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

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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.

 

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Christmas Minis are live! 🤍 This year’s Christmas Christmas Minis are live! 🤍

This year’s Christmas sessions will have that same beautiful, festive feel, with a timeless, natural style that keeps the focus on you and your little ones. Perfect for capturing Christmas memories you’ll love looking back on for years to come.

What’s Included:
✨ 20-minute festive session
✨ 3 professionally edited digital images
✨ Optional photo upgrades available

Half the sessions have already gone, so if you wanted one now is the time to grab your slot. 
Booking link in stories or message me and I’ll send it to you. 🎄

How to Book:
1. Choose your time slot
2. Secure your booking with payment
3. Complete your session contract
4. Receive your prep email with styling tips, directions & everything you need!

* One family per mini session
Want to include cousins or extended family? Please book two (or more) back-to-back slots

* Sessions are not suitable for newborns or babies under 3 months

* Babies who aren’t sitting confidently yet will need to be photographed with a parent or older sibling
If you were pregnant through the summer of 2026, y If you were pregnant through the summer of 2026, you deserve a medal!

And if your baby is due this autumn, you definitely deserve some gorgeous maternity photos too. 🤍

Before the bump becomes your baby, there’s this little chapter worth remembering … even if you spent most of it wondering how on earth you were going to survive another heatwave!

If you’re heading into your final weeks of pregnancy, now is the perfect time to book your maternity photoshoot.

📍 Southbourne, Bournemouth
🤍 Relaxed, natural maternity photography

And once baby arrives… we can capture that chapter too. Pop me a message with your due date and I can send you more details. Xx
This was such a dreamy newborn photoshoot. Havin This was such a dreamy newborn photoshoot. 

Having met his lovely parents for their maternity photoshoot, it was a gorgeously chilled morning catching up and getting the sweetest photos of their little love. 

My diary is filling up for snuggly autumn and winter babies. If you’re due your baby it’s never too early to reach out and get booked in for a newborn photoshoot with me in my studio in Southbourne. 

Pop me a message with your due date and we can secure your session with a £50 deposit. It’s super easy to book in and one less thing to worry about when your baby is here and all you want to do is stare at them. 🥰
Wondering when the best time is for a newborn phot Wondering when the best time is for a newborn photoshoot? 🤍

If you’re hoping for those sleepy, curled-up newborn moments, it’s best to book while you’re still pregnant so we can plan your photoshoot for when baby is around 10 days old.

My cosy, natural light Southbourne studio is the perfect place to capture those tiny details you’ll never want to forget. And if your baby is already here, don’t worry… newborn photoshoots are available up to 12 weeks old and we may even get a few smiles. 

✨ Due this Autumn or Winter? 

This is your sign to get in touch and book your newborn photoshoot! Just pop me a message with your due date and I can send you more info.
I hope you’ve had a sweet family weekend. 🤍 I was I hope you’ve had a sweet family weekend. 🤍

I was working all day yesterday so I made sure to keep today for some family time and rest… but I’m always thinking about work behind the scenes and currently making exciting plans for my Christmas mini launch at the end of this month. 

My mini sessions are such a gorgeous way to get updated family photos after your newborn and milestone sessions and I absolutely love when families come back and I get to see how much your little ones have grown! 

Feel free to pop me a message if you want to join the mini session wait list. 😊
Smushy lips… tiny fingers that grab hold of you… s Smushy lips… tiny fingers that grab hold of you… so many little details you don’t want to forget about your sweet newborn baby. 🥺

I’m as obsessed as you are to get you these precious photos to keep. 

Are you pregnant and expecting a baby this Autumn? October and November are busy in my studio in Southbourne so get in touch now… a £50 deposit holds your due date in my diary and then we schedule your session when baby arrives. Then you know you won’t miss getting these gorgeous details. Xx
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