Questions families ask.
Everything you might want to know before booking. If your question isn't here, message us any time.
When should I book my newborn session?
Book during pregnancy if you can, so we can plan around your due date. Newborn sessions are best between 5 and 14 days old, and your booking moves with baby's arrival. If baby is already here, get in touch and we'll find a date.
Where do sessions take place?
In your own home, or in our private studio in Ongar, Essex, which opens in December 2026. Cake smash sessions are studio only. We don't offer outdoor sessions.
How quickly will we get our photos?
Your fully edited gallery arrives the next working day after your session, at no extra cost. It's included in every collection.
How does payment work?
A £100 deposit secures your date and comes off your total. The balance is paid before you download your gallery, or in person at the studio. Deposits are non-refundable but can be moved to a new date with 48 hours' notice.
Do you travel?
Travel is free within 15 miles of Ongar, £25 for 15 to 30 miles and £50 beyond that. We cover Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent.
What should we wear?
Soft, neutral tones without logos or busy patterns. Our Getting Ready guide has a colour palette and tips for each session, and maternity gowns are provided.
Is newborn photography safe?
Yes. Isabella is trained in safe newborn posing. Sessions are baby-led with breaks for feeds and settling, and baby is never placed in a position they don't settle into naturally.
How long does a session take?
Newborn sessions take up to three hours. Cake smash sessions take up to one hour. Maternity and family sessions usually take around an hour.
Can partners and siblings join?
Always. Family sessions include up to six people, with extra family members at £25 each. Partners and children are welcome at maternity and newborn sessions too.
What's included in a cake smash?
A bespoke cake, a styled set in soft neutrals and an outfit change, in our Ongar studio. Let us know about allergies at least a week ahead. We don't offer a splash bath.
Can we add extra photos later?
Yes. Add single photos, sets of five, albums or framed prints at any time from your gallery.
Are launch prices permanent?
Launch prices are for our first families while First Chapter Studio gets established. Standard prices are shown alongside for reference, and you'll always pay the price you booked at.
Be one of our first families.
We've just opened our doors, and our launch prices are our way of saying thank you to the families who join us at the very beginning.