Our First Days
... with Cheltenham photographer Verity Lacey
Welcome to the start of something beautiful.
With three young children of my own, I remember those newborn days like they were yesterday. The all consuming feeling of love & total wonder at the tiny person you created - who by the way you won't be able to stop staring at - and the utter exhaustion from the feeds, toddler energy and the broken sleep.
The first days at home can feel calm and sacred but also loud and a little overwhelming. It's a total whirlwind. Like I did, you'll likely be figuring out this parenthood malarky one nappy change at a time!
I'll bring the calm, give you space to cuddle your baby, and quietly capture this chapter when you are in the middle of it.
One day these images will take you straight back to what it felt like to hold them when they were this tiny and pull you right back into those moments.
What your newborn session feels like
We'll spend a calm and slow morning together at your home. We'll go at the pace of your baby and follow their lead.
That might mean stopping for a feed, a nappy change, snack breaks for your toddler or you! The session is unhurried, I leave plenty of time, usually around two hours for your session.
I’ll gently guide you when needed, help with where to sit or stand to get the best light, and bring a calm structure to the session so you’re never left wondering what to do.
It'll be easier than you imagined. Families often tell me they expected the whole thing to feel awkward, but instead they end up feeling relaxed, comfortable, and surprised by how easy it actually feels.
Little love notes from my families
Kyle
“Verity captured the early moments of your newborn son ... in some amazing photos which we will treasure for the rest of our lives. This was made extra special being able to do this in our own home. Verity captured not only shots of our son that were natural but also of us as a family.
As someone who finds having their photo taken awkward, she was able to make us feel comfortable to allow for those truly natural shots.”
When?
If you are in love with those sleepy, curled up newborn scrunch photos I would recommend that you have the session in the first two weeks after baby has just been born. I put your due date in my diary and leave space to finalise the date of the session once they are in your arms.
Alternatively, you may prefer to ease into your newborn life and delay a session until your little one is more alert and you feel like you have more of a rhythm. I certainly did this with my eldest! Anyway from 6 weeks onwards you can expect those natural smiles.
Where?
Your newborn photoshoot will take place in your home using natural light.
There's no need to clean the house or to worry about the chaos of newborn life. You just need to open the door holding your baby.
You'll receive a welcome guide before your session, with a few tips on what to wear, what to expect and how to get the most out of our time together.
I'll bring what we need. Any outfits for you we've discussed (I know just how bloody hard it is working out what your postpartum body will look good in!), some cute outfits for baby and a few knitted blankets.
how?
The session will be relaxed and unhurried.
I'll guide you to the best light because beautiful wall worthy images don't happen by accident. Once you are in the best light I'll give you little prompts to connect with your baby and loved ones. Then I'll step back and capture all of the big and little moments.
Siblings and older children are SO welcome. They bring a beautiful energy to a newborn session and you will swoon any sibling image! I have years of experience working with young children and two at home of my own! The focus will be on keeping things relaxed and playful for them to get those beautiful heartfelt sibling shots.
Growing Love captures the connection you already feel with your baby during pregnancy.
Our First Days holds onto those early moments once they arrive and everything changes.
Together they tell the beginning of your baby’s story.
When both sessions are booked together you can access a great package deal which saves you money.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book?
Congratulations on your amazing news! I recommend reaching out and starting the process anytime from your 20 week scan. Newborn arrivals are unpredictable so I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure I have good availability for your session. I pop your due date in my diary and leave a few sessions "free" within a two week window.
what areas do you cover?
I am based in Cheltenham, and cover the surrounding areas within Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire. Travel over 20 miles of GL20 will incur a travel fee applied to your package.
When is the best time for a newborn session?
There is no "best" time but the sleepy unfurled, curled up images of little ones peacefully sleeping mainly happen within the first two weeks of life. But a newborn session includes a babe three months or under.
Do I need to tidy the house before you arrive?
No huge clean I promise!
If you feel up to it, a quick tidy of a few little areas we might shoot in is more than enough.
We'll use a couple of spots in your home where the light is beautiful. There is no need to stress about getting every room tidy - we can always move items on the day if needed.
What time will my shoot be & how long will it last?
I typically suggest that in-home sessions are in the morning to make the most of the natural light available and when babies tend to be at their calmest. If you have chosen an outdoor session I advise they are held in golden hour so the last 2 hours before the sunset/sunrise. It is the most dreamy light. This varies depending on the month of the year. Newborn sessions can last 2-3 hours which accounts for any breaks we take due to feeding/changing etc.
Can we do some photos outside as well?
Absolutely. Your front door is a magical place for photos as it's where you first brought your baby home. We can also use your garden space and wander out here as well.
If you are feeling adventerous you can also do the whole session at an outdoor location. These are timed for sunset so ideal for warmer months giving you a soft golden light to your photos.
little love notes from my families
Giovanni
“The preparation was exceptional, suggestions & guidance & she even came with outfits for our little one! I have never felt so prepared or coordinated before.
Brilliant emails beforehand with clear guidance was so handy.
Having someone in your home only a few days after giving birth is a big deal, Verity is super lovely, calm and positive and made us feel comfortable straight away. She was fantastic with our 4 year old too, which took so many worries away! The images are all around our house in frames now.”
