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 with professional newborn photography.
Newborn shoots 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.
“If you want a baby photographer who is warm, professional, shows great creativity, patience and attention to detail then look no further – Sarah is your girl!”
Eva, newborn photography client from Buckinghamshire
Award-winning images by the Newborn Photographer of the Year
The image at the top of this page was awarded a Merit at the annual Master Photography Awards in November 2018. A few months later, I was announced as the MPA Central Region Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019. Since then, I have been awarded tens of Highly Commended rosettes for the quality and originality of my newborn photography work and was announced as Young Families Photographer of the Year 2022 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).
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 exceptional five-star service and exquisite, award-winning imagery – then you’re in the right place.
Babies change and grow so quickly that you only get one chance to capture the newborn phase before it passes – please don’t miss out!
“Being totally honest, we were a bit nervous that the shoots would be awkward or we’d be asked to do things we weren’t comfortable with. However, both the maternity and baby shoots were incredibly enjoyable. The baby shoot actually felt like a break because Sarah looked after our baby for the hours we were there and then made us cups of tea and ironed my T-shirt for me because I’d run out of time to iron it at home! We are thrilled with the photos and are looking forward to putting them up at home and sharing them with friends and family. Thank you Sarah!”
Katie, newborn photography client from 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.
Unfortunately, newborn photography is an unregulated service. This means that anybody can claim to be a newborn photographer, without any knowledge of how to soothe and pose your baby safely.
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 buy them. However, capturing them means you get the choice once you see how great they look.
Bring the family!
Every single time new parents have been in a few of the shots, they’ve always been glad they did and include at least one of the family ones in their final selection. Indeed, many of my clients are now bringing the aunts and grandparents along, too!
“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
First of all, email over any initial questions you may have to [email protected]. I’ll answer them and send you my price list and shoot Ts&Cs. If you’d like to go ahead, I’ll send over an invoice for the £75 session fee. Payment 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 if you’d like to be in some of the photographs, too. 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.
Equally, if you simply want me to create a beautiful variety of both styled and relaxed images, then I’m very happy to put together a plan based on my own experience.
“We had a newborn photo shoot 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 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 beautiful, hand-edited images for you to choose from. There will be smiles, laughter and possibly even tears.
At this point, you can choose what 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 Digital Collections (which include high resolution digital files), stunning Framed Wall Art, timeless Heirloom Albums and Fine Art Canvases, all created by the top lab in the UK. Click here for full details of what’s available.
“Sarah was wonderful for our newborn photo shoot, she had all the time, patience and experience to handle our tiny escape artist whilst being swaddled! Sarah has captured beautiful moments of our daughter, that we will cherish for the years to come.”
Nick & Jess, newborn photography clients from Oxfordshire
Newborn Photography Pricing
I charge a £75 session fee, which includes:
- The reservation of your newborn shoot at my Bicester studio.
- A pre-shoot consultation, so we can get to know each other and plan your shoot together.
- A printed Welcome Pack with pre-shoot tips (including my beautifully illustrated Newborn Guide), posted to your home.
After your photoshoot, you’ll be able to choose which portraits you’d like to keep. I offer Digital Keepsake Collections (which include high resolution digital files), stunning Framed Wall Art, timeless Heirloom Albums and Fine Art Canvases, all created by the top lab in the UK. For full details of what’s available, click here.
Looking for Newborn Photography Gifts for new and expecting parents? Head here!
“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
When you’re ready to find out more, get in contact. Typically, this would be during your third trimester, but I sometimes have midweek availability if your baby has already arrived. 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).
