YOUR
QUESTIONS
Thank you for your interest in booking your session with me. Here you will find answers to my most asked questions, if you have a question that’s not listed please feel free to ask.
When shall I book my newborn session?
Before your baby is born! It is so important to plan ahead. Capturing your newborn within the first two weeks of life while they are still sleepy and curled up, can make all the difference in your newborn portraits. My studio diary fills up around four to six weeks in advance so please call to schedule your newborn appointment before your baby is born. Since we never really know when your little one will arrive we will pencil your due date in the studio diary. When your baby is born we will schedule your appointment accordingly.
If your baby came early or if your baby is already born, don’t panic! We always do our best to squeeze newborns into our schedule and older babies take beautiful portraits too.
How old should my baby be?
We do our newborn sessions within babies first few weeks, 5-21 days. This is the best time as they’re still very sleepy and happy to be moved whilst sleeping. We take around two to three hours for a newborn session and leave plenty of time for feeding, nappy changes and cuddles. Come as soon as you are ready. I can’t wait to meet your new little one!
I know that must seem overwhelming, thinking about going out so soon but I promise you’ll feel amazing after doing so and what’s more you can completely relax whilst at the studio.
What do we need to bring with us?
Nothing, just yourselves. Well that’s not quite true however its nothing you wouldn’t already have. All I ask for you to bring is, if you’re bottle feeding, an extra feed for just incase baby needs a top up. The studio is warm and we move baby more than they would usually so sometimes they get hungry a little quicker.
If you have anything that you’d like included in your session please feel free to bring them along, this is your session and we can make it personal to you.
Can I bring our older Child/ren?
Yes of course!
Sibling images are some of my absolute favourites to take.
How should I prepare for my newborn session?
We recommend that you bring baby to the session well rested and plan to feed baby as soon as you arrive. Sleepy babies photograph perfectly, so we will ask you to undress and swaddle baby before the feeding so as to not disturb them by undressing them after they have fed. We take several breaks for feeding baby during the session to ensure that baby is happy and has a full tummy. We ask that you not be too concerned with scheduled feedings during the session and that you feed baby on demand or when they get a bit fussy to ensure their comfort and a smooth session.
What is a cake smash?
A cake smash is the ultimate way to celebrate your little ones first birthday! They are so much fun and you will have some amazing memories to look back on with them as they grow.
We will have a set designed around your specifications with a cake to match, they will get so smash it, eat it, squish it and just have fun! Once they’re done we will pop them in the tub for some splashing fun and a clean up.
When shall I book my cake smash?
You can book your cake smash anytime, most will book at their newborn viewing appointment. You can also however book at any time, if you would like a more elaborate set then I would advise booking as much as 4-6 weeks in advance.
How old do they have to be for a cake smash?
Cake smashes can be done from your little one being 10 months old all the way up to whatever age you like 😉 !
Most traditionally cake smashes are done for little ones first birthdays, I however have done them for two year olds, had mini tea parties for three year olds and have also done a 13th and 30th smash!! Get in touch if you’ve got a special birthday coming up!
Do you photograph older children?
Yes of course! I love working with families of all ages and stages from bumps through to teens and multi generational family portraits. Depending on your requirements we can plan a either a relaxed outdoor session within the Bromley area or a trip into good old London Town or we could do a more formal posed family portrait session in the studio. Outdoor sessions are perfect for active children who want to explore and run free rather than be confined in the studio and allow for a more relaxed natural portrait. Alternatively if you would rather have a more traditional family portrait in the studio we have full width studio backdrops available and enough space to welcome grandparents and other family members too! If you are unsure which would best suit your family please just ask! Based on the number of people in your family and the ages of those involved we can advise on what we think would be the best fit for you.
What if someone gets sick?
Working with brand new babies and children we understand that sometimes the unforeseen can happen. We ask that if someone in your household has symptoms of a D&V virus that you reschedule your session as soon as possible. We operate a 48 hour policy and ask that your house is free of symptoms for at least 48 hours before you visit us to ensure that no nasty bugs can be passed on to our tiniest of clients. Similarly I will also not work with your family until my household has been symptom free for 48 hours. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any concerns.
FIND US
Orpington, Bromley, Kent
ashleighsheaphotography@gmail.com
07809656783