Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about your Wholehearted Photography experience
Booking & Scheduling
Booking is simple. Head to our contact page and fill in the enquiry form, or drop us an email. We'll get back to you within 24 hours to chat through everything, answer your questions and find the perfect session date for your family.
If you're expecting, we recommend getting in touch during your second trimester so we can pencil in your due date and plan ahead. Once we've confirmed your session, a non-refundable deposit secures your date.
Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your session date. The deposit amount depends on the session type you choose and is deducted from your final balance. The remaining fee is due on the day of your session.
We accept bank transfer, card payments and cash. Full payment details are provided at the time of booking.
We understand that life with a new baby is unpredictable. If you need to reschedule your session, please let us know as soon as possible and we'll do our very best to find an alternative date that works for your family. Rescheduling is always free of charge.
Please note that deposits are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. This is because your session slot is reserved exclusively for you, and we turn away other bookings to keep it available.
For newborn sessions, we strongly recommend booking during your pregnancy — ideally around 20–30 weeks. This allows us to pencil in your due date and plan your session for when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old, which is the ideal window for those gorgeous sleepy, curly poses.
For lifestyle, family and outdoor sessions, 2–4 weeks' notice is usually sufficient, although popular weekend slots do fill up quickly — especially during autumn and the festive season.
Our studio is busy year-round, but we tend to see especially high demand during the autumn and winter months, and in the lead-up to Christmas when families are looking for festive portrait sessions or gift vouchers. Spring is also popular for outdoor and lifestyle sessions as the weather improves.
The earlier you book, the more flexibility we have with dates and times. If you have a specific date in mind, please get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Babies have their own plans, and we are completely prepared for that. When you book a newborn session, we pencil in your due date rather than a fixed calendar date. Once your baby arrives, simply let us know and we'll schedule your session within the first two weeks — this is the best window for those beautifully sleepy, curled-up poses.
If your baby arrives early, don't worry at all. Just get in touch when you're ready and we'll find a slot that works for you. Your comfort and your baby's wellbeing always come first.
Session Day
For newborn sessions, you really don't need to bring much at all. Our studio is fully stocked with an extensive collection of wraps, blankets, headbands, outfits and props — everything is provided, freshly laundered and ready to go.
We do recommend bringing a couple of extra nappies, your baby's milk (whether breast or bottle), a dummy if your baby uses one, and a spare change of clothes for yourself in case of any little accidents. For family and lifestyle sessions, we'll send you a detailed preparation guide with outfit and styling suggestions ahead of your session.
We want you to feel comfortable and look beautiful in your images. For studio sessions, we recommend soft, neutral tones — creams, beiges, whites, soft greys and muted earthy shades work beautifully and keep the focus on your family. Try to avoid bold patterns, large logos or very bright colours as they can be distracting.
When you book, we'll send you a comprehensive styling guide with outfit inspiration and tips to help you coordinate. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to send us a photo of your outfit options and we'll be happy to advise.
Newborn sessions typically last 2–3 hours, although we never rush and always allow plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes and cuddles. Your baby leads the session entirely — if they need an extra feed or a longer settle, that is absolutely fine.
Lifestyle and family sessions usually take around 1–2 hours, and outdoor mini sessions are approximately 30–60 minutes depending on the package chosen. We'll always let you know what to expect ahead of your session.
Absolutely! We love including siblings, parents and even grandparents in your session. Some of the most treasured images are the ones showing the connection between big brothers, big sisters and the newest member of the family.
For newborn sessions, we typically photograph your baby on their own first while they are at their sleepiest, and then bring in siblings and parents for family portraits. Our studio has a comfortable seating area with refreshments and toys to keep little ones entertained while they wait for their moment.
For newborn sessions, the studio is kept at a cosy 28°C — the perfect temperature for your baby to feel settled, comfortable and sleepy. This warmth mimics the feeling of being held close and helps babies relax into those beautiful curled-up poses.
We recommend wearing light layers so you stay comfortable too. There are cold drinks, tea and coffee available throughout the session, and a comfortable seating area where you can relax while we work with your little one.
Yes, there is convenient free parking right outside the studio, so you won't have to worry about lugging a car seat and baby bag across a car park. Full directions and parking details are included in your booking confirmation. The studio is easily accessible from all areas of Sheffield and the surrounding areas.
Your Images
Your fully edited images will be ready within 2–3 weeks of your session date. We know how exciting it is to see your photos, and we work hard to get them to you as quickly as possible while ensuring every single image receives the care and attention it deserves.
Each image is individually hand-edited and retouched to Wholehearted's warm, timeless signature style. We'll let you know as soon as your gallery is ready to view.
Your finished images are delivered via a beautiful, password-protected online gallery where you can view, download and share your photographs with family and friends. The gallery is easy to use on any device and makes it simple to choose your favourites.
High-resolution digital files are provided on a USB drive as part of your chosen package. If you have ordered prints, albums or wall art, these are professionally produced and delivered separately.
Yes. All digital images provided are high-resolution files that are perfectly suitable for printing at any size. You are welcome to print them wherever you choose.
That said, we always recommend using a professional printing lab for the best results. High-street and supermarket printing services often cannot match the colour accuracy and quality of a professional lab. We are happy to recommend trusted printers and can also supply beautifully produced prints, canvases, albums and wall art directly — just ask.
Of course! We love seeing your images shared and enjoyed. All we ask is that you credit Wholehearted Photography Studio when posting online, and that you don't apply additional filters or editing to the images. This helps preserve the quality and consistency of the finished artwork and ensures your photos always look their very best.
Yes. If you fall in love with more images from your gallery than your chosen package includes, additional digital images, prints and products can be purchased separately. We'll go through all the options with you at your viewing appointment so you can choose exactly what is right for your family.
Safety & Hygiene
Your baby's safety is the absolute foundation of everything we do. We are trained in safe newborn posing and handling, and have invested hundreds of hours in specialist newborn photography training with some of the UK's leading practitioners.
Your baby is never left unattended and is always supported — either by a parent's hands or by a trained spotter positioned just out of frame. We are First Aid trained (including infant first aid), DBS checked and BANPAS (Baby and Newborn Photography Association) aware. We never force a baby into any pose and always follow your little one's lead.
Some of the more creative newborn poses you may have seen online — such as a baby appearing to balance in a prop unsupported — are actually composite images. This means they are created by merging two or more photographs together in post-production.
In reality, your baby is always fully supported by a parent or a spotter at all times. We then carefully edit the supporting hands out of the final image. This technique allows us to create stunning, artistic portraits without ever compromising your baby's safety.
Hygiene is paramount in a newborn studio. Every prop, wrap, blanket and surface is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between sessions. All fabrics are freshly laundered using gentle, baby-safe detergent, and the studio is deep-cleaned regularly.
We ask that families reschedule if anyone is feeling unwell, and we apply the same rule to ourselves. The studio is equipped with hand sanitiser stations and we follow strict hand-washing protocols throughout every session.
Yes. Wholehearted Photography Studio holds full public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. We are also DBS checked and First Aid trained, including infant first aid. Your family's safety and peace of mind are our highest priorities, and we are happy to provide details of our insurance and qualifications upon request.
Still have questions?
We're always happy to help. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll come back to you within 24 hours.
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