstead), with over 20 years’ experience working with babies and families.

From when to book and what to bring, to how I keep your little one safe and comfortable, you’ll find the answers here—short, simple, and easy to dip into whenever you need them.

Here are the most common questions I’m asked about newborn sessions:

I recommend booking your newborn session when you’re still pregnant—typically after your 20‑week scan—to secure a date 5–10 days after your due date. We’ll book for due date plus seven days and adjust as needed once baby arrives.

For the best sleepy, poseable moments, I like to photograph newborns between 5 and 10 days old.

Your session is two hours in my warm, cosy studio in Crawley Down. I include three digital images you choose from your gallery—no sales pitch, no viewing appointments.

It’s £95, which includes the session and your three digital images. You also receive free membership in my Baby Club for four more shoots in your baby’s first two years, plus your choice of either a triple‑aperture wall frame at the end of the year or a free digital image from each session (worth £40.)

Safety is my top priority. All poses are baby‑led, and delicate or impossible poses are composites—designed with support and edited to remove any assisting hands.

No need to worry—I gently retouch these temporary marks during editing while maintaining a natural skin texture.

Crying or needing time to settle is completely normal! I work at a relaxed, baby‑led pace. If settling doesn’t happen (which is exceptionally rare), we can always reschedule—your session isn’t one‑and‑done.

Absolutely—bring anything meaningful, from heirloom outfits to guitars or blankets, and we’ll work them into your session if it’s safe.

Yes! I love including hands‑only sibling shots or silhouette family portraits that are beautiful, forgiving, and meaningful—even if you’re not feeling photo‑ready.

You’ll receive an online gallery link a few weeks later—browse, choose your favourites, and order directly with ease.

Just your usual baby bag—and any props, outfits, or sentimental items you’d like. The studio has plenty of props, but personal touches add meaning.

I suggest simple, neutral clothing that coordinates nicely—plain colours or textures work best. You’ll have a changing area if you’d prefer something more comfortable in the warm studio.

The Short Answer

Best Age for Session5-10 days old
Session Length 2 hours
What’s Included 3 digital images and Baby Club membership
Price £95
Where My Crawley Down Studio, West Sussex
Booking After your 20 week scan. I pencil you in for your due date plus seven days.

How Much Does a Newborn Session Cost?

Session fee (inc three digital images) – £95

Single digital image – £15

Five digital images – £50

All digital images – £195

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to plan your newborn session, here are some helpful links:

Can’t find what you’re looking for? I’m always here to help—just get in touch.

Why Choose Me as your Newborn Photographer?

Over 20 years experience

Full time, professional photographer

Specialist newborn studio (safe, cosy and fully equipped)

Hundreds of families photographed

Safe posing and baby-led approach

Gallery Images

My style is flexible – natural and unposed, or styled with props and themes. Whether you’d like simple family shots, sibling images, or creative digital backdrops, I’ll create images that feel right for you.

A black and white image of newborn twins wrapped in a blanket shaped like a heartr
Newborn baby sleeping swaddled in dark blue against a starry sky backdrop
A sleeping newborn wearsa a pink bathrobe and a towel on her head and is relaxing on a spa chair
a newborn sleeps inside a fireman's helmet
A baby sleeps on a bed wrapped in blue with a Cocker Spaniel lying behind him.
a newborn sleeps swaddled with the legs of a toy giraffe as a pillow
a black and white image of a newborn in a classic newborn tummy tuck pose
a cream lined moses basket with a sleeping wrapped newborn inside
a big brother sits on a bed with his newborn sibling
Parents hold a newborn and are photographed as a black and white silhouette
a sleeping newborn in my wooden bowl prop with white hydrangeas

Where is Your Studio?

My studio is warm, private, and designed with families in mind – easy to find, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxed newborn session.  It’s based in the heart of West Sussex, in Crawley Down just outside East Grinstead, and within easy reach of the M25 so perfect for visitors from all over Kent, Surrey and Sussex . I have plenty of easy parking and we’re in a quiet neighbourhood so we can enjoy relaxation and privacy during your studio visit.

Everything You Need to Know About Newborn Photography

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most incredible moments, and capturing those early days with professional photography ensures you have beautiful memories to cherish forever. Whether you’re wondering when to book, how to prepare, or what to expect at your session, I’ve created a collection of helpful guides and resources to answer all your questions.

From safety in newborn photography to including siblings or pets, explore these expert articles to help you plan the perfect newborn photo shoot. Click below to find out more!  If you don’t find the answers to your question here, of course I’m always happy to help so just get in touch

Visit the Newborn Photography Product Page

Kind Words from Previous Newborn Photo Session Clients…

Thank you so much it was so hard to pick my favourites! What a wonderful experience you made for us as first time parents.  Thank you!

Imogen
We had our daughters newborn photo shoot done last week and we are over the moon with the results! Sarah is an amazing photographer and the studio and set up is absolutely lovely.
Sarah was a natural when handling and positioning our daughter into the most perfect of poses with the most gorgeous props.
I would 100% recommend her for anyone who wanted to have a newborn photo shoot done and we hope to visit again soon for more photos when our little one is a bit bigger 🙂
Sarah

Highly recommend Sarah for newborn photo shoots, so patient and accomodating! Thank you, cannot wait to see the photos of my little bubba!

Mia

Sarah has taken photos of both my children since their newborn photos! Each picture is beautiful, I can never pick a favourite! I recommend 100% and can’t wait for our next lot of photos to be taken!

Jorgia

We loved every minute of our newborn session with Sarah, she made us feel so comfortable and so patient when bubs had to stop to feed… she made our 4Yo feel completely included and we felt so comfortable having her handle our newborn to pose for the photos. we fell in love with all of the photos , Sarah was so professional and we highly recommend!

Kirsty

We couldn’t be more pleased with the photos from the newborn shoot with our 10 day old son. Sarah listened to exactly what kind of images we were hoping from from the shoot. Sarah was extremely careful and professional so we felt relaxed and at ease in her studio. We can’t wait to return for his next session at 4 months!

Mel

Sarah was absolutely brilliant with our newborn during our shoot! She made us feel so welcome and included our 18 month old aswell. We are so pleased with the end result and can’t wait to return to Sarah for more photos in the future! Thank you once again! x

Sophie

Sarah came highly recommended to me by my cousin, for our newborn photo shoot and I wasn’t disappointed. She is amazing at what she does and got so many good photo’s of our little boy Reece. So hard to choose photographs, we ordered more photo’s on top of the very fairly priced package. Sarah soothed him and made sure he was happy and relaxed to take the photo’s. I went along to Sarah’s studio, which is easy to find, thanks to the amazing tips on her website with pictures. The studio is also lovely and warm, with soothing sounds to calm babies. She is also so friendly and welcoming and I felt comfortable to ask her anything. She is a lovely lady. Sarah took pictures with all my props that I took along on the day. I would highly recommend Sarah Fisher Photography 🙂

Clare

Sarah did our newborns photoshoot. She made us as parents feel very relaxed and out baby girl was extremely settled throughout session. The photos she took are absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much 💗

Charlotte