Newborn - prep guide

Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer

Hello, mama!

Hello, and congratulations! I'm so honoured to be capturing this tiny, fleeting chapter with your family. This guide covers everything from booking your date through to session day itself. Have a read through, fill in your questionnaire (if you haven't already) and let me know if anything comes to mind — I'm always happy to chat it through.

Newborn session

Session date

Your newborn session is pencilled into my calendar for 2 weeks after your due date just to hold your space. As we all know, babies love to keep us guessing! Some arrive early, some take their time. To take the pressure off, we officially lock in your session date once baby has actually arrived.

As soon as bubs is here, let me know via email, DM or text message and I will send you my availability to choose from. I offer newborn sessions Tuesday - Friday mornings, 10am–12pm. Sessions are only available on weekday mornings, so if you'd like your partner or other children involved, they may need a little time off work or school — I promise it's worth it.

Outfits

Know exactly what everyone's wearing ahead of time — clean, ready, and set aside so there's no decision fatigue or last-minute stress. I'll have available all the newborn outfits and wraps from my collection for you to choose from on the day, plus any client wardrobe pieces you've picked.

How to prepare baby on the day

Dress your little one in a loose zip onesie with no singlet or socks — this makes it much easier to get them undressed, dressed and re-wrapped without too much fuss. Let baby have a little awake time before we start; newborns typically have about a 45-minute wake window before needing sleep again.

I'd recommend a feed just before you leave home (studio) or feed up prior to my arrival (home), with a top-up feed potentially needed once baby's dressed and wrapped — this often helps encourage that lovely deep sleep we're after.

What if my baby doesn't sleep during the session?

Babies are babies, my sessions are completely baby led which means we just go with their needs if that's needing a feed, extra cuddles or awake time we make it work. Typically though after some awake time, a feed and being wrapped snug I will rock them to sleep. Patience is key here so we feed them as long as they need. Once they are asleep generally they are more content and easier to reposition throughout each photo combination.

1-2 weeks old

A photographers favourite age to photograph because babies once fed are generally really sleepy and can curl into super squishy delicious poses. It means we can move them around more without disturbing them because they generally sleep so well. We also get to capture them at their littlest.

3-5 weeks old

This age parents have usually got the hang of things like feeding and mum is feeling (hopefully) better after birth. Babies however can break out with acne at this age so if this happens and it's extremely bad we can wait a week till it clears up. Babies can start to wake up to the world so generally we maximise each position without moving them too much if they startle awake easily.

6+ weeks old

This is when babies spend more time awake so on the day of the session we will just work with however they are. As long as they are settled and happy then photos at this age can still be absolutely gorgeous don't worry you haven't missed out on any magical window. Particularly helpful if mum needed a little bit of extra time to recover and feel ready for photos.

When should I book my session?

Generally speaking all babies have different needs and temperments so take this info with a grain of salt

To Bring

Milk

Bring extra just incase

Newborns feed little and often, so starting the session with a top-up feed (if they're awake) really helps settle them into sleep. However you feed your baby — breast, bottle, or both — there's zero judgement here, fed is best. Using formula? Bring a little extra just in case. And if you'd love your breastfeeding journey documented, I'd be honoured to capture that too.

Dummy

A helpful tool

Even if you don't normally use one, having a dummy on hand for the session can be a lifesaver — it helps keep baby settled, quiet and content, and saves your nipples some grief! Just let me know at the start whether you have one and if you're happy for me to use it if needed. If it's a hard no, that's completely fine too.

Nappy bag

Have with you

Pack spare nappies, burp cloths, wipes, and an outfit for after the session. Babies feed and poop constantly — if we get a spew or a nappy explosion mid-session, we simply pause, clean up, and carry on. It happens!

Snacks/drinks

For yourselves (or siblings)

Sessions run up to 2 hours, so bring a water bottle a take away coffee perhaps and a snack for yourself. If we're at your home, help yourself to a cuppa anytime. Bringing an older sibling to the studio? Dry, mess-free snacks are welcome.

Nails

Your hands will feature a lot holding your baby, so give them a little love beforehand — smooth, chip-free nails go a long way in photos.

Hair & make up

If you have the time or skill, this is your moment to do your hair and makeup. At the very minimum, I'd suggest a little mascara and a swipe of lip balm — dry lips show up more than you'd think on camera!

Getting ready

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you're not racing the clock. Try to get yourself ready then you can worry about the baby.

Prep guide

Session location

Studio

157 Alabama road at Gray Floral

Please arrive on time and keep your phone on you in case I need to reach you. If you're late please do not worry I know you're doing your best and I'll see you when you get there.

Message me when you arrive 0273585265 I will come and meet you. The studio is located at Gray Floral. My studio is in the silver building the right hand door attached to the large shed with two garage doors.

The space is small and cosy with LED lights so we never need to worry about the weather/rescheduling because I can heat and light the space.

Home proerty

Your address

We will chat about where on the property we will start and finish the session so we have a plan for the shoot and also discuss what the best time of day for your session will be. Some houses have better morning light, others it's in the afternoon. Please know there is no need to deep clean your whole house! Just tidy the specific spaces we'll use — bedrooms, lounge, nursery anywhere with a lovely natural window light. Beforehand, I may ask for a few photos, a quick video walkthrough. I'll bring along all the newborn outfits and wraps from my collection for you to choose from on the day, plus any client wardrobe pieces you've picked.

Outdoor sunset

Your choice of Marlborough location

I'll have my camera bag on hand for small essentials like keys, phones, nappies, or wipes — pop them in and I'll carry it while we shoot, so you can stay hands-free with your family.

Baby needs to be dressed and wrapped up warm enough. Think merino layers, booties, beanie and a nice wrap. You're welcome to use anything from the wardrobe or mix and match with your own things. If on the day it's too cold/windy we can talk about postponing the session to a better weather opportunity. Babies needs absolutely come first.

Pack spare clothes in your car something warm and comfortable for you to change into when we are finished up just incase anyone get's dirty/wet. Depending on location even a bottle of water and a towel incase you need to wash your feet.

Shoes - if we're at the beach I recommend shoes that slip on and off that can get wet and sandy. For all other locations shoes that are practical and match your looks.

If you have any questions please just let me know!

Good to know

Rescheduling

If your session is at the studio we will not need to postpone if the weather outside is bad because I can heat and light the space.

If your session is at home or outdoors at sunset the weather can be unpredictable, so here's how we handle it:

Overcast/cloudy/low light: At your home if the lighting is too low we will need to postpone and get a better day with that gorgeous natural light for your photos.

Outdoors overcast/cloudy I may suggest starting 1–1.5 hours earlier to catch the best light.

Rain, strong wind or too cold: We'll postpone and find a new date together.

I'll always be in touch directly if I have concerns please keep your phone on you so we can make any decisions together.

Questions? I'm Here.

My inbox is always open — hello@augustluxe.com

On the day of your session, you can reach me directly on my cell: 0273585265

What happens next?!

step 01

Enjoy the session

The more you relax and enjoy the session by going with the flow the better the results will be! Remember gentle movement is key, I will guide the whole session so if you're feeling a little nervous about what to do please do not worry, I'm here to help.

STEP 02

4 weeks

Within 4 weeks after your session you will receive your online preview gallery to view and favourite your chosen images. (this is also when you can upgrade your package if you'd like). I will send full instruction on this process with your gallery.

STEP 03

Download, save & share

Once your final private online gallery is sent with a pin you have access to download, save and share. Please download and save to at least two places for safe keeping. Your gallery is online for 1 month and can be sent to your friends and family and has unlimited downloads.

STEP 04

Thank you

If you enjoyed your session with me, here are a couple of ways to support my business.

+ Leave me a google review

+ Recommend me to your friends

+ Tag me in any images shared online

Once again a massive thank you for choosing me to be your photographer.