FAQ's
STARSPECKLED HEARTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do sessions take place?
All sessions take place in my boutique garden studio, located in Aldershot, Hampshire. The studio is kept at a nice and warm temperature - for newborn sessions I make sure the temperature is extra warm, at around 30*C.
What do I need to bring to the session?
Your baby changing bag with everything you would normally bring for a day out - nappies and milk being the two most important things! I've got a baby changing mat in the studio with plenty of wipes and nappies.
If you've got any special requests such as a special teddy you would like to include in the shoot or perhaps an outfit you'd like your baby to be photographed in, please do let me know in advance.
Can I bring people with me to the session?
Absolutely! If siblings are present, I do ask that another adult is with you so that the children are supervised at all times. I've got plenty of toys and books available to help keep older children entertained during the shoot. *Due to the size of the studio, the number of guests should be kept to a minimum.*
Can older siblings and/or parents be included in the pictures?
Yes! If you would like photos of siblings together at one of my newborn shoots, I tend to take them at the beginning so that we have plenty of time to get the baby settled again. I will then usually suggest one of the parents take the older children to the nearby playground while we carry on with the newborn shoot.
Please do let me know the ages of the sibling(s) you would like included in advance so I can prepare the set accordingly.
If you would like mum/dad/siblings included in the pictures, I tend to encourage solid, neutral colours that don't take away the focus from the baby, so a black/white t-shirt or a long sleeved shirt with no print would be ideal.
Newborn Photoshoots
When is the best time to book a newborn photoshoot?
It's never too early to book! Get in touch once you have your due date and I'll get you onto my schedule.
My baby is already here! Is it too late to book?
What is the ideal age to photograph a newborn?
On occasion I will have last minute openings so please feel free to give me a call or send me over a message and I'll see if I can fit you in. I am happy to book in babies up to 2 months of age for my newborn shoots.
I don't personally feel there is one specific age that is ideal to photograph a newborn as I believe different ages come with their own set of advantages.
From birth up until 2 weeks of age your baby will still be very sleepy - so chances are that baby's eyes will be shut on the majority of the photos. This is the age many photographers will often insist is the ideal time to get those beautiful classic newborn photos. Baby will be easier to pose as they still have the natural instinct to curl up, as if they were still in the womb.
From 1-3 months of age your baby will gradually start spending more time awake and are becoming more aware of their surroundings. This is also when they start to smile and coo, which makes this a brilliant opportunity to capture those big beautiful eyes and gorgeous gummy smiles!
I completely understand the difficulty of trying to fit a newborn photoshoot in amongst the first few weeks of your little ones life, which is why I am happy to book in babies up to 2 months of age.
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What should my newborn wear?
A sleepsuit or something similar, preferably an outfit that is easy to take off and put on as baby will be in a nappy for the majority of the shoot.
How do I prepare baby for the photoshoot?
A full baby is a happy baby! I recommend feeding baby upon arrival at my studio to ensure baby is happy and content, and hopefully ready to take a nice, long nap! If not, that's absolutely fine - we will work with whatever baby gives us. The shoot is designed for us to take plenty of breaks for feeding and cuddles throughout - I always take baby's lead, as the most important thing is that you and your baby are as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
What if my baby does not sleep?
Not to worry! Baby does not have to sleep for us to capture beautiful photos - some of my favourite images taken in the studio have been of wide awake babies. And as an experienced Newborn Baby photographer, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to keep baby content throughout the session.
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Can I request a certain pose?
Absolutely! Feel free to have a look through the portfolio here and let me know if there is anything that catches your eye! I pride myself on offering much variety, so your final gallery will make your heart burst. I love wrapped, unwrapped, macro photography, and also parent, sibling, and family setups, too.