Fairytale Photoshoot London: Real Themed Newborn Sessions & Prices

A fairytale photoshoot is not about heavy props or costumes that swallow a baby. In my North London sessions it means one gentle idea per set-up — a bonnet, a knitted friend, a single flower — built around a sleeping baby who never has to do anything but rest. Below are real sessions I have photographed at home in Hampstead, Golders Green, Finchley and Camden, with the exact set-ups I used.

The little wizard (Finchley, awake and grumpy — then asleep)

This family asked for something playful rather than classic. We used round glasses, a striped scarf and a wand-sized wooden stick, all sized for a nine-day-old. Baby woke twice; we paused, fed, waited, and the shot happened on the third settle. That is the honest rhythm of a themed session — the idea takes five minutes, the sleep takes an hour.

The bunny in peonies (Golders Green, 7 days old)

One bonnet, one knitted bunny, one yellow peony from the flower stall on Golders Green Road. Nothing else. This is the set-up parents most often print large, because the baby is the subject and the fairytale is only a whisper around them.

The family who wanted the cat in the photos (Camden)

Their British shorthair had been the baby of the house for six years, so he had to be in the frame. We shot on a bright white backdrop, kept the cat on a treat schedule, and got the introduction in about four minutes before he lost interest. Pets are welcome at every session — I simply plan them first, while everyone is calm.

How a fairytale session is actually built

• We agree two or three ideas before the day — never more, so nothing feels rushed
• Everything happens in your home, on your bed or beside your brightest window
• Baby leads: we pose only into shapes they settle into naturally
• Between set-ups you feed, change and cuddle for as long as you need
• Sessions run 2 to 3 hours, and around half of that is usually feeding

What it costs and how to book

Themed set-ups are included in every package — I bring the bonnets, wraps, knitted friends and baskets, so there is nothing for you to buy. Sessions start from £250, and the best time is days 5 to 14, when babies still curl and sleep deeply. If your baby is older, we lean into awake, family-led fairytale portraits instead.