I believe some things are meant to be! When I started offering Dubai photography sessions my key focus was on family, maternity, cake smash sessions. Then all our friends started having babies and presumed that I would be a great fit to photograph their bundles of joy! 

Trying new genres is never easy and I pretty much shortly realized that newborn photography does require lots of investment. Equipment, posing props, supporting props, outfits, wraps, accessories and most importantly knowledge.  I invested lots in masterclasses and props to be able to offer those luxury and stylish set ups you see in my portfolio. All props are shipped from the US, Australia, Europe, etc 

I fell in love with photographing little humans and there was no way back! I devoted all my budget, time and energy in mastering my skill of being the best Dubai Newborn Photographer, the best version of myself. 

I often wonder why I developed such a passion for newborn photography in particular and there are a few thoughts that come to mind: 

• I am very maternal myself. Now a mum of three. At the time I started I hadn’t had my own children yet, but cuddling and settling babies always felt super natural to me. I just love it 
• I clearly love challenges. Newborn Photography is very rewarding as it can be quite challenging. Getting those poses, angles, taking control over the non settling newborn and getting the most beautiful galleries always feels like an incredible achievement. Baby Photography definitely contributed in my own growth as a human and mum and teaches me a lot of patience, which all of us need 
• Welcoming new parents is what I really love! Newborn sessions are not rushed and generally take around 2 hours. That allows us to have the most wholesome chats I’ve ever had, share our birth experiences, talk about anything new mums would love to from breastfeeding to postnatal anxieties. I feel like a safe place for those new mums who are just starting to navigate their way in motherhood with all the joys and challenges it offers. I’ve become really good friends with so many mums I’ve worked with and it’s pure joy watching the little ones grow! 
• Being a Dubai Newborn Photographer definitely fills my creative cup. I love styling my set ups and getting ready for those sessions. Buying the most beautiful props is another obsession of mine. My clients are well aware how beautiful my collection of props , accessories, outfits is. 

To check it all out and have your own experience of Sasha Gow Photography, please feel free to contact me

While I always recommend scheduling your newborn sessions during the second – third trimester of pregnancy, I do accept last minute bookings too if availability allows. 

Currently living and photographing babies in Dubai, I have noticed that culturally a lot of families do not leave the house with the brand new baby till day 40 unless it’s a doctor’s appointment.  I do have a lot of inquiries to photograph slightly older newborns. Sometimes I do refer those sessions to lifestyle photographers , but if availability allows I always take on the challenge. 

Some babies do have to stay in the NICU longer than expected and we photograph them as soon as they are discharged and given green light by the doctors. 

So not all baby photography sessions happen on days 4-15; some are scheduled when the baby is 2 months or slightly older and it’s totally fine. With my experience and patience, I do make it work. It just might take a little bit more patience and time. ( link to the blog about How Do I Make My Newborns Sleep) 

Baby Lyhaan in the photographs above was born at the end of January but we only got to photograph him in April due to prematurity. The session went excellent and we made sure Lyhaan felt comfortable and very looked after. His newborn photography gallery looks as newborn-ish as it possibly can and is cherished by his wonderful family!  

I get this question asked a lot, “How do you keep newborn babies asleep for their photo session?” 

After the sessions I have lots of parents comment on me being a baby whisperer and asking if I could come over to them at night to give them a break! 

The short answer is – patience, love and years of practice. I’ve been photographing newborns for nearly 10 years now and have learnt lots of tricks on the way. 

• Timing: Newborn photography sessions are recommended first 14 days of the little ones for a reason. Babies still presume womb-like behavior and sleep through the sessions at that stage. That allows beautiful natural posing and less fussiness. After two weeks babies do tend to get stretchier and more curious about the world. Some have colics. So coming early is key to give yourselves more chances for relaxing and faster sessions. 

• Patience: In newborn photography patience is key above anything. Working with babies one has to go with their flow. As I often say “they are my clients”. We need to ensure all their basic needs are met, whether it’s changing the diaper or offering as many cuddle/ milk breaks during the sessions as needed.  Sessions with Sasha Gow Photography are never rushed and are focused around the baby.

• Baby-Led: Saying that, I always go with the flow of the little ones and their comfort.  I do warn parents that I will do a mixture of wrapped and unwrapped setups. Sometimes I end up having to do mostly wrapped setups based on what the baby needs. Regardless if the baby is mostly wrapped during their session or not, the galleries parents receive are absolutely beautiful.

• Professional Tricks:
  • I always ensure that the room is well heated before the start of the session, especially if beanbag posing is involved and we do change our little clients in outfits.  If newborns are wrapped I make sure the temperature is adjusted. 
  • I do use the Sound Sleeper App a lot. White noise , especially with womb sound, may help a lot during the session.
  • Baby Shusher is an effortless way to create some constant shushing effect during the newborn photography session.
  • Lulla Vibe Vibration Pad Game changer for me once I discovered this!  That newborn photography product works wonders for some babies – especially ones who do not take a pacifier. 
  • Posing Beans are incredibly helpful to secure babies during the shot and make them feel comfortable and beautifully posed