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. :)

Should I take a maternity shoot?

Maternity photoshoots are all the rage in our generation and I have to say I was a bit bummed that I might have to give it a miss during the Covid. So, quite honestly, I have been racking my pretty little head on how to go ahead doing it in a safe manner. Thankfully, the lock-down lifted.

As many of you would know, a maternity shoot isn't the cheapest and it is as though you are going through the whole wedding photo ordeal all over again. So let me just share the tips and tricks with you to make your photoshoot more chillax and fuss-free :D

1. Find a photographer you are comfortable with. In fact, I think this might be the most important criterion on top of price etc. Especially if you want to take photos with slight nudity, that might be even more vital. Our photos are taken by dphotofolio. Alvin is very respectful and when I told him I am not ok with nudity. He found me inner wear so that I can take this flying artistic silk look. 

2. Check out their photo styles and let them know if you are ok to be directed. I think the Hubs and I are a lot more experienced in photoshoots after our wedding shoots. Nonetheless, we also ask to be directed because when it come to the bump shoot we don't really know how to showcase it. Alvin from dphotofolio is very friendly and will let you know what to do so that you will definitely bring home a few good shots to bring home. 

3. Studio or Home shoot or outdoors? This one really depends on your living conditions. Some mummies took at home. I think if you have your own house already and it is well decorated, you can definitely opt for this option. Currently, I am living with my in-laws and I don't think we can be that relaxed with curious spectators. Pai-seh max. Even for an indoor shoot, it can be quite tiring already. My Mum thinks when baby 2 is here. We should take an outdoors one instead. :P

4. Should I wear make-up? I didn't cos I wanted a natural, recognisable look. For my wedding, I had so much make-up and fake lashes on that I didn't look like myself at all. Also, since I was fortunately blessed with the pregnancy glow, I thought I should make use of it. So I only powdered myself for the shoot. And I absolutely love how it turned out!

5. Should I prepare any props? Yes, you should. In fact, you should prepare items that are unique to your relationship and motherhood journey. I remembered to bring my themed shoot props and flowers (from One Hour Florist, read my review here!) But, I totally forgot to bring my baby's toys and clothes. Damn the mummy's brain! Hopefully, Baby 2 will have more luck in this department!

6. How many sets of clothes should I prepare? You need to have at least 2! But it depends on how particular you are. I am ok with wearing the studio's robes etc. But if you are a cleanliness freak then please bring your own. I even brought a set of shoes to change (extra max!). For your own clothes, wear something comfortable. I wore my favourite nursing dress - Joole Maternity Nursing Dress in Black from Mothers en Vogue for my themed shoot!

To re-create my look: Joole Maternity Nursing Dress in Black from Mothers en Vogue, Fabiole shades from Xylvester, Clarks Heels with clip-ons, Nerf Guns 

7. Should I conceptualise my own shoot? Yes, you should. I dreamt this out one night (maybe cos baby wanna do this too) and discussed it with Alvin. He was game and viola, we became spies. We had a ball of fun! I have to say I absolutely love how Joole Maternity Nursing Dress in Black from Mothers en Vogue managed to hide my bump making me still look like a sexy agent although Alvin think I should flaunt the bump. (Note: Mothers en Vogue is really too under-rated, if you want nursing/ maternity wear that shows off your curves, please check them out!)

8. Should I get my raw images back? Yes, you should. Even though most of us are no photoshop experts, we should try to get copies of them. Because behind the scenes are hilarious and will bring back lots of beautiful memories. Plus. it is quite fun to do cringy edits like mine!

9. Should I take maternity shots? Honestly, I didn't find the point to take wedding studio shots initially. But then I realise every year I would look through it. Sometimes, I would also scroll through it in my phone. Photos like this are never cheap and may not be a necessity in life, but I see myself always going back again and again to reminisce that moment and that's when I know it is worth every penny...