Newborn photos with two-week-old George

March 2021 Update: The above portrait has just won a Highly Commended Rosette in the Master Photographers Association (MPA) Maternity and Newborn monthly competition.

Judge Elli Cassidy commented, “I love this image: I really like the simplicity of the styling that you’ve chosen… Baby looks beautiful. You’ve got their head to the camera perfectly, really soft, delicate hands, skin tones are great; really strong photograph. Beautifully posed. Delightful image.”

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Amie had plans for the start of her maternity leave. She was going to paint a door that been installed recently, look into booking a newborn photoshoot and get a few other bits and pieces done. Her partner, Patrick, also recommended that she leave some time to rest up and relax ahead of the arrival of their first child.

Their baby had other plans. On the first day of Amie’s maternity leave, her waters broke. She called the hospital, who advised waiting for labour to progress further before coming in, and suggested she try going for long walks and eating pineapple.

Amie’s friends had bought her some special raspberry leaf and peppermint tea (called The Final Push). Amie brewed a cup and it seemed to do the trick: after a few glugs of that, Amie could tell her contractions were starting. Patrick whizzed his mum-in-law Debbie home, so he could take Amie to the hospital when she was ready (“Put your foot down, Patrick!” Debbie told him, wanting to ensure he got back in time).

Due to Covid-19, partners can only enter the hospital once a certain stage of labour has been reached. Happily, the couple were exactly at that point when they pulled up to the JR, which meant Patrick could stay.

The couple decided to wait and see whether they were having a boy or girl, rather than find out on the scans beforehand.

That led to a magical moment when Patrick held their baby straight after he was delivered and announced – through happy tears – that they were now the proud parents of a little boy 🙂

They had two possible names in mind for each gender, and spent a few days trying them out before deciding that George was the best fit. It’s also a family name, given in honour of George’s great grandfather, while his middle name, Edward, honours his grandfather, too.

Patrick was back to work at the time of our shoot, but Amie’s mum Debbie was able to come along instead. She’s a veteran nanny with four grandchildren across a wide spread of ages. She’s loved seeing how new gadgets and innovations are helping make new parents’ lives much easier, freeing up more time for those all-important cuddles 🙂

Debbie has been helping the couple settle into parenthood, but told me what a great job the pair are doing, following their instincts and getting to know what his different cries mean.

George has got his dad’s nose and his mum’s cheeks, paired with a very calm and content temperament, shown throughout his newborn photoshoot with me. His parents were hoping he’d have his dad’s tendency to get up bright and early (Patrick is a postie) but so far it seems he loves his lie-ins almost as much as his mum!

Amie and Patrick met through friends 11 years ago, and have enjoyed visiting as many cities as possible, seeing the Christmas markets and soaking up the Mexican sun (although Patrick, who is fair-skinned like me, spent most of the time searching for shade!).

These first two weeks have gone past so fast, and the new parents have already noticed that George is getting a little more alert and drinking more milk at each feed. They can’t wait for his first smiles as he recognises and interacts with his mum and dad. In the meantime, Amie is loving how tiny and adorable he is as a newborn, particularly when all swaddled up as snug as a bug:

After our newborn photoshoot, Amie and Debbie headed off to nearby Bicester Village to pick out a gift for Patrick’s upcoming birthday, to be opened after enjoying his favourite meal out (a posh burger with all the trimmings).

But let’s be honest, it’s going to be impossible to find anything that comes even remotely close to the last thing Amie has given him: handsome little George!

After our shoot, Amie said:

“We decided last minute to have professional photos for our newborn baby boy. We were lucky enough to get a cancellation slot with Sarah, which we were so grateful for and over the moon that we could get our little one photographed when he is still so new.

Sarah informed me what to bring for the shoot and made it very clear as to what can be expected etc, as we have never had a professional photo shoot before.

Sarah is an absolutely fantastic photographer and provides an extremely professional service. She was very friendly and made us feel very welcomed and relaxed. Sarah was very patient in order to capture the most perfect photos of our new born baby.

We are so impressed with our photos and the quality is amazing. We will definitely be booking in for George’s 1 year birthday and the cake smash!”

Amie, newborn photography client from Ambrosden, Oxfordshire

If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in and around Bicester, Oxfordshire, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).