When to Book a Newborn Photographer in Surrey and What to Expect From Your Session

Those first few days with a new baby are a blur. Time feels strange, emotions run high, and suddenly your tiny newborn starts to stretch, uncurl and change almost overnight. Newborn photography is about gently preserving that fleeting stage in a calm and thoughtful way.

I am Magda, a newborn photographer based in Sutton, Surrey, and I have been photographing babies and their families for over 11 years. My studio in Cheam is designed to be warm, calm and baby led, with safety and comfort at the heart of every session. In this guide, I will walk you through when to book your newborn session and what you can expect on the day.

When should you book your newborn photography session?

The best time to book your newborn photographer is during pregnancy, ideally around your 20-week scan or in your second trimester. This allows me to plan around your due date as I only take a limited amount of bookings per month to ensure the best experience for all my clients. We then schedule your session date once your little one arrives.

Newborn sessions are usually held within the first 2 to 3 weeks after birth, when babies are still very sleepy and naturally curl into those beautiful womb-like poses. However, if you miss that window, please do not worry. I photograph older babies too, and there are many gentle, natural poses that work beautifully beyond the newborn stage.

If your baby arrives early or later than expected, I will always do my best to accommodate you. Babies do not follow calendars, and flexibility is part of my service.

What happens during a newborn photoshoot?

A newborn session is calm, unhurried and completely baby led. Sessions typically last between two and four hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, cuddles and settling. There is no rush and no pressure to perform.

In my Sutton studio, everything is prepared before you arrive. I guide your baby into safe, gentle poses and watch their comfort cues closely throughout. Many babies sleep through most of the session, but awake moments are just as precious and often make some of my favourite images.

Parents are welcome to relax, have a cup of tea, and enjoy watching their baby being photographed. Siblings and family images can also be included on request, creating a complete record of your growing family.

Safety and comfort come first

Your baby’s safety is my absolute priority. I am fully trained in newborn posing and safety, insured, and experienced in settling and handling newborns. All props, fabrics and surfaces are cleaned and sanitised between sessions, and your baby is never placed in any position that could compromise their comfort or wellbeing.

Many of the more complex images you may see online are created using compositing techniques, where multiple safe images are combined in post-processing. I will always explain what is involved and ensure you feel comfortable with every part of the session.

What should you bring to your session?

You do not need to bring much at all. I provide wraps, blankets, outfits and props in neutral, timeless tones that photograph beautifully. If you have sentimental items, such as a blanket from a grandparent or a special toy, I am happy to incorporate them into your images.

I recommend bringing:

• Milk or feeding supplies

• A dummy if you use one

• Extra nappies and wipes

• Any sentimental items you would like included

Everything else is taken care of for you.

Why choose a specialist newborn photographer?

Newborn photography is a specialist area that requires training, experience and patience. Babies are delicate, unpredictable and need to be handled with care. A specialist newborn photographer understands baby cues, knows how to settle and soothe, and works at a pace that suits your baby.

With over a decade of experience photographing newborns in Surrey, I aim to create images that are both beautiful and meaningful. These are photographs that will hang on your walls, sit in albums, and be passed down as part of your family history.

How to book your newborn session in Sutton and Surrey

If you are expecting a baby in Sutton, Cheam, Wallington, Ewell, or the surrounding Surrey and South London areas, I would love to hear from you. You can find full information about sessions, pricing and availability on my website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to talk you through the process and help you plan your session.

The newborn days pass quietly and quickly. Photography allows you to hold on to them, long after they have grown.

Magda Bright is a specialist newborn photographer based in Sutton, Surrey, creating calm, timeless newborn, maternity and family photography in her cosy studio.