Newborn photographs in Tier 4 / Lockdown – how to capture those precious moments
With the introduction of Lockdown 3.0 (or Tier 4, or whatever you’d like to call it – it’s hard to keep track these days!) I’ve had an influx of enquiries from both booked clients and other new/expectant mums asking what this means for their lockdown babies.
So let’s get straight to the elephant in the room…
Can I have newborn photographs in Tier 4 / Lockdown?
As the wave of Tier 4 swept across Essex and Herts, it came with the government instructions that we should all stay at home – and rather explicitly, photographers were included on the non-essential list of businesses that must close. So no photographer can open as long as we are in Tier 4.
But what does that mean if you have just had a baby, or are expecting your little one in early 2021?
At the time of writing, it’s simply not possible to do the beautiful studio newborn photographs in Tier 4, the photographs I love and you tell me all the time that you love too.
But we have options!
Don’t panic during lockdown
It’s such a special time, the moments so fleeting, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing your opportunity. But please don’t worry.
I have had many mums in my studio this year for sitter portraits and Christmas shoots who were devastated that they missed the opportunity to have newborn photographs. So I want to be absolutely clear:
I can and will still take newborn photographs for you even if your baby is more than a couple of weeks old.
It breaks my heart that these mums were let down by their newborn photographers, saying their babies were too old. This is categorically not true.
But don’t you recommend up to 4 weeks old?
Of course it’s easier to get sleepy curled up photos of a 2 week old than a 2 month old. That’s because when babies are tiny, they aren’t as easily disturbed, and they also still remember how cosy and snuggly they were when they were cocooned inside their mother’s tummy.
But I have done many successful newborn shoots with babies who are a little older, and I will not allow my mums to miss out!
It might take a little longer to get them settled, and a couple of poses might not be possible if they are more wakeful or prefer to stretch out, or the session might take a bit longer than usual, but we can still get a gorgeous gallery.
With a slightly older baby, you also tend to get more of the lovely awake shots too, which personally I love! There’s something about a pair of bright eyes that make you feel like they can see into the depths of your soul.
I’m gutted that it won’t be possible to take newborn photographs in Tier 4, but I will do everything in my power to squeeze all my amazing clients in as soon as restrictions are lifted and get those beautiful images. So please don’t think you’ve lost your chance.
A back up plan
For my mums who have already delivered especially, I know there’s some worry that it could be months until restrictions are lifted.
So I would say to you this: take photographs of your little one every day. The best camera for any job is the one you have to hand, and technology has blessed us all with pocket sized cameras in the shape of our phones. So it’s never been easier to get capturing images of your baby!
Some top tips:
- Place your baby next to a bright window
- Shoot from above
- Take close ups of tiny hands and feet
Actually, I’ll write a whole post on how to take beautiful newborn photographs in Tier 4, at home and using just your smartphone, in a day or two. But for now, snap away!
[UPDATE: Here’s my post on how to take DIY baby photos at home with your phone)
Of course it’s not quite the same experience as coming into the studio, and relaxing while I take care of you and your little one, and capturing both those gorgeous individual portraits and your precious family images.
But images you take on a phone can still be shared with family and friends, printed in smaller frames for grandparents.
And then just as soon as it’s possible to open my doors again, I’ll look forward to welcoming you with open arms and capturing those incredible images that you can display on your walls.
If push comes to shoveand lockdown lasts longer than planned, we can move your session to a Sitter session, so please don’t worry. One way or another we will get amazing photographs to adorn your home.
So in the meantime, enjoy this time with your little one, you be the one to take those newborn photographs in Tier 4, and keep writing their story until we can meet again.
My COVID guarantee
Finally, I wanted to reassure you: every session booked with me benefits from my COVID guarantee:
Not one lovely client who books with me will lose out because of COVID-19.
If your session cannot take place due to COVID, I will either:
a) Rearrange your newborn session once it’s possible to take place;
b) Swap your newborn booking for a smiler or sitter session; or
c) Offer you a full refund.
These are uncertain times for all of us. It’s a sorry enough situation as it is, without adding worries about your photography session into the mix.
I want you to be able to book with total peace of mind.
So while we can’t get those newborn photographs in Tier 4 / Lockdown, of course my pre-booked clients will have first priority once those restrictions are lifted. If it’s anything like previous lockdowns, I will be extremely busy so it’s best to book as soon possible, safe in the knowledge your money is safe. I’ll do everything I can to fit you in regardless, but there are only so many hours in the day!
I believe every family should be blessed with special newborn photographs of these earliest moments, and I’m definitely not letting Coronavirus get in the way of that. So whether this latest COVID-19 lockdown lasts for 3 weeks or 3 months, please don’t give up.
I promise you this: I will never turn your baby away because of their age.
We might have to tweak the posing and setups slightly, but you’ll come away with amazing images that you will treasure for a lifetime.