Whilst there has been a baby photography studio in existence for as long as there has been photography at all, there have been some legends behind the camera lens that have helped turn baby photography from a service to a fine art.

Arguably the most famous of these is Australian Anne Geddes, who through over four decades has developed a particular style that whilst often adapted and even imitated, has managed to capture an essence of beautiful purity that helps other people see babies through the eyes of their parents.

A lot of stylistic ideas, such as babies in costumes, flower pots and sleeping toddler images can be attributed at least in part to her influence, as well as her process of doing a lot of preparation for a very short session.

Ultimately the biggest lesson that she shares and suggests to other photographers is to aim to keep everything simple, as after all the most important part is the baby themselves and their individuality.

This means simple backgrounds, no flash, basic lighting and not worrying about babies being dressed in their best clothes.

As well as this, she often suggests that parents should be in the pictures as well, as baby photography is not just for you to look back on how your child was as a baby but also for them to see their parents as they were when they were young.

Finally, and most important of all, the biggest lesson is to avoid defining beauty rigidly. Life is beautiful precisely because it is unique. The light in every baby’s eyes shines a tiny bit differently, and starting with that mindset allows you to create truly resplendent imagery.

Each baby photograph should reflect that uniqueness. After all, a photographer is not taking a picture of any baby, this specific baby is special, as is every other baby that they will capture and immortalise in a moment.