Welcome

to Kelly Daniel Newborn Photography. I hope you find this information pack useful, informative and easy to use. You have enquired about a newborn package so are either pregnant or in the very first few days of parenthood. Congratulations! This is such a special time that is equally as exhausting as it is exhillarating, a rollercoaster of emotion so finding the right newborn photographer is essential. I've written this information pack based on questions that I have been asked by other expectant mums and dads. If there is something you need to know that hasn't been answered then please get in touch. No question is a silly question.

What is a newborn shoot?

It's a photoshoot of your new baby and his / her new family. That includes older siblings and obviously you and your partner. The shoot will take place at my home studio in Caerphilly, CF83. It’s a home from home so time for you to relax and let me do all the work! I have a range of props, colours and tones for you to choose from and usually we use one of my beautiful wraps. So you don’t even have to worry about what baby will wear!

How long does it take?

This depends on the baby. If you go for the studio shoot it can take up to 4 hours because many of the images parents expect are the peaceful sleepy ones and to do this safely baby needs to be in a deep sleep. We also take a lot of breaks for bottom changes, cuddles and feeding. Every baby is different so the session is led by them. Baby always comes first.

Is it safe?

I am fully trained in newborn photography by Russ Jackson and Emma Jayne, two of the UK's best newborn photographers in the UK. Baby safety is THE most important factor in any newborn session because many of the posed shots actually require an extra pair of hands where baby is physically supported at all times. Such images are then photoshopped and all supporting hands are removed. Also every baby is different and as some will naturally go into various poses, others may not. I aways work with the baby's flow and never persist with poses that they appear to be uncomfortable with. Here are some examples where baby is fully supported and the magic happens within the editing process. The black and white image is mum and dad holding their baby whom is actually lying on a bean bag... no lifting has taken place at all. The other image the baby's head was supported by dad's hands at all times, and later photoshopped out..

I have other children, is that ok?

Yes of course! Their age will govern how we approach the sibling shoot, so this would most likely be a conversation we have prior to the shoot. Some very small children pose a risk when asked to hold a baby so I don't do this. Instead I either have the older sibling lying down with baby placed carefully under the arm or use a prop like a basket. As the shoot can take a few hours I advise that there is someone available to look after the older sibling and possibly take out for some of the session, bringing back for the sibling / family shots, mainly to avoid their boredom and frustrating. I do however have Netflicks and Pepper Pig is readily available in a separate room.

Do I have to be in the pictures?

No, you don't but I'd strongly recommend you are. You've nothing to lose. I understand that you've just had a baby and might have experienced a traumatic birth, feel shattered and don't feel your best but think about it.. your baby will only be this little for such a short time, motherhood and fatherhood is such an amazing thing to capture and when your child is older they will want to know why you aren't in the pictures. They will want to see you there. Even if you keep those images private I guarantee that in years to come you'll be glad you were in them. If you do decide to get photographed with your new baby then I'd advise choosing similar natural tones to each other - so all creams, all blacks etc.. but if you want to wear a multicoloured top that's perfectly fine too. And I'm experienced in photoshop so if you've had a particularly sleepless night I can reduce any bags no problem ;-)

What else do I need to know?

It will be warm! So layer up. This is because newborns can't regulate their own temperature so need us to do it for them. We will also be stripping baby naked and or wrapped in one of my many newborn wraps so we can't let him / her get cold.
There is plenty of on street parking
Feel free to bring items that are sentimental so we can include them in the shoot. Try and keep any teddy’s as small as possible.

How do I book?

Just contact me, ideally when you you are pregnant to avoid disappointment as I only take a maximum of 5 newborn bookings a month. You pay a £100 booking fee and tell me your due date. We arrange the actual date after your baby has arrived so it’s important that you tell me as soon as possible. If your baby needs to remain in hospital after the birth I work with you to make sure we choose a date that is best for baby and you. Obviously babies have their own time line so I am flexible to your needs. I only do 1 newborn shoot a day so you won't feel rushed at all.

How much is it?

£100 is payable on booking which reserves the date and pays for the session. This is non refundable unless in specific medical cases. It covers date reservation, up to 4 hours of shooting time, washing and preparing for the shoot, access to a private online gallery where you can review your images. The opportunity to purchase from one of the packages below and or products to show off your new baby in the best way. Support and advise will be available when thinking about products.

Package 1 (no siblings): £125 - this includes 5 digital images at full resolution in colour and black and white plus 5 complimentary 7x5 prints. If you know that this is your maximum package at the time of booking PLEASE tell me because I will make sure to have a smaller gallery for you to choose from. This package is for baby’s only and does not include siblings. Parent shots are included.

Package 2 : £225 - this includes 15 digital images at full resolution in colour and black and white plus 7 complimentary 7x5 prints

Package 3: £300 - this includes the full gallery of digital images (aprox 30 images) at full resolution in colour and black and white plus 15 complimentary 7x5 prints

Package 4: £425 - full gallery to download (as package 3) plus a 20x16 professionally framed print (can be one image or multiple images in a collage) in a frame of your choice.

Book a Shoot

Framed Prints: Professionally framed 20x16 prints are available for £120 when ordered with a package. This is a £150 saving on a regular order. Other sizes are available... please enquire.

Baby Books: A 8x8 professionally bespoke made baby book with 12 spreads showing your favourite images is available for just £175 when ordered with a package. A variety of covers to chose from and options to include baby details like date / time of birth, song lyrics or a special message from mum and dad. Without a package the cost is £300.

Prints: 7x5 prints are included with all packages. Additional prints can be purchased in addition to packages.

(Add a maternity shoot to the packages for £100 - this includes a minimum of 5 downloads so you can print your own)

There are no additional costs unless you want to buy any products - framed prints, photobook, larger prints, canvas prints. If this is something you have in mind when booking then please chat to me so I can get you a bespoke price.

Thankyou so much, I genuinely hope we can work together, love Kelly