What if my newborn doesn't sleep during the photoshoot?

Then we photograph the baby you have on the day. Sleepy babies are lovely but awake newborn photos can be equally beautiful. The session is gentle and baby-led with time for feeding, settling and cuddling.

Newborn photography in Centurion, Pretoria & Johannesburg

You have approximately fourteen days before the wrinkly, curled-up, impossibly-sleepy newborn phase transitions into the slightly-less-wrinkly phase, and then suddenly they are rolling over and nothing is the same. Newborn photos exist because this stage disappears faster than you expect.

I am Jackie. I have been photographing newborns in Centurion, Pretoria and Johannesburg for over 17 years. My studio is warm, unhurried and stocked with everything your baby needs. You bring the baby. I handle everything else.

When to do newborn photos

The sweet spot is days 6 to 14. Babies at this age are sleepy, curly and still have that brand-new look that disappears faster than you think. I photograph babies up to 6 weeks old as newborns, so there is some grace if your little one arrives early or spends time in hospital.

After 6 weeks, we shift to a family shoot instead. Baby still gets their moment, just without the wraps and tucked-up poses. Both are beautiful. Just different.

The best time to book is before baby arrives. I hold your spot by due date and confirm the session once your baby is here. Read more about when to book

Where sessions take place

Newborn sessions are based at my Centurion studio, stocked with everything your baby needs. Home sessions are available on selected packages.

The Studio

Warm, quiet and purpose-built for newborns. Every prop, wrap and accessory is here. Feed baby just before you arrive and we handle the rest.

At Home

Available on the Love and Eternity packages. A travel fee applies. Studio props are not included for home sessions; an additional fee applies if props need to be supplied.

What to expect at your session

Newborn sessions are slow by design. A typical session runs 2 to 3 hours, not because I am inefficient, but because babies set the pace. We feed, we settle, we wait. Then we get the most beautiful images when baby is completely calm.

Studio props, wraps and accessories – soft, neutral options included at no extra charge

Parents and siblings included – family involvement is part of every session, not an add-on

A warm, calm studio – kept warmer than you would expect, because that is what helps babies sleep deeply

Baby-led pacing throughout – no rush, no forced poses, no pressure

Newborn packages & pricing

Packages start from R2,500. Options include studio and home sessions, varying image counts, and a first-year bundle covering newborn, sitter and cake smash.

Studio location

Centurion, Gauteng, easily accessible from Pretoria, Johannesburg, Midrand and the East Rand. Home sessions are available on most packages.

How it works

Book during your pregnancy – I hold your spot by due date.

Time slot confirmed with booking fee – non-refundable but credited to your package.

Receive your styling guide – what to wear, what to avoid, how to prep before and day of shoot.

Baby arrives, send me a message – we confirm the date based on baby’s age. Ideal window is days 6 to 14, up to 6 weeks.

Arrive and settle in – I handle the direction, the settling, the wrapping and the waiting. Gallery delivered within two weeks.

My hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9h00 to 16h00 (last studio session starts at 14h00) Midweek discount applies in studio

Saturdays: 9h00 to 15h00 (last studio session starts at 13h00)

Location or home sessions not available on Saturdays unless booked 3-4 months in advance

Sundays: Studio closed on Sundays, except for one Sunday per month when the studio opens for bookings. Please enquire when our available Sundays are.

Makeup:

Makeup including lashes : R750
Hair & Makeup combo: R990

If you have any more questions, check out our FAQ’s, or submit a query via WhatsApp (button bottom right) or send me a mail.

If you are ready to book, fill the form below and let’s start looking at dates.

Browse recent newborn galleries

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before your session

That is completely normal. Babies are not known for respecting calendars. Once baby arrives, you let me know and we work out the best session date around baby, recovery and availability.

Yes. Most newborn sessions include parents and siblings, except for the smaller Purity package. Grandparents can be included for a small extra fee.

Simple, soft, neutral clothing works beautifully. White, cream, beige, soft grey, denim and gentle textures photograph well in the studio. The focus should stay on your baby and your connection, not on outfits fighting for attention.

Then we photograph the baby you have on the day. Sleepy babies are lovely, but awake newborn photos can also be beautiful. The session is gentle and baby-led, with time for feeding, settling and cuddling.

Yes, if there is availability. It is better to book during pregnancy, but if baby has already arrived, send a message as soon as possible and I’ll let you know what dates are open.