logo photography by valentina - maternity and newborn photographer london

Unveiling the Womb: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Capturing Lifelike Fetal Images

behind the scene newborn photography - how a photo is taken

I’ve been a newborn photographer in London for several years now, and it’s been fascinating to watch the evolution of newborn photography. From the overly staged and heavily propped images to the more simplistic and natural styles, trends have come and gone.

Personally, I’ve embraced a simple, timeless style. My focus is on capturing the baby’s pure essence with minimal props and natural poses. I believe these images, especially those of babies simply posed on a white blanket, will stand the test of time.

I love babies simply posed on a white blanket. Minimal, natural and pure.

One of my favourite setups is capturing images on a black background. When a baby is photographed alone against the black, it creates a stunning “inside the womb” look. Adding parents’ hands as props adds dimension and a striking visual contrast, highlighting just how small and precious the baby is. In just a few weeks, that tiny baby won’t fit in those hands the same way.

These types of images are quite popular during sessions, and parents absolutely love them. They are simple yet incredibly powerful. However, what often surprises parents is the process behind capturing these shots. There’s an illusion that the baby is suspended in mid-air, but in reality, the baby is safely positioned on a beanbag the entire time.

Safety is paramount in my studio, and I never place a baby in a dangerous position. If you’re curious about how these images are created, here’s a before-and-after glimpse into the process.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Magic of Newborn Photography

London newborn photographer

Newborn photography is best done within the first 10 days of a baby’s life. During this time, babies are tiny, sleepy, and can curl into positions reminiscent of their time in the womb. These images capture the essence of your baby’s first days and become the first chapter in their unique story.

Many families have entrusted me with creating these special memories, and I would love to do the same for you! Explore my London newborn photography page to see more of my work, and let’s meet for a coffee to discuss all the details.

Remember, the newborn phase is fleeting, and your baby will grow quickly. Let me help you freeze this precious moment in time so you can relive it again and again.

For more on how I ensure safety during my sessions, check out my detailed post: Comprehensive Guide to Newborn Photography Safety

On my Instagram account you can see more recent work

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    What’s the main message of Milk Tales?

    This was my answer on my very first podcast back in July, before the book even launched. And now, after being featured in Grazia, this message feels more important than ever.

    Every story shared helps another mother feel less alone.

    Every conversation breaks the silence a little more.

    If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, please know: you deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. Your story matters.

    Milk Tales available on Amazon

    #MilkTales #BreastfeedingStories #MaternalMentalHealth #breastfeedingsupport #postpartumsupport

    21 2
    Open post by by_valentina with ID 18377998924093975
    What’s the main message of Milk Tales? This was my answer on my very first podcast back in July, before the book even launched. And now, after being featured in Grazia, this message feels more important than ever. Every story shared helps another mother feel less alone. Every conversation breaks the silence a little more. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, please know: you deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. Your story matters. Milk Tales available on Amazon #MilkTales #BreastfeedingStories #MaternalMentalHealth #breastfeedingsupport #postpartumsupport

    Here’s the truth: I guide you into these moments.

    I ask Dad to hold baby on his chest.
    I invite Mum to step close.
    I create the setup.

    But the feeling that happens inside that moment?
    I can’t create that. That’s all you.

    My role is to guide you gently into a space where real emotion can surface. Where you’re not performing. Just feeling.
    And that’s what makes these images matter.

    Years from now, you won’t remember the direction. You’ll remember how it felt to hold your baby this small. To be this close. To feel this much.

    That’s what I capture. Your presence.

    If you’d like to keep these early days forever, I would love to create something like this for your family.
    #newbornshoots #londonnewbornphotographer #photographybyvalentina

    15 0
    Open post by by_valentina with ID 18064086833282864
    Here’s the truth: I guide you into these moments. I ask Dad to hold baby on his chest. I invite Mum to step close. I create the setup. But the feeling that happens inside that moment? I can’t create that. That’s all you. My role is to guide you gently into a space where real emotion can surface. Where you’re not performing. Just feeling. And that’s what makes these images matter. Years from now, you won’t remember the direction. You’ll remember how it felt to hold your baby this small. To be this close. To feel this much. That’s what I capture. Your presence. If you’d like to keep these early days forever, I would love to create something like this for your family. #newbornshoots #londonnewbornphotographer #photographybyvalentina

    Every newborn session is someone’s once.

    That’s why this work is never routine to me.

    Every baby makes me love what I do a little more each time.

    If you’d like to hold onto the first memories of your family, I’m here for you.
    #londonnewbornphotographer #newbornshoots #photographybyvalentina

    30 3
    Open post by by_valentina with ID 17996020196733052
    Every newborn session is someone’s once. That’s why this work is never routine to me. Every baby makes me love what I do a little more each time. If you’d like to hold onto the first memories of your family, I’m here for you. #londonnewbornphotographer #newbornshoots #photographybyvalentina

    In the smallest details, whole worlds exist.

    A newborn foot becomes a landscape, lines like branches, paths, traces of something ancient and natural.

    Macro photography allows us to see what the eye would normally rush past.
These lines will stretch, soften, change.

    But right now, they tell a story of beginnings.

    If you would like to capture your baby’s story of beginnings, let’s chat.

    24 2
    Open post by by_valentina with ID 17890336998280602
    In the smallest details, whole worlds exist. A newborn foot becomes a landscape, lines like branches, paths, traces of something ancient and natural. Macro photography allows us to see what the eye would normally rush past.
These lines will stretch, soften, change. But right now, they tell a story of beginnings. If you would like to capture your baby’s story of beginnings, let’s chat.
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    VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

    07577 978246

    LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

    Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.