Aby Rafter Photography | Photo Shoots for Families, Maternity an Newborns in Dorset

Aby Rafter Photography

  • Home
  • About Me
  • What I Offer
  • Portfolio
    • Newborn and Babies
    • Family
    • Maternity
  • FAQ
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Contact

22 July 2024 · Leave a Comment

Checklist for your Newborn Photo Session

Baby· Newborn

Aby Rafter Photography Newborn Photography Studio Southbourne

If you’re looking for a newborn photoshoot, I’d love to help. I always send you a session guide when you enquire about a session in my natural light studio in Southbourne but here are some things to consider to help you prepare before your newborn session;

MILK DRUNK: To have a sleepy baby for our photoshoot try to keep your newborn awake for at least an hour before you arrive. If you can give your baby a feed just before coming that would be great, but please don’t worry if you can’t, we can stop for feeds at any time.

HEATING: The studio will be warm. So consider what you are wearing so that you are comfortable.

Baby needs to be nice and warm so they sleep and settle better. We will also undress baby down to a nappy or babygrow to be able to take photos of their little legs and feet.

NAPPY CHANGES: There’s plenty of time within our session for changes as and when they are needed. I have a changing station set up ready for you.

Please don’t worry if there are any accidents, on either you or me, my blankets or bean bag, I do not mind as I have extras blankets and am very used to it! 

POSES: I only do “Baby led” posing, this simply means I won’t force your baby into any position they find unnatural. I let them take the lead and I move with them to get the most organic photos. This is your session and it will be unique to you and what they want to do. I’m a prop free photographer, so only the softest of blankets and throws will be used. Focusing solely on them. However if you have a special cuddly you want photographed with baby be sure to bring it along.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress babies quite simply, there’s no need for an ‘outfit’ as such, as it’s a nice opportunity to capture how new they are;

  • Have your baby in loose clothing to avoid marks on their skin. Avoid outfits that need to be pulled over the baby’s head to prevent disturbing them when changing.
  • Simple and neutral colours and tones; textures such as knits and linen always look great too.
  • Whites, creams, greys, blushes and other light tones that complement baby’s skin are a great option. Small patterns for girls or mums look beautiful in photos. I have a selection of newborn outfits that we can use for the session.

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING;

  • Any outfits you want yourself or your family to change into
  • Nappy bag, with your baby’s essentials
  • Makeup/Hair items for touch ups
  • Makeup for touch-ups
  • Snacks/ipad for older children
  • Any special props to include
  • Bottles/formula
  • Feeding pillow and/or pump
  • Dummy/pacifier for baby if they have them

Your session will be individual to you and your family. Send me a message or email and we can plan your session together. I am always happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

Previous Post: « How to stay cool when pregnant in a heat wave!
Next Post: Why should you book your newborn photoshoot while you’re pregnant?  »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Christmas Mini Photoshoots 2026
  • What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot
  • When Should I Book My Newborn Photographer in Southbourne, Bournemouth? 
  • Mother’s Day Mini Sessions in Southbourne, Bournemouth 2026
  • When Is the Best Time to Book a Newborn Photographer in Bournemouth?

Connect with me

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Subscribe for latest news…

Aby Rafter Photography | Bournemouth Family Photo Shoots | Slider

Footer

All you need is love. And photos. Got to have photos.

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
And you have to trust me… because we know sometime And you have to trust me… because we know sometimes working with toddlers and small children can be a ‘little’ chaotic! But we embrace that!! It’s real family life. You need never apologise for it. 
I’ll pull out as many tricks as we need… stickers are my best friend. 😆

Because it’s always worth it. And you’re not going to regret having these photos to look back on… but you might regret putting it off until you’re ‘ready’ because unfortunately these little people just don’t stop growing and changing. 🥹

Send me a message if you’d like more info about my relaxed photoshoots in my Southbourne studio. I’d love to meet you. 🤍
I’ve just booked another December newborn into my I’ve just booked another December newborn into my diary and I couldn’t be more excited! ✨

November and December are filling up and I’m opening up the diary for 2027 due dates too. 

If you had your baby in September I still have a few spaces left this month. 🤍

Maternity, newborn, milestones and family photoshoot sessions all available in my cosy natural light studio in Southbourne. I’d love to hear from you, pop me a message with any questions and I’ll do my best to help. Xx
Getting smiles on camera from an older newborn is Getting smiles on camera from an older newborn is just magic! This little girl was just utterly adorable and is proof that a newborn photoshoot is totally worth it and it’s not too late to get you pictures to treasure of this time while they are tiny. 

I may have just made an exciting purchase for the studio that means if you are expecting a baby before Christmas … now is the time to book!! ✨
Any guesses for what could make a newborn shoot in November & December more magical… pop in the comments! 

If you want any more details on my sessions in my Southbourne studio just send me a DM. 🫶
If you ask me if you’ve left it too late for newbo If you ask me if you’ve left it too late for newborn photos my answer will almost always be no!! 

Photos of your baby are adorable at any age and this little one is a great example of how we can get you some gorgeous photos of your older newborn and all their amazing expressions. 

If you want curled up sleepy pictures of your newborn then I recommend booking in while you are still pregnant so we can get a session booked while baby is still around 10 days old. But if you leave it till baby is here it’s still completely worth it and we can capture all the cute faces along with all the little details. 

Pop me a message for more information about a session in my Southbourne studio. I’m happy to answer any questions. Xx
How special is it watching your little one meet th How special is it watching your little one meet their new baby sibling? 🤍

If your family is growing, here is your little reminder to capture this chapter while they’re all still this little.
My newborn sessions are relaxed, natural and very much baby - and family-led, with plenty of time for gorgeous sibling moments too.

If you’re expecting a baby this autumn or winter, I’d love to help you remember this bit.

Pop me a message with your due date and I can send you more information. Booking in is super easy, I take a £50 deposit to pencil in your due date into my diary and then we schedule your session when your baby has arrived.
If your baby is already here my studio in Southbourne is ready for you! Let’s get you booked in. 🫶
POV: you’ve just become a big sister 🤍 Capturing POV:  you’ve just become a big sister 🤍

Capturing those first little moments between siblings is such a cute part of my job and these photos will become such a special reminder of when they first became a big sister or brother. 🥹

If you’re expecting a little one this autumn or winter, now is a lovely time to get your newborn photoshoot booked in. I’ll capture all the tiny details, the family cuddles and those precious sibling moments too.

📍 Newborn photography in my Southbourne studio, Bournemouth. Pop me a message for more info.
Follow on Instagram

Aby Rafter Photography Copyright © 2026 · Built by Hello White Space

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Accept AllCookie SettingsRead More
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT