Parents holding newborn baby, Edinburgh newborn photographer

Newborn Prep Guide

Edinburgh Family & Newborn Photographer


Your photographer

So you booked your session. What will happen now?

I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn. Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is Fine Art Lifestyle, meaning I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life. Below, I’ve outlined helpful information for your upcoming session with me.

Once Baby Is Born!

Call me or text me on 07783007923 ! Once your little one makes their big entrance.

I have already pencilled your due date into my calendar and booked your newborn session two weeks later. If for any reason you or your baby are not ready for the photo shoot, we will reschedule it for the nearest available day. We will set up a day that works for everyone’s schedule.


Day Of The Session 


When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best-lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the couch, master bedroom, and nursery for photos. Trust me; I know what it’s like to have a newborn. Please don’t feel you must clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area we want to use for photos while I’m there.


Your Baby


Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple bodysuit that is form-fitting with no graphics or words. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near-nude newborn photos. Also, please gather a few favourite swaddle blankets for your baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about 15 minutes before my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, but that is okay. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not do major posing or have any expectations on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session.

Siblings - Preparing for Your Newborn Session

If this is your second newborn session with me, it's worth mentioning that this one will feel slightly different than the first. With a toddler running around, things might feel a bit more chaotic. We'll focus on keeping your toddler happy and engaged to ensure a smooth and enjoyable session for everyone.

I know exactly what it’s like to have a new baby. As a parent of two, I understand how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try to get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them to do anything they aren't comfortable with. It's best to prepare the siblings for the session by telling them that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of their family. Surprises can be unsettling, so it's best to keep them informed

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR A PERFECT, RELAXING NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT:

  • Comfort: Dress comfortably and keep the baby cosy.
  • Timing: We'll try to schedule the session around your toddler's nap. We want your toddler to be rested and happy. Your newborn can be awake or asleep; both will work perfectly.
  • Patience: Take your time. We'll go at your baby's pace, making sure everyone feels relaxed and stress-free.
  • Involvement: Let your toddler help out and be part of the process; it can make them feel important and cooperative.

Remember, it's all about capturing those precious, genuine moments. Let's make it a beautiful experience for your whole family.

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Mom and Dad

​You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. Remember that I am a mom too so I understand exactly what you are going through. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease, while I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.

What to wear

The wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. Try to choose plain tops, shirts with no imprints on them so they don’t distract. Your photo session will depend on your well-being and how you feel in your clothes. I want you to be relaxed while I am working on creating your memories during the shoot.

I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.

I have some beautiful outfits so please let me know if you like to see them.

CLIENT WARDROBE - SEE WHAT IS INSIDE

Access to my client wardrobe is complimentary when you book a session with me. If you have any questions, send me a message.

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Skin-to-skin contact with your little miracle.


I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW BEAUTIFUL, PROUD AND HAPPY YOU LOOK WHILE HOLDING YOUR PRECIOUS BABY AGAINST YOUR SKIN! 

During our newborn sessions, I love the skin-to-skin contact and interaction between mum, dad and baby. I don't think there's anything I like to photograph more. In addition to amazing photos, there are many benefits to sharing this skin-to-skin contact.

Skin-to-skin can be simply holding your baby, breastfeeding or taking a bath together with your baby.

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Pets


Do you want to put your pet in your photos? Amazingly, I love dogs and know how important family members are. Family members come in all shapes and sizes; some are extremely hairy.


Safety Considerations

The most important thing to me during your session is the safety of your newborn. Before including your dog in your newborn photo session, consider its temperament and behaviour carefully. Here are some top considerations for a successful shoot:

  • The dog must be calm and relaxed
  • The dog must be able to sit and stay
  • You must trust your dog around your newborn


PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR A PHOTO SESSION

Exercising your dog before your photo session will help the dog to relax and behave well. Large dogs, especially, can benefit from the opportunity to get their energy out. Plan for this to ensure you have enough time for a walk or play before your photo session.


WHAT TO prepare FOR YOUR Newborn AND DOG PHOTO SESSION

All the item that will motivate your dogs, such as treats or a toy, is essential. We can use them to draw their attention and reward them for good behaviour. It the session is outdoors please bring water for your dog to stay hydrated.


Depending on the fur type, grooming them before the shoot and bringing a lint roller might also be a good idea

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Behind the scene


Seeing behind the scenes of your photoshoot isn't just helpful for me—it's a great benefit for you too. You get to watch me work, see your family being photographed, and then compare it to the final product. Capture moments during our photoshoot and share them with me; I'd love to include them in my gallery and share on social media. It's a fun way for others to see our joy in creating your precious memories. Thanks in advance! 😊


AFTER THE SESSION

Your online gallery is ready!


I aim to deliver your online gallery within 2-3 weeks after the photoshoot. You’ll receive a link to a beautiful online gallery where you can view and download your photos.


HOW TO CHOOSE FROM ALL THE IMAGES?

You don't have to choose! My pricing has been created so that you get the best savings when purchasing all your images.  Personally, I can never choose a few images from a gallery of my children, so I don't want you to have to choose either! I also offer a lot of images within your gallery so that when purchasing all images, you get a lot of value from your investment.


Your gallery will be available for viewing and ordering for 2-3 weeks. You may share your gallery link with family and friends. Please be prepared to back up your files. Your images can take up to 4 GB of space on your computer.

If you do not have enough space on your device, you can purchase a USB with your images for an additional £50.



No RAW files are available for sale.


Photos that languish on a hard drive break my heart – I love to see how you can use the images we create together to really make your house a home. 

Depending on your location, you can also order high-quality prints and photo albums directly through your online gallery.

Your photo shoot is just the start, next you get to choose how you want to share and enjoy your beautiful pictures.

Products which you can order after receiving you gallery

Prints


Bring your photos to life on the finest-quality paper designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime. Printed on professional-grade archival paper for increased colour gamut, excellent skin tones, sharpness, and brilliant image quality.


Mounted Prints


Matted Prints that are mounted in a refined elegant frame.


Perfect as a home decoration or as a wonderful gift to a family or friends.


Accordion MINI BOOK

AT 7X7 CM / 2.7X2.7” PANELS


Simple, fun to use - the photo product that anyone can keep, anywhere. 

Ideal gift for grandparents or even as an extra Christmas gift. Customisable and suitable for any occasion and photography type.

Photo Album

different sizes available


A book that tells about the most important moments of your family. This premium quality Photo Album, designed exclusively for professional photographers, is far and away above what is commonly associated with photo books. 


10 thick, 800 gsm spreads in this luxury Photo Album. Lay-flat binding allows you to show your photo uninterrupted over a double-page spread. 


If you would like to create this beautiful keepsake simply let me know and I would be honoured to create this amazing memory book from your session.



1+2 Album Family Package available.


This package includes 3 identical albums.

One main album 12x12" and two smaller downscaled versions 8x8".


The perfect gift for grandparents or other loved ones.



Photo TRIPLEX


A tri-fold centerpiece with the look, feel, and quality of our Photo Albums.


The perfect complement to any home. Perched upon a bookshelf, fireplace mantel, dresser, or desk the Triplex makes the ideal add-on to an album or other large print product purchase as a gift for a friend or relative.

It also makes for the best photography display for wedding, newborn, and pet photography.


Click on the photo and see short video about Photo Triplex

LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES PRINTED

MANY SATISFY CLIENTS 

photo album, print shop Edinburgh, family photographer Scotland , print photos,  newborn photographer
photo album, print shop Edinburgh, family photographer Scotland , print photos,  newborn photographer

I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Feel free to email dorota@markowskaphoto.com with any questions you might have.

Thank you, and I look forward to capturing you and your family!

Dorota xxx



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