Newborn sessions take place in my Johannesburg studio and are shaped around the needs of your baby.
There is time to feed, settle, change and pause.
Nothing needs to happen according to a rigid timetable.
I photograph your baby on their own and, if you would like, with the people who are part of these first days — parents, brothers and sisters, and grandparents.
The baby sets the pace.
It is best to book your newborn session before your baby arrives.
We reserve provisional space around your due date and confirm the session once your baby has been born.
Newborns are often photographed during the first two weeks, when they tend to sleep more deeply and naturally curl into the positions familiar from before birth.
Babies do not, however, arrive according to photographers' diaries.
If your baby is a little older, we work with the stage they are in rather than trying to recreate an earlier one.
Before your session, we discuss who will be photographed and what everyone will wear.
On the day, I guide you throughout.
A newborn session is naturally slower than many other portrait sessions. Feeding, winding, changing and settling are part of it rather than interruptions to it.
Your baby's comfort comes first.
The session may include:
We do not need to make every combination. We make the photographs that matter to your family.
My approach is simple.
I use clean studio lighting, minimal props and very little decoration.
Sometimes a baby is wrapped. Sometimes dressed simply. Often I photograph the natural shape of the newborn body with very little around it.
Parents provide another important part of the photograph.
Hands, shoulders, arms and chests give scale and allow a baby to be photographed where they are often most settled — being held.
Simple clothing works best.
For your baby, this may mean a plain onesie, a soft wrap or very little at all.
For parents and siblings, black and other simple neutral clothing photograph well and keep attention away from the clothes.
There is no need to buy something specifically for the session.
When you book a newborn session with me, I photograph it personally.
I have photographed newborns and families in my Johannesburg studio since 2005.
The way I work is quiet and simple: careful lighting, patient direction and enough time to work around a very small person who has no interest whatsoever in our plans.
How much does a newborn portrait session cost?
There is a R3,000 session fee, plus your chosen portrait collection. Collections currently begin at R7,500 for 10 finished portraits, making the starting total investment R10,500. Your session fee and collection are chosen and paid for when you book; additional portraits can be added after the session.
When should I book my newborn session?
Before your baby arrives is best. We reserve provisional space around your due date and confirm the session after the birth.
Does my baby have to be under two weeks old?
No. The first two weeks can be particularly good for sleepy, curled newborn portraits, but babies can be photographed later too. I photograph the baby you bring me rather than forcing a particular set of poses.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Yes. I encourage photographs with the people around your baby as well as portraits of the baby alone.
What if my baby needs to feed?
Then we feed them. There is time for feeding, winding, changing and settling throughout the session.
What should we wear?
Keep it simple. Black and neutral clothing work particularly well. My newborn clothing guide gives you more detail before the session.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, where appropriate. Please let me know beforehand so that we can plan for them in the studio.
How long will the session take?
Newborn sessions are allowed more time than standard portrait sessions because we work around your baby. I do not rush feeding or settling simply because the clock says we should be photographing.
If you would like to book before your baby arrives, or your baby is already here, get in touch and we can look at timing.
JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.