The art of the early days
A guide to your newborn session
Thank you for choosing me to photograph this extraordinary chapter of your lives. It is a real privilege to be invited into your home at such a tender, fleeting moment.
I want you to feel completely at ease. You do not need a perfect home, a tidy home, or anything “ready” for me.
You have just brought a baby into the world. I am not here to inspect your home, and I have no expectations or judgements about how you live. I am here to find the beauty that is already there in you, your baby and the life you are making together.
01 / YOUR HOME
When I arrive, we will have a quiet look around to find the most beautiful natural light. It might be your bedroom and the bed where you have spent hours with your baby, or the sofa beside the patio doors. There is no right room, we will make the space feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you are happy for me to, I may move a cushion, blanket or small object that distracts from a photograph. I will not rearrange your home or move whole pieces of furniture, so please do not spend your morning tidying for me.
I often recommend choosing a small bunch of your favourite flowers or seasonal greenery to have at home. Beyond the beauty they bring to a space, certain flowers can hold memories of loved ones or quietly remind us of someone special. And when the early days of parenthood can feel a little overwhelming, something as simple as fresh flowers can bring a sense of lightness, calm and life into your surroundings.
02 / A BABY-LED PACE
The session is calm and unhurried. Your baby sets the rhythm, not the clock. We will pause whenever they need a feed, a change, a cuddle or simply a little time in your arms.
Some of the most meaningful images happen between moments: a sleepy stretch, a tiny hand, the way you instinctively settle your baby against your chest. Nothing needs to be forced.
03 / MAKE THE MORNING YOURS
If you can, give yourself a slow morning. A bath, washing your hair, doing your make-up, or simply putting on something that makes you feel lovely can make a real difference to how you feel in front of the camera.
You have been giving so much of yourself to your baby. This is a small opportunity to feel like you again, too.
Prepare for the feeling, not the photographs.
A little preparation can help you feel more like yourself, but nothing here is a rule. We will work with whatever the day brings.
04 / CLOTHING & COLOUR
We can talk about clothing before the session, I am very happy to help. I love a quiet, considered palette: warm whites, cream, oatmeal, soft browns, muted greens and gentle neutrals.
Think texture rather than trend: cotton, linen, soft knits and simple layers.
Avoid prominent slogans and very bright colours.
When everyone sits within a similar palette, the photographs feel calm and timeless.
05 / FOR YOUR BABY
A couple of outfit changes are useful, both for variety and in case of a little newborn sick-up. Keep things soft, comfortable and easy to change. Simple wraps or barely dressed portraits can be beautiful, too.
Your baby's tiny details their skin, hair, hands and feet are all part of this chapter.
06 / THE QUIETER PHOTOGRAPHS
Breastfeeding photographs are always an option. I always bring a selection of lace robes, if you would like to create soft, sensual skin-to-skin images while still feeling covered and comfortable.
These photographs can be deeply personal. They do not need to be displayed or shared with anyone. They can simply belong to you, a record of your body, your baby and the extraordinary connection between you.
Above all, please arrive as you are. Tired, emotional, in your dressing gown, wonderfully happy or a little overwhelmed, all of it belongs here.
We are not creating a perfect version of these days. We are preserving the real ones.
Gemma Florence Photography
Women, motherhood & the stories we carry
Making Memories Matter: Helping Men Feel Comfortable in Maternity and Newborn Photos
Making Memories Matter: Helping Men Feel Comfortable in Maternity and Newborn Photos.
The why and the how.
Many men seem to have an aversion to being photographed, often shying away from the camera or refusing to participate in photoshoots. This reluctance can become particularly challenging when it comes to capturing special moments like maternity photos or newborn baby pictures. Understanding the reasons behind this hesitation can help in finding ways to make your man feel more comfortable and engaged in these important life events.
Why Do Some Men Avoid Photos?
Self-Consciousness – Many men feel uncomfortable about their appearance in photos. They may worry about how they look, whether their expressions seem forced, or if they appear awkward. No one likes ‘forced fun’.
Lack of Control – Some men dislike the idea of being posed or directed, feeling that they have little control over how they are represented in photos.
Disinterest – Unlike us women, who may see photos as sentimental keepsakes, some men may not attach the same emotional value to pictures and thus don’t prioritise them in the same way.
Past Bad Photos – If your man has had unflattering pictures taken in the past, he may be hesitant to go through the experience again.
Societal Norms – Some men grow up believing that caring too much about appearance or participating in photoshoots is vain or unmasculine.
Impatience – Photoshoots, especially staged ones, can take time, and some might see it as a tedious activity rather than an enjoyable experience.
Let’s take it easy and make it enjoyable.
Understanding these reasons is the first step in addressing them. Here are some practical ways I like to encourage Husbands, partner’s and new Dad’s to get in front of the camera:
Emphasize the Emotional Significance – My sessions always start with an informal chat, easing gently into it all with conversations that help him see that these moments are about more than just looking good. These pictures will serve as cherished memories for years to come, for both the parents and the child.
Keep It Casual and Natural – Instead of formal or heavily posed photos, there’s always a focus on candid shots, with relaxed settings where he feels more at ease. Not looking directly into the lens is always a winner too.
Let Him Have Some Control – Talking to your partner before the day to plan things together is important, allowing him to choose the location, outfit, so he feels involved in the process rather than just an unwilling participant.
Show Examples of Great Photos – Sometimes seeing examples of other fathers in maternity or newborn photos can inspire confidence and make him realise how meaningful the experience is.
Make It Fun – My mantra has always been that the experience is my priority and the photographs come as a lovely extra. The photoshoot should be an enjoyable experience by incorporating elements he feels comfortable with, such as music, humor, or a setting where he feels at ease. His hobby and interests can always be included into the session, giving him something to do rather than be left on the sidelines, fancy a surf?
Encourage Small Steps – If your partner is hesitant, we will start with a few informal pictures rather than a full photoshoot. Gradually, he may become more comfortable with the idea, the camera and me.
Remind Him of the Legacy He’s Creating – These photos aren’t just for today but for the future. One day, your child will cherish these pictures as a reminder of the love and joy of their earliest days. Including prompts which don’t included the kids finally allows for some intimacy with you, your relationship and connection is certainly worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
While some men may naturally shy away from the camera, it’s possible to help them see the value in capturing special moments with their partner and child. By making the experience comfortable, fun, and meaningful, you can turn their hesitation into enthusiasm, ensuring that these beautiful milestones are preserved forever.
Celebrating Creativity
It all begins with an idea.
Celebrating Creativity: Why Our Art Is Enough
I am a creative, and I am proud. It’s all I’ve ever known. From sketching endless drawings in my childhood bedroom to earning a Fine Art degree, creativity has shaped every step of my journey. I spent years teaching Art and Photography, eventually leading a faculty as Head of Creative Arts and Technology. And yet, even now, in my seventh year as a newborn and motherhood photographer, I catch myself making excuses for not being good at Maths or English in school.
Just this morning, I heard another creative do the same. While working out at the gym, I noticed a strong, confident woman lifting heavy weights beside me. Inspired by her strength, I turned and said, “Oh, aren’t you a tattooist?” She immediately responded—not by owning her talent, but by excusing her poor maths skills and saying she liked to draw instead.
It struck me: Why do we do this? Why do we feel the need to justify our creativity by downplaying our academic strengths? Why isn’t being an artist, a maker, or a visionary enough?
I could blame society, the education system, or the way success is often measured in grades and test scores. But the truth is, I loved school. I just loved drawing and taking photographs more. And that should have been enough.
Creativity is not a consolation prize for those who don’t excel in traditional academics. It is intelligence in its own right—an ability to see the world differently, to express emotion, to capture fleeting moments, and to bring ideas to life. It takes courage to create, to share your vision with the world, to pursue a path that doesn’t always come with clear steps or guarantees.
So today, I’m choosing to celebrate what I do. I am an artist. I tell stories through my lens. I create something out of nothing. I see beauty in the details. And that is more than enough.
To all the creatives out there: Stop apologising. Stop justifying. What you do is important. What you create matters. And the world needs more of it.