When to Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session in Glasgow

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As a new parent in Glasgow, capturing those precious first moments of your baby’s life is an experience you’ll treasure forever. At Paula Veverka Photography, we understand the importance of timing when it comes to newborn photography.

As your specialist Newborn Photographer in Glasgow, I’m here to guide you through the process of scheduling your newborn photo session for the best possible results.

The Ideal Age for Newborn Photos

In an ideal world, the best time for newborn photography is during your baby’s first couple of weeks of life. During this period, newborns are typically at their sleepiest and can easily curl into those adorable poses you’ve likely seen in newborn portraits. I always encourage new parents to schedule your session as early as possible within this timeframe.

However, it’s important to remember that every baby is unique. If you can’t make it to the studio during those first few weeks, don’t worry! Babies can still have beautiful newborn portraits many weeks after being born. Over the years I have photographed hundreds of babies and I can easily adapt my workflow to your baby’s need so you absolutely don’t have to miss out on capturing this special time of your life.

Your Newborn Photo Session: Stress-free Scheduling

Many factors can influence the timing of your newborn photo session, the unpredictability of birth being the most important. Of the benefits of working with an experienced newborn photographer is that I allow enough flexibility in my diary to ensure your session will happen within the right timeframe, no matter if baby is early or late.

That’s right, while we use your due date as a guide, we know that babies often have their own plans – so should your little one be early or late we’ll adjust your session date at no extra cost to you.

Another important consideration is the recovery time for both mother and baby. After birth, you’ll need time to settle into your new family dynamic so we’ll stay in touch to ensure your session is a wonderful experience with no stress.

When to Book Your Newborn Photo Session

The ideal time to book your newborn session is after your twenty-week scan, as this gives us plenty of time to prepare, plan and ensure we can truly create the images you’ve always dreamed of.

As a mum myself however, I know that life while expecting is a real whirlwind of emotions and activities… so don’t worry if you haven’t booked during pregnancy, I can still accommodate you! If your little one has already arrived, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to schedule you quickly. Remember, I only book one newborn photoshoot per day, allowing up to 3 hours for each session. This ensures there’s no time pressure during your baby’s newborn photos.

Paula Veverka Photography: Cosy Newborn Studio in Glasgow

My cottage studio in Glasgow is specially designed for newborn photography. It’s warm, cosy, and relaxing, creating the perfect environment for your baby’s first photoshoot. I also offer facilities for new mums to enjoy a model makeover during the session, with a dedicated make-up room and beautiful gowns that will help you feel pampered and confident for your family photos.

newborn photo sessions Glasgow

Choosing Colors and Styles

As your session date approaches, we’ll have a detailed conversation about your color preferences and the styles you’d like to incorporate, so we can ensure we include colours you love and backgrounds that appeal to you. we’ll also discuss any sibling or family photographs you’d like to include in your shoot.

What If You’ve Missed the “Newborn” Window?

As mentioned, if you’ve missed the traditional newborn window, don’t worry! While those first few weeks are ideal for certain poses, beautiful baby photos can be taken at any age.

Should baby be really too old for a newborn session, we can still book you in for a beautiful milestone photoshoot that can capture all those cute expressions and their growing personality.

Your Newborn Photo Session

Ready to book your newborn session or have more questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can create a wonderful experience for you and your family, and photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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Digitals, prints and wall art: what’s the best choice for your newborn images?

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Welcome to Paula Veverka Photography!

So, you are thinking about a newborn session… I’m thrilled that you are considering me as your photographer for capturing your baby’s first weeks of life.

As a mum myself, I understand how important it is to have beautiful images of your little one that you can cherish for years to come.

And, what’s better than showcasing those images in the perfect way with the right wall art!

In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of the different wall art options available at Paula Veverka Photography to help you choose the right products to display your newborn images. Whether you’re a first-time mum-to-be or a seasoned parent, choosing the right wall art can be overwhelming.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

We’ll cover the benefits of digital images vs. printed artwork, and explain why printed artwork is a warm and tangible way to showcase your images that can be passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom.

Plus, I’ll walk you through the different options available, including prints, canvases, and frames, and explain the differences between single and multi-aperture frames. So, let’s dive in!

Digital Images vs. Printed Artwork

When it comes to displaying your newborn images, you have two main options: digital images or printed artwork. Digital files offer flexibility, allowing you to print, share and use your photos in a variety of different ways. However, they come with some downsides too. Digital files rely on technology, and anything digital might not stand the test of time. Formats change, and files can get lost due to tech issues or hard drive failure.

Digital files are also very difficult to be passed on to future generation. Years from now, imagine giving your little one (then an adult) a beautiful album… versus a USB stick!

Printed artwork is a warm and tangible way to showcase your images that can be passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom. Unlike digital files, printed artwork is not dependent on technology and can be enjoyed for years to come. They’re not just something that you can hold in your hands, but also display on your wall, and they add a touch of personality to your home decor.

Whether you’re looking for classic prints or modern canvases, I offer a range of products created using high-quality materials to ensure they last a lifetime.

Prints: A Classic Option

Prints are a classic and timeless way to showcase your newborn images. There’s something about holding a physical copy of your baby’s photo in your hands that makes it all the more special. It’s a tangible way to remember and cherish those precious moments.

At Paula Veverka Photography, we use a professional laboratory that only prints for professional photographers, ensuring the quality is top-notch.

Prints come in a range of sizes, types of paper and finishes, from matte to glossy, and everything in between. Choosing the right finish depends on your personal preference and where you plan to display them, but of course… I’m here to help!

At your viewing and ordering appointment I will have available for you a few recommended options that you can see in person… and touch!

Canvases: Turn Your Images into Art

If you’re looking for a modern yet elegantly rustic way to display your newborn images, canvases are a great option.

The combination of wood and canvas makes it for some stunning wall art for your home.

Of course, when it comes to frames (and wall art in general) the quality of the wooden structure used matters as much as the printing quality! I rely on professional labs for all your printed artwork, as this ensure that only use a high-quality materials are used… so whenever ordering wall art from me you’ll know that it’s built to last.

When you come to the studio for your session, you will find on display a range of different sizes and styles of products to choose from.

In addition to single statement pieces, I can also help you designing wall art collections, which are multiple canvases displayed together in a series. These are a great option if you want to create a more complex display with multiple images, for example combining a family image with a few portraits of your baby alone.

At your viewing and ordering appointment we will be able to discuss all option and even design mockups to show you what your final product will look like.

wall art paula veverka

Frames: Classic and Versatile

Frames are a classic and versatile way to display your newborn images, that can add a touch of timeless elegance to any room… including nursery!

Being able to choose between a range of frames and styles means creating art that perfectly fits your home.

Something you might not know is that frames are also available as a “multi aperture” product, meaning more than one images is included within the same framing structure (a bit like a collage, but created by combining multiple prints inside the same structure) – these are one of my best selling products, as parents love the idea of creating a visual story of their newborn session!

Single aperture frames are a great option if you have a single photo that you want to highlight or if you’re looking to create a more minimalist display.

Ahead of your session we will make sure to discuss these options, as knowing which products you love the most means we might be able to customise shots and setups to create the perfect images for your artwork.

Get in touch!

Whether you have already decided to book your session at Paula Veverka Photography or you simply want to discover more about my approach to working with newborn babies, don’t forget to get in touch as soon as possible during your pregnancy: not only this gives us an opportunity of sourcing props for your session if necessary, it also gives us a chance of discussing options for a Maternity Session at my studio in Glasgow!

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How old should a baby be at their newborn photoshoot?

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The newborn phase is a whirlwind of  night feeds, constant nappy changes, sweet snuggles, and cute baby gurgles. It is both a beautiful and chaotic phase in your life and your baby’s and passes in in the blink of an eye. 

For many parents, taking photos of their baby in the newborn phase is a special moment for the family and can create beautifully cherished memories. It is something you can only do once, becaus despite how those sleep-deprived nights feel, the newborn phase whizzes by quickly. 

In this article, we will discuss the best time to  have newborn photos taken  and what you can do if you have waited too long to book. There are many beautiful moments in a baby’s first year of life and we will show you how you can still have a gorgeous baby photoshoot at any stage.

What is the best age for a newborn photoshoot? 

Most newborn photoshoots are staged with the baby curled up in a cute position, sleeping and looking peaceful. In order to achieve this your baby has to be very young and still in that sleepy phase of their life. This means that most newborn photoshoots are booked in advance of the baby’s birth and usually take place in the first two weeks after the baby is born. 

For many, newborn baby photos hold many special memories and can be taken either in your home or in a warm studio with soft lighting and snuggly fabrics for your newborn to sleep on. There are many different styles of newborn photography, with many options to capture your baby curled up and sleeping soundly or in your arms in a sweet family portrait. 

It is best to do some research online as to the style of photographs you would like, as all photographers will offer you different options. Also  talk to your photographer about the type of photo you are hoping to achieve.

Your photographer will also provide a selection of props and outfits for your baby to help make the photos extra special. 

Can I still get beautiful photos with an older baby? 

The first two weeks of a baby’s life don’t always go to plan, and even if you have booked in advance and planned your newborn photoshoot, plans can change. For whatever reason, if you were unable to have  a newborn photoshoot don’t worry, you can still capture  truly stunning photos of your baby when they are a few weeks or months older. 

Newborn photographers are experienced with working with both young babies and children and will have quite a few tricks up their sleeves for getting beautiful photos. Even if your baby is past the newborn sleepy stage. 

Older babies still nap for long periods of time, often at least twice a day, so with some careful time management you still can get those sweet sleeping baby photos. However, if your baby is older and very active there are some other wonderful photo opportunities you can capture on film. 

3 months ( 12 weeks) 

At around 3 months babies are smiling and their eyes are fully open, taking in the world around them. It is the perfect time to capture those first smiles, photos of them interacting with their parents, or playing with a soft toy.

newborn photoshoots

3 – 4 months (12 – 16 weeks)

Between 3- 4 months babies are developing their neck strength, with exercises such as tummy time. At this age, babies do not need to be held or laid on their backs and they are much more alert and will interact with people and objects. It is the ideal time to get some beautiful photos of their little personality starting to shine. 

4-  9 months (17 – 26 weeks) 

Between 6 – 9  months babies start to sit up unaided and they are developing their hand-eye coordination. At this stage, you can expect to get some excellent photos of them sitting up  with a big smile on their face. It is also a great age if you would like siblings to join them as they can sit next to them and play. 

Babies at this age will naturally be reaching and grabbing objects so you can also stage a sweet photo with their favourite toys such as a teddy or ask your photographer about what props they have available. 

6- 10 months (27 – 34 weeks) 

At around 6-10  months babies are beginning to crawl, or in some cases, they are already expert crawlers and are a flurry of activity. This stage may be a bit more challenging as they are unlikely to sit still for long, however, this can create some excellent photo opportunities of your baby crawling toward the photographer, or images of baby inside a wooden box etc. Photographers will have many props that can contain baby for a moment, which will also make beautifully cute pictures. 

As your baby is a bit more robust at this age you can also consider an outdoors photoshoot and capture some exciting images of your baby exploring the surroundings of a nearby park or enjoying a gentle push on the swings. 

8 – 12 months (35 – 52 weeks)

Finally, at around 8 – 12 months, you can expect your baby to be on the move, exploring by either crawling or cruising by holding onto furniture or your hand. Some babies may even be walking at this age, taking their first wobbly steps either holding their parent’s hand or using a walking aid. It is a great time to take some photos of them in their element, discovering the world around them. This could include chasing bubbles in the park, enjoying a bath, or exploring pictures in a book by themselves. 

Of course, there is also the event that is their first birthday which is a very special milestone for any family, and one that you most certainly will want to capture. You can take some great photos of them receiving gifts or tasting their birthday cake. And of course then there are also cake smash photoshoots!

Final thoughts 

We hope that by the end of this article, we have either convinced you to book a newborn photoshoot or given you some great ideas for photos as your baby grows. However, no matter what age you choose to take a photo of your baby, you will be creating beautiful memories that you will cherish and look back on with love. 

Newborn Photoshoots at Paula Veverka Photography

Thinking about a session for your little one? Visit our dedicated page Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

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Newborn Sleeping Guide: All You Need To Know

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Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be inundating and tiring. One of the biggest challenges that new parents face is getting their newborn to sleep through the night. Newborns have rather a tiny appetite and need to be fed frequently, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. They also have a lot of activity happening in their brains and bodies as they adjust to the outside world, making it hard for them to settle down and sleep.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about newborn sleep, including how much sleep your baby needs, how to create a safe and comfortable sleep environment and strategies for helping your baby to fall and stay asleep. So, let’s get you started!

How Much Sleep Do Newborns Need?

Newborns need a lot of sleep – up to 16-17 hours per day – but they tend to sleep in short bursts of around 2-4 hours at a time. This means that you may have to wake up frequently during the night to feed and care for your baby.

As your baby gets older, they will sleep for longer stretches and may only need to be fed every 3-4 hours.

By the time they are 3-4 months old, most babies will be able to sleep for around 6-8 hours at a time. You must keep in mind that every baby is different and will have their own unique sleep patterns. Some babies may sleep more or less than others, and this is completely normal.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Sleep Environment

To help your newborn sleep well, it’s primary to create a safe and comfortable sleep environment. Here are some tips for doing so:

  • Use a firm, flat surface for your baby to sleep on, such as a crib or bassinet.
  • Avoid placing your baby on soft surfaces, such as a waterbed or couch, as these can increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
  • Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature – around 68-72°F (20-22°C) is ideal.
  • Use a fitted sheet on the crib mattress and avoid using loose bedding or pillows.
  • Remove any toys or stuffed animals from the crib to prevent your baby from rolling onto them.
  • Keep the noise and light levels in the room low to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
  • If you’re using a pacifier, make sure it’s clean and in good condition.
Newborn Sleeping Guide

Newborn Sleeping Guide: Helping Your Newborn Fall Asleep

Once you’ve created a safe and comfortable sleep environment, there are some additional strategies that you can use to help your newborn fall asleep. These may include:

Swaddling

Swaddling can help your newborn feel calm, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep. To swaddle your baby, lay them on a flat surface and wrap a blanket around their body, tucking the edges in under their arms and between their legs.

White noise

White noise can help to drown out any external distractions and create a soothing environment for your baby. You can use a white noise machine or play calming music or sounds through a speaker.

Gentle rocking and massage

Gently rocking your baby in a rocking chair or holding them close and swaying can help to soothe them and encourage sleep. Moreover, massaging your baby’s back or legs can help to relax their muscles and promote sleep.

Feeding

Feeding your baby before bedtime can help to create a sense of fullness and comfort, which can encourage sleep. However, be sure not to overfeed your baby as this can lead to discomfort and may actually make it harder for them to fall asleep.

Sticking to a bedtime routine

Establishing a bedtime routine can help to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This can include activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. Make sure you are being consistent.

Newborn Sleeping Guide: Dealing with Common Sleep Issues

Let’s continue our Newborn Sleeping Guide with some… sleepless nights!

Yes, because even with a safe and comfortable sleep environment and a bedtime routine in place, your newborn may still experience some common sleep issues. Here is the list of potential issues and some strategies for dealing with these issues.

Night waking

Newborns need to eat frequently and may wake up during the night to be fed. To make night feedings as easy and efficient as possible, keep a supply of diapers, wipes, and burp cloths within reach, and have a nightlight or flashlight handy to help you see.

Crying

Crying is a natural way for babies to communicate their needs, and it’s normal for newborns to cry a lot. However, if your baby is crying excessively or for no apparent reason, it’s important to try to figure out what might be causing the crying. Is your baby hungry, wet, or in need of a diaper change? Do they feel too hot or too cold? Are they in pain or discomfort? Once you’ve identified the cause of the crying, you can take steps to address it.

Colic

Colic is a common condition that causes newborns to cry excessively and inconsolably for no apparent reason. It usually starts when a baby is around 2-4 weeks old and peaks at around 6-8 weeks. Colic usually goes away on its own by the time a baby is 3-4 months old, but it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. To help manage colic, you can try swaddling, rocking, and using white noise to soothe your baby, as well as feeding them in an upright position and burping them frequently to reduce gas.

Sleep regression

Around 4-6 months of age, your baby may experience sleep regression, which is when they start waking up more frequently during the night and have a harder time falling back asleep. Sleep regression is a normal part of development, as your baby’s sleep patterns are changing and they are learning new skills, such as rolling over and sitting up. To help your baby through this phase, try to stick to a consistent bedtime routine and be patient and understanding.

Newborn Sleeping Guide: goodnight little one…

Helping your newborn sleep well can be a challenging task, but with a safe and comfortable sleep environment, a bedtime routine, and strategies for dealing with common sleep issues, you can encourage healthy sleep habits that will benefit both you and your baby.

As a parent, it is your duty to be patient and understanding, as every baby is different and will have their own unique sleep patterns. With time and practice, you’ll find what works best for you and your baby to get a good night’s sleep.

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Newborn And Maternity Studio In Lanarkshire

Maternity And Newborn Photography Blantyre

New Signs & Maternity Gowns

Well, at last, we are about to start coming out of lockdown, and I can begin to start opening up the studio to my clients again. I cannot wait to see all these squishy babies!

Having this time off has given me the chance to look at my business and realise just how much I enjoy being a Newborn Photographer at my studio in Blantyre, Lanarkshire. It is the most rewarding style of photography I do. I just love seeing all these beautiful new babies and feel so humbled having the privilege to hold and photograph them.

I have purchased lots of new maternity gowns to offer the new package Supermodel Glow Sessions – Maternity Photography at our studio in Glasgow, Lanarkshire.

My new Bump To Baby Package is perfect for new mothers to come into the studio and have their hair and make-up styled before their photo session in our dedicated make-up room. I know it’s not for everyone, and some of us feel just awful throughout our pregnancy.  

But for those who would love to celebrate their bump, this is such a beautiful and pampering experience.

Looking gorgeous with stunningly styled hair and make-up, and then posed by myself in the most flattering of ways, dressed in gowns of tulle and much more! 

I previously photographed a lot of boudoir in my studio and still do on occasion. (I love helping ladies of all ages to feel great about their bodies and how they look) And so I have built up a wealth of experience about posing and lighting women’s bodies to look their absolute best.

Time For A Change

Outside in the studio grounds, work is starting too; all the signs are getting replaced. This has been long overdue and partly because I couldn’t decide what I wanted.
But I’ve had plenty of time to think about it, and with the help of my joiner and local sign company, Cubewrap, my signage will be looking its best again soon.

My office is looking so new and fresh, with new desks, wallpaper, and a feature wall as you walk in the door. Collections of wall art that will be available to clients and also part of my new packages.
It’s exciting to see the studio and office re-emerge from this period of imposed lockdown, refreshed and ready to invite all my new and old clients back.

When you arrive at the studio, I want you to know that every client appointment is spaced out to allow time to clean thoroughly.
All touch surfaces, like door handles etc, are sanitised as soon as a client leaves. I will be wearing a mask at all times, and hand sanitising stations are available as soon as you walk inside the door and placed all around both the office and the studio.

Having this protection level in the studio (especially cleaning door handles, etc) has been an excellent barrier against coronavirus and the common cold.
I have loved not catching a cold over the winter, something that just always seemed to happen.

I’m also hoping that lateral flow tests will be available here soon for everyone, as they are down south. This will be another great way for me to know that I am safe for my clients.

With all this in place, I want you to know that the studio has been deep cleaned and refreshed over this time off and is a safe, warm and inviting space for you and your new family to come to.

I can’t wait to see you all in the studio. I am hopeful that life is starting to come back to some sort of normality for us, with lots more businesses beginning to open.

And I can’t wait to see you all soon,

Paula x

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