I am often asked; "why does a newborn session take so long?" or "why is a newborn shoot 4 hours?"

There is many reasons why we schedule out 4 hours for a newborn photo shoot, each session is bespoke and tailored to your requirements, from the styling and chosen colour schemes to the props and poses.

Newborn sessions are entirely baby lead, and some babies do get the sleepy memo before their photo shoot and the rest decide it's playtime and they don't want to sleep.

1. Settling your baby 
Settling your baby can take time, some babies require lots of soothing and cuddles to relax them and fall into a deep sleep, some don't. Which ever category your baby falls into this part isn't rushed, your baby may require a feed to help settle or to be rocked to their favourite lullaby. I have had some baby's settle in a few minutes and other in an hour. Each baby is different and different methods work.

2. Accidents
So we have your baby settled and posed on the beautiful cream backdrop which matches your home decor perfectly when bam...... a cascading waterfall of poop and pee happens, lucky for you if it is on the backdrop and unlucky if it is on me or you. 
Accidents always happen in the studio when you have baby's with no nappies on - but we crave for those cutesy naked pictures of our baby, so with nappy free time - expect little accidents on the way.

3. Feeding Time
To keep your baby happy a full tummy is always best (even now I am the same - happy when fed). Once your baby has had a good feed and full tummy and all of the wind burped from them we are always good to go.
Often during their photo's I will sometimes re-position baby which may disturb them but it's nothing a quick suckle on a dummy or a top up milk can't sort. The newborn session is longer than regular sessions to allow plenty of time for baby feeds during their visit to the studio.

4. Family Pictures
Your newborn session has plenty of time for family pictures - your first professional portrait as a family of three, or even four or five! If older siblings are to have their pictures taken with their new baby brother or sister - these do take time. Prepping the baby so younger siblings can hold them safely to getting toddlers dressed into their photo outfits.

5. Props and Posing
You see all of the rustic props available in the studio? well some of these props (especially the swing) these have to be photographed in a special way to ensure baby safety whilst using this certain props. The photo's have to be capture in a way so I can safely composite them together in photo shop, or edit away hands or supporting fingers. 
Some props require baby to be inside it in a certain way, sometimes baby wriggles out of that pose an we have to start again, or they startle and jump out of position as soon as I pick up the camera!

The studio is full of beautiful outfits, headbands and bonnets, and parents can select any of these to use during the session, so it takes time making these changes during their session too. 
Relaxing your baby back into the previous position can take time, uncurling their little fingers again, and posing them. I have Netflix in the studio should you wish to watch a film or box set, or even bring along your favourite book, the time does pass rather quickly even if you sit there watching from start to finish - enjoy the experience of watching your baby have their pictures taken.

I only book in one newborn session per day. This is so we have plenty of time to settle your baby for their pictures and all of the above. 
Please don't plan anything in on the day of your newborn photo shoot, appointments with the midwife, or registering your baby or even a nail appointment, having plenty of time helps for a relaxing environment.
Some babies might not settle 2 - 3 hours into your appointment (and believe me - this does happen), having plenty of time assures us we have enough time, and no pressure on making your baby 'perform' as like you and I, babies can have off days too, they are human and no matter how much time they have, sometimes that day may not be their day and in these instances we choose another date.

If you have any further questions about newborn sessions or you are looking to book yours please do get in touch with me Sarah, at sarahmcleanphotography@live.co.uk

​​Guest Blogger – Maureen Burton
The Benefits of Baby Massage

I am delighted to have Maureen Burton as our guest blogger to share her hints & tips of the benefits of her baby massage sessions.
 
Maureen Burton is the founder of Maureen Burton’s Baby Massage and Support Group based in Preston Lancashire.

​​Introducing Maureen,
Maureen is 62, and a mother to two adult boys, and has worked alongside the Health Visiting Team for 16 years, using baby massage as part of the post natal after care to new mums.
Over the years her passion for Infant Health grew and I focused on providing mums with a Baby Massage & Support centre at two local venues in the community – Grimsargh Village Hall, and Ribchester Club in Preston, Lancashire.
Maureen’s sole aim was to not only help mums bond with their babies, but to also create a meeting place for mums and parents to meet and have a network of friends and extra support. The need for support is greater after the NHS services were reduced.
 
Adjusting to life as a new mum can be a daunting yet such an enjoyable time with your new baby.
Maureen’s Baby Massage classes not only give you that crucial bonding time with your new baby, Maureen also shares tips on other popular topics such as weaning and sleep routines, and can signpost Mum’s to G.P’s for any medical advise.

​A little more about Baby Massage
 
What is baby massage?
Baby Massage originates from old Indian Culture and evidence has found that baby massage has been practised dating back over 3000 years, as routine part of childcare from the moment of birth until the baby is weaned and walking.
Since the late to mid 1900s baby massage has become popular here in the U.K and more emphasis on the physical bonding between the parents and baby that more and more professionals are encouraging parents to make baby massage a part of your daily routine.
 
Your baby has spent 9 month’s growing inside your womb with constant touch and contact on their skin, even during their birth your baby is still experiencing contact, and touch therapy has benefits to both parent & baby.
 
What are the Benefits for me and my baby?
There are many additional benefits from practising baby massage – such as;

• Eye to Eye contact – bonding with your baby
• Enhances bonding & attachment
• Stimulates, strengthens and regulates the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, musculature and nervous systems
• Helps relive Colic, wind and constipation
• Relax and Calms your baby
• Helps baby feel secure

• Support group with other mums & parents
• Make new friends
• Relives Tension - You time to relax with your baby

 
Maureen’s Baby Massage class teaches parent’s how to massage their baby – Here you learn essential massage strokes which soothe colicky babies and help relieve that stubborn trapped wind & constipation.
 
Babies from as early as birth start her classes, and attend up until they start crawling.
 
Her massage moves and strokes are sequenced with popular Nursery Rhymes which your baby will come to recognise the more they develop and one of Maureen’s moves which is set to the Rhyme ‘Pat-a-cake’ brings your babies arms out and opens the chest which helps your baby’s respiratory system.
 

Maureen’s excellent support group is an added benefit of attending her classes where mums can come and socialise with other mums, and make lots of new friends.
 
“Even when their babies have grown up and start nursery or even school, its lovely seeing the mums still keeping in touch, they have created lasting friendships”
 
After attending one of Maureen’s classes I got a first look on how beneficial her classes and her friendly advice given to the new mums who attend.
 
Maureen’s group also enjoy organising evening’s out, and meet ups so mums/parents can enjoy getting dressed up and socialise with their new friends – it’s such a friendly network of new parents. 

Find more information on Maureen's Baby Massage here on her facebook page below.

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

Following on from Maureen’s Baby Massage classes, are her “Learn through play” classes.
These classes differ from your general playgroup and toddler groups – they focus more on early learning development, using interactive toys to develop your toddler’s co-ordination and social skills with other children.  

https://www.facebook.com/Maureen-Burtons-Learn-Through-Play-1683566071907497/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
 
 
Using sensory objects that are sticky, tactile or varied textures helps in your toddler’s next stage development.
 
The Baby Massage classes start Mondays at 10am – 12 noon at Grimsargh Village hall, Grimsargh. Lancashire
and Wednesday’s 10am – 12 noon at Ribchester club. Ribchester, Lancashire

Contact: 07702826051
email: maureenburton1955@hotmail.com

There is no pre-booking system, Maureen likes parents to be able turn up as she understands that appointments and family life can sometimes clash with class days, all up-to-date class information can be found on her facebook page. 

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

​It's that time of year again, and you want to update your family portrait.
Just in time for Father's Day
 
You may be thinking of booking a professional photographer to capture your portrait, or you may take it yourself with a selfie stick – however you decide to capture your family and memories, check out our quick tip guide on what to wear, so you can look your very best for your artwork.

• Wear solid coloured clothing. Loud colours and patterns will draw attention to your clothing, and not the subject. Remember darker colours are more slimming too! Try and avoid logo and slogan t-shirts, these will date and go out of fashion.
• Which colours shall I wear? If there is more than one person being photographed together, pick three colours that complement each other from similar and complimenting colour palettes.
• Choose sleeved tops, or at least sleeves to the elbows. No sleeves or short sleeve tops draws attention to arms.
• Plain dark socks. Inside the studio I do suggest going barefoot, or at least matching dark socks with everyone being photographed.
• Hairstyles. Style your hair as you normally would. Why? Often clients will try a ‘new do’ on the day of the photo shoot, and when they see their pictures – they are not happy with their hair. If you do fancy a new style for your photo shoot, try it out before or have a professional stylist appointment before your session.
• Jewellery. Keep jewellery minimalist so it doesn’t distract from the subject in the photo. Simple jewellery will remain timeless for generations.

​

Looking for something special for his desk at work?

Our popular Father's Day Session's will be held on

Friday 12th May & Saturday 13th May
LIMITED slots available
£ 35

• Studio Photo shoot (up to 4 people)
• Framed Desk Print (Perfect for Dad's Desk)

EARLY BIRD BOOKINGS
For Bookings Booked on or before the 1st of May, you will receive an extra copy as a Mounted 8x6" print too! (perfect for Grand Parents)

Additional packages & gifts available

​click here to
BOOK NOW

Sarah McLean Photography
Newborn Baby & Family Photography Studio
14a Berry Lane (Above Christopher Moss)
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499
​website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Congratulations, you’re Expecting!
 
The next 9 months are going to be so exciting, full of new experiences, changes and first’s,
Especially if this is your first pregnancy.

• First Scan
• First Craving
• First Kick
• First Contraction
• First Labour
• First moment when time stands still as you meet your child

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time, feeling this little tiny human growing and wriggling inside you, seeing your body changing to accommodate the growing baby inside.
 
I remember when I was expecting, there was a million and one questions buzzing around my head, there is so much to think about, and to do ready for your new arrival. 
 
As a leading newborn photographer in Preston, Lancashire I get to hear so many recommendations from my clients during their newborn session about the Items they couldn’t possibly live without during their pregnancy.
Our newborn sessions are completely baby lead meaning your baby's safety and comfort comes first - this gives me a lot a time to chat to mums during their newborn photo shoot and love hearing all of their stories and different experiences.

​

​WATER
It’s essential to keep hydrated during your pregnancy.
TOP TIP: if you’re suffering from swollen feet & ankles during pregnancy, up your water intake – it may relieve some of your water retention, and reduce the puffyness.
 
RENNIES (anti-acid remedies)
It’s very common to suffer from heart burn and acid reflux during pregnancy, and yes I had my fair share of it having to sit up at night time. Somehow drinking glass after glass of milk didn’t help me as much as these bad boys, and Gaviscon (no, I'm not on commission)!
 
COMFY PJ’s / UNDERWEAR
As your body is changing and your baby bump is growing, the need for comfortable ‘Jammies’ and ‘undies’ is necessary along with comfy shoes. I don’t mean you have to live in your PJ’s for the entire duration of your pregnancy, but yes it is more rewarding getting into them when you get in from work and heading straight into a pair of comfy PJ’s to relax, or nod off in straight after your Tea.
Pregnancy can be very tiring. Zzzzzzzz
 
MOISTURISER/ OIL
As your baby tummy start’s to grow, you may have heard a few of the many old wives tales on how to help, prevent or ease stretch marks which may form during your pregnancy.
A lady I once worked with, who had birthed five children, didn’t have a single mark on her body and swore by Olive Oil. She advised me she used it on her tummy as soon as she became pregnant every day. It was claimed it had the similar effect to bio Oil without the price tag.
I did use this during my own pregnancy, was it was a coincidence? Or was it was prevention? –
However it worked for me.
​
CHOCOLATE (cravings)
Now this one is very debatable, most ladies will get their own pregnancy craving fix from a range of different options such as Chocolate, Gherkins, Cheese, Ice lollies, to the more unusual Bath sponges, Charcoal and Chalk.
Personally I craved Pork Scratching’s – never liked them ever before until I was expecting!
 
Do you, or did you have an unusual craving?

Comment below and share with other mums which 5 things you could not live without during your pregnancy - I'd love to hear your stories.....


And once the 9 months are over and you can finally meet your newborn baby -
 that moment when time just stands still......... Congratulations!

I will leave you with some adorable newborn baby photos from our client's newborn baby photo shoots from our Newborn Baby Photography Studio based in Preston, Lancashire.


© Sarah McLean Photography
Specialist Newborn Baby & Family Studio
14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
01772784499
​

Sharing is Caring...
Did you like this post?
Show us your appreciation, give this post a share :-) 

Thank you for stopping by!

​What to Expect When I’m Expecting You.......
The diary of a newborn and baby photographer is a complicated place!
Nobody told your baby that they are expected to turn up for their portrait session and while some can’t wait to get here, some are fashionably late. This makes my diary a wonderfully fluid place!

When you first book your session you will be required to pay the session booking fee to reserve your place in my diary.
I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I can ensure I can fit everybody in and work around midwife and health visitor appointments once your baby is here.
Once your baby arrives and you have settled back in at home just give me a call/email me and we can then confirm the best date and time for your session.

Your portrait session will take place in my comfortable purpose designed studio.
Newborn studios are not like traditional photography studios - they are designed to be warm and comfortable.
I want you and your baby to feel relaxed and comfortable so you are able to feed on demand and put your feet up with plenty of refreshments and a magazine (I even have some new dads who take a quick nap on the sofa!)
​Our studio has two separate shooting areas, one is fully dedicated to the newborn sessions which has a comfy sofa to relax on whilst I work my magic. Bottle warming facilities are available should you require to warm your baby's milk, and we are also breast feeding friendly. We also boast a bathroom/changing room should you wish to change outfits, or freshen up. 

The studio 

​So that I can capture your baby perfectly while they are still so brand new, for most of the session your baby will be in their birthday suit. Newborn clothes never fit correctly so we don’t get to see all those beautiful details that say ‘hey I’m brand new!’

​
However, one of the downsides of this, is your baby is guaranteed to poop and/or pee on props, blankets, perhaps even me or you! This is just par for the course, something I’m used to dealing with on a daily basis and something I allow for.
All of my blankets and props are washed after each session and I have plenty of cloths and towels to hand. You might want to pop a change of clothes for yourself into your changing bag, just in case the worse happens.

Your newborn portrait session can take up to 4 hours and the reason for this is your newborn will need feeding, cuddles and cleaning throughout the session which is baby led rather than photographer led.
​
I hope this article answers the many common questions but if you would like to book or discuss a session please contact me; CONTACT ME LINK

​Studio Tel: 01772 784499
website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

As a portrait photographer, this question pops up quite a lot prior to sessions on the phone consultation.

And with more and more maternity sessions becoming more popular, ladies want to look their best with their beautiful baby bumps. 

During pregnancy, ladies tend to feel, bloated and swollen and a great way to boost their self confidence and self esteem is to book a Pregnancy photo shoot, as well as stunning imagery of their changing body, a memory keepsake, or even just a record of how large their bumps were, it is my job to make 'YOU' feel amazing.

So you take the plunge, pick up the phone and book your session.........EEEEKKKK 'what do I wear?
If you were any thing like me during pregnancy, then nothing fitted, and if it fitted it was horrible and frumpy :-( 

What I suggest to ladies, wear just your skin, or underwear. If you feel a little insecure bring along a pair of jeans and your hubby's shirt, by the end of the shoot you are confident to show of your new beautiful shape.

Maternity Photoshoot - must have props

"ok I have every thing on your list, but I have stretch marks"

If you are self conscious of your 'Tigeress Stripes' these can be taken care of in the editing room after the shoot - if required. 

Now I have gone a little off topic now as I should be advising you of what to wear during your session - well we have already covered it, just check these ladies out who kept it simple during their session, Jeans, Shirt, Underwear. I will let you look at the images and decide.

​