Newborn Shoot: Lil Pumpkin Studio

We are so happy to share that our little one's newborn photos are out and they look so cute. To be honest, I doubt we were going to get much photos because this one is a super light sleeper. She could barely sleep through her 2 hours straight and would always either startle herself awake or somehow wake up because of slight temperature/ light variation. It was worrying (for me especially) because I might die when our nanny leaves after confinement. 

Truth be told, she was fussing for a good 1.5 hours and most of the photos were only taken within a short 30mins span when she was asleep. All I can say is Lil Pumpkin Studio have very fast snapping speed. I only managed to witness one set of photos taking before going to pump. And voila the subsequent series were shot. Wow! 

We sort of wanted the photos to be ready by Christmas so that we could share the Christmas series of photos with our relatives and friends (humble brag, lol!) And time wasn't exactly on our side. Most studios would take a month before passing us the photos. Lil Pumpkin Studio released all the raw images within 2 days to us and most were good enough to be posted and used. 

In fact, I only picked 7 pieces to be edited further and it was mainly because I looked really shagged in them. For new parents, the newborn shoot is usually taken within 14 days of the child's birth so that they can contort and be wrapped like a ball. And it is hard for any mother (even an energetic one like myself to recover within that period), so photoshop magic it is. 

If a light sleeper for a newborn wasn't hard enough, we had a barely awake toddler along in our family shoot. But this was probably the more meaningful shoot because it is our first official shot as a family. In the ideal situation, it would be great to have a smiling toddler and infant. But I am happy with what I got. And will be printing some pieces to frame. 

Generally, the photoshoot experience was quite fuss-free. They provided most of the props. Some of the props were from me because I had a lot of such things at home (haha) and I always like a bit of personal touch in my photos. Coordinated dressing was a bit tough for us cos we don't do family tees. We ended up wearing navy which seems a bit too dark for my liking but that's the only constant shade in our wardrobes. 

My mother dropped by also to provide some help in case our toddler got cranky. And we got a 3G shoot which I absolutley love. It capulates the mother's love - mine for my kids and my Mum for me so well. A tip for new parents, always invite your parents to the shoot. My in laws witnessed my firstborn's shoot and was intrigued by the process. My mother missed the last one so she was glad she caught this one. 

Finally, ending the post with another favourite of mine. I was always wanted to dress my little girl in tutus like a ballerina princess. Guess wishes do come true ~

Things you need to know about newborn photoshoots

I feel like I am going down memory lane. It feels like it was just yesterday our little one was still a newborn fresh from the womb. One thing for sure, I actually don't miss those days. Haha. When our little one was a newborn, life was really tough. My body was frail and I barely had enough sleep. Looking back, gosh our chubby little cutie was so wrinkly and unphotogenic >_<

I wish people could have told me earlier that the first month postpartum was a case of too many things and too little time. I thought I would have time to slowly figure out many frills, but it was more of a case of priorities. Maybe it was my grit that made me ensure all my frivolous projects pulled through. Here's some tips I would like to share on newborn shoots. 

1. Always plan ahead. Most parents are very kiasu and have pre-booked ahead. I didn't but I was lucky that Alvin from dphotofolio managed to squeeze out time for us. If you find his photography familiar, it is because he was also the photographer behind our maternity shot. Honestly, Alvin is becoming more like a family friend after going through 2 of our major milestones with him.

2. When to take the newborn shoot? I always had this impression that you had to take it within the first 2 weeks. Our little one took it on his third week. Alvin shared that actually you can take it after Mummy's confinement, baby is still soft enough to be contorted. It is just that some babies might be more spoilt by then and would need certain conditions to sleep through the shoot. Personally, after witnessing my child's growth, I would suggest to do it within the first month. Because after that, the baby face would evolve to a more permanent look and the crinkly face is lost forever. 

3. Should I do a home shoot? As this happened during the Covid period, the decision for a home shoot was more obvious. During the first month, Mummy's body might be a little more weak so if you are breastfeeding etc., home shoot is actually more convenient. Because most people were working from home, our family manage to witness the behind-the-scene. (My in-laws and us had an eye-opener on how good Alvin is with babies. He effortlessly coaxed my little one to sleep a few times. P.s. after he left, I tried his method but it didn't work for me. LOL! Guess, his tricks are exclusive to him only.)

However, there are more props at the studio and there is better control of the lighting (which also means better photos). Home shoots also means you would have to incur additional cost for the photographers' transport. If you are wondering why you have to pay so much for transport, it is because the amount of stuff that the photographer have to bring over is crazy. Alvin brought over 3 backdrops, so many bags of clothes and props. o.O

4. Be clear on the package you are getting. Alvin is already more of a family friend, so it is easier to discuss the nitty-gritty with him (anyway he is also quite easygoing). Try to negotiate on number of themes/ looks instead of by hours. Reason being, lots of shit (literally) can happen. Our baby fed and even needed a diaper change mid-way. Our whole shoot took nearly half the day, by the way. 

5. Prepare a bottle of milk on stand-by. I was a breastfeeding mum (low-suppy then) so I had milk powder at hand. Formula milk makes the baby fuller and this will reduce the number of interruptions at the shoot. If you are very particular, then just make sure you have some expressed milk at hand. Please don't latch and waste precious shoot time. 

6. Pray that your baby is cooperative. Whether the photographer get a good shot that day is really luck-based. This photo of my baby smiling so sweetly made me felt that it was all worth-while. Mine didn't stick out his tongue or pout (he does that quite often) that day, but I am thankful that we caught this precious moment. By the way, we have both the raw and edited photos, so we kept images of him and his blotchy skin as well hehe. 

7. Consider themed shoots. If you have been following me long enough, you will know that I have grown to love conceptualisng shoots. I have been accumulating quite a bit of related props for this moment hehe. (Pokeball hat from Sunflower Bee and Pikachu pillow from @beau.sg (go to post for discount code) Of course, please discuss with your photographer ahead. For us, Alvin is always game to take up any challenge and help me bring my ideas to life. Personally, I always feel that there is a lot of joy when you play a more active role in a shoot. :)

If you are looking for a photographer, I would strongly recommend dphotofolio. I have worked with Alvin enough times to assure you he is really nice and easygoing. Most importantly, he is very experienced with babies so you can safely leave your child with him. Also, feel free to discuss with him if you have any specific ideas in mind, because he will be open to them :D

Would I recommend newborn shoots? Yes, and not just for first-born. Some moments once gone are lost forever. I am so glad I persevered and made these photos possible. :)