Newborn and Baby Photography Jargon Explained

If you have been searching for a newborn photographer you have probably come across a few terms that stopped you in your tracks. Words like sitter, crawler, Reveal Session or client wardrobe that mean nothing outside of the photography world.

Here is every piece of jargon you are likely to encounter, explained in plain simple language.

Maternity Session

A maternity session is a photography session during pregnancy, typically between 28 and 38 weeks when your bump is beautifully round but you are still comfortable and mobile. You can include your partner and other children or come on your own and enjoy the experience as a moment just for you.

Maternity sessions can take place at home, outdoors or in a studio. At Mabel & Møøse all sessions are studio based so I can create my signature Scandi style every single time regardless of the weather.

At Home Session, Location Session and Studio Session

These terms describe where your photography session takes place and it is worth understanding the differences.

An at home session is when your photographer comes to you. It has the advantage of not having to leave the house but the disadvantage that not every home is set up for photography. Lighting, wall colours and space all affect the results and it can be difficult for a photographer to achieve a consistent style in different homes.

A location session is when you meet your photographer somewhere outdoors, a beach, a park, the countryside or somewhere urban. The setting gives your photographs a distinct character but you cannot control the weather.

A studio session is when you visit your photographer's studio. This is what I offer at Mabel & Møøse and it has significant advantages. The light is controlled, the space is set up perfectly for babies and families, there is a comfortable sofa for you to sit on while your baby is being photographed and toys and clothes for siblings. You always know exactly what you are going to get because the environment is the same for every session.

Newborn

When photographers use the word newborn they are usually describing a baby under 14 days old. This is the window when babies are still curled in a womb-like position with that beautiful peachy soft skin and downy hair.

In practice I consider babies up to around 10 weeks as newborns. Every baby is different. I have photographed 3 day old babies who are already stretching their legs and looking all around, and almost 3 month old babies who are still beautifully curled and sleepy. Whatever age your baby is I will be able to create gorgeous photographs.

Sitter

A sitter is a baby who can sit up unaided. It is a wonderful stage to photograph. Your baby will be full of personality, able to hold toys, giggle and interact and their character will shine through in every image.

The sitting stage usually happens somewhere between 7 and 9 months but every baby is different. I am happy for you to book and estimate when your baby might reach this milestone. If they are not quite there on the day we booked, we can simply reschedule.

Crawler

A crawler is a baby who has learned to move independently. Whether they are bum shufflers, commando crawlers or classic hands and knees crawlers, this is a wonderful stage to capture. The session becomes one big adventure and your baby will keep you and me on our toes throughout. Exhausting and completely joyful in equal measure.

Props

Props are anything a photographer uses to style the look of their photographs. These range from very elaborate custom built sets to something much more simple. At Mabel & Møøse my approach is minimal. I use a white beanbag, beautiful wooden toys to keep older babies occupied and of course Møøse, our much loved studio mascot. I also have a Scandi style baby changing basket for some sessions. Everything is chosen to complement the natural lifestyle feel of the photographs rather than distract from your baby.

Client Wardrobe

A client wardrobe is not a piece of furniture. It is the collection of clothing a photographer provides for clients to borrow during their session. What looks beautiful in a photograph is not always what you would choose to wear in everyday life, and working out the perfect outfit when you have just had a baby is one thing nobody needs to add to their list.

At Mabel & Møøse I have a carefully curated selection of tops and dresses in every size that you are welcome to borrow. Everything is chosen to be comfortable, flattering and to complement rather than distract from your baby.

Baby Wardrobe

My baby wardrobe is an ever growing collection of the most beautiful neutral outfits. I cannot resist a white linen romper or a soft woollen baby sweater. You are welcome to choose whatever you love for your baby to wear or bring your own outfits from home.

Reveal Session

The Reveal Session is when you and your partner come back to the studio a few weeks after your photoshoot to see your baby's portraits for the first time together. It is a genuinely special experience. Your photographs will have been professionally edited and will be displayed in beautiful white mounts ready for you to view. You will choose your favourite image, which is included in your session fee, and any additional prints, collections or framed wall art can be ordered at this session.

Wall Art and Wall Portraits

Wall art and wall portraits are simply photographs that have been mounted or framed in a way that allows them to be displayed in your home. This can mean a single framed print, a multi image frame, or photographs printed onto canvas, metal, acrylic or wood.

Collage

A collage usually refers to several images displayed together, either in a single multi aperture frame or as a set of coordinating pieces designed to hang together on a wall.

First Birthday Photoshoot

A first birthday photoshoot is exactly what it sounds like, a photography session to celebrate your baby's first year. At Mabel & Møøse this is a calm, natural play session with beautiful wooden toys and our little wooden birthday cake. It is nothing like a cake smash, which involves a messy cake and a great deal of sugary icing. If that is your preference there are photographers who specialise in it but it is not something we offer at Mabel & Møøse.

Sibling Session

A sibling session is when an older brother or sister is photographed alongside your new baby. These are some of the most beautiful and meaningful images I create. I always try to capture a few portraits of your older child on their own too, playing with the studio toys, so they feel special and included in the experience rather than just a supporting act.

Family Photos

Family photographs are perhaps the most important images in an entire session and they are always included at Mabel & Møøse. Your baby will want to see what you looked like when they were tiny. These photographs are your legacy and your children's history and they are always worth being part of.

Every gallery includes photographs of your baby with each parent individually and with both parents together. If older siblings are present they will be included in the family photographs too.

If you would love calm, timeless photographs of your baby I would love to hear from you.