How to Prepare for Your Rainbow Baby Photoshoot

A heartfelt guide to help you feel emotionally ready, practically prepared, and lovingly supported.

Introduction: More Than Just a Photoshoot

This isn't just any newborn photoshoot. When you're preparing for a rainbow baby session, you're holding both love and loss in your arms. This blog is written to help you feel gently held throughout the process, from choosing your photographer to stepping into the studio with confidence and heart.

As a mum of two rainbow babies myself, I know how tender this experience can be. And as a specialist newborn photographer in Bridgend, I’ve walked this path with so many brave families. This is everything I’ve learned, shared with love, care, and no judgment.

1. Understanding What Makes Rainbow Baby Sessions Different

Emotional layers: grief, gratitude, fear, joy, and how they all show up.
Why it's okay if you're nervous or teary (it’s normal, and you're not alone).
The power of acknowledgement: including the baby who came before.

2. Choosing a Photographer Who Understands Loss

Why lived experience and training matter.
Questions to ask when researching: safety training, emotional sensitivity, studio environment.
Why trust and connection are everything (and how to know you’ve found the right fit).

"You’re not just choosing someone with a camera, you’re choosing someone who will hold space for your entire story."

3. What to Bring to Your Session

Keepsakes or memory items (e.g., teddy, ultrasound, name plaque).
Rainbow-themed accessories (I offer subtle options, wraps, bonnets, blankets).
Feeding items, extra nappies, comforters, because comfort always comes first.

4. Styling Your Session with Meaning

Choosing colours that reflect your journey: pastels, neutrals, gentle rainbows.
Including symbols: butterflies, feathers, light.
Including siblings and family members in the most meaningful way.

5. Preparing Emotionally (and Practically)

Give yourself permission to feel everything.
Bring support: your partner, mum, best friend, someone who "gets it."
Tips for the night before: calming rituals, preparing without pressure.
What happens if you cry? (Spoiler: it’s okay. I’ve got tissues and time.)

6. What to Expect During the Photoshoot

The baby-led approach I use for every newborn session.
Time, space, warmth, and no rush, especially for rainbow babies.
How I gently incorporate memory items or rainbow themes.
Options for family portraits, mum-and-baby moments, and quiet, reflective shots.

7. After the Session: What Comes Next

What to expect from your image viewing session.
Emotional reactions: joy, relief, tears, and how normal that all is.
Choosing your prints and artwork with meaning (e.g., custom rainbow frames or legacy albums).

8. My Promise to You

This is not just photography, it’s healing.
My studio is a safe space. Every session is slow, gentle, and centred around your baby, your journey, your heart.
You're never just a client, you’re a family sharing something sacred.

Bonus: Real Stories from Other Rainbow Families

Over the years, I’ve been honoured to photograph many rainbow babies, each one with a unique story of heartbreak, hope, and healing. With permission, here are a few short, anonymised stories shared by some of the incredible families I’ve worked with:

“After losing our first daughter at 26 weeks, we didn’t know if we’d ever feel joy again. Our rainbow son arrived two years later, and having those first photos of him wrapped in a soft rainbow blanket felt like we were finally able to exhale.”

“We brought a little teddy bear to the shoot, a gift from our angel daughter’s memory box. Adele made sure it was included in the most beautiful, gentle way. It felt like both our children were part of the moment.”

“Our twins were born after seven losses. The rainbow theme was subtle and soft, just like we’d hoped. We now have a framed portrait in our hallway that reminds us daily of the miracle they are.”

These moments matter so deeply—not just for what they capture, but for the healing they bring.

Words That Carried Me

During my own rainbow journey, certain quotes gave me comfort and courage. Maybe they’ll speak to you too:

“The pain you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” Romans 8:18

“After every storm, there’s a rainbow of hope.”

“Grief and love are sisters. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” Cheryl Strayed

Call to Action: Let’s Celebrate Your Rainbow Baby Together

📸 Ready to begin your rainbow session journey with someone who truly understands? Get in touch here. I’d be honoured to help you create timeless memories of your beautiful baby, because your story deserves to be told with love.

Support for Rainbow Baby Parents

If you’re preparing to welcome or have just welcomed a rainbow baby, please know: you are not alone.

Whether you’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or another difficult journey to parenthood, your feelings are valid. This time can be full of joy, hope, anxiety, and grief, all wrapped together. Reaching out for support can make a world of difference.

Here are some wonderful charities and organisations offering emotional support, resources, and community:

🫶 Charities & Support Networks:

Tommy’s
Offers expert advice, research, and emotional support for those who have experienced pregnancy loss and those navigating pregnancy after loss. www.tommys.org
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity)
A safe space offering bereavement support for parents and families. www.sands.org.uk
Petals
A baby loss counselling charity offering support services for bereaved parents. www.petalscharity.org
The Lily Mae Foundation
Supports families following the loss of a baby to stillbirth, neonatal death, or miscarriage. www.lilymaefoundation.org
Remember My Baby
A volunteer photography charity that I am honoured to support, providing remembrance photography for families experiencing the loss of a baby. www.remembermybaby.org.uk

If you're struggling or unsure what to feel that's okay. Every story is different, and there’s no “right” way to process it all. These organisations can help you feel seen, supported, and gently guided through it.

About Me

I’m Adele, a specialist newborn and family photographer based in Porthcawl, South Wales and a proud mum of three, two of whom are rainbow babies. My journey into photography was born from personal experience. After going through pregnancy loss myself, I knew how deeply precious every moment can be. Capturing those early days of life is not just my passion it’s my purpose.

I’ve created a calm, welcoming studio where safety, trust, and gentleness come first. I’m fully certified in newborn safety posing, hold an Enhanced DBS check, and have over 20 years of experience working with children, including those with additional needs. Every rainbow baby session I photograph is done with heartfelt care, sensitivity, and understanding, because I’ve been in those shoes, too.