Newborn Photoshoots in Berkshire: Capturing the First Precious Moments of Your Baby's Life
By Selen | Wedding & Newborn Photographer serving Maidenhead, Berkshire and surrounding areas | selenphotography.com
There is nothing in the world quite like the first days with your newborn. Those tiny curled fingers, the weight of them sleeping on your chest, the way they smell — it all passes so fast it can feel like a dream. I'm Selen, a professional photographer based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, and I've had the privilege of photographing hundreds of families through life's most important milestones — from weddings to those magical first weeks with a new baby. This guide covers everything you need to know about booking a newborn photoshoot in Berkshire, so you can walk away with images you'll treasure for the rest of your life. You can explore my full portfolio at selenphotography.com.
What Is a Newborn Photoshoot?
A newborn photoshoot is a professionally guided photography session designed to capture your baby in their earliest days of life — typically within the first 5 to 21 days after birth. During this newborn window, babies sleep deeply, curl naturally into beautiful poses, and have that unforgettable fresh, delicate appearance that changes week by week.
Sessions typically last 2–4 hours and take place either in a professional studio or in the warmth and comfort of your own home. You'll leave with a collection of stunning, timeless photographs featuring your baby — often wrapped in soft fabrics, nestled in props, and sometimes joined by mum, dad, and siblings for family portraits.
Why the Newborn Window Matters
Many parents underestimate just how quickly the newborn stage passes. In the first three weeks of life, babies are still naturally curled in the foetal position — making it possible to achieve the beautiful, peaceful poses you see in professional newborn photography. After around three weeks, babies become more wakeful, harder to pose, and more susceptible to startle reflexes.
Booking your session during the first 5–14 days gives you:
- The best window for deep, natural sleep during the shoot
- The most flexibility for artistic curled poses
- That iconic "brand new" look — soft skin, tiny features, that newborn glow
- Calmer, more settled babies who settle quickly under warmth and gentle shushing
I always recommend that expectant parents pre-book their newborn session while still pregnant, ideally before the third trimester. This ensures your spot is held regardless of early or late arrivals, and we can confirm the exact date once your baby arrives.
What to Expect From a Newborn Photoshoot in Maidenhead
As a photographer who works with families across Maidenhead, Windsor, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Reading, and the wider Berkshire area, I understand that every family is different. Here's what a typical session looks like when you book with me:
Before the Session
Once you enquire, we'll have a relaxed consultation — either by phone, video call, or over coffee — to talk through your vision, colour palette preferences, any siblings or pets you'd like included, and practical details like location and timing. I'll send you a full preparation guide to help you get ready in the days beforehand.
The Day of the Shoot
For home sessions, I arrive with everything needed: a portable heater to keep the room warm (sleepy babies love warmth!), a selection of wraps, props, headbands, and accessories, and years of experience soothing and safely posing newborns. Studio sessions take place at my dedicated newborn photography studio in Maidenhead — a calm, private, beautifully styled space designed entirely around making babies (and their parents!) feel comfortable and at ease.
Sessions are unhurried and baby-led. We pause for feeds, cuddles, nappy changes, and resettles. There is no rush. My job is to create a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable and your baby feels safe.
After the Session
Within 2–3 weeks, you'll receive access to your online gallery of hand-edited, beautifully retouched images. From there, you can choose your favourites for digital downloads, albums, wall art, and prints — all available through my studio.
Newborn Photography Poses and Styles
There are two main styles of newborn photography, and many photographers (including myself) offer a blend of both:
Posed Newborn Photography
This is the classic style you'll recognise from professional studios — babies wrapped in soft fabrics, posed in tiny baskets, curled in parent's hands, or nestled in wooden bowls. Every image is intentionally composed for aesthetic beauty.
Posed newborn photography requires specialist training in safe newborn handling, which I have completed through accredited newborn photography courses. Safety is always the priority — many images that look like a baby is unsupported are in fact composite shots, meaning multiple safe images are merged in editing.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Lifestyle sessions capture your family as you naturally are — in bed, on the sofa, skin-to-skin with your newborn, big siblings peering in curiously. These sessions feel more candid and documentary in style, and are a beautiful complement to posed work.
Many families opt for a blend of both styles within a single session.
Siblings and Family Portraits
One of the things I love most about newborn sessions is capturing the whole family together. The look on a toddler's face when they hold their new baby sibling for the first time is absolutely priceless — and often produces some of the most loved images from the entire shoot.
I encourage parents to include:
- Family portraits — mum, dad, and baby together
- Sibling shots — especially important if it's your first child together after a wedding or recent marriage
- Parent detail shots — baby's hand in yours, feet on dad's chest, tiny features close up
For clients who have previously had their wedding photographed with me, there's something deeply special about coming back to document this next chapter. Seeing a couple I photographed on their wedding day return with their newborn is one of the greatest joys of my work.
Choosing a Newborn Photographer in Berkshire: What to Look For
If you're searching for a newborn photographer in Maidenhead, newborn photography Berkshire, or baby photographer near Windsor, here are the key things to consider:
1. Safety Training
Newborn posing requires specialist knowledge. Always check that your photographer has completed recognised newborn photography training and follows safe posing practices.
2. Portfolio
Browse their full galleries — not just their best five images. Look for consistency in editing style, safe-looking poses, and a variety of families and skin tones represented.
3. Experience and Reviews
Read Google and Facebook reviews. Ask how many newborn sessions they shoot per month and how long they've specialised in this area.
4. Communication and Care
You'll be spending 3–4 hours with this person in an intimate setting. Do they respond quickly? Do they make you feel at ease? Do they clearly explain their process?
5. Products and Pricing
Understand what's included in the session fee and what's available to purchase afterwards. A low headline price sometimes means images are sold individually at high cost — ask for full pricing upfront.
Newborn Photoshoot FAQs
When should I book a newborn session? Ideally during your pregnancy, before 34 weeks. We pencil in an estimated date and confirm once your baby arrives.
What if my baby arrives early or late? No problem at all — I keep flexibility around due dates for exactly this reason.
My baby has a skin condition/jaundice/birthmarks. Will that affect the photos? Absolutely not. I edit with care and sensitivity, and no two babies are the same. All babies are beautiful, and the photos will reflect that.
Do you travel outside Maidenhead? Yes — I regularly shoot across Berkshire and into South Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey. Travel is usually included within a reasonable radius; please ask for details.
Can I include our pet in the shoot? Yes — with some preparation! Pets can make for wonderful images if they're calm and used to being around people. We'll discuss this in your consultation.
Do you offer twins sessions? Yes, twin sessions are some of my absolute favourites. They do require additional time, so please enquire for specific pricing and availability.
Why Book a Studio Newborn Session at Selen Photography, Maidenhead?
If you're deciding between a home session and a studio session, let me make a case for coming into the studio — because for newborn photography in particular, it truly makes a difference.
My Selen Photography studio in Maidenhead is set up permanently and professionally for newborn work. That means:
- Consistent warmth — the studio is always kept at the perfect temperature for sleepy, settled babies, with no need to wait for a room to heat up
- A full range of props and backdrops — I have an extensive, curated collection of wraps, textiles, baskets, flokati rugs, posing props, and backdrop colours to suit every aesthetic preference — blush, neutrals, earthy tones, classic whites and creams
- Perfect lighting — my studio lighting is specifically designed for newborn photography, flattering and soft with no harsh shadows
- A calm, distraction-free environment — away from the doorbell, the dog, and the bustle of home, babies settle faster and sessions run more smoothly
- Privacy and comfort for you — comfortable seating, refreshments, and a space designed to feel like a sanctuary for new parents
The studio is conveniently located in Maidenhead town centre, easily reachable from Windsor, Slough, Marlow, Henley, Reading, and the surrounding areas — with easy parking.
"I was nervous about the studio but from the moment we arrived it felt so calm and special. Selen made us feel completely at ease and the photos are just breathtaking." — a recent client
I genuinely believe the studio gives you the most stunning results, and I encourage every family to consider it as their first choice. That said, home sessions are absolutely available if that's what works best for your family — let's talk it through.
Newborn Photography Packages at Selen Photography
I offer a range of session options to suit different families and budgets:
- Studio Newborn Session (most popular) — full posed session at my Maidenhead studio, with the full range of props and backdrops
- Lifestyle Home Session — relaxed, documentary-style shoot in your home
- Full Story Session — a blend of posed and lifestyle, plus full family portraits
All packages include a post-session gallery reveal and a range of print and album options. Gift vouchers are also available — the perfect baby shower gift for an expecting friend or family member.
Visit selenphotography.com to view full package details and current availability.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session at Selen Photography?
Your baby will never be this small again. These photographs aren't just nice to have — they become irreplaceable family heirlooms, the images your children will look at in decades to come and see who they were on their very first days in the world.
I'd love to welcome you and your new arrival to my Maidenhead studio. Whether you're weeks away from your due date or have just arrived home from hospital, get in touch and let's make something truly beautiful together.
Book your studio session or enquire today at selenphotography.com
Serving Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Slough, Cookham, Taplow, Wargrave, and all of Berkshire.
Also offering: wedding photography, engagement sessions, family portraits, and cake smash photography across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
© Selen Photography | Newborn & Wedding Photographer | Maidenhead, Berkshire | selenphotography.com
Newborn Photoshoots in Berkshire: Capturing the First Precious Moments of Your Baby's Life
By Selen | Wedding & Newborn Photographer serving Maidenhead, Berkshire and surrounding areas
There is nothing in the world quite like the first days with your newborn. Those tiny curled fingers, the weight of them sleeping on your chest, the way they smell — it all passes so fast it can feel like a dream. As a professional photographer based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, I've had the privilege of photographing hundreds of families through life's most important milestones — from weddings to those magical first weeks with a new baby. This guide covers everything you need to know about booking a newborn photoshoot in Berkshire, so you can walk away with images you'll treasure for the rest of your life.
What Is a Newborn Photoshoot?
A newborn photoshoot is a professionally guided photography session designed to capture your baby in their earliest days of life — typically within the first 5 to 21 days after birth. During this newborn window, babies sleep deeply, curl naturally into beautiful poses, and have that unforgettable fresh, delicate appearance that changes week by week.
Sessions typically last 2–4 hours and take place either in a professional studio or in the warmth and comfort of your own home. You'll leave with a collection of stunning, timeless photographs featuring your baby — often wrapped in soft fabrics, nestled in props, and sometimes joined by mum, dad, and siblings for family portraits.
Why the Newborn Window Matters
Many parents underestimate just how quickly the newborn stage passes. In the first three weeks of life, babies are still naturally curled in the foetal position — making it possible to achieve the beautiful, peaceful poses you see in professional newborn photography. After around three weeks, babies become more wakeful, harder to pose, and more susceptible to startle reflexes.
Booking your session during the first 5–14 days gives you:
- The best window for deep, natural sleep during the shoot
- The most flexibility for artistic curled poses
- That iconic "brand new" look — soft skin, tiny features, that newborn glow
- Calmer, more settled babies who settle quickly under warmth and gentle shushing
I always recommend that expectant parents pre-book their newborn session while still pregnant, ideally before the third trimester. This ensures your spot is held regardless of early or late arrivals, and we can confirm the exact date once your baby arrives.
What to Expect From a Newborn Photoshoot in Maidenhead
As a photographer who works with families across Maidenhead, Windsor, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Reading, and the wider Berkshire area, I understand that every family is different. Here's what a typical session looks like when you book with me:
Before the Session
Once you enquire, we'll have a relaxed consultation — either by phone, video call, or over coffee — to talk through your vision, colour palette preferences, any siblings or pets you'd like included, and practical details like location and timing. I'll send you a full preparation guide to help you get ready in the days beforehand.
The Day of the Shoot
For home sessions, I arrive with everything needed: a portable heater to keep the room warm (sleepy babies love warmth!), a selection of wraps, props, headbands, and accessories, and years of experience soothing and safely posing newborns. Studio sessions take place in my calm, private, professionally equipped space in Berkshire.
Sessions are unhurried and baby-led. We pause for feeds, cuddles, nappy changes, and resettles. There is no rush. My job is to create a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable and your baby feels safe.
After the Session
Within 2–3 weeks, you'll receive access to your online gallery of hand-edited, beautifully retouched images. From there, you can choose your favourites for digital downloads, albums, wall art, and prints — all available through my studio.
Newborn Photography Poses and Styles
There are two main styles of newborn photography, and many photographers (including myself) offer a blend of both:
Posed Newborn Photography
This is the classic style you'll recognise from professional studios — babies wrapped in soft fabrics, posed in tiny baskets, curled in parent's hands, or nestled in wooden bowls. Every image is intentionally composed for aesthetic beauty.
Posed newborn photography requires specialist training in safe newborn handling, which I have completed through accredited newborn photography courses. Safety is always the priority — many images that look like a baby is unsupported are in fact composite shots, meaning multiple safe images are merged in editing.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Lifestyle sessions capture your family as you naturally are — in bed, on the sofa, skin-to-skin with your newborn, big siblings peering in curiously. These sessions feel more candid and documentary in style, and are a beautiful complement to posed work.
Many families opt for a blend of both styles within a single session.
Siblings and Family Portraits
One of the things I love most about newborn sessions is capturing the whole family together. The look on a toddler's face when they hold their new baby sibling for the first time is absolutely priceless — and often produces some of the most loved images from the entire shoot.
I encourage parents to include:
- Family portraits — mum, dad, and baby together
- Sibling shots — especially important if it's your first child together after a wedding or recent marriage
- Parent detail shots — baby's hand in yours, feet on dad's chest, tiny features close up
For clients who have previously had their wedding photographed with me, there's something deeply special about coming back to document this next chapter. Seeing a couple I photographed on their wedding day return with their newborn is one of the greatest joys of my work.
Choosing a Newborn Photographer in Berkshire: What to Look For
If you're searching for a newborn photographer in Maidenhead, newborn photography Berkshire, or baby photographer near Windsor, here are the key things to consider:
1. Safety Training
Newborn posing requires specialist knowledge. Always check that your photographer has completed recognised newborn photography training and follows safe posing practices.
2. Portfolio
Browse their full galleries — not just their best five images. Look for consistency in editing style, safe-looking poses, and a variety of families and skin tones represented.
3. Experience and Reviews
Read Google and Facebook reviews. Ask how many newborn sessions they shoot per month and how long they've specialised in this area.
4. Communication and Care
You'll be spending 3–4 hours with this person in an intimate setting. Do they respond quickly? Do they make you feel at ease? Do they clearly explain their process?
5. Products and Pricing
Understand what's included in the session fee and what's available to purchase afterwards. A low headline price sometimes means images are sold individually at high cost — ask for full pricing upfront.
Newborn Photoshoot FAQs
When should I book a newborn session? Ideally during your pregnancy, before 34 weeks. We pencil in an estimated date and confirm once your baby arrives.
What if my baby arrives early or late? No problem at all — I keep flexibility around due dates for exactly this reason.
My baby has a skin condition/jaundice/birthmarks. Will that affect the photos? Absolutely not. I edit with care and sensitivity, and no two babies are the same. All babies are beautiful, and the photos will reflect that.
Do you travel outside Maidenhead? Yes — I regularly shoot across Berkshire and into South Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey. Travel is usually included within a reasonable radius; please ask for details.
Can I include our pet in the shoot? Yes — with some preparation! Pets can make for wonderful images if they're calm and used to being around people. We'll discuss this in your consultation.
Do you offer twins sessions? Yes, twin sessions are some of my absolute favourites. They do require additional time, so please enquire for specific pricing and availability.
Newborn Photography Packages in Berkshire
I offer a range of session options to suit different families and budgets, including:
- Studio Newborn Session — full posed session at my Berkshire studio
- Lifestyle Home Session — relaxed, documentary-style shoot in your home
- Full Story Session — a blend of posed and lifestyle, plus full family portraits
All packages include a post-session gallery reveal and a range of print and album options. Gift vouchers are also available — perfect for baby showers, grandparents, or close family members.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session in Maidenhead or Berkshire?
Your baby will never be this small again. These photographs aren't just nice to have — they become irreplaceable family heirlooms, the images your children will look at in decades to come and see who they were on their very first days in the world.
If you're expecting a baby and would like to discuss a newborn session, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch through my contact page, send me a message on Instagram, or drop me an email — I'll get back to you quickly and we can start planning something beautiful together.
Serving Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Slough, Cookham, Taplow, Wargrave, and all of Berkshire.
Also offering: wedding photography, engagement sessions, family portraits, and cake smash photography across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
© [Selen Photography] | Newborn & Wedding Photographer | Maidenhead, Berkshire
