And how to avoid them!

If you’ve ever typed this question into Google at 11pm while feeding a newborn, firstly, hello, you’re doing amazingly. Secondly – there’s no such thing as a bad question!

I’m Lucy, I’m a newborn photographer just outside York with five years of experience and hundreds of families under my belt, and I want to walk you through the most common mistakes I see and, more importantly, how I make sure none of them happen in my studio.

Booking too late

The newborn window is tiny. The ideal time to photograph your baby is between five and ten days old.

If you wait until after the birth to start looking for a photographer, most good ones will already be booked.

I recommend getting in touch around your 20 week scan so we can pencil in your due date and adjust once baby arrives.

Choosing the wrong photographer for your style

Not all newborn photography looks the same. Before you book anyone, spend time on Pinterest and Instagram figuring out what style you actually love – clean and neutral, dark and moody, bright and airy.

Then find a photographer whose portfolio consistently delivers that.

Don’t book someone whose work is just ‘fine.’ You’ll be looking at these photos forever.

Stressing about the baby not settling

This is the big one. Parents arrive at shoots wound up with worry that their baby is going to cry the whole time, and that tension transfers directly to baby.

The truth is – unsettled babies are completely normal. They’re hungry, tired, or need a nappy change. There is always a solution, and there is never any rush in my studio.

Worrying about what to wear

This one keeps so many mums up at night unnecessarily. Neutral tones, soft fabrics, nothing too tight.

Or just borrow something from my studio wardrobe – I’ve got dresses in every size specifically for this reason.

Trying to do it yourself

I see this one a lot.

Phones are great, but they’re not the same.

Professional photography captures details – the eyelashes, the tiny hairs on their cheeks, the curl of their fingers – that simply don’t show up on a phone.

And you can’t safely recreate newborn poses without proper training.

Rushing the experience

A newborn shoot isn’t a 30 minute in-and-out job. It’s a 2-3 hour experience.

If your photographer is watching the clock, something is wrong.

Mine aren’t.

If you’re looking for natural, baby-led newborn photography in York or across Yorkshire, Lucy Rose Studios offers relaxed newborn sessions, family portraits, luxury albums, bespoke wall art, and a studio experience designed around real families, not rushed schedules, timers, or pressure. Just beautiful memories, created at your baby’s pace.

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