Newborn Photography in Bicester, Oxfordshire
Congratulations on your imminent or recent arrival! In amongst the joy and beautiful chaos of bringing a little person into the world, let’s make time to capture their adorable features before they change and grow.
“My partner bought me two shoots with Sarah, a pregnancy one and a newborn one, for Christmas and I couldn’t be happier with both the experience and the photos that came of it. Sarah was attentive, organised, kind and thoughtful from the very beginning. Her communication has always been exceptional and I can’t tell you how much she puts you at ease in front of the camera! Her attention to detail is second to none and that really shines through in the images – we are over the moon with everything and want to say a huge thank you to her! We would highly recommend her and will definitely be back to document the milestones when they happen!”
Ella, maternity and newborn photoshoot client from Wendover, Buckinghamshire
When should I book my newborn photoshoot?
Newborn photoshoots ideally take place when your baby is just a few weeks old – as soon as baby is feeding and settling we can have go ahead.
If your baby hasn’t yet arrived, we’ll pencil in your shoot for about two weeks after your due date. When your baby is born we can amend your reserved shoot date if we need to. Don’t worry – I only take on a limited number of newborn shoots each month to allow for shuffling around based on babies’ actual arrival dates!
If your baby has already arrived (congratulations!), then please get in contact asap – newborn photoshoots are my absolute favourite, and if I can fit you in, I will! While the ideal time for a newborn shoot is in the first few weeks after birth, I regularly photograph older newborns, too, so please don’t worry if your baby is already a little older.
“We cannot recommend Sarah enough after our recent newborn photoshoot. From booking the photoshoot all the way to receiving our photos, Sarah was professional yet friendly throughout. Sarah was fantastic with both our newborn daughter and our 4 year old and we were all made to feel very welcome and comfortable. We were amazed at how quickly we were able to view the online gallery and over the moon with how the photos turned out. Sarah is not just a fantastic photographer but a lovely person too who we would not hesitate to use again in the future.”
Lisa, newborn photography client from Bicester, Oxfordshire
Award-winning images by the Newborn Photographer of the Year
The most important measure of success for me is that my clients love the photographs I create for them.
Nevertheless, being recognised by my peers (and the top photographers in the UK) is the cherry on the cake. So if you are looking for the best – both an exceptional, five-star experience and exquisite, award-winning imagery – then you’re in the right place.
You can read my reviews here.
“I can’t recommend Sarah highly enough. It was very much a last-minute decision to get some ‘proper’ photos done of our little one, but we were lucky in that one of Sarah’s prior appointments had to be re-scheduled and this opened up a slot for us. From start to finish she made the process effortless and enjoyable. The pictures were exactly what we wanted and she was excellent with our 2-week-old throughout the shoot. That all her Google reviews are 5* is not a surprise!”
Russell, newborn photography client from Oxford, Oxfordshire
Pricing & Collections
I offer All-Inclusive Collections ranging from £395 to £995. Full details are available here.
In addition, I offer a Wrapped Newborn Mini Session for families on a budget:
Wrapped Newborn Mini Session | £295
- Prep and Outfit Guides to help you make the most of your session.
- A shorter, 40-minute session of your wrapped newborn on his or her own.
- Five high resolution digital images, delivered via a download link.
“Had a newborn shoot, and Sarah was very professional and competent with handling the newborn. She made us feel very at ease and welcomed into her studio. Photos were absolutely amazing and made both sets of grandparents cry!”
Tiff & Billy, newborn photography clients from Bicester, Oxfordshire
A safe pair of hands for your baby
It’s never worth risking your baby’s safety. That’s why I only use safe, clean props and tried and tested poses that work with your baby’s physiology.
I am Newborn Certified with the Master Photographers Association. This means that I have an annual audit of my professional insurances, health and safety practices and my ability to identify and mitigate risk when photographing newborns. The Association checks that I am creating images in a safe way (such as combining two separate photographs into one image for advanced newborn poses).
In addition, the Association also ensures that I am capable of delivering the standard of photography that you would expect from a professional. With such a short window of time to achieve those cute and snuggly newborn poses, why risk getting anyone but a professional to capture them?
Click here to read more about how I ensure newborn safety during photoshoots.
Always check that your newborn photographer is a safe pair of hands for your baby.
“We are absolutely in awe of the newborn and family photos Sarah has taken. The images she captured were perfect and so special. I had to hold back the tears when we sat viewing them. After viewing our photos we were made to feel very comfortable choosing our package. What an easy decision to make – we simply wanted them all! Thank you Sarah.”
Kimberly, newborn photography client from Bicester, Oxfordshire
Should we get family photos taken at our newborn photography session, too?
I totally understand that new mums and dads often feel tired and perhaps not at their physical best. In addition, you may never have felt very keen about having your photograph taken even before baby arrived! However, there are three reasons I strongly recommend you opt for at least a couple of family portraits anyway.
The first reason is that these photos are not just for you anymore – they are for your baby, too. When baby grows up, he or she will so enjoy seeing the love and pride on your faces in these images. Parents are often so absorbed in taking photos of their new arrival that they forget they need to be in some of the shots, too. #existinphotos!
Secondly, I specialise in making the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. I’ll guide you through everything you need to do (it’s all super easy!) and make it as quick and fun as possible. I’ve also got the most flattering lights in my studio and I know how to pose you to capture you at your best.
Thirdly, if you don’t love the family photos I create, then of course you don’t have to keep them. However, capturing them means you get the choice once you see how great they look.
“We are absolutely in love with the photos that Sarah took of our family. She has beautifully captured the personalities of everyone, and they are just stunning. She is so talented, and our photo shoot was so much fun. Initially my husband and I didn’t want to be in the pictures, but Sarah persuaded us, and we’re so glad we were, as we now have some beautiful family pictures to treasure forever. We will definitely be back for more photos in the future! We are so excited for our wall art to arrive ?.”
Charley, newborn photography clients from Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire
Before your newborn photography shoot
When you’re ready to book, get in contact. Typically, this would be during your third trimester, but I sometimes have last-minute availability if your baby has already arrived.
Email me with your full name and baby’s due date (or date of birth if baby is already here).
I’ll send an invoice for the Silver Collection (unless you opt for the Wrapped Newborn Mini Session) and a link to an online contract containing my photoshoot Ts&Cs. Payment of the invoice and a digital signature on the contract reserves your newborn photoshoot at my Bicester studio.
We can then book in a convenient time for your pre-shoot consultation. This is our chance to get to know each other and start planning your shoot. Normally this is via a phone call. However, if it’s more convenient to plan everything by email, or if you’d prefer to pop over to my studio for an in-person chat, just say!
We’ll discuss your tastes and preferences, as well as any requests you have, such as including a specific pose, heirloom or special gift in one of the images. I’ll explain everything you need to know about the shoot, from how to find my studio through to what to wear. I’ll also send you pre-shoot tips such as my Newborn Guide and Outfit Guide, to help you get the most from your shoot.
“We had a newborn photoshoot with Sarah and it was truly amazing from the first point of contact with Sarah to receiving our final images. Sarah’s knowledge is amazing and her skills with newborn babies is outstanding. We were so pleased with the photos and so glad we did not choose anyone else to capture these special moments forever.”
Katie, newborn photography client from Kings Sutton, Oxfordshire
On the day of your newborn photography shoot
Newborn shoots can last anywhere from 2-3 hours. It all depends on how many feeds, nappy changes and cuddles your baby needs. Some babies sleep through the whole session, while others stay awake.
I only ever book one newborn shoot per day, so please stay calm whatever happens – we have as much time as needed to settle your baby. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful, too.
I believe that you should enjoy the process of creating the portraits as much as you enjoy seeing them afterwards – that’s why my newborn photography sessions are fun and relaxed. Put your feet up and tuck into complimentary hot and cold Nespresso refreshments while I soothe, pose and photograph your baby. My studio is pet- and smoke-free to ensure you and your baby’s comfort.
“Thank you very much for the lovely photographs, they are so nice to have as a keepsake and to remember her newborn-ness. I really liked the experience just as much as the photos. I could relax, the baby was taken care of and happy and it felt very positive. Newborns can’t do much and are demanding so it was nice to do something with her in such a positive way.”
Louise, newborn photography client from Bicester, Oxfordshire
After your newborn photography shoot
Then, about one to two weeks after your shoot, I’ll send you a link to an online gallery containing 20-25 beautiful, hand-edited images for you to choose from. There will be smiles, laughter and probably tears of happiness, too.
At this point, you can choose how many images you want to keep, with absolutely no pressure whatsoever: buy only what you love. But be warned: you’ll probably love them all!
I offer All-Inclusive Collections (which include high resolution digital files), stunning Framed Wall Art, Linen or Leather Heirloom Albums and Fine Art Canvases, all created by the top lab in the UK.
Click here for full details of what’s available.
“The first moment you meet Sarah you are met with a warm, great big smile that never fades throughout the whole process. On the day of our shoot, I took some sentimental belongings along hoping they could be used in some of the photos. What Sarah produced with them was perfect, and something I would never have thought about doing! We will cherish the photos for ever. We can not recommend Sarah highly enough. You will not be disappointed. Thank you.”
Rhian, newborn photography client from Bicester, Oxfordshire
Got a question? Ready to book? Get in contact
I’ll answer any initial questions you have, and send over my price list and shoot Ts&Cs. You can call me on 07832 196657, email [email protected], or pop your details in this enquiry form.
Sarah Plater AMPA is a multi-award-winning qualified, certified professional portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 and Young Families Photographer of the Year 2022 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).
