The Ultimate Guide to Newborn Photography in Dorset.

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most magical moments—and capturing those early days is something you’ll treasure forever. At Our Little Darling Photography, I specialise in natural, timeless newborn photography for families across Dorset, including Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and beyond.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before booking your newborn session—from when to book to what to bring on the day.

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When Should I Book My Newborn Photography Session?

The best time to book your newborn session is before your baby arrives, around your 20-week scan. This guarantees you a space in my diary, as I only take a limited number of newborn bookings each month to ensure flexibility around unpredictable arrivals.

Once your little one arrives, we’ll aim to schedule your session for when baby is between 5 and 14 days old—the perfect window to capture those dreamy, sleepy poses and curled-up details. If you need a little bit longer, thats okay too. I will happily photograph newborns well into 4 weeks old.

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Where Does the Session Take Place?

Your newborn session will take place at my cosy studio in Poole, Dorset. The space is designed to be calm, warm, and welcoming—perfect for both babies and parents.

I provide a soft, neutral environment that keeps the focus on your little one. Everything is kept natural and organic, in line with my light and airy signature style. No frills, just authentic moments.

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How Long Does a Newborn Session Last?

Newborn sessions are never rushed. Expect your session to last between 2 to 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes, and soothing. My priority is making sure both baby and parents feel relaxed and comfortable throughout. I am completely baby-led, so they make the rules and we all follow them.

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What Should Baby Wear (or Not Wear)?

For most of the session, your baby will be photographed swaddled, in simple knitwear, or completely natural. I provide a beautiful selection of timeless wraps, blankets, and accessories—so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything special unless you’d like to include a personal item. I have spent years collecting the most perfect items to ensure your baby portraits never age.

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What Should Parents and Siblings Wear?

Keep it soft and simple. Neutral tones, such as whites, creams, beige, or soft pastels, photograph beautifully and ensure the focus stays on your baby. Avoid bold patterns or logos.

Siblings are always welcomed with open arms, and I’ll gently guide them into the session to ensure they feel included and relaxed.

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What If My Baby Doesn’t Settle or Sleep?

Don’t worry—this is completely normal! Every baby is different, and I’m experienced in soothing and working around your little one’s needs. Whether they’re wide awake or in the deepest of sleeps, we’ll capture their unique little personality just as they are.

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Why Choose Our Little Darling Photography?

I understand how precious these early days are—and how quickly they pass. Trust me, I feel like my almost teenage son was only just swaddled in my arms! My approach is calm, baby-led, and focused on capturing the tiny details you’ll want to remember forever. Those beautiful long lashes, that tiny button nose, the fuzz on their little ears. These are the things you’ll want to look back on.

With years of experience and a gentle touch, I aim to create a relaxed, beautiful experience for your family, resulting in natural images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

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Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting and would love to document those first precious days, I’d be honoured to capture them for you.

💛 Visit my Newborn Photography Page
📩 Or get in touch here to check my availability and discuss your session!

Spots fill up quickly all year round, so don’t wait too long to reserve yours!