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.

baby naturally posed and sleeping during a newborn shoot in London

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

behind the scenes newborn photography
Newborn baby curled in dad's hands on a black background

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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    We live in a world where everything is fast, filtered, automated. 

Where perfection is polished and every flaw can be edited away in just a click.

But what happens when we pause?

When we slow down…

When we really look?

Not just at the photos, but at ourselves.

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    Did you know your newborn might cry, but without actual tear, for their first few weeks?

Even though they definitely make their voices heard (we know those cries well!), their tear ducts are still developing, so you might notice a lot of crying, but no real tears. 

It’s completely normal and just another fascinating part of their early days.

Did you already know this? Or do you have another favourite newborn fact? Share it below, I’d love to hear it!

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    As a small business owner, we’re told to show up, to be visible, to build a personal brand.

As small business owners, we’re told to show up, stay visible, and build our personal brand.

And on social media? It can feel like everyone else is always on: always networking, always glowing, always travelling, always achieving.

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Not everything needs to be loud to be meaningful.

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I’ve been a little quieter here - not because I’ve disappeared, but because I’ve been working on something really special (my book is getting so close!!)...

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    Coming soon to toy stores near you... not really. But imagine!

Introducing the Valentina action figure:

Wearing the classic jeans + white tee combo

Armed with a Canon camera (obviously)

Comes with accessories like a laptop, lit candle (for vibes), white orchid (because aesthetics matter), AND my real-life Labrador sidekick 

Mood: somewhere between “let’s create magic” and “I need chocolate.”

Honestly, this was such a fun little thing to try and kinda hilarious to see myself as a 3D mini-me! 🙈

But behind the toy box, there’s a real woman who’s spent years telling stories through photos. Helping mums feel beautiful. Cheering on women rediscovering their confidence. 

Freezing the messy, emotional, magical in-between moments that make life what it is.

And while I don’t come in packaging (thank goodness, can you imagine the plastic hair??), I do show up with camera in hand and music in the background, ready to turn your moments into something timeless.

So tell me… if YOU were an action figure, what would your accessories be?

Mine better come with a never-ending SD card.

PS. My daughter said the figurine looks like an Oompa Loompa.
I might have laughed a little too hard… mostly because she’s not wrong.

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    VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

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    LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

    BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM