Take a deep breath: you can let them sleep
If you are reading this while nursing a lukewarm cup of tea and watching your tiny love snooze in your arms, take a slow breath. I know how utterly exhausting these first few weeks are, and I know how desperately you want everything to be perfect for your session.
Somewhere on the internet, you might have read a tip telling you to keep your baby awake for hours before your photoshoot so they will be fast asleep for the camera.
Please, my lovely, don’t do that to yourself or your little one. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Why overtired babies struggle (and what to do instead)
Newborns are brand new to the world, and their little nervous systems can only handle being awake for about 45 to 60 minutes at a time. When we try to keep them awake past that window, their tiny bodies produce stress hormones, leaving them overtired, fussy, and much harder to settle.
A well-rested baby is actually a calm baby. If they want to sleep on the drive across Blackheath or snooze while you navigate the buggy through Greenwich, let them sleep.
Here is what works beautifully instead:
- Follow their rhythm: Let baby nap whenever they need to on the morning of our session.
- Dress for ease: Dress them in a loose, front-zipping sleepsuit so we don’t have to pull anything over their delicate head when undressing them.
- Top up when you arrive: Plan to give baby a lovely, unhurried feed right here in the studio while you settle in.
You do not need to pack bags of outfits or fancy blankets, either. My studio wardrobe is filled with soft, neutral wraps and beautifully curated props, meaning you can simply bring your baby and leave the styling to me.
Safety & Comfort
Your baby’s comfort and well-being will always come before any photograph. As a trained newborn specialist, safety is my absolute priority in every single pose, transition, and touch.
My studio is kept safely warm and cosy, mimicking the comfort of the womb with soothing white noise and gentle, patient hands. I never force a baby into a pose that feels unnatural, and every delicate position is handled with certified newborn safety training.
If baby stirs, clusters feeds, or needs a cuddle, we pause. I run the session entirely at your baby’s pace, so you can completely step back and take a rest.
A Note for Tired Parents
These early days are so fleeting, disappearing in a blur of milky yawns, tiny toes, and soft sighs. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now, but please know that you do not need to perform when you walk through my studio doors.
You do not need to worry if your hair is in a messy bun, if you are running ten minutes late, or if your baby cries. Sit back on the sofa, put your feet up, and let me look after you and your little one.