The Ultimate Guide to Newborn Photography in Hertfordshire
The Ultimate Guide to Newborn Photography in Hertfordshire
Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most precious moments you’ll ever experience.
As the days blur together and time flies, it’s easy to forget the tiny details that make this time so special. That’s where newborn photography comes in—a beautiful way to capture the fleeting moments of your little one’s earliest days in a way that feels authentic, personal, and heartwarming.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about newborn photography, so you can be confident in choosing the perfect way to preserve these memories. Whether you’re curious about when to schedule a session or what to expect on the day, this guide is here to help!
Why Capture Newborn Photography?
Newborn photography goes beyond taking photos—it’s about preserving a moment in time that passes by all too quickly. Those tiny toes, soft tufts of hair, and the way your baby fits perfectly in your arms—these are the details you’ll want to remember as your baby grows.
For sentimental mums-to-be who treasure the raw, unfiltered moments of family life, newborn photography offers a way to document the love, connection, and beauty of welcoming a new addition. It’s not just for you now, but also for your baby in the future, a way of telling the story of their first days with you.
When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photography?
Traditionally, studio newborn photography is recommended within the first 14 days, when babies are still in their scrunched-up, sleepy phase. However, in-home photography offers more flexibility.
For mums who love that curled-up newborn look, we would pencil in your session around 7-14 day after your due date. Babies are typically very sleepy at this age, and we can capture those teeny-tiny details that make this phase so special. But some parents prefer to wait a little longer, you choose to capture their baby at around 6-8 weeks. At this stage, babies are more settled, and you may even get a few of those early smiles.
But ultimately beauty of in-home photography is that there’s no pressure—you can choose the time that feels right for your family, there are so many special milestones in that first year of baby’s life whenever you choose we will be able to capture some beautiful memories for you.
What Are the Different Types of Newborn Photography?
In-Home Maternity and Newborn photography
There are two main types of newborn photography: studio sessions and in-home lifestyle sessions.
Studio sessions tend to focus on posed images, often with props and backdrops, and are usually done within the first two weeks after birth. The result is beautiful, but these images are often stylised and less focused on the natural interactions between family members. Peekaboo Studios in St Albans or Olivia Christina Rocco Photography both capture beautiful posed studio newborn photos.
In-home sessions, on the other hand, are about capturing the authentic moments. It’s relaxed, baby-led, and allows for flexibility. We capture the essence of your home, your family’s dynamics, and the natural connection between you, your baby, and any other siblings. If you’re a mum who prefers candid moments over posed perfection, in-home photography will likely resonate more with you and Karen Le Leu Photography can help you capture these moments beautifully.
"Karen instantly made me feel at ease and comfortable"
Why Choose In-Home Photography?
In-home newborn photography is perfect for parents who value authenticity and comfort. It allows for the session to unfold naturally in the environment where your baby is most at ease—home.
You don’t have to worry about packing bags, getting out the door on time, or whether your baby will cooperate in a new environment. I come to you, and the session flows at your baby’s pace, whether that means nursing breaks, nappy changes, or cuddles – all of which make perfect photo opportunities capturing your everyday moments. So the focus is on capturing real-life moments, creating timeless memories that feel personal and meaningful.
What’s more in-home newborn sessions offer the perfect opportunity to involve family members and pets. Siblings, grandparents and even your furry family members can join in the photoshoot, capturing the essence of your growing family.
How to Prepare for a Newborn Session?
Preparing for an in-home newborn session is simple because, after all, it’s meant to be relaxed and enjoyable. Here are a few tips:
Keep your home as it is
Don’t stress about tidying up, I’m not coming to take photos for an interior design magazine, I’m coming to capture your beautiful life with your newborn. We’ll use natural light and create cozy settings in the areas where your family naturally gathers. And if there are distractions in the image, or we need to move some furniture around to get the best light, then we will do that when I am there.
Have a few favourite outfits ready for baby
Simple, textured and neutral-coloured onesies where we can see baby’s feet are great. Having baby dressed and ready for when I arrive is great so we won’t unsettle baby…but make sure you have a back up outfit ready just in case…we all know babies often require several changes in a day! Avoid anything too busy or bold in patterns as these will take away from baby’s little features.
Gather blankets and sentimental items
Blankets are great to add texture to photos with your baby so make sure you gather some together ready for me to use. If they are sentimental and made by Granny, or another loved one, even better! Just make sure you tell me before your session if there are any sentimental items you wish for baby to be photographed with
Your baby’s needs are the priority, and the session will reflect this as we follow baby’s lead.
How to Prepare Older Siblings for a Newborn Session?
Often parents worry about including older siblings in the newborn session but I am here to tell you that with an in-home session there is absolutely no need to worry. At home your child will be more relaxed and in familiar surroundings which will help ease them into the session. Having been a teacher for over 10 years I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to keep your little one on side and by the time I leave they will think I have just been there to have fun with them…they won’t realise we have been capturing beautiful memories for you all!
There are also ways you can help prepare them for our time together:
Talk about the session beforehand
Talk excitedly and positively about the photographer who is going to come and visit and see what a great job they are doing as big brother/sister. DON’T tell them they have to behave or smile for the camera. We will capture natural smiles by having fun and playing games during the session.
Make sure they have had a snack beforehand
Hungry children are grumpy children, so make sure they have had something to eat before I arrive. And have clean snacks at hand, such as chopped apple, breadsticks or raisins, if they are to get hungry during the session.
Go with the flow
Sometimes older siblings need a break during the session. That’s totally fine! We’ll adapt to their energy levels and keep things relaxed. We don’t need them in every single photo, so they can come and go, ensuring they have a break if required.
The goal is to document real moments of connection, not to force anything. So just sit back and relax and enjoy this precious time with your family.
What to Wear for a Newborn Session?
When it comes to choosing outfits for your newborn session, the key is simplicity and comfort.
For mum, soft, neutral-toned clothing works beautifully in photographs, allowing the focus to stay on the connection between you and your baby. Flowing dresses or comfortable knitwear are perfect. Remember, wear something that makes you feel good and you are comfortable in. You want to be true to yourself and your everyday style.
For baby, a simple footless onesie is perfect. Neutral or pastel tones are timeless and photograph well. Avoid clothes with logos or bold patterns, as they can distract from the moment.
The goal is to capture natural, cozy moments, so choose clothing that reflects that feeling.
How to Choose Your Newborn Photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your newborn session is a deeply personal decision. Here are a few things to consider:
Style
Do you prefer posed studio images, or do you gravitate towards natural, candid moments?
Experience
Look for a photographer who specialises in newborns and is comfortable working with families in their home environment.
Connection
You’ll want to feel comfortable and at ease with your photographer, so be sure to chat with them beforehand to ensure you share the same vision.
Take time to review portfolios and testimonials to ensure their work aligns with your vision of this special moment.
What Can You Expect to Pay for a Newborn Session?
Pricing for newborn sessions can vary depending on the photographer’s experience, location, and what’s included. In Hertfordshire, in-home sessions typically range between £300-£2000, depending on factors such as session length, the number of images provided, and whether additional services (like albums or prints) are included.
Remember, this investment is about preserving once-in-a-lifetime memories. Consider the value these images will hold for your family in the years to come.
To receive Karen Le Leu Photography’s pricing guide click here.
What Happens on the Day of Your In-Home Session?
On the day of your session, I’ll arrive at your home and take a moment to chat with you and get a sense of your family’s vibe. We’ll use natural light and let the session unfold organically.
Expect to spend 1-2 hours capturing moments as they happen—whether that’s baby snuggled in your arms, feeding times, or quiet moments with siblings. There’s no rush, and we’ll work around your baby’s needs.
What Happens After the Session?
In-Home Maternity and Newborn photography
After the session, I carefully curate and edit the best images, focusing on preserving the authenticity and emotion of each moment. Within 2-3 weeks, you’ll receive an online gallery where you can view and download your images.
From there, you can choose how to preserve these memories, whether that’s through prints, albums, or wall art. These are more than just photos—they’re a tangible way to hold onto the feelings of this precious time.
Like What I Do? Ready to Chat?
Do you want to find out more?
If this approach to newborn photography resonates with you and you’re ready to capture the heartfelt, unscripted moments of your baby’s early days, I’d love to chat.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your vision, ask any questions, or schedule your session. Let’s create memories together that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
By choosing an in-home session, you're not just hiring a photographer—you’re inviting someone to help document the beautiful, messy, love-filled moments that make your family unique. And I can't wait to be a part of that journey.
