I have a backlog of sessions to share on the blog and I thought I’d kick it off with a newborn photoshoot. When mum contacted me to book the session, she told me that she was drawn to my natural style of photography but she had no idea what to expect from the shoot.

During our consultation, I explained that lifestyle newborn photography is quite different from the usual traditional posed photography. With lifestyle newborn photography, I focus on capturing moments that mean so much; telling the unique story of newborns and their families.

I shoot as naturally and as close to real life as possible and I don’t use props such as hanging hammocks or baskets. I don’t use artificial studio lights either because I shoot using only natural light.  As a natural light photographer, I photograph babies in natural surroundings because I believe real life is beautiful. 

Baby Photographer Kidbrooke captures natural newborn portraits at home

Ahead of the session, mum and I discussed how to prepare for the shoot. Newborn baby photography sessions can take up to three hours so it was important to let mum know that I am patient and I never rush newborn sessions. As mum found out on the day of the shoot, I always allow time for feeding, changing nappies and cuddling in between shots.

Although mum didn’t ask, I wanted her to know that her home did not have to be spotless for the newborn photoshoot. I always encourage light, stress free cleaning but I also don’t want parents worrying about cleaning especially with a newborn baby.

For outfits, I suggested neutral colours. I tell families not to overdress and to wear clothes they feel comfortable in. Although I don’t use props, I encourage parents to prepare family heirlooms such as special blankets that they may want to use in their photo shoot.

Mum prepared a colourful blanket that she knitted during her pregnancy for the shoot. You will see that baby is wrapped in it in the picture below.

Although mum wasn’t sure what to expect before the shoot, she later told me this: “I am not big on pictures and was quite apprehensive about the shoot but you were so patient and understanding that it did not feel like a shoot. It felt so natural like any other busy morning and all the photos are amazing.”
If you’re after simple and natural newborn portraits and feel like my style is a good fit for your family, please drop me an email hello@kofobaptist.com

I book months in advance and I advise mums to book their newborn portrait sessions before their third trimester to guarantee a spot in my calendar. 

ABOUT KOFO BAPTIST PHOTOGRAPHY
Kofo Baptist is a documentary and lifestyle photographer capturing natural photos of newborns, babies, children, maternity and families in London including south London areas such as Greenwich, Blackheath, Kidbrooke, Eltham, Woolwich, London bridge, Westminster, Victoria, Sloane Square and Waterloo.

Email: hello@kofobaptist.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kofobaptistphotography
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kofobaptist