My experience of a new-born photo shoot, step-by-step

So we have a new-born − yay! Seriously, he's really very cute but he eats a lot and pretty much every two hours. Not quite so lovely when you've only just fallen into a deep sleep lasting for a matter of minutes since the last time he was up. But, what better way to celebrate his arrival (apart from oodles of vino to congratulate oneself on 'popping out' such a perfect package) than to book a new-born photo shoot? Cue expert baby-whispering photographer, Abigail, of Abigail Stewart Photography.

Abigail had photographed my first-born a few years ago so I didn't think twice about contacting her again when my second was born to arrange a new-born photo shoot for him too. I remember being mesmerized by her ability to take my first baby and lull her into a completely calm state while I sat back and watched with a cup of tea − incidentally it had been the most relaxing bit of 'me time' I'd had since before she'd been born and now I needed some more.

On the day of the shoot I arrived at the studio after a 30-minute drive with baby number two on his tenth day in the world. The studio is based in the pretty little village of Little Horwood in Buckinghamshire. It's the kind of place that makes you feel a bit like you've been transported to one of those country cottages you see in House and Garden, and wish you'd been able to book a two-week break there instead.

The photography studio is completely separate from the main house (so there's none of that awkward traipsing through a stranger's home) and it overlooks fields, offering complete privacy, and peace and quiet. After nearly two weeks of sleep deprivation and getting to grips with having a new-born again (I don't care what people say, it's not like riding a bike because I don't remember anything from the first time so have to Google everything) I felt my shoulders relax.

The studio is kitted out with new-borns and their parents in mind. As a mother of four herself, this new-born baby photographer obviously knows exactly what will help me to feel right at home here. The studio is lovely and warm, and light and airy − it's painted white with a tiny hint of grey and I've got serious décor envy. There's an exceedingly comfy sofa (for me!) so I can put my feet up with tea or coffee and biscuits (or feed my baby), while Abigail does all the hard work. And there's a private toilet that also has a changing table and all the bits you need to change your little one - wipes, nappies etc. which is really useful.

Once we'd settled in we, or the photographer at least, got to work. I looked on (having fed my little guy and taken his clothes off) as the photographer sat holding him, quietly talking to him and reassuring him while she wrapped him in a delicate blanket. She had a shusher 'shushing' in the background which also helped to keep him relaxed. For anyone who's never seen or heard of one of these (I hadn't) it keeps saying shhhhhh in a very calming sort of way (not in the way your mum tells you to shh!), so much so I found myself nearly drifting off too.

Once the photographer was confident that my baby was relaxed and happy (and hopefully falling asleep) she gently positioned him on her giant, soft photographers' beanbag and started taking photographs.

I have to say that in general I'm not a huge fan of handing my baby over to people. It's no reflection on other people, more that I'm a bit of a control freak and because I know my baby's quirky little ways better than anyone else, I can predict when he's going to throw his head back or get upset. But watching Abigail handling him so carefully, gently and calmly I felt completely reassured that her experience meant he was in safe hands, and actually I did manage to relax and drink a whole cup of (hot) tea for the first time in ages.

I love nothing more than cuddling my little one but sometimes, after all the feeding, changing and cuddling, and picking up and putting down (better known as feed, wind, change, sleep, repeat), it can be quite nice if someone else takes the wheel for a little while.

Once she was happy that my baby was settled in the right spot, Abigail took photographs from a few different angles, changed his position every now and then and also photographed him on a sheepskin rug, which I think is going to look amazing. We wanted some shots of him completely naked but he definitely wasn't in agreement because each time we removed the blankets not even the loudest shusher setting was going to shush him. So instead, once he was comfy again, Abigail took some much closer in shots and she even got some really detailed, close-up shots of his tiny little feet.

From start to finish the shoot took about four hours. Throughout the shoot Abigail showed me shots on her camera screen so I could get the gist of what she was aiming for and she could check I was happy. She also continuously checked I was comfortable with how she was handling my baby and that I was happy with how things were going.

The next step is for the photographer to work on selecting the best shots then editing the photos. Once that's complete I'll pop back to the studio so she can show me her selection and we can chat through what sizes and materials I'd like to order. I'm super excited to see what they look like − I know from my experience last time that the photos blew me away and that I'll have stunning photos capturing my little one's earliest days in the world. Time flies by and they grow so fast so it's easy to forget how dinky new-borns are - what a lovely reminder we'll have hanging on our walls very soon.

To find out more check out Abigail Stewart Photography and keep an eye open for my next post where you'll be able to see the big reveal when I return to the studio to see our photos.

Here are my useful tips for getting the most out of your new-born's photo shoot

• Speak to the photographer prior to the shoot to chat through how you want the photos to look. Any good photographer should instigate this conversation anyway.

• Ask what kinds of props, such as baskets and bowls, they have available and what colour blankets and wraps they have. The photographer will have ideas about how the shoot might look but will also be flexible if you have set ideas on what you'd like to see − these photographs will be hanging in your home for years, so it's important that both you and the photographer are very clear from the start about what's expected.

• Clarify what's included in the price - some photographers charge a shoot day rate then extra for prints, some have different types of bundles on offer, but make sure you're clear on what you'll be getting at the end. Don't take it for granted that you'll be able to take away hundreds of photographs − the photographer will make a selection of the best shots from each angle − this is where their expertise also shines, so don't be shy − ask them why they have chosen specific shots.

• Ask if it's ok for you to bring other children with you. If you're having family shots taken it's a given that they'll be coming with you. If it's just a new-born shoot you'll need it to be as quiet as possible to get the best shots. My advice would be to avoid bringing other kids if they aren't due to be photographed but if you do, why not bring a bag full of colouring books, puzzles and toys to keep them amused. You might also want to bring snacks and drinks for them too, as not all photographers will provide these.

• Ask the photographer to show you examples of final shots from other shoots they've done - that way you can see the kinds of poses and props you like and how your photos could look on different types of material (e.g. canvas or paper) and different sizes.

• Expect photographers to spend a decent amount of time editing your shots - the purpose of this isn't to change the way your baby looks but to iron out any little imperfections you'll be able to see when the photographs are printed at a decent size. For example, they might remove a bit of fluff on a white background that takes the focus away from your baby's expression, or (as in the case of my baby who had a little sniffle at the time) tidy up a dribbley nose. Check out Abigail's editing blog post which explains all about how she edits post photo shoots here.

• Time the shoot so that when you're due to arrive it'll be roughly time to feed. That way your little one will be happy, will probably empty their nappy shortly after they've eaten and be nice and sleepy and ready to pose.

• And finally. You and the photographer can plan the shoot to the last detail but remember you're dealing with very small people here so the shoot will have to adapt to their needs as and when they change. An experienced new-born baby photographer will know this and will have a back-up plan if you need a change of plan like Abigail did when my little one clearly wasn't happy about having his blankets removed for his 'au naturel' poses.