Preparing for a Shoot

For us to get the best pictures and to help you prepare for a shoot, Urchin rock would like to offer some advice and make the following suggestions:

1. Your baby needs to be comfortable in water and able to make a minimum of 6 to 8 short submersions.

2. A basic response known as the 'diving reflex' is present in all of us, but is much stronger in babies. It will cause your baby to hold their breath automatically when underwater.

3. Prior to attending a photo shoot your baby will need to have followed some form of swim program which includes submersions techniques (i.e. letting go of baby briefly underwater). You may do this in three ways:

• By attending an Urchin rock 'training session'. We hold regular training sessions run by a highly experienced baby swim teacher, designed for parents to introduce their baby to water and prepare them for an underwater shoot. Please go to 'Book a Session'  for training session dates.

• Or by attending baby swim classes. If you do not already attend swim classes please 'contact us' and we will recommend the best swim school in your area.

• Alternatively, you may follow an educational guide. For example, 'Learn to Swim' Rob & Kathy McKay or 'Water Baby!' and photography by Zena Holloway.

4. According to NHS guidelines, there is no reason to wait until baby has been immunised before attending swimming classes or photo shoots. For further information, please visit the NHS Website.

5. On the day of the shoot, an experienced baby handler will ensure your baby is comfortable in the water and also submerge your baby. Prepare your baby by going swimming regularly to build your child's confidence. After the photo shoot you'll be given your own personal login code, which will be shared solely with the other members of your group.

6. It is never too soon to introduce your baby to water, and babies will relax in water by being in the bath each night. Build his confidence and introduce word association by giving the command "Ready go!" and pour a small amount of water over the top of his head. Do this several times. As baby's confidence grows pour more water over his head with each command.

7. Parents are encouraged to join in to get a family picture with their child. There are 3 golden rules for parents to remember and practice beforehand:

• Don't blow bubbles underwater
• Make sure you have your eyes open & you are looking at your child (and not at the camera)
• Relax, look natural and smile

8. Tips for mums. Long hair looks best worn loose and remember to remove contact lenses. Also don't forget to wear your waterproof mascara!

9. Tips for dads. Please remember to pack your trunks!

10. It is really important that you arrive on time. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your photo shoot time. Allow plenty of time to get to the pool location and for everyone to get changed.

11. For the shoot, children should swim without goggles. If they are used to goggles you can practice beforehand by playing games with them in the pool that encourage them to open their eyes, for example dropping sinkers to pick up and counting fingers being held up underwater.

12. Lastly, You may wish to have some shots of your child dressed in something other than their swimming costume (i. e. naked for a more natural look or a fairy outfit). Urchin rock provide dressing up clothes that you are welcome to use. Alternatively, if your child has a favorite costume please feel free to bring it along.

Important Medical Information: by booking a photo shoot you understand and accept that your baby needs to have completed some form of baby swimming program and is comfortable in water and able to make a minimum of 6 to 8 short submersions (i.e. have sufficient respiratory strength through prior training). Younger babies will naturally make less submersions. Urchin rock reserves the right to cut the photo shoot short should your baby be considered distressed or not fit enough to complete the session.