A Gentle Guide to Documentary-Style Newborn Photography

Welcoming a new baby into your world is tender, raw, and fleeting. Those first weeks pass in a haze of soft cries, tiny stretches, and sleepy snuggles. My role as a documentary-style newborn photographer is to preserve this chapter exactly as it feels; honest, unscripted, and beautifully yours.

This isn’t about posing your baby in baskets or tying bows just right. It’s about connection. The way your newborn curls into your chest. The quiet moments between feeds. The love that lingers in the room.

Here’s what to expect when you invite me in to capture your family’s story:

What Doesn’t Happen

If you’ve seen those studio-style newborn portraits with props, baskets, or babies posed in intricate positions—you won’t find that here. I don’t use props, backdrops, or forced posing.

Your baby will never be tucked into unnatural positions or placed in a bucket. Instead, they’ll be held in your arms, lying in their bassinet, or curled up on the bed—exactly as they are. I believe the beauty lies in their natural movements and the everyday spaces you’ve already filled with love.

Before the Session: How to Prepare

The beauty of documentary newborn photography is that you don’t need to do much at all. There’s no need to tidy your whole house or plan a picture-perfect backdrop. A little declutter in the spaces where light pours in, like the bedroom or living room is more than enough. Open a few curtains and let the natural light flow.

Feed your baby as you normally would. Have extra swaddles, nappies, and wraps nearby, but don’t worry about keeping them spotless. Real life is the heart of these sessions.

During the Session: What We’ll Do

Think of me as a gentle observer rather than a director. I’ll guide you here and there if needed, perhaps suggesting you sit near a window or cuddle up on the bed but mostly, I’ll step back and let your family’s natural rhythm unfold.

There’s no pressure for your baby to be “on their best behaviour.” Crying, feeding, nappy changes—all of it is part of the story. I’ll capture the quiet pauses as well as the chaos.

You can expect lots of cuddles, plenty of time for feeding or soothing, and no rush at all. Sessions typically run for 1.5 to 2 hours, giving us space to slow down and honour this season.

Activities You Might Include

Sometimes families like to weave little rituals or everyday moments into their session. These can make the photographs feel even more personal and true to you. Some gentle ideas include:

Bath time – the warm water, soft towels, and tiny toes splashing.
Feeding – whether breast, bottle, or both, these are intimate, grounding moments worth remembering.
A quiet walk – stepping outside for some fresh air, pushing the pram around the block or swaying under a tree in your backyard.
Story time – reading to your baby or singing softly while rocking them.
Everyday routines – swaddling, burping, changing nappies, or just sinking into the couch together with your little one on your chest.

None of these are staged—they’re simply parts of your day, woven into the flow of the session if they happen naturally.

What to Wear

Comfort always comes first. Choose soft, neutral tones,creams, whites, beiges, muted pastels that let your baby’s tiny details shine. Avoid bold patterns and logos that might distract. Bare feet are always lovely in photos, and textures like linen or cotton photograph beautifully.

For your baby, a simple onesie or wrap is perfect. You don’t need elaborate outfits—skin-to-skin moments and a cozy swaddle often feel the most timeless.

The Heart of It All

At the end of the day, these photographs are not about perfection. They’re about love. They’re about capturing the small details you’ll want to hold onto long after the newborn days have passed—the curl of tiny fingers, the way you breathe them in, the tender exhaustion and joy of it all.

When you look back, I hope these images will feel like home.