The top priority is the safety and comfort of the baby. There are lots of ‘it’ poses out there at the moment that are achieved through composites so as not to compromise the safety of the baby. Do not let anyone attempt these poses in one shot! Examples would be any hanging shots and shots where the baby is leaning the weight of their head on their hands with their feet facing forward. I myself steer away from these poses and concentrate on more naturally occurring poses. It is sooooo important to me that my little precious subjects are kept safe. You can achieve wonderful results this way, concentrating instead on composition and shot angle instead of any ‘risky’ poses.

To be on the extra safe side always keep a spotter, (usually the parent) close to the baby or even holding the baby. This will have a twofold benefit, it will ensure that the baby does not come to any harm should they move suddenly and it will give them the reassurance that Mam or Dad are close.

Keep the room extra toasty warm to make sure that the little bundle is comfortable. This will even help in getting those sleepy shots that are soooo cute! Make sure also that the baby’s head is properly supported, be it by using rolled up towels, small bean bags or hands. Those little heads are so heavy compared to their bodies so be extra cautious to have the front of any posing prop raised to ensure they don’t topple forward.

Do not force the baby into any pose, after all if they are not comfortable you are onto a loser straight away. A comfy baby makes a happy baby and a happy baby is what we are looking for :)

Lastly but not least, listen to the baby and the babies queues. They will need regular feeding and cuddle breaks. If a baby is completely unhappy on the day the session can be rearranged. It makes more sense to do this rather than trying to muddle through with an unhappy bundle.

I have recently introduced a new product to Linda Clarke Photography. These four sessions will allow you to trace the progress of your family as they grow and put it all together in a collage at the end :) Each session will be timed to depict a significant milestone in your family’s life.....

‘Sleepy Session’ – for newborns under 6 weeks

This session is best timed before your new bundle reaches 6 weeks, even earlier if possible to capture some of those adorable sleeping shots. This session will also capture all the little details that will change all too soon, like the tiny toes, those little lips and beautiful eyes :) This session can be done in your own home and there are no time limits. We will be totally led by the baby and their needs. If they need a feeding break or just a cuddle break that’s no issue :) I have a full range of Newborn Props to complement our session.

‘Sitting Session’ – once your little one is comfortable sitting up

This session will show how your little one's character has developed and it is lovely to include any favourite toys or play things in this session. During this session we will show off your babas personality :)

‘Strolling Session’ – once your little one is comfortable walking

During this session we can be much more adventurous and if the weather permits venture outside! Environmental portraits at this age are just stunning and will capture fabulous memories for you :)

‘Family Session’ – either in a studio setting or a lifestyle session outdoors

During this session we will capture the real interaction between your family. Those looks that your little ones only have for Mammy and Daddy will be committed to print! We can go on an adventure to their favourite place to play to ensure that everyone is relaxed to make our session together even more fruitful!

For pricing details please see my website - http://www.lindaclarkephotography.ie/newborn-/-baby-/-family-portrait-shoot

Linda x

In recent timse its mostly been baby girls that I've been working with, but this weekend just past I had the pleasure to meet two beautiful boys :) A big brother and his 6 weeks new baby brother. Both were adorable and so well behaved, helped in no small part by Buzz Lightyear ;)

During the session I got to use some new props and my new newborn posing bean bag from www.newbornbabyposing.com ! I have to say its fantastic, so easy to use and makes a huge difference. It does take alot of beans to fill it but worth it in the end :)

Heres are a couple of shots of them as a taster of our session together !