By Sarah McLean Photography based in Longridge near Preston, Lancashire

​What to take to your newborn baby photo shoot....

As a parent myself I understand how it can be a challenge to get out of the door with young children or a young baby – you feel as everything but the kitchen sink is packed in your bag ready for your outing, and we have all been there when we realise what we have forgotten too!
 
I have put together this handy check list of items to bring along with you to your newborn baby's photo shoot to help relieve the stress of forgetting an item off the list.
 
I send a helpful prep guide to parents when they book me for their newborn session, here are my top tips on what to bring to your newborn session.
 

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1. Spare Milk – If you are bottle feeding your newborn baby you will need to ensure you have enough spare milk for your baby. Babies tend to feed more during a photo shoot so always bring extra milk, my studio has equipment to make bottles here, a perfect prep machine, bottle warmer and kettle are all available.
2. Spare Clothes – for you and baby. Your baby is photographed in skin for most of their session without a nappy on, and yes accidents do often happen.
3. Heirlooms – Don’t forget your personal items which make your photos unique. I provide all props and backdrops – it’s these sentimental items which make your photos personal and unique.
4. Snacks – The studio offers complimentary bottled water, cold soft drinks and tea and coffee with plenty of biscuits please bring along snacks or packed lunch for yourself and siblings.
5. Nappies and Wipes – Extra nappies and spare baby clothes/grows as accidents do happen. I do have spare nappies and wipes in the studio should you run out.
6. Dummy – Even if your baby doesn’t normally take a dummy these can be very useful during your session to settle your baby in between posing with- out needing extra feeds.
7. iPad, Books, Newspapers – Sometimes shoots can be a little longer than planned so having activities for siblings especially can take away the boredom – or use the time I have your baby to catch up on your favourite book, I am very hands on during your session, and will handle your baby for most of their session.  I do have Netflix available in the studio too.
8. Sit back and relax – Enjoy and take in your baby’s first professional photo shoot, it’s a magical time watching me pose your baby for a lifetime of memories – enjoy your session.

To find out more on Newborn sessions, for your baby photo's in Lancashire - click below.

​It’s nearing your baby’s first big milestone – their first birthday, it’s been a busy first year and you have done it! So why not celebrate this special occasion with a first birthday cake smash photo shoot.

What is a Cake smash?
 
It’s a fun filled celebration portrait package, with cake, balloons, bunting, and party decorations – to mark this first big milestone, turning one.
 
It involves a professional portrait session in my photography studio based in Preston, Lancashire. I create a bespoke set to your chosen theme, colours and source the decorations to make a unique set for your baby’s birthday. We start off capturing those important milestone birthday pictures, and then we bring out the cake.
Your baby has fun, touching, tasting and playing with the cake whilst creating beautiful memories of this once in a life time occasion.
Clean up is just as fun with a splash session, with lots of bubbles and ruby ducks and lots of giggles – little ones, love bath time!
 
So you have booked your Cake Smash session, here are some handy tips on getting the most from your portrait shoot in the studio. 

Preparation
In the weeks leading up to your cake smash, let your baby play with finger foods. Introduce new tastes and textures and encourage messy play. Move away from the high chair to the floor so your baby is introduced to the idea of eating on the floor with finger foods. This helps to build up their confidence.
 
NEVER force your baby to eat or touch food, or stick their hands into the food or cake.
Some babies prefer to try new things, and others prefer a little more time.
Encourage play, and get involved too – this helps them to become more confident with experiencing  new textures and flavours prior to their cake smash.
Finally Introduce a cup cake with frosting. Some babies haven’t experienced such sweet and sticky foods before, so doing this won’t be such a shock on the day, gradually build them up with different textures and flavours and find their favourite type of cake.

​Cake Smash Day
Relax and take it easy and try not to over stimulate your baby with lots of activities on the day of their cake smash, and try and encourage a nap so they are not over tired and grumpy when they arrive to the studio.
 
Give your baby a healthy protein filled breakfast on the morning of their cake smash.
 
Remember the studio and me; the photographer are new to your baby and like trying new foods, some little ones need time to adjust and feel comfortable in a new place, with new people and their new surroundings.

What to bring
Bring your cake, Pack a bag with, a change of clothes (for you and your baby), Cake smash outfit, towel, baby bath, drinks, snacks (savoury ones work best as we use these to get the most of the cake smash when your baby doesn’t want any more cake), favourite toy.
 
This is a celebration session, please enjoy the experience and be in a happy mood, even if the session is moving slower than you expected – your baby can sense tension, and may need a little more time to ‘perform’ on the day. We sing songs and play games, so please have your babies favourite songs saved on your mobile phone ready.
 
Smile and enjoy the fun - let me create you those beautiful memories for you and your family.

For more information on Cake smash & celebration packages click the link > ​www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk/cakesmash.html

Sarah McLean Photography
14a Berry Lane
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499

​Website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk