NATURAL NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
MELBOURNE / BAYSIDE
Those early days go by in a blur, the tiny fingers, the way they curl into you, the quiet moments you wish you could freeze. Between the sleepless nights and the overwhelm of new parenthood, organising photos can feel like just another thing on the to do list. I'm Jenn, the photographer behind Watch Them Grow Photography. Based in Highett in Melbourne's Bayside, I specialise in relaxed, natural newborn photography that captures the genuine connection between you and your new baby. Sessions are baby-led and can take place in my Highett home studio or in the comfort of your own home.
Book now
Get in touch early in your pregnancy to secure your Maternity and Newborn sessions. When you book both together, you’ll receive 20% off the total number of images you choose from each session.
Watch Them Grow Photography welcomes families from across Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs including Brighton, Hampton, Hampton East, Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Cheltenham, Moorabbin, Bentleigh, Mentone and surrounding areas of Melbourne.
newborn photography faq’s
WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?
It’s such an exciting time once you know you’re pregnant. A good time to book in is around the 3rd trimester. I’ll pencil your due date in my diary and leave room around that date to accommodate for your newborn shoot. Once bubba has arrived, give me a call and we’ll lock in the actual date and time. I’ll also send you my Welcome Booklet that has lots of info about how to prepare, what to wear, etc.
CAN PARENTS & SIBLINGS BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH THE BABY AS WELL?
Yes absolutely! My style is ‘lifestyle, natural” – your baby snuggled in Mum or Dad’s arms or being kissed by a big brother or sister. These will be your first portraits of your new family so it’s so important to capture these raw emotions and authentic moments of love and connection you have for your new member of the family.
HOW LONG IS A NEWBORN SESSION AND WHAT TIME WILL IT BE AT?
The session can run for between 1-3 hours. I schedule newborn shoots between 10.30 -11.30am due to the sun being high in the sky giving good, natural window light. There’s no time limit, it’s all baby led so if you need to comfort, feed, or burp your baby then that’s what we’ll do to keep your newborn happy and content.
IS IT NECESSARY TO PHOTOGRAPH MY newborn WITHIN THE FIRST 10 DAYS SINCE BIRTH?
This isn’t as important for ‘Lifestyle’ photography as I can photograph your baby at any age. Posed newborn photographers prefer to photograph your newborn within 10 days due to your baby basically sleeping most of the time and it’s easier for them to manoeuvre them into various poses. If you prefer the newborn phase to capture their ‘newness’, it’s probably a good idea to photograph them during this time period.
why 2-3 month old babies are beautiful to photograph
Babies can be photographed at any age. If you missed the newborn bubble, don’t worry as I’ll always try to find space in my calendar to accommodate your shoot.
what do we wear for a newborn photo shoot?
Neutral colours are best and photograph beautifully. I have a selection of wraps, onesies and blankets in neutral tones for you to choose from. I also have a client wardrobe for Mums should they have nothing to wear. I have a beanbag that I cover with neutral coloured blankets for your newborn’s comfort and we can either strip them down to just their nappy and wrap them in my variety of wraps or dress them in a cute onesie. Sentimental items or gifts can also be used.
WHAT IF MY BABY DOESN’T SLEEP DURING THE PHOTO SHOOT?
Don’t worry! Your baby doesn’t need to sleep. My sessions are completely baby-led, so we simply follow their cues. Awake babies are beautiful to photograph too, capturing their little expressions, eyes, stretches and personality. We take our time with plenty of cuddles, feeds and breaks as needed.
DO YOU USE PROPS?
Babies are perfect just as they are. My style is natural, simplistic, and timeless, so I do not use any props.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR AN IN-HOME NEWBORN PHOTO SHOOT
There’s no need to have your home looking perfect before your session! I’m looking for beautiful natural light and the everyday spaces where your family feels most comfortable. Simply tidy away any obvious clutter from the rooms you’d like to use, open curtains and blinds, and let as much natural light in as possible. I’ll guide you through the rest on the day. Most importantly, relax and enjoy this special time with your new baby, the focus is on capturing your family and the genuine connection between you.
HOW DO I PAY?
A deposit invoice will be issued to secure your preferred photo shoot date and time once your booking is received. After you’ve made your final selections from your online proofing gallery, you’ll be invoiced based on the total number of images chosen (minimum of 15).
For further details and pricing, request a copy of the Enquiry Booklet or contact Jenn via the Contact Page above.
DO YOU SUPPLY DIGITAL FILES?
Yes, digital files are supplied on USB of your chosen images plus 7 x 5 inch art prints as I really believe photos should be printed.
ARE YOU VACCINATED?
I’m fully vaccinated and up to date for COVID, Whooping Cough and Flu.
I’d love to hear from you should you have any more questions.
