Real Dad's , real babies, real photographs

Dad's and their babies. Not so commonly talked about and shown in newborn photography as we may think. After all, its usually Mum who takes lead and spends hours looking online for their perfect photographer. 
But how do they feel about all this, what do they think?
Do they mostly come along to the session for support, or because they are told to or are they equally involved?

With some exceptions it is usually Mum to be/new Mum who gets in touch to arrange their newborn photography session and whilst it is usually a joint decision, Mum usually initiates this. Usually Dad does come along if they are still on paternity leave which is a great reason to have your newborn photography session as early as possible. 

Whilst some Dad's are more than happy to be photographed, and in some cases it can be them to suggest it rather than Mum, just as many, if not more are very anxious about it all. I want to help you to relax and put your mind at ease if it something you are currently or may soon be thinking about. So with this in mind, I have spoken to two Dad's who I have photographed recently with their newborn babies when they came to Samantha Prewett Photography in Poole.

​"I always remember being very nervous on the drive there, I was quite short with everyone in the car but we got there and seeing Edward just being allowed to be free and he was so cute, then I can remember being worried about the photo with me cause I was looking scruffy as a tramp with low standards but I held Edward and just looked down at him, and knew I needed this wonderful memory, and everyday I look at the canvas of our little family and just feel proud. I love the photos we have they always look so warm and just capture our pure love for Edward, I even quite like the way my bald spot looks"

​"I  was slightly apprehensive about having my photo taken as I'm self conscious and I always thought it was more of a 'mum and baby' thing which dads didn't generally get involved with. However towards the end of the shoot Samantha invited me to have a parent shot and, after seeing the lovely set-ups for Orla during the shoot, I felt more confident that the end result would be great. I actually felt very relaxed during the shoot and enjoyed spending time with my baby. Now I have beautiful photos with my little girl and, as she has grown so quickly, am very glad I took the opportunity while she was so tiny. I would definitely recommend having parent shots taken to other dads - it's not just a mum thing!"

I feel so privileged to have such wonderful clients who are happy to share such beautiful personal thoughts with me, I hope these wonderful Dad's  help you when you are planning your newborn photography session and you consider having a photograph with your newborn baby, they are only this tiny for a really small amount of time. I would like to thank both Graeme and Rob for their beautiful words. I couldn't have written this article without you both.
So what do you think? Did you have a photograph with you baby during your newborn photography session? or are you ready to book your newborn session, and have some beautiful timeless photos with your baby which you will treasure forever. 
Please don't feel pressured though, every session goes by your and your babies pace, what ever you want is always good for me, and I still do quite a few newborn sessions with no parent photos at all, especially if you are planning a family session soon and have other children. If you do choose to have parent shots, your newborn session is focused around your little bundle so you will only be in the "spotlight" for a few minutes and you can relax for the rest of the time you are here.

So if you are ready to find out more about a Newborn photography session with me, I have more blog posts crammed with useful information under my newborn category or you can visit the newborn section of my website here. And please do get in touch if I can help you plan your newborn session further. Thank you.