The first year with your baby passes in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re cradling a newborn, and before you know it, you’re planning a first birthday. A cake smash photoshoot is a lovely way to pause and celebrate this milestone – capturing your baby’s personality just as it’s beginning to shine through.
At my garden studio in Anna Valley, near Andover, I offer relaxed, baby-led cake smash and milestone sessions for families across Hampshire. They’re gentle, joyful, and designed to create timeless images you’ll treasure long after the cake crumbs have been swept away.
A cake smash session is usually held around your baby’s first birthday, though some families choose to celebrate a little earlier or later. The session typically begins with classic milestone portraits – simple, natural images of your baby sitting, crawling, or standing – before introducing the cake.
This approach gives you a beautiful mix of clean, timeless portraits and fun, expressive moments as your baby explores the cake in their own way.
I recommend booking your cake smash photoshoot 1 month in advance, especially if you’d like the images ready for birthday celebrations or invitations. Most sessions take place when babies are around 11 months old, once they’re confidently sitting and curious about the world around them.
If your baby isn’t keen on mess or takes a while to warm up, that’s absolutely fine. Every session is unhurried and led entirely by your baby.
My cake smash sessions are designed to feel relaxed and pressure-free. There’s no expectation for your baby to “perform” – some dive straight in, others prefer to poke cautiously, and some would rather cuddle Mum or Dad instead. All of this is part of their story.
I provide a simple, neutral cake and a clean, timeless setup that keeps the focus on your baby, not busy props or trends that date quickly.
I always offer a gentle splash bath at the end of the session. This gives your baby a chance to clean up, relax, and often results in the most joyful smiles and splashes. It’s a lovely way to finish the session and adds another layer of variety to your final gallery.
Cake smash sessions aren’t just about the cake. They’re about celebrating your baby’s first year – the expressions, the curiosity, the tiny details that are already beginning to change.
Many of the families I photograph first visit me for their newborn session, then return for sitter and cake smash milestones. Watching little ones grow and documenting those chapters over time is one of the most special parts of my work.
My cake smash and milestone sessions take place at my cosy garden studio in Anna Valley, easily accessible from Andover, Basingstoke, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
If you’re planning your baby’s first birthday and would love a set of natural, timeless images to mark the occasion, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Find out more about cake smash photography in Hampshire
Every spring, for just a few magical weeks, the woodland near Micheldever in Hampshire transforms into a sea of blue. Soft light filters through the trees, the ground is carpeted with bluebells, and everything feels calm, fresh and quietly beautiful.
It’s one of my favourite times of year to photograph families.
My Spring Bluebell Wood Photoshoots are all about capturing natural, relaxed moments. No stiff posing, no forced smiles, just gentle connection, laughter, cuddles and those little in-between moments that you’ll treasure forever.
Bluebells create the most stunning natural backdrop. The colours are soft and timeless, and the woodland setting feels peaceful and unrushed, perfect for families with young children.
These sessions are ideal for:
The light in the woods is incredibly flattering, and the colours work beautifully with neutral, earthy outfits, which fits perfectly with my simple, less-is-more style.
Your bluebell photoshoot will take place in a quiet woodland location near Micheldever, easily accessible from Andover, Winchester, Basingstoke and the surrounding Hampshire area.
Sessions are:
I’ll gently guide you where needed, but mostly I’ll let your family just be. Walk, cuddle, explore, laugh. The best photos always come from real connection, not perfect posing.
Simple, neutral outfits work beautifully in the bluebells. Think:
Avoid bright colours, strong logos and busy patterns, as they can distract from the natural setting.
Once you’re booked, I’ll send you a full styling guide to help you feel confident and prepared.
Bluebells only bloom for a few weeks in April, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for another year.
I only offer a limited number of Spring Bluebell sessions each year to keep the experience calm and unhurried, and they always book up quickly.
If you’ve ever thought “I’d love photos like that one day”, this is your sign.
My Spring Bluebell Wood Photoshoots are perfect for creating:
You can find full details and availability here:
👉 https://hjonesphotography.co.uk/mini-sessions/
If you have any questions at all, just ping me a message. I’m always happy to help you decide if a bluebell session is right for your family.
Spring doesn’t last long, but the photos will. 🌿💙
Every now and again, I’m asked whether clients can have all the RAW files from their photoshoot. It’s a completely understandable question — when you’ve invested in a special session, whether it’s your newborn’s first portraits, a maternity session, or your baby’s cake smash, you naturally want to keep every little moment.
So I thought I’d share a little more about how I work, what a RAW file actually is, and why I don’t provide them as part of any package.
A RAW file is simply the starting point — a digital negative that still needs professional editing to bring it to life. Think of it like a recipe before it’s baked, or a sketch before the final artwork is added. It’s the foundation, not the finished photograph.
On their own, RAW files don’t represent my style, my colour palette, or the timeless look that clients come to me for. They also require specialist software to open and can look quite flat or dull before the editing process works its magic.
During every session, I take hundreds of frames — more than you would ever want to look through! Part of my job is to curate the very best moments: the softest expressions, the most flattering angles, the tiny details, and the natural, heartfelt connections that tell your story.
I remove any duplicates, blinks, or test shots, leaving you with a beautifully refined gallery of your strongest images. This means you only see the moments that truly matter.
Editing is where your gallery really comes alive. This is when I gently polish each chosen image: perfecting skin tones, softening backgrounds, enhancing light, and creating that warm, natural, timeless feel that you see across my portfolio.
This level of care is part of the service you’re investing in — every final image is hand-edited with love and attention so you receive artwork you’ll be proud to display in your home.
I completely understand wanting more than the number included in your chosen package. Once you’ve seen your gallery, you’re more than welcome to add extra edited images, upgrade to a larger collection, or order beautiful framed prints and wall art to showcase your favourites.
You’ll never miss out on the moments you love.
To keep everything beautifully consistent and true to my style, I only deliver fully edited images rather than RAW files. But rest assured — your gallery will include a lovely variety of the very best photographs from your session, curated with care and finished to the highest standard.
If you ever have questions about how the process works or what to expect, I’m always happy to chat.
Pregnancy is such a fleeting, beautiful chapter of life — one filled with anticipation, tenderness, and a quiet kind of magic. Many mums-to-be tell me they’d love maternity photos but aren’t sure when to book their session. The truth is, there’s no single “perfect” moment, but there is a window when you’ll feel most comfortable and radiant in front of the camera.
Here’s how to choose the right timing for your maternity photoshoot here in Hampshire.
For most women, the best time for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. By this stage, your bump is beautifully rounded, but you’ll likely still feel comfortable enough to move and pose with ease.
Every pregnancy is unique, of course — if you’re expecting twins or have a smaller frame, you may wish to book a little earlier (around 26–30 weeks).
These weeks capture that perfect balance: your bump is prominent and your energy levels are still fairly strong. Waiting too long into the third trimester can sometimes mean swelling, fatigue, or discomfort, which can make posing trickier. Booking during this sweet spot ensures we can create relaxed, glowing portraits that celebrate your pregnancy beautifully.
My studio provides the perfect location for your maternity shoot, but remember that Hampshire is full of stunning backdrops that suit every season.
Whether you prefer an outdoor session surrounded by nature or a classic studio look, I’ll help you choose a location that reflects your personality and style.
Soft, flowing fabrics photograph beautifully, especially in natural light. Neutrals, pastels, and muted tones are timeless choices that keep the focus on your connection and your growing bump.
Before your session, take time to rest, stay hydrated, and choose outfits that make you feel beautiful and relaxed. I’ll guide you through every detail — from posing to wardrobe — so your experience feels effortless and calm.
If you’re planning to book a newborn photoshoot, you’ll be pleased to know that every newborn session with H Jones Photography includes a free mini maternity photoshoot.
This little extra is my way of helping you capture the full story — from the quiet anticipation of pregnancy to those precious early days with your baby in your arms. The mini maternity session lasts around 30 minutes and takes place in my garden studio here in Hampshire.
You’ll receive a small collection of gently edited images that celebrate your connection, your growing bump, and the love that’s already forming around your little one. It’s a lovely way to mark this chapter without needing to book a separate full session, and many parents tell me these photos become some of their most treasured keepsakes.
Your maternity session is more than a photoshoot — it’s a pause before the next chapter begins. These images become heirlooms, reminders of your strength and anticipation as you prepare to welcome your baby.
If you’d like to learn more about maternity photoshoots or book your own, I’d love to hear from you. My garden studio in Anna Valley, near Andover, is the perfect place to create classic, heartfelt maternity portraits.
👉 Find out more about maternity photography in Hampshire
As a photographer and a mum myself, I know just how precious your photos are. Whether it’s your baby’s tiny fingers in those first newborn portraits, your growing bump, a giggling cake smash or a big family portrait – these are once-in-a-lifetime memories.
The sad truth is that digital files aren’t as safe as we’d like to think. Laptops break, phones get lost or stolen, and hard drives can fail without warning. That’s why it’s so important to back up your photos properly – ideally in more than one place.
Here’s my simple guide to keeping your images safe for years to come.
A tried-and-tested method to keep your photos safe is the 3-2-1 rule:
By spreading your backups across different locations, you’re protecting yourself against accidents, theft, or technical failures.
An external hard drive is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to back up your images.
Tip: Don’t rely on a USB stick alone; they’re small, easy to misplace and not designed for long-term storage.
Cloud storage means your photos are stored online, so even if your computer is lost or damaged, your images are still safe. Popular options include:
Make sure you regularly upload your photos, or better still, set your account to sync automatically.
While we live in a digital world, there’s nothing quite as reliable – or as joyful – as printed photos. Albums, framed prints, and wall art don’t rely on technology and can be treasured for generations.
I always encourage my clients to print their favourite images. Not only do they look beautiful in your home, but they’re also one of the safest ways to keep your memories alive.
The best time to back up your images is as soon as you receive them. It’s so easy to put it off and think you’ll do it later – but life gets busy, and weeks turn into months. Make it a little routine: download, save, back up.
Every now and again, it’s worth checking that your backups are working. Make sure you can still access your cloud account and open your files on your external drive. A few minutes of testing can save you years of heartache.
Your photos are some of the most precious possessions you’ll ever own. Taking a few simple steps now can give you peace of mind and ensure that your memories are safe for generations to come.
As part of your photoshoot experience with me, you’ll receive high-resolution digital images, beautifully edited and ready to download. I always recommend downloading and backing them up straight away – and, of course, consider investing in professionally printed products so you can enjoy your favourite images every day.
Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most precious milestones, and many parents dream of capturing those early moments with professional newborn photography. But one of the most common questions I’m asked is: when is the best time to book a newborn photoshoot?
The truth is, every baby is different – and every family’s story is unique. But here are some gentle guidelines to help you decide when to schedule your session here at my garden studio in Anna Valley, Hampshire.
The first two weeks after birth are often considered the “sweet spot” for newborn photography. Babies at this age are still very sleepy, love to curl up naturally, and are often most settled in those womb-like poses. This allows me to capture those timeless, classic images that parents adore – from tiny fingers and toes to peaceful little stretches.
Life with a newborn can feel overwhelming, and sometimes getting out in the first fortnight just isn’t possible – and that’s completely okay. Beautiful photographs can still be created with slightly older babies. Between 3–6 weeks, your baby may be more alert and expressive, which means we can capture wonderful eye contact and little smiles alongside those softer, sleepy portraits.
Because babies rarely arrive on their exact due date, I recommend booking your newborn photoshoot around your 20-week scan. I’ll make a note of your due date and hold space in my diary, then once your baby is born we confirm the exact date. This way, you’re guaranteed a slot during that perfect early window – and you can relax knowing it’s all taken care of.
Every session is completely baby-led. I take things slowly, with plenty of breaks for cuddles, feeding, or simply settling. Your baby’s safety and comfort are always my top priority – I’ve had specialist newborn safety training and years of experience working with little ones. Parents often say the studio feels like an extension of home: calm, welcoming, and relaxed.
Whether your baby is one week old or six weeks old, the most important thing is preserving this fleeting stage before they grow and change. These photographs will become part of your family’s story – memories to treasure for years to come.
If you’re expecting a little one, I’d love to welcome you to my studio near Andover, Hampshire.
👉 Get in touch today to reserve your space and enjoy a complimentary mini maternity shoot when booking your newborn photoshoot.
For more guidance on caring for your baby in those precious early weeks, the NHS Start4Life website has lots of helpful tips and advice for new parents.
It might feel early to mention Christmas… but I promise these sessions are worth the excitement! 🎄 My Magical Christmas Photoshoots are back for 2025 and will be held on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November at my cosy garden studio in Anna Valley, near Andover, Hampshire.
Every year these sessions are one of my most popular events, with families travelling from across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire to capture festive portraits of their little ones.
There’s something so special about capturing the magic of childhood at Christmas. These sessions are perfect for:
The set will be timeless, cosy and festive, designed with a less-is-more approach to keep the focus on your children. I’ll provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere so we can capture those natural smiles and moments of joy.
I keep things simple with two packages to choose from:
🎁 Mini Package – £195
🎁 All Photos Package – £295
Make your photos even more special with a selection of keepsakes and gifts, perfect for Christmas presents:
📅 Dates: Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 2025
📍 Location: H Jones Photography, Anna Valley (near Andover, Hampshire)
Spaces are strictly limited and always book up quickly. The best way to make sure you don’t miss out is to book online now. You can choose your preferred day and time and reserve your session with a £50 deposit now. Your deposit will be deducted from your chosen package, which you don't need to choose until you've seen your beautifully edited images, around one week after your shoot.
Christmas is a season full of magic, excitement and family traditions. A festive photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture those memories and create keepsakes you’ll look back on year after year.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s Christmas sessions – book online now and let’s create something truly magical together.
🎄✨
Looking for something a little bit magical to do with your family this summer? I’m so excited to offer limited-edition Sunflower Field Photoshoots in Hampshire this August – and bookings are now open!
These golden-hour sessions will take place at the stunning Silkstead Sunflower Farm, near Winchester, during the peak of sunflower season. Whether you’re after updated family portraits, a maternity session surrounded by blooms or a relaxed outdoor shoot just because – these sessions are a perfect way to capture summer memories.
Your session will take place at Silkstead Sunflowers, a gorgeous family-run sunflower farm just outside Winchester. With row upon row of golden blooms, beautiful evening light and an easy-to-access location, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed and natural photoshoot in the Hampshire countryside.
Dates:
– Sunday 10th August 2025
– Monday 11th August 2025
Time:
– Between 4pm and 7pm to make the most of the soft, golden evening light
Session length:
– 30 minutes (with time between bookings to keep things calm and relaxed)
These sunflower field photoshoots are perfect for:
I specialise in natural, connection-led family photography – no awkward posing or forced smiles. Just gentle guidance and space for you to enjoy time together.
You can choose your package after your session – here are the two options:
– 30-minute sunflower field session
– 5 high-resolution digital images
– Pre-shoot consultation
– Private online viewing gallery
– 30-minute session
– All images from your gallery included
– 20% off prints and products
– Pre-shoot consultation
– Private online viewing gallery
A £50 deposit is required to book, which will be deducted from your final package choice. You’ll receive a link to your online gallery after the shoot to make your selections.
Sunflower fields create a stunning, warm backdrop, so softer tones work beautifully – think beige, white, pale blue, sage green, soft pink, or muted pastels. I always recommend:
If you're unsure, feel free to reach out – I’m happy to offer styling suggestions.
To keep your session relaxed and enjoyable, I suggest packing:
These seasonal sessions are only available once a year, and the atmosphere is nothing short of magical. The warm colours, golden light, and joyful energy make for timeless images you’ll treasure.
I work with families all over Hampshire, from Winchester to Andover, Romsey, Southampton, Salisbury, Basingstoke and beyond. With over 8 years of experience in family and maternity photography, my sessions are calm, fun and child-led – just how they should be.
Bookings are now open, but slots are very limited and expected to go quickly.
👉 Click here to book your sunflower shoot
I can’t wait to see you in the sunflower field and create some golden summer memories together.
Best wishes,
Helen x
Helen Jones LSWPP
H Jones Photography – Family, Maternity & Newborn Photographer in Hampshire
By Helen Jones LSWPP | Newborn & Family Photographer near Andover, Hampshire
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most extraordinary – and let’s be honest, most overwhelming – experiences. Between the sleepless nights and the endless nappy changes, booking a newborn photoshoot might feel like just another thing on your growing to-do list. But if you're here, chances are you're wondering what it's all about – and whether it’s right for you.
As a Hampshire-based newborn photographer (and mum myself), I know how many questions come up when you're thinking about capturing those early days. So here’s a gentle, no-pressure guide to the top 5 questions I get asked about newborn photography – and my honest answers.
The ideal window for a newborn session is usually between 5 and 14 days old. At this stage, babies tend to be sleepier and curl up in those classic newborn poses. That said, every baby is different – and life doesn’t always go to plan. If your baby is a little older, please don’t worry. I regularly photograph babies at 3, 4 or even 8 weeks old, and the images are just as beautiful – more awake, more eye contact, more personality.
My approach is always baby-led. Whether they’re wide awake or fast asleep, we go at their pace and make it a calm, nurturing experience for everyone involved.
The best time to book your newborn session is while you're still pregnant – ideally around your 20-week scan. This helps me plan availability around your due date. Don’t worry – we won’t set a fixed day. I’ll reserve a flexible slot in my diary, and once baby arrives, we’ll confirm a time that works for you.
That said, if your baby is already here – it’s absolutely still worth getting in touch. I often have last-minute spaces, and I’ll always do my best to fit you in.
You can take a look at my newborn photography packages here – they’re designed to be simple, transparent, and flexible depending on what feels right for your family.
The short answer? Very little! I provide all the wraps, soft knits, and timeless neutral pieces we’ll need for the session. Most of my clients love the natural, simple style I use – nothing fussy, just your baby as they are.
If you'd like to bring something special (a blanket from grandma, or a little hat you love), you’re always welcome to. But there’s no pressure. My Anna Valley garden studio is warm, peaceful and fully equipped with everything needed to keep baby happy and safe.
Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it. Those early moments of connection between you and your baby are some of the most precious images we’ll create. Partners, siblings – and even pets (where practical!) – are welcome to join. I keep the posing natural and unforced. Think cuddles on a soft bed, gentle kisses, those tiny fingers wrapped around yours. These aren’t about perfect outfits or rigid smiles – they’re about real connection and family love.
If you’d like to include older children or make it more of a full family session, I can chat through how that works when you enquire. All my packages include the option to add family and sibling shots.
You are not alone in this worry – I promise. But please let that fear go. Babies cry. They feed. They need cuddles. It’s all part of the process.
I’ve been photographing newborns for over 7 years, and I’ve seen it all – colic, cluster feeding, nappy explosions… there’s nothing your baby can do that will faze me. Sessions are calm, unhurried, and completely baby-led. We stop for feeds and cuddles as often as needed. My job is to create a soothing environment where everyone feels safe and supported – especially you.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re brimming with excitement or feeling a little frazzled (or both – totally normal), I hope this post has helped answer some of the questions spinning around your mind. If you’re thinking about booking a newborn photoshoot in Hampshire, just know that there’s no pressure or expectation – only a gentle, warm welcome, and someone who really gets how emotional and precious this season is.
If you’d like to read what other parents have said about their experience, you can browse my Google reviews here – or pop over and say hello on Instagram or Facebook for recent work, behind-the-scenes peeks and updates on upcoming sessions.
And if you have any other questions, I’m always happy to chat – no hard sell, just a friendly conversation with someone who’s been there.
With best wishes,
Helen
Helen Jones LSWPP, Newborn & Family Photographer near Andover, Hampshire
By H Jones Photography | Maternity, Newborn, Cake Smash & Family Photographer near Andover, Hampshire
When it comes to newborn photography, soft neutral tones never go out of style. They create a calm, timeless look that focuses all the attention on your baby – their tiny features, delicate skin, and those first sleepy expressions you’ll never want to forget.
This moodboard is designed to inspire parents who love a minimal, natural aesthetic. Think warm creams, gentle beige, soft whites and subtle greys – colours that feel both peaceful and elegant. These tones complement all skin types beautifully, and they work well in both close-up baby portraits and relaxed family images.
At my garden studio in Anna Valley near Andover, I’ve carefully chosen props, wraps, headbands and backgrounds to suit this style. From knitted bonnets and textured blankets to timeless family setups, everything is designed to help your newborn shine without overwhelming them with fuss or colour.
You don’t need to plan every detail – I’ll guide you through options based on what suits your taste, home décor, and your baby’s comfort. Whether you're after a minimalist white-on-white setup or a cosy layered look with soft textures, we'll create something truly personal.
If this gentle, neutral look speaks to you, I’d love to help you capture it. I offer calm, baby-led sessions with plenty of time for feeds, cuddles and rest, so there’s never any rush.
Thinking ahead?
Newborn photos are best taken in the first 2–3 weeks after birth, so it’s a good idea to book during pregnancy. Every newborn booking includes a free mini maternity shoot too – a lovely way to celebrate the journey before your baby arrives.
Interested in this style?
Get in touch to book or ask questions.