The Photo Session and The Sticker Album
The Sticker Saga: A Hilarious Newborn Photography Session in Newcastle Upon Tyne
As a photographer based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing all sorts of family memories in my cozy studio near iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and Grey Street. Newborn sessions are typically calm and serene—a blend of soft lighting, sleepy poses, and gentle lullabies. Well, most of the time. One session, however, turned into a laugh-out-loud adventure, thanks to an energetic older sibling and a pack of stickers.
The Calm Before the Chaos
The day began peacefully. The family arrived with their beautiful newborn, a tiny bundle ready to be photographed in all their sleepy glory. Mum and Dad were running on caffeine and determination (as you’d expect in the newborn phase), while their four-year-old bounced into the studio like they’d just had an espresso shot.
To keep the older sibling entertained while I worked with the baby, I handed over my tried-and-tested distraction kit: a sheet of colorful stickers. It’s a lifesaver during shoots, and kids usually stick them onto paper, their hands, or occasionally my studio props.
But in Newcastle Upon Tyne, we breed creative minds—and this sibling had big ideas for those stickers.
Meanwhile, on the Newborn Set
As I began capturing dreamy shots of the newborn nestled on a fluffy blanket, the older sibling grew suspiciously quiet. Now, anyone familiar with parenting knows that a quiet child equals mischief.
I glanced over, and there he was: his face completely transformed into a work of sticker art. Stars, smiley faces, and even a glittery dinosaur adorned his cheeks, forehead, and chin. It was as if he’d been inspired by the vibrant street art of Ouseburn Valley and decided to bring it indoors.
“Look! I’m a sticker monster!” he exclaimed proudly, striking a pose that could rival any sculpture outside the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist grabbing a few candid shots of his sticker-covered masterpiece. These spontaneous moments are why I love family photography—it’s about capturing the joy, not just the posed perfection.
Sibling Meets Newborn
When it was time for sibling shots, we carefully peeled off most of the stickers, though one stubborn star remained firmly on his forehead. Mum looked apologetic, but I reassured her, “This is Newcastle—if we can make the Angel of the North iconic, we can embrace a star-stickered sibling!”
The sibling snuggled next to their baby brother, their cheeky grin contrasting beautifully with the newborn’s serene expression. That one remaining defiant sticker was nothing that a bit of photoshop couldn’t fix!
Family Portraits with a Twist
The family portraits brought the chaos to its peak. As I guided them into position, the older sibling decided to sneak a sticker onto Dad’s nose. Mum was mid-laugh when the baby let out a big yawn, creating one of those perfectly imperfect moments that families cherish forever.
Amongst the posed shots, the candid ones stole the show: Mum laughing, Dad pretending to “roar” as the sticker monster, and the baby staring at everyone with a look that screamed, “What’s going on here?”
A Little Newcastle Magic
Throughout the session, I was reminded of why I love working in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Families come to my studio not just to create memories but to celebrate their lives in this amazing city. Whether it’s the sibling inspired by the whimsical art of Grainger Market or the laughter that reminds me of happy times on the Quayside, there’s something special about the Geordie spirit that makes every session unique.
The Takeaway
This session was a brilliant reminder that the best photos often come from the chaos. Sure, we aim for serene poses and picture-perfect moments, but the real magic lies in the unscripted laughter, the sibling antics, and, yes, even the stickers.
To the sticker-loving family: thank you for bringing so much joy to my studio. And to anyone considering a newborn session in Newcastle Upon Tyne—whether you’re near Jesmond, North Shields, South Shields, or Fenham—remember, it’s the little moments that matter most. Just maybe keep a close eye on your stickers. 😉
