FAQ
FAQ : What to Expect at a Newborn Photography Session
What if my baby cries and doesn't settle?
This is one of the most common worries parents share before their newborn photography session. The good news? It’s completely normal. Every baby has their own rhythm, and after photographing hundreds of newborns over the past decade, I’ve learned to follow their lead.
If your little one needs a feed, a cuddle, or a nappy change, we pause. There’s never any rush. I’ll gently read your baby’s cues and adapt so we can still capture beautiful, peaceful images. In your preparation email, I’ll share a few tips (like avoiding spicy food or carbonated drinks two days before the session, which can reduce tummy discomfort).
👉 I always prioritise your baby’s comfort and safety as I explain in my Comprehensive Guide to Newborn Photography Safety
". . . She makes you feel so comfortable while putting you so at ease and works magic on your newborn when it’s their time to be photographed. Valentina was gentle, caring and so good at getting my little one to sleep I wanted to take her home with me!. . . " Morag McCole
How do I secure my date? What if my baby comes earlier or later?
I only take a limited number of newborn sessions per month so I can give every family the calm, unhurried experience they deserve. To secure your session, you’ll sign a short agreement and pay the session fee.
We’ll pencil in a date around ten days after your due date, but don’t worry if your baby arrives early or late. Once your little one is here, we’ll confirm a day that works best for your family and baby’s rhythm.
👉 If you’re still choosing your photographer, you might find my Ultimate Guide to Booking Your Newborn Photographer in London helpful.
Are parents and siblings included in a newborn session?
Absolutely. A newborn session isn’t just about your baby, it’s about family connection, love, and belonging. Parents and siblings are always encouraged to join in. These moments of closeness often become the most treasured images.
👉 Including parents in newborn portraits creates images that grow more meaningful over time. I talk more about this in Mum and Newborn Photos: Why Do You Need Them?
Can you photograph babies older than two weeks?
Of course. While newborn photographers often recommend photographing babies in the first two weeks, I happily photograph babies up to 6-8 weeks old. Older babies tend to be more alert, which means we’ll capture plenty of eye contact and expressions, just as precious, only different in mood and energy.
My philosophy is simple: every baby deserves to be celebrated, no matter their age or stage.
Every stage is beautiful, if you’re wondering about timing, I’ve written about the best age to photograph babies.
What if my baby has an accident during the session?
It happens! Pee, poo, or spit-up, all perfectly normal parts of a newborn session. I’ve seen it all and it never bothers me. Everything in the studio is washable, and I always have plenty of wipes, towels, and spare wraps.
So please, don’t worry for a second.:)
👉Accidents are part of the story! My blog on 5 Tips to Enjoy Your Newborn Session shares how to make the most of it
". . . Vale had a great sense of humour when the one twin made an enormous poop. It really helped keep us all calm, happy and we thoroughly enjoyed both photography sessions. . . " Justine Louw
I’m a bit nervous and don’t love being in photos…
I totally feel you. I remember years ago I was nervous about everything, my daughter not wetting the nappy as much or pooping too many times, or worrying at the slightest different sound of breathing, or stranger touching my baby's hands . . . I get it! We are all humans after all and especially first-time mums we worry a lot. I will do all my best to take care of your baby during the shoot and being a baby-led photographer really help in that as I will follow baby's need. But please talk to me at any point if you are not comfortable or feel overwhelmed. A newborn session is quite an emotional experience and I've witnessed tears of joy, tears of exhaustion, signs of anxiety and fears. I'm there for you too, not just for your baby. We can take a break any time and have a chat, so when you will be in the photos you look at your best.
I did it before and wasn't happy with the result.
Well, every photographer has a different style and has a different level of experience. I'm always sorry to hear someone didn't enjoy the experience or didn't like the photos! I strive to make the experience enjoyable and pleasant for parents as much as possible and I always give 100% when I hold my camera. If you like my simple images, that's what you will get. I won't do any extravagant thing or over the top poses.
After the session, you will only pay for the images you love, it's very simple. And, if for any reasons, you don't like any of the photos I present you, I'll be happy to either offer a reshoot or refund you the session fee. So there is nothing to lose really.
"We used Valentina for our third baby girl and she was by far the best newborn photographer we’ve used. She was patient and kind and fantastic with our two elder children. We are delighted with the photos. If you want props etc she’s not for you but if you want beautiful natural shots I’d thoroughly recommend her." Sarah Hill
I think it's too expensive. Is that your last price?
One of the most important thing for me is offering to all my clients the same service and the same treatment. I believe you wouldn't be happy if your friend paid a different price than you had for the same product! Being fair is one of my values so yes, the prices you read are final.
I believe photography is one of the few investments that grows in value with time. These portraits will outlast the pushchair, the cot, and the endless newborn gadgets. They become part of your family history, heirlooms to hold, share, and pass down.
Photographs are your most precious memories and they will last a lifetime
" It's impossible not to love the outcome. We did a newborn session with the rest of the family and absolutely loved the outcome. It might initially sound a bit pricey, but it's worth it. We never print pictures nowadays and having these around the house make a huge difference, they bring a smile whenever I look at them. Great idea also to share with family far away. I can't recommend Valentina enough. In such a short time she puts everyone at ease and what she creates is absolutely wonderful. She is really sweet and absolutely loves what she does, and you can tell! " Lucy Carminati
What to Expect at a Newborn Photography Session
Every newborn session is unique, but you can always expect:
- A calm, baby-led pace with plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, and resting.
- A cosy studio designed for comfort and safety.
- Guidance on what to wear (you can read my post What to Wear for Newborn Photos).
- Gentle posing, natural family interaction, and a focus on connection over props.
- A personalised gallery of images that capture your baby’s first days beautifully.
Your newborn session is more than just a photoshoot, it’s a celebration of new beginnings, love, and the tiny moments that define early parenthood.
If you’d like to start planning yours or simply ask a few questions, get in touch by filling the form below.
I’d love to help you create your first family memories.
Let's Chat
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From those calm and loving moments behind the scenes to a piece of art you live with every day.
I don’t photograph just to give you a file that gets lost in a folder.
I create images meant to be held, displayed, and felt.
That’s why I print.
Because your memories deserve a place on your walls, not your hard drive. 🤍
If you’re dreaming of maternity photos you’ll actually live with and enjoy every day, I’d love to chat.
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Pantone chose white for 2026 and people are divided.
But as a photographer who lives and works in white, I couldn’t be happier. White isn’t boring. It’s the sum of all colours.
It doesn’t remove, it reveals.
In a world moving too fast, Cloud Dancer invites us to pause, to find peace, to focus on what’s essential.
I wrote my full thoughts on the blog. Comment blog and I send you the link!
Would love to hear your thoughts too!
Small businesses are built on heart, not hype.
They grow slowly, quietly, through trust, kindness and the people who choose to support them.
I started with one camera and a dream to tell women’s and mothers’ stories, but the truth is, no small business grows alone.
We lift each other up. We share clients, conversations, struggles, and little victories. We cheer for each other, because we know what it takes to keep going.
When you shop small, book small, or recommend a small service, you’re supporting a real person, a family, and a dream being carried day by day.
So today, for Small Business Saturday, I want to celebrate the incredible women and mums behind the local businesses that support families in our community.
The ones who guide, listen, teach, encourage and hold space for others.
Thank you for supporting small businesses in all the ways that matter. A little support goes a very long way 🤍
@poppyloopstudio
@merrygoroundclub
@nadiaraafatyogabirth
@themarispractice
#SmallBizSatUK #ShopSmall #WomenInBusinessUK #SupportLocalMums #babyphotoshoot
#PregnancyLondon #MaternityPhotographyLondon
I love using slow shutter speed to show what we feel, not just what we see.
The softness, the movement, the breath of a moment that refuses to sit still.
Not every photo needs to be sharp to be beautiful.
Sometimes blur tells the story better than anything else. 🤍
How do these make you feel? I’d love to know.
There’s a beauty in the in-between, before you meet your baby, while you’re still holding her safely beneath your heart.
This season slips by quietly. You think you’ll remember every kick, every turn, every whispered moment… but time softens the details faster than we expect.
My maternity sessions are about remembering, how it felt to be becoming her.
The woman your child will one day call “Mama.”🤍
If you’ve been meaning to book your maternity photos, this is your gentle reminder: my calendar fills a few weeks ahead, so now is the perfect time to secure your date, calmly, without rush.
For all December bookings, I’m gifting a fine-art matted print (worth £100), a small reminder of your strength, delivered with your artwork.
Reserve your maternity session this month, so you can remember yourself this way, before everything changes.
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There are things we feel as mums that we never say out loud.
The little things we feel but never put into words, the hopes, the fears, the tiny memories that slip away faster than we expect.
One day our children will want to know our story too. The real one. The one written from the heart.
Letters to My Baby is a free space to keep those thoughts safe.
A little journal you can fill in whenever life slows down for a moment.
Something to treasure now and pass on later.
Comment Letters and I’ll send you the link to download it 🤍
Would you consider to write a letter to your little one?
Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.