Newborn Photography in Leeds: What Actually Happens During a Studio Session

If you’re expecting a baby and researching newborn photography in Leeds, you might be wondering what really happens during a photoshoot. Will your baby sleep? What if they cry? How long does it take? What do you need to bring?

Newborns change faster than anyone prepares you for. The soft flakes on their skin, the way their tiny fingers curl around yours, the milk-drunk sighs and sleepy scrunches - these moments are almost gone before you’ve caught your breath. Photography freezes all of that. It lets you hold onto their newborn-ness long after they’ve grown, toddled, talked, and filled your camera roll with chaos and personality.

My Leeds studio is calm, warm, private, and designed for new families to relax. While you feed, settle and breathe, I quietly work around your baby to capture the tiny details you’ll never want to forget - the fuzzy shoulders, curled toes, pouty lips. One day these photos won’t just be pictures; they’ll be memories your child treasures, too.

When Should You Book a Newborn Photoshoot?

Most families book during pregnancy, ideally after the 20-week scan, to secure availability around their due date. You simply pay your deposit and I pencil your due date into my diary. When baby arrives, you drop me a message and we find a date that works for you. 

Newborn photos are usually taken when baby is 5–21 days old, when they are sleepiest and most naturally curled for those classic poses.

Already had your baby? Message me and if I have space, I’ll always try to fit you in.

Where Your Session Takes Place

All newborn sessions happen in my Leeds photography studio, with free parking directly outside, no city-centre stress, and full privacy for feeding and settling. It’s kept warm and cosy so babies stay comfortable throughout the session.

A calm parent = a calm baby = beautiful photos.

How Long Does a Newborn Session Last?

Most sessions last 2–3 hours. There’s no rush, we go entirely at your baby’s pace. That time allows for:

• feeding and top-ups

• nappy changes

• soothing and settling

• different setups and wraps

• parent/sibling portraits

Babies run the show. We simply follow their lead.

What Actually Happens During Your Newborn Session

1. Arrival & Settling In

You arrive, put your bags down, have a drink and take a breath. Sometimes, getting out of the house with a new baby can feel like climbing a mountain! So now is the time to relax.  Babies often feed before we start - a full tummy = a happy sleeper.

2. Wrapped & Sleepy Poses First

I usually begin with gentle wrapped poses to help baby feel secure. Once relaxed, we can move into different looks and setups. My style is timeless, soft and baby-led - never overly posed or never forced.

3. A Variety of Setups

We work through several beautiful looks including:

• wrapped newborn portraits

• blanket shots with soft, neutral tones

• prop setups using little beds or bowls

• close-up detail photos (lashes, lips, fingers, toes)

• parent & sibling portraits if you’d like them

Your gallery will feel varied, emotional and story-driven, not just one pose repeated. And if there is a specific shot you want, just let me know. These are your photos and I want you to adore them. 

4. Breaks Whenever Baby Needs Them

Cuddles, winding, top-ups - all welcome. There’s no timetable here. I only do one newborn shoot a day so we take all the time we need. 

5. Finishing With Family Images

These often become the most loved and printed photographs. Even if you feel tired, please be in them - you’ll never regret it.

What Should You Bring?

Just the essentials: nappies, milk, wipes and anything your baby needs.
I provide wraps, blankets, headbands, and simple props but if you have something sentimental like a blanket from Grandma, bring it along.

Newborn Photography FAQs

What if my baby doesn’t sleep?
Awake photos are beautiful too - wide eyes, big stretches and tiny expressions. I work with whatever baby gives us. And all babies eventually sleep. 

Can siblings come?
Yes. We usually photograph sibling images first so little ones can relax or head off after.

What should parents wear?
Neutrals work best. Whites, creams, soft pastels. Avoid heavy patterns or big logos to keep focus on connection.

Do you provide props?
Yes. I have a range of wraps, blankets and simple props like beds and bowls for classic newborn styling.

What if my baby is older than 3 weeks?
We can still create beautiful images. Older newborns may have more awake moments, which creates gorgeous storytelling portraits too.

Why Choose a Professional Newborn Photographer in Leeds?

Newborn photography requires experience, safety awareness, patience and gentle handling. With a professional you get:

• safe posing and soothing knowledge

• beautiful lighting and editing

• a relaxed, fed, supported baby

• heirloom-quality images to treasure forever

You only get one newborn stage - documenting it properly is priceless later.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you’re pregnant or have recently welcomed your baby, I’d love to photograph this fleeting stage for you. Sessions are limited each month to allow flexibility around due dates. Contact me to enquire about my availability. 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like The Safest Newborn Poses: What Parents Should Look For in a Photographer and How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost in Leeds?