If you’re here because you’re thinking about booking your newborn photography shoot in Yorkshire… first of all, hey! And secondly.. deep breath, lovely, you do not need to have it all together before you come to me.

You don’t need a baby who sleeps on command.

You don’t need to lose the baby weight.

You don’t need to remember where you put the changing bag (because honestly… same).

You just need to turn up exactly as you are.

Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, leaving the house with a newborn can feel like prepping for a small military operation. I know, because I’m a mum too, and I remember the early days all too well.

So I thought I’d pop everything in one place and answer the questions almost every parent asks before their newborn session at Lucy Rose Studios.

Because the more you know, the more you can relax and soak them up.

Before Your Session

“When should we book?”

Definitely earlier than you’d think!

I usually recommend booking your newborn session whilst you’re still pregnant – ideally after your 20-week scan if you’re feeling ready.

Most babies are photographed within their first couple of weeks earthside, when they’re still beautifully sleepy, curly, and tiny enough to fit into positions they naturally love.

But please don’t panic if baby is already here and you’re reading this whilst holding a cold coffee and googling things one-handed. I always try my best to fit last-minute babies in where I can.

“What if baby comes early… or late?”

Because let’s be honest, babies don’t care about diaries.

When you book, I pencil you in for 7-10 days after your due date. Then when baby arrives, we simply adjust if we need to.

No pressure. No stress.

“What do we need to bring?”

Very little, actually.

One of the things I’m most proud of at Lucy Rose Studios is that parents can walk in and feel like they can just… exhale.

My studio on the outskirts of York is stocked with:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Breast pads
• Muslins
• Soft wraps and blankets
• Beautiful neutral outfits for baby
• A wardrobe for mums too
• Tea, coffee… and yes, biscuits always

So if you forget something? It’s okay.

If you forget everything? Also okay.

I’ve got you. All you need is you and your baby.

“What should we wear?”

Keep it simple, soft, and comfortable.

Think:

• Creams
• Beiges
• Soft whites
• Warm neutrals
• Knits, linen, cotton, textures

No big logos. No neon. No stress.

And mums, please hear me on this one:

You do not need to “bounce back” before your session.

You grew a whole human. Possibly eyelashes and a heart (which still blows my mind, by the way).

Come exactly as you are.

Come in your jammies, your comfies or just anything that makes you feel good.

Do NOT bring your pre-pregnancy jeans unless they’re five sizes too big or your husbands as they’re notoriously baggier. Noones self esteem needs that.

During Your Session

“What if my baby cries?”

Then… your baby cries.

That’s it.

Nothing has gone wrong.

Newborn sessions at Lucy Rose Studios are completely baby-led. That means if your baby needs:

• Feeding
• Burping
• Cuddling
• Changing
• A little cry
• A long contact nap on your chest

So, that’s exactly what we do.

No rushing. No pressure. No awkward clock-watching.

Just your baby, setting the pace.

“What if they stay awake the whole time?”

Also absolutely fine.

Some babies snooze beautifully.

Some babies decide today is the day they’d like to inspect the world.

And honestly? Awake newborn photos can be incredibly special too.

Those tiny stares. Those curious little expressions. That scrunchy forehead that makes everyone melt.

There’s beauty in all of it.

“Can siblings come too?”

Please bring them.

Some of my favourite images happen when toddlers are being… well… toddlers.

A cuddle that lasts two seconds. A kiss that turns into a headbutt. A proud big sister climbing onto mum’s lap.

That’s real family life.

And those are often the photographs that mean the most years later.

“What if I feel awkward in front of the camera?”

Pretty much every mum says this when she walks through my studio door.

And then usually, about 15 minutes later, she’s curled up on the sofa, baby in arms, biscuit in hand, completely forgetting the camera is even there.

That’s exactly how I want it to feel.

Not posed.

Not stiff.

Just connected.

After Your Session

“When and WHERE do we see our photos?”

Once you leave, I carefully go through your images and hand-edit every single one with the same love and care I photographed them with.

Then comes the really emotional bit…

Seeing your family through someone else’s eyes.

The tiny fingers. The sleepy smiles. The way your partner looks at you holding your baby.

Fair warning: tissues may will be needed.

Once your photos are ready, the experience doesn’t have to end there.

When your images are ready, you’ll have two ways to view them.

If life feels busy, I can send you a beautifully presented, strongly watermarked gallery to look through in your own home. You simply click through and let me know which package you’d like to go for.

But my favourite option – and the one so many families say they’re glad they chose – is coming back to the studio for your personal viewing appointment.

No watermarks, no distractions, no trying to make decisions between nappy changes or bedtime routines.

Feel free to bring the kids along and I can play with them on the studio floor whilst you experience your photos, undistracted.

Just you, your images shown properly, a glass of prosecco, a slice of something delicious, and the chance to actually soak it all in.

We can laugh, get emotional, relive the session, and if you’d like, I can also guide you through wall art, albums, and keepsakes so your photographs don’t just live on your phone… they become part of your family home.

“What happens with our images?”

These photographs deserve more than sitting in your phone camera roll next to screenshots of nursery furniture and grocery lists.

Most of my families choose:

• Framed wall art
• Fine art prints
• Luxury albums
• Keepsakes for grandparents

You’ll be so glad you did.. five years from now.

Ten years from now.

For the day your baby isn’t a baby anymore – which, lets be honest, comes sooner than you wish.

Now.. I will say, there isn’t any pressure whatsoever to get your images turned into products. The option is simply there should you wish to use it.

I have lots of gorgeous samples in my studio for you to look at and can produce mockups so you can see how they would look in your home.

The Most Important Thing I Want Every Parent To Know

You don’t need a “perfect” baby for beautiful newborn photos.

You don’t need to feel camera-ready.

You don’t need to have your life together.

You just need to show up.

I’ll take care of the rest.

And if you’re reading this at 2am, feeding your baby, wondering if it’s worth doing…

I promise you this:

One day, you’ll be so glad you did.

Feel free to explore my website for more information and to see some of the photography I’ve captured. Have questions? Send me a little message here!

Best wishes,

Lucy xx

As a little P.S., if you’re looking for natural, timeless newborn photography in or around York, I’d love to welcome you to Lucy Rose Studios. My luxury newborn photography sessions are designed to feel calm, relaxed, and completely baby-led – giving you beautiful family photographs that capture those tiny details, genuine connections, and the fleeting magic of your baby’s first days.

Whether you’re searching for a newborn photographer in York, Harrogate or Leeds, sibling and family newborn photos, or bespoke wall art and heirloom albums to treasure forever, every session is thoughtfully created to give your family memories you’ll never outgrow. If you’re expecting and thinking about booking your newborn photoshoot, now is the perfect time to reserve your due date and begin planning your session.