What to expect from a newborn photoshoot during a global pandemic?

What a year it has been. Endless changes, masks, lockdowns and isolation. It’s taken its toll on us all. Covid fatigue is a thing. And by now we are all a bit sick of it really aren’t we?

But just because we are fed up doesn’t mean we can relax just yet. And for pregnant ladies and new parents it’s a scary, anxious time to bring a new life into the world.

Thankfully since April 26th newborn photoshoots have been allowed to resume. There are a few changes I have had to make but in general newborn photoshoots are running as they always have.

I thought it would be helpful to write a little post about what to expect from a newborn photoshoot just now. To hopefully reassure anyone who is unsure if it is safe to book a session just now.

So here is a breakdown of my covid safety measures which I hope will reassure you all. And further down you can hear a first hand account from Catriona who recently visited the studio for her daughter’s newborn photoshoot.

Covid safety measures in the studio

1. Only one newborn session per day

This ensures that I can deep clean the studio between clients and no mixing with other families. When a family leaves the studio all windows are opened fully for ventilation. All touch points are wiped down with Zoflora including changing table, door handles etc. Floors are hoovered and mopped with antibac/anti viral solution.

2. All fabrics washed after use

This isn’t new, I always wash everything baby touches regardless of toilet accidents. Everything is washed in non bio laundry detergent to protect delicate baby skin.

3. Quarantine shelf

Anything that cannot be washed (such as headbands) is prayed with zoflora after use and put into “quarantine” for at least 3 days before being used again.

4. Masks

All adults must wear a mask for entering the building and for the duration of the photoshoot. Parents can remove their mask to be photographed but then put it back on again for the remainder of the session. I wear a mask at all times.

I hope reading this reassures any anxious parent that the studio is an incredibly clean, hygienic environment to bring your baby.

5. Weekly testing

Myself and my family are doing lateral flow tests twice a week to ensure we remain covid negative. If any of us were to test positive we will isolate and all sessions will be rescheduled until isolation is complete and we all test negative.

Now over to Catriona to tell you about her experience of a newborn photoshoot in covid times!

“We were nervous about taking our 2 week old baby for a photoshoot, in case she cried the whole time / made a mess / was too restless, but from start to finish, the whole experience was simply fabulous.

The venue was very easy to find- nice and central, with plenty parking right outside the front door (ideal for two first time parents still trying to figure out how the pram works!).

Rachael was there to greet us, and put us at ease straight away. With full Covid precautions in place, the first thing we observed was that the studio was immaculately clean, airy and nicely warm to keep the wee one comfortable. Rachael talked us through her plans for the shoot, asked further questions about our daughter (we had been asked lots of info in advance), and made us both feel really at ease that we were working with a professional.

We felt completely confident handing our baby to Rachael. She clearly has tonnes of experience with little ones- understanding their movements, the sounds they make, the facial expressions, and knowing when they were happy / uncomfortable / needing a cuddle / on the verge of sleep / on the verge of filling their nappy (!!!) and she handled our baby as if she were her own, all the while confirming to us how lovely our baby girl is 🙂

There was a great selection of clothing and props available for the photos, and Rachael worked at a pace where the baby was never getting restless, and we never felt rushed. If the baby needed a cuddle, a change or a feed, she was swiftly handed to one of us, and we were given time and space to do what was needed.

The outfits and props were selected and used carefully, with the baby oblivious to all the work and skill that was put into making each shot perfect. Rachael explained each step in the process, and answered any questions that we had.

Today, we have seen the final photos and we are beyond delighted!! She has captured out little one’s character 100%. The images are stunning, and the family shots are absolutely perfect. I DETEST having my photo taken, but Rachael made me feel comfortable and relaxed, and I actually look quite good in the final pics 😀

I cannot recommend Beautiful Bairns enough. We shall definitely use Rachael again for future photo shoots as our daughter gets older, and are thrilled to bits with the whole experience.

I hope hearing Catriona’s experience and knowing the measures in place helps to reassure all parents to be. And if you would like to know more about my newborn photoshoots please head over to the newborn page for all the details.

Hope to welcome you to the studio soon!

Rachael x