Clare Long Photography - Photography in Sidcup Kent
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How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session in Sidcup, Kent

1/10/2024

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As a newborn photographer based in Sidcup, Kent, I often receive questions from parents about how to prepare for their baby’s first photo session. This guide covers everything you need to know, from what to bring and wear, to ensuring your baby is calm and comfortable. These first few weeks are precious, and newborn photography captures those fleeting moments forever.


Let’s make sure your newborn photoshoot at my Sidcup studio is a smooth and memorable experience!

When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photography?

The ideal time for newborn photography is within the first two weeks of life. At this age, babies are still very sleepy and curl up naturally, making it easier to capture those beautiful, peaceful poses. If you’re based in Sidcup, or nearby areas like Bexley or Bromley, I recommend booking your session while you’re still pregnant, ideally during your second or third trimester.
Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a blanket, taken by a photographer in Sidcup.

What to Bring to Your Newborn Photoshoot

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable newborn photography session, I recommend bringing the following essentials to my Sidcup studio:


- Nappies & Wipes: For any quick changes during the session.
- Favourite Blanket: A familiar item can help soothe your baby.
- Feeding Supplies: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it's helpful to have feeding items ready for breaks.
- Dummy (Pacifier): If your baby uses one, this can be great for settling them between shots. Even if you baby doesn't use one at home, it can be really helpful during your session if you are happy for one to be used short term.
If you have any personal items, such as a family heirloom or special toy, feel free to bring those along too. Personal touches can make your photos even more meaningful.
Sleeping newborn baby in a bowl, neutral colours, taken by a photographer in Sidcup.

How to Dress Your Newborn and Family

For your newborn, simple is best. Soft, neutral colours like cream, white, grey, or pastel shades work beautifully. Avoid bright patterns or logos, as they can distract from the focus on your baby.

For parents and siblings, I recommend coordinating outfits in soft, neutral tones such as whites, greys, or earthy colours. These shades create a timeless feel and help keep the focus on your newborn. The goal is to ensure the photos look harmonious without outfits overpowering the shots.
Family dressed in neutral colours holding a newborn during a photoshoot in Sidcup, Kent.

Ensuring Your Newborn Is Comfortable

Your baby’s comfort is my top priority during the session. Before coming to the studio, it’s a good idea to feed your baby to ensure they’re full and relaxed. A well-fed baby is more likely to be sleepy, which is ideal for capturing those peaceful, posed shots.
Here’s how I’ll ensure your newborn is comfortable in the studio:
- Warm Studio Environment: Babies love warmth, so I keep the studio comfortably heated to make sure your baby stays cosy throughout the session.
- Dress Your Baby Lightly: It’s best to dress your baby in something easy to remove without disturbing them, as I’ll be swaddling them or photographing them without clothes.

I always allow plenty of time for breaks, whether for feeding, changing, or soothing your baby. There’s no rush—the session is designed to be calm and flexible, so I can capture beautiful, natural moments.
Sleeping baby, smiling, during a newborn photoshoot in Sidcup

​Booking Your Newborn Photographer in Sidcup

If you're in or around Sidcup, Kent, booking your newborn session early ensures you’ll have a spot during those precious first two weeks of life. I offer different packages that will suit your needs and budget. My studio in Sidcup is fully equipped with a variety of props, backdrops, and everything we’ll need for a successful session. It’s a calm, welcoming space where you can relax while I take care of capturing your baby’s first moments.
Get in touch
Newborn photography studio in Sidcup, Kent, set up with soft blankets and neutral backdrops.

​Final Thoughts: Capturing Beautiful Memories

Newborn photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving the magic of your baby’s first days. By preparing ahead of time and following these tips, you can ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience that results in photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you’re ready to book your newborn photography session at my Sidcup studio, or if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. I look forward to helping you capture these special moments.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does a newborn photography session last?
Newborn photography sessions typically last between 2-4 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, changing, and getting your baby settled.
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2. Can siblings be included in the newborn photoshoot?
Yes! I love including siblings in newborn sessions. I’ll guide you on the best ways to incorporate them into the photos for beautiful family shots.


3. What if my baby is fussy during the photoshoot?
Newborns can be unpredictable, and that’s perfectly normal. I plan for plenty of time for feeding, comforting, and breaks. Patience is key, and we’ll capture great images even if your baby needs extra soothing.


4. How far in advance should I book my newborn session?
I recommend booking during your pregnancy, ideally by your second or third trimester, to ensure availability within the first two weeks after birth.


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By following these preparation tips, you can feel confident that your newborn photoshoot in my Sidcup studio will be a relaxed and memorable experience that results in beautiful, lasting memories.
Book your session now!
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Cake, Bubbles and Birthdays

20/11/2019

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My studio has been a whirl of Christmas sparkle and Newborn magic recently so Cake Smashes have taken a bit of a back seat recently. Its such a shame because look at these amazing sessions that I've had recently.
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There's not much that makes me smile more about my job than seeing my clients come back to me for their birthday cake smash sessions. Gone is the tiny curled up little newborn and in their place is this bundle of personality and character just itching to get stuck into that cake.
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It's not all about the cake with my smash sessions though, they are a three part shoot which gives us plenty of opportunity to capture every little giggle and smile. We start off with some beautiful portrait shots, these can be done on a plain backdrop (set up in front of the main set) so you've got something a little more classical if you wanted.
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Then comes the messy fun, the unique set for the smash is discussed beforehand and handmade by me to match your brief perfectly. Sometimes the little ones can be a little shy about getting stuck in so its always best that you wear clothes you don't mind getting a some cake on if they need a little encouragement. Wooden spoons often come in to play to give them a hand too, this can help if your little one is a little hesitate to start!
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Some smashes are super messy, the cake goes everywhere. The cakes are included in the session fee, and made by my fab baker at Belles Bakery.
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Some are a little more reserved, have a good taste and explore but prefer to leave the cake for Mum and Dad to enjoy at home with a cup of tea ;) you get to take the remaining cake home with you!
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Finally we have a bubble bath to clean up, its a perfect opportunity to grab some happy bubbly pictures.
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Cake smash sessions are £99 and you can find my image pricing here

As you can probably tell from the photo spam that is this blog post, I do enjoy a cake smash! They are full of laughter and celebrations.

I'd love to see more of you in for cake smashes in the new year so get in touch if you'd like to book in for your little ones first birthday shoot.
Check our Yeovil photographer Sarah's blog this week on photos to capture this Christmas. She has a massive list of photographs you might want to capture this year to remember your festive fun.
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Homemade | Photographer in Kent

2/2/2016

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I love spending time crafting, making something new. Generally speaking, when I am making it is for a shoot - an idea I have. A photograph I want to create. I do, however, work to your ideas too, something a little more personal to a family.
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot cakesmash seaside
A seaside theme for a seaside living family, for this cake smash the family came to me from the south coast, origami boats, hand cut waves and starfish were definitely in order!
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot cakesmash outdoors pink and tealPicture
Lots of circles being stuck for this lovely little lady, and a DIY canopy!
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot balloons blue stars Picture
I have so many pairs of scissors, in various states of blunt! Blue and stars was what the parents wanted for this one. I still find silver glitter in random areas in my dining room!
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot surfer surfboards cakesmash
This little surfer dude was just so cute! I still have the surf boards I made especially!
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot paper flowers roses Portrait
This is one I am still working on. It isn't specifically for one client, but I am loving it, and it has progress on to....
Clare Long Photography Kent photographer handmade set personalised shoot Portrait paper flowers
...this! I am still tweaking the idea, how I want it to look, making it just so! So more flowers are being made, different paper, sizes, colours.

I will be doing a casting for a young lady to come and help me in creating this image I have in my head, keep your eyes out!

I will also be doing a boy theme too - anything you would like to see?
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Children Photographer South East London

1/11/2015

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I am sorry! I have been and am, SO busy, Christmas mini's have left me with the biggest editing pile ever, plus my regular bookings...It is so so busy for me right now!
Cake Smash photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
I have had families, and Cakesmashes, and mini's and products to shoot! It's lovely to be busy, but sorry Mr Blog, you have been put to the bottom of the pile!
Baby Children photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
Baby photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
This week I had 3 gorgeous 1 year olds! Here are 2 of them...
Baby Cakesmash photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
More coming soon, I promise!
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Eliza

30/9/2015

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Eliza was a little older than a typical newborn who comes for a shoot, generally speaking, this makes it a little harder to get those sleepy, curled up shots - but, the positive of it is, more awake shots.
Baby photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
A short nap meant we could get some sleepy shots before some more with big blue eyes.
Baby photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
This little lady was wonderful, and boy does she have a personality!
Baby photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
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A morning in Greenwich Park

18/9/2015

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I love a location shoot. Especially for families with little ones. Being outside allows little characters to shine through, run around and giggle, giving me a chance to capture these beautiful moments between Mummy, Daddy and their lovely teeny.
Family photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
We walked towards the observatory, the wonderful family admired the views, stopped for cuddles, a quick game of peek-a-boo and some even had a little snack...of stones and sticks!

All walked out, we decided to head back to the family's home and I captured a few more shots of them interacting and relaxing together.
Family photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
Family photography, Photograper Sidcup Kent
Cannot wait to meet A's little brother in a couple of months time for his newborn shoot, and of course, some more family photographs - this time as a family of four.

To book your family shoot, please contact me!
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Newborn, baby and family photography by Clare Long Photography, Sidcup, Bexley, Kent and London.
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