Mum and Newborn Photos: Why do you need them?

Doing a newborn photoshoot is now a must for every parent. When I started in this industry, over 10 years ago, it wasn’t that popular and I saw it growing more every year.

However, sadly, photos of mum and baby together are not the most requested. And as a mum myself, I can understand, I’ve been there in the exhaustion phase too!

I hear lots of excuses: “I still have the baby belly, I need to lose some weight”, “I haven’t slept in days and I look awful”,”I will do another session in a few months when I feel myself again” . . . but guess what?

Your baby is only that tiny for such a little time. She/he won’t fit you in your arms the same way. She/he will be different a few weeks from now, imagine a couple of months!

Related article: What’s the Best Age to Photograph babies?

Mum holding her newborn baby in her hands. The baby is sleeping and she is looking at her. Photo taken during a newborn photoshoot in Richmond

During a newborn photoshoot, mum and newborn photos are definitely the most important ones!

Your child won’t care what you look like. She will want to see that you were there with her.

One thing I like to do when I go back to my parents in Italy is looking through old photos. I’m lucky to have a decent amount of images even if I was born before the digital era. I have more photos of me alone or with my brother and cousin than photos with my mum. I have some but I wish I had more. Who knows, maybe she was having the same excuses I’m hearing now. But the things that we usually comment on are the way we dressed or the vaporous hair of the 80s. Certainly, no one ever comments about body shape. In some photos, there are grandmas and those are super precious as they are not around anymore. So I always say “oh look at nonna, I remember that time she took me on the trip” or “I still remember that toy she bought me” . . . because we live on memories and photos help us to remember them!

So one day, those mum and newborn photos, the photos with you will be priceless. They will grow in value with time.

I love my job and I’m humbled that parents trust me to capture their little babies and the love of their families. The newborn phase is such a fleeting time and I love capturing the little details, the baby curled up, the stretches, the yawns, the siblings.

But I get emotional when I shoot mum and newborn photos. Because I know mum will get strong emotions when she will look back at that image in 10 years’ time.

She will be able to still feel the warmth of the baby on her chest. She will remember her smell, how tiny she was and also the struggle of those early days. A photo has the power to bring it all up again.

Related article: Why Should I have Family Photos during my Newborn Photography Session?

I always encourage mums to be in the frame. I know you are tired and not feeling great, but I shot very close so I don’t show anything below the chest line. I will guide you and help you to pose so you will look your best. This is the beginning of your family and the start of your baby’s history.

Precious moments

In my photos, I love to show emotions. That’s why I like to shoot mum kissing her baby, or holding and looking at her. I always like to capture the connection because that is what will give you goosebumps one day. All the photos with mums and parents are also delivered in black and white as I feel they show more intimacy and they will be timeless.

Related article: The Power of the Emotional Bond with Newborns: How They Sense Their Mother’s Feelings

Your baby will never be this small again and will quickly grow and change. These moments are simply precious. We all wish we could turn the clock back but unfortunately, we can’t. The closest thing is a photograph.

And if you really don’t want to be in the photo, I can just include your hands, my favourite and the only prop I use in my photos.

If you are reading this article you are probably thinking about a newborn session. You can learn more information on my website and you can get in touch by filling out the form below. I will be in touch soon.

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I haven’t been posting much lately, because behind the scenes, I’ve been pouring all my energy into something that truly matters to me.

The book is finally done. Uploaded. Ready.

But this phase? It’s a different kind of work.

Now, I’m reaching out. Emailing, writing, pitching, trying to place this book into hands and platforms that could really help share it.

Because I believe in it.

Not for me, but for the voices within it.

Milk Tales isn’t just a book.

It’s a mirror for mothers who felt unseen.

A space for stories that deserve to be heard.

So no, I’m not “doing it all.” (Also becasue I have my business to run)

But I’m doing what matters, with heart.

🤍
P.S. If you know someone who might want to feature, share, or support this project, I’d love to connect.
After three rounds of printing...

three envelopes opened with hope...

and three quiet disappointments!

I almost didn’t film this one.

But I did.

Because this time, it felt different.

The small tweaks, the colours, the paper, 
they’re still not exactly how I envisioned them.

The photo quality isn’t perfect.

But the message they carry? That part is.

And that’s what matters most.

It took four proofs.

Four rounds of edits, questions, and “maybe this isn’t ready.”

Still seen through a critical lens…

but this time, I finally let myself feel it: Pride.

Milk Tales is a book made with love, with stories that deserve to be seen.

And releasing it during World Breastfeeding Week couldn’t feel more right.

✨ Available from the 1st of August.

I can’t wait to share it with you.

#BreastfeedingBook #worldbreastfeedingweek #MotherhoodStories #behindthebook #authorlife #independentauthor #selfpublishedbook
One thing’s for sure: this book is one of the things I’m most proud of.

But the process?

Cry. Laugh. Repeat.

I’ve reviewed it so many times I’ve lost count. 

And sometimes… I genuinely don’t know what I meant in a line I once thought was brilliant.

Creating Milk Tales wasn’t just about photography or stories, it was about pouring my whole heart (and probably a few brain cells) into something that matters.

Because this book means something. To me. And, I hope, to the mums who read it.

Coming soon.

Drop a 🤍 if you’re excited too, I can’t wait to share more with you.
NEWBORN MODEL CALL - Don't miss it and please share it!

I’m looking for a newborn (born after 1st July) to model for a 1:1 training session in my studio on Wednesday 16th July – morning only.

Both parents need to be available at the session and comfortable signing a model release, as the images will be used for portfolio and promotional purposes. (No siblings, pets or extended family on this occasion, it's just baby and parents)

This is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a complimentary professional newborn session (value £290) and receive some beautiful photographs of your new baby.

The session will take place at my cosy studio in Twickenham (SW London), designed to offer a calm and relaxed experience for you and your baby.

If you or someone you know has recently welcomed a little one and might be interested, please DM me or email vale@photographybyvalentina.com – I’d love to share more details with you!

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #londonmumsnetwork #londonnewbornshoot
Not all breastfeeding stories start with ease.

And some carry more than we can see.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was a moment to honour a deeper journey.

One that mixed pain and joy. Loss and healing.

Feeding her baby… and feeding her soul.

The plasters were symbolic. So was the baby’s breath.

But the emotion? That was all her.

And honestly, it stayed with me.

If this speaks to you, know you’re not alone.

We carry so much. And sometimes, we need someone to see it.
 
My book will hold this story and many others like it. 
If it speaks to your heart, save it. Or share it with someone who needs to feel seen. 🤍

#breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingproject

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM