Happy New Year to you all! I hope you have all had a restful and healthy Christmas and that 2022 brings you bucketfuls of happiness.
It is sad to see the cases of COVID escalating so rapidly at the moment. My photo studio is fully open but I am now taking additional precautions, to try to reduce the spread of Omicron. I am now asking all clients to take a lateral flow test on the morning of their photoshoot and I am taking one too. All being well, the results will be negative and the photoshoot will be able to go ahead. Obviously, if either of us gets a positive result, we'll need to isolate. In this situation, I will do my best to reschedule your photo shoot for as soon as possible.
During your photo shoot, I will be wearing a mask and using hand sanitiser regularly and will ask that you do the same. Of course, you don't need to wear a mask having your photo taken, but at all other times I will ask you to wear one. I am continuing to sanitise my photo studio before and after each photoshoot and I have the NHS App for you to check in on arrival.
I am starting to get booked up, so would thoroughly recommend that those looking to book a maternity photoshoot, newborn baby photoshoot, sitter session, cake smash photoshoot, fine art child portrait or family portrait, to book in as soon as possible. I am also selling lots of gift vouchers, which make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
I am offering a free Zoom consultation for anyone already booked in, or looking to book a photoshoot. Just get in touch via my Contact Page if you'd like to schedule a call.
I am starting 2022 by continuing my very popular offer of a free mini maternity photoshoot when a newborn photoshoot is booked. This session is best held around 7-8 months into the pregnancy. The session will be held at my photo studio in Anna Valley, near Andover. During this 30 minute session, I offer 2 set ups and one outfit change, with or without family members. Your photos will be available to view and choose at the viewing session following your newborn photoshoot.
Please feel free to drop me a message via my Contact Page any time, with any queries. I'd love to hear from you.
Helen x
Well... I've jumped on the bandwagon and decided to offer something special this Black Friday. I am delighted to offer you all ZERO SESSION FEE on all photoshoots booked over this weekend (26-28 November 2021).
My session fees are usually £45 (£65 for baby shoots or cake smash) but all sessions booked this weekend will be waived. This offer is for sessions that will be held January - March 2022 only, for new bookings only and for bookings made 26-28 November 2021.
This applies to all photoshoots I offer, maternity photoshoots, newborn photoshoots, baby photoshoots, sitter sessions, cake smash photoshoots, fine art child portraits, family photoshoots and pet photoshoots.
My standard session fees do not include any images, so for all photoshoots, you will be invited to a viewing session back at my studio around 3 weeks after your photoshoot, where you can choose and pay for your images, selecting from my price list.
If you have any queries, please get in touch via my contact form where you can request a free Zoom consultation if you like, or we can communicate via email or phone, whichever is best for you.
If you're ready to go ahead and make a booking, please complete my online booking form and I will be in touch to confirm and arrange your photoshoot.
Have a lovely weekend!
Helen x
If you've booked a family photoshoot in the lavender fields with me, it is a good idea to plan what to wear. Whilst we don't want you all to be wearing exactly the same thing or exactly the same colours, it does make for a better photo if you coordinate to some extent.
I strongly recommend avoiding bold patterns and large logo as well as avoiding black and neon colours. Pastel colours, white and navy always look great and are timeless. You don't want to look back at your photos in 20 years time and think, "what on earth were we wearing?!"
It's entirely up to you whether to go for a casual look, or something more formal or even stylised.
For the boys, you can opt for jeans and a plain shirt or t-shirt, or shorts and a more formal shirt.
For the girls, a plain, light coloured summer dress, shorts and a plain ruffle top, or go more stylised with a vintage look dress.
You can opt for soft muted earthy tones and pastel colours. Long white dresses look awesome, especially on little girls.
The lavender fields make a stunning location for a maternity or bump photoshoot. If this is on your mind, I really recommend investing in a white or pastel maxi dress, plain rather than patterned, so we can create some really beautiful images. You don't need to spend a lot of money. You can find a wide variety of suitable dresses online or you can contact me to borrow one of my maternity dresses - some can reveal your bump, others will give you more coverage.
I have a couple of cute little baskets for children to hold in the lavender fields as well as child's white lace parasol. I will take these and you are more than welcome to borrow them for your family photoshoot. You're more than welcome to bring your own props too.
Dogs are welcome in the lavender fields, so long as they are well behaved and obviously you need to clean up after them. I can capture some beautiful photos of your family and pet together or some pet portraits in the lavender field.
Remember to bring a layer in case it's chilly or wet (hopefully not and if the forecast is really bad, we will reschedule). You might need to wear this extra layer in your photos, so make sure it goes with your outfit!
There is a small cafe and shop, plus toilets, but you might like to bring drinks and snacks with you and don't forget the changing bag, if needed.
Hartley Park Farm
Selborne Road
Alton, Hampshire
United Kingdom
GU34 3HP
Telephone: 01420 511146
The Lavender Fields are based in North East Hampshire Between Alton and Selborne, 3 miles south east of Alton on the B3006.
Please follow signs off the A31 main trunk road at the B3006 junction sign posted for Selborne. At the end of the slip road turn South East towards Selborne.
After about 1.5 miles you will see signposts on your right for Lavender Fields and Hartley Business Park. Once on the business park follow our signs to the Lavender Shop.
You can get to the Lavender Fields by bus from Alton, Petersfield or Clanfield, and the number 38 bus stops right outside the farm.
If you have any queries, please get in touch via my contact page or call me on 07941 873 088.
My style is to take natural, timeless images of this wonderful time. I completely understand that a lot of people (myself included) do not like having their photo taken. I will make you feel relaxed and comfortable, helping with posing every part of you, to make you look amazing!
Book your maternity session for when you’re around 7-8 months pregnant, or later if your bump is small. To book, please get in touch via my Contact Page to get the ball rolling. The session fee is payable on booking. This doesn’t include any photos, which can be purchased via a private online gallery, 1- 2 weeks after your photoshoot.
Your maternity photoshoot will take place in my beautiful garden photography studio in Anna Valley, near Andover. You will find directions on my Contact Page.
A mini maternity photoshoot is 30 minutes, with 2 outfit changes and 2 set ups. A full maternity photo session will take around one hour, maybe more, with multiple looks and set ups.
You are welcome to bring your partner and children (or pets - our fur babies!) with you.
My studio will be nice and warm, so wear layers, bring a drink and a snack too if you think you might need one.
I provide a variety of flattering maternity dresses, bodysuits and fabrics to make you look awesome. You’re also more than welcome to bring your own outfits if you like. I don’t provide hair and make-up, so you might like to get this done professionally before you come, do it yourself, or come au naturel!
Wear skin coloured underwear, preferably with no VPL. Thongs are good for wearing under sheer fabrics, even if you don't like wearing them every day! You are welcome to pose with your bump exposed, completely covered or you can be completely naked - it's entirely up to you and the type of photos you prefer. You can even bring some special lingerie, if you like the maternity boudoir photoshoot look.
Pregnancy brings all sorts of unusual feelings and emotions. If, for any reason, you are not feeling well, please let me know and we will reschedule your photoshoot. My diary is designed to be flexible, so please don't worry, I will be able to fit you in. I want you to be feeling as well as possible for your shoot, so you enjoy the experience and don't look back at the photos later and be reminded of how awful you felt!
I have yet to meet a mum to be who doesn't have at least some reservation about having their photo taken. We are all so self critical. However, do remember that we are creating memories and keepsakes for you and your family, for now and for generations to come. I can guarantee that you will look back on the photos in years to come and think how young and beautiful you look! And just imagine how your child will love these images of you and your bump!
If you would like to book a free consultation call with me to talk through your photo session, over the phone or via Zoom, or if you would like to book a photoshoot, please get in touch via my Contact Page.
Helen x
Hi everyone!
I hope you and your families are all well and bearing up ok, as we head towards what we all hope will be the end of lockdown. I don't know about you, but I am finding it hard to keep track of what is happening when. One big date in my mind is the date that I am able to reopen my business - 12th April. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to that day! I am really badly missing taking photos of all your lovely families. My children are sick of me asking them to pose in the studio for me!
I thought it might be helpful to list below some important dates for the gradual reopening of our world and what this means for us busy supermums (bearing in mind that this may change the moment I've posted this piece, so please do double-check before you start booking holidays!)...
Obviously, this all depends on how things go over the next few weeks and months. Please do check the latest government advice and I will endeavour to keep this page up to date as time goes by.
I am taking bookings for maternity / bump photoshoots, newborn photoshoots, older baby photoshoots, sitter sessions, cake smash, family portraits and pet photography, from 12th April. My diary is starting to get booked up, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or if you'd like to book. I'm always online and will always get back to you as soon as I can. Remember you can always call me on 07941 873088 if you prefer to chat.
I am also planning my bluebell photoshoots, with more info on those to come. Please let me know if you'd like to be informed when bookings open.
Helen xx
It's back!! Following the huge success of my fundraising project during the first lockdown, I am now offering doorstep photo portraits for a donation to Andover foodbank. Together, we raised over a whopping £2,000 in Spring 2020, so I'd love to try and smash that, although any amount we can raise would be awesome.
Back in May 2020, the foodbank reported,
"The Andover foodbank has been overwhelmed by people’s generosity during the COVID crisis. Over the past couple of months we have received incredible food and cash donations which have enabled us to continue to support those in need in our local community with food boxes, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Demand rose dramatically as we all went into lockdown. The Andover foodbank saw an increase of more than four-fold for family food boxes in the first couple of weeks. This has decreased but we are still running over three times the usual level of need. Schools have been some of our biggest referral agencies during this time, supporting parents to feed and look after their children. We are all living with uncertainty and concern but worrying about how to feed your family increases that enormously. I wish I could show you the relief on people’s faces when they receive one of the food boxes; it is tangible. Thank you to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time.”
Foodbanks across the country have been under pressure throughout the pandemic, and Andover’s is no different. It saw a 30 per cent rise in demand, and supplied food to over 2000 children. The charity expects that the demand will continue throughout 2021.
To book your doorstep photoshoot, please donate online via my Give As You Live page and then contact me to arrange a time.
During these crazy times in which we find ourselves, more people have been asking for outdoor family photoshoots in Andover and the surrounding areas. I recently had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family, for an outdoor photoshoot near Winchester, at Micheldever Woods. Chantal and Kevin's youngest, Kelbey, had been born during lockdown, so like many other families, had missed out on a newborn photoshoot. They still wanted some photos to remember him as a young baby, as well as some photos of the family altogether. The family's boys love to walk in the woods and build shelters and dens, so we agreed that Micheldever Woods would be the ideal location for a natural family photoshoot.
We met one morning at the woods and walked in to find a suitable spot to take the family and baby photos. We soon found a clearing in the woods where there were plenty of dens built by others and decided that would be the spot! We started with the family photoshoot with mum, dad, baby Kelbey and his two older brothers, Landon and Henley. Before long, Kelbey was hungry, so Chantal snuggled into one of the dens to feed him, where I also got a few really cute feeding photos, with Chantal's permission, of course!
Once we'd got back in to taking family photos in the woods, I wrapped baby Kelbey and posed him in a wooden bowl, with beautiful soft blue fur blankets, for a lovely outdoor, natural baby photoshoot. Chantal was amazed at how I made Kelbey look like a little newborn baby again, despite him being 2 1/2 months old. He looked adorable!
I asked Chantal why she chose me to take her family's photos and how she found the experience. She says,
We came across Helen's website and it was her style of natural photography that we liked".
On what she liked best about the session, Chantal says,
Helen's ability to help relax us all and also her patience with us. Getting us all facing the same way without any blinking or doggy grins was a challenge. We followed Helen's advice and organised everything for the children (and adults) a few days before, so the morning of the shot was stress free! And the best tip was no colour food/drink once dress/during the shot to avoid any potential disastrous accidents!"
I really enjoyed our outdoor photoshoot and was delighted to be able to photograph the family again in my studio a few weeks later. I look forward to photographing them all again, as the family grows.
Book your family photoshoot - get in touch via my contact page.
Helen x
From June 15th my studio will reopen! I've really missed seeing everyone and taking photos of your babies, children and families.
To begin with I will be rescheduling all my older clients, so cake smashes, sitters, families and maternity photoshoots. Then from July I’ll be open for newborn photoshoots, as these are a little longer and require closer contact. I’ll be in touch with everyone in the next few days to reschedule sessions.
I maintain a high level of hygiene in the studio anyway, but to reduce risk levels further I’ll be taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure your and my family's safety:
If you like to book a photoshoot or have a question, please get in touch via my Contact Page.
Helen x
Since my studio has had to temporarily close due to social distancing rules, I've been really missing my newborn photography, cake smash photoshoots and family portraits. I started thinking of ways that I could continue to take photos of people, only for my family to quickly become irritated with me constantly asking if they'd pose for me. Scrolling through Facebook I spotted that several portrait photographers around the world have been offering free doorstep portraits in their local communities, to help raise money for various good causes, so I had to get involved.
I had read in the news that The Trussell Trust "reports its network’s busiest ever period, with 81% more emergency food parcels being given out across the UK, including 122% more parcels going to children, compared to the same period in 2019." Whilst many have been generously donating to our wonderful NHS, some doctors and nurses have in recent days been saying they are embarrassed by the amount of food being donated, when so many people are struggling to find enough food to eat. Unbelievably one in five families in the UK is struggling to feed their children during the pandemic.
So I decided to set up a fundraiser for Andover Foodbank on Facebook. This works by me taking photos from a minimum 2 metre distance of people (or pets!) in the doorway of their homes and I take the photos as part of my daily exercise outing - walking, jogging or cycling. I then send via email a link to download a digital image in high resolution format for print and/or low resolution for sharing online.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch via my Contact Page. There is no obligation to have your photo shared - it can remain private to you and your family. Any donation you could give, from £5 to £500, would make a real difference. You can donate via my Facebook fundraising page or you can give me cash or a cheque made payable to Andover Foodbank, which I will pass on to them.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Check out my Facebook Fundraising Page for updates to this project!
