Good morning! I hope everyone is coping OK during this lockdown. These are exceptional times and we all have to cope as best we can. We have two daughters, 7 & 8, so we are trying to do some home schooling. I was completely freaked out by this to start with, thinking that I had to take on the role of their (awesome) teachers. I had no idea what to do and not much idea about what they had been working on at school, so didn't know where to start. A flurry of links to various websites appeared and that only made me more anxious and confused. Fortunately I have now realised that the curriculum is cancelled and any amount of learning the girls do at home is a win. So, we are focusing on following the activities set by their school and trying to find fun things to do to keep them occupied. We are fortunate that they get on well most of the time and that we have a garden so we can all get outdoors easily. I really feel for those stuck in flats during the lockdown.
Due to social distancing rules, I have had to temporarily close my business, which makes me feel so sad. I had been looking forward to a great year photographing families and doing lots of newborn photoshoots, but instead I am focusing on my own professional development and trying to keep in touch with my followers on social media, so people don't forget about me!
As part of my professional development, I avidly follow an international award winning newborn and family photographer, Kelly Brown. I wanted to share with you some advice she has given on taking your own newborn baby photos at home, so here we go!...
Capturing those precious moments of your baby throughout their first month will create lasting family memories for generations. And more often than not, we only have the camera on our phones handy during those beautiful, spontaneous moments.
Photographing those first cries only happens once. This is their beautiful beginning, their very first life experiences. And you need to capture it.
I love nothing more than posing a brand new baby and photographing them in my studio. But, being a mother myself to 3 amazing kids, some of my most treasured images have been captured on my phone. Images that show their personality, the mess that they make and the everyday craziness I never want to forget.
Here are my tips to capturing those incredible moments in your baby’s first month...
1. Look for the light. Watch as it falls across your baby. Touching the screen on your phone to adjust your exposure.
2. Take photos in the morning as I find babies are usually happier at the beginning of the day.
3. Get down nice and low to view the world at their level.
4. Babies tend to sleep a lot in those first few weeks of life. So to capture those sleepy peaceful moments make sure your baby is warm, well fed and feels secure.
5. Come in nice and close to capture all those perfect little baby features, their hands, tiny feet, and beautiful faces.
6. Exist in photos with your baby. Take turns with your partner to photograph those special moments when you’re interacting with your baby while they’re awake or when you’re rocking them off to sleep. When they’re older they’re going to love looking back at these amazing memories.
7. Turn off your flash. It can be very unflattering to your baby.
8. Don’t forget to look at what’s going on in the background. Busy backgrounds can be distracting so keep it nice and simple.
9. Edit your photos using apps like Lightroom Mobile for a more finished look.
10. Then share your images. Upload them to social media and share with friends and family around the world.
11. You can also create beautiful video slideshows and remember to print your photos so you have them forever.
12. And lastly, don’t forget to backup your photos for safe storage. I recommend you have one backup in your home, one in a family or friend's home and one online backup too.
At this time of year everyone seems to be poorly - there are so many bugs about, some of them quite worrying at this particular time. So, what do you do if you have a newborn photoshoot scheduled and your baby is poorly, you are poorly, or I am poorly? Well… the answer is that we communicate and agree on the preferred course of action.
If you or your baby are unwell and you have a photoshoot booked, get in touch with me and we can reschedule. I will do my best to get your session rebooked for as soon as possible after your original date. I do like to try to do newborn baby photoshoots when your baby is between 6-10 days old, as they tend to be sleepier at this very early age and are therefore easier to pose in those cute positions we all love. More importantly, they still have their unique newborn look - all the little folds and wrinkles and tiny hairs that disappear far too quickly as your baby grows. I have to keep a very flexible diary as babies rarely keep to schedule!
If I am unwell on the day of your newborn photo session, I will contact you to let you know. If I am not terribly unwell, for example, if I have a cold, I will give you the option as to whether we go ahead with the session or reschedule. I am fully trained in the safety aspects of newborn photography and your baby’s welfare is of paramount importance to me. I would much rather postpone a newborn photo session than risk passing on any nasty germs to your tiny baby, who will be particularly vulnerable at this tender young age. However, if we do agree to go ahead with the session, I do use hand sanitiser and ensure that I do all I can to minimise the spread of any germs.
Ultimately I will leave the decision with you, to ensure that you are completely comfortable and so that whenever we agree to do your baby photoshoot, you enjoy the experience as much as I will!
Are you nervous about your boudoir photo shoot? Here are some tips to help you relax during your shoot:
Let me know what your favourite music is and we will play that during your session. This will help you to calm down and feel comfortable.
Book your boudoir photo shoot here.
Thanks to Lady May J Burlesque UK for posing for these photos ❤️
Need help planning your boudoir session? Here are some tips on incorporating your partner’s interests for a truly personalised photo shoot:
Sports – This is a popular one. If your (wo)man loves sports, bring some sports gear with you. For example, you could wear a top from their favourite team/player, or bring a ball, scarf, club, bat, etc.
Occupation – If your partner loves their job, try to incorporate that in your photo session. If s/he’s in the military, think dog tags, uniform, etc. If s/he’s a doctor, try a medical outfit or lab coat. If s/he’s a firefighter – borrow their helmet and boots. There are so many options here. Some careers are more difficult to incorporate creatively, but we can even make an office job work. You can totally rock the button down shirt, tie, and briefcase. If you need help, send me a message and I can help come up with something.
What do they love about you – Think about the things they love – a part of your body, traits you have that they adore. Maybe they loves your sassiness or playful personality, or how you are shy, sweet, etc. I’ll want to feature these attributes in your session. Do they love it when you walk around in their clothes? Bring some along for an added personal touch.
Fantasy – Does your partner have a fantasy? Surprise them by dressing up for your session. If they're a big Star Wars fan and always wanted you to wear a gold bikini like Princess Leia, now would be a good time to break out that costume for some sexy sci-fi photos. Do they love Pulp Fiction? Emulate Uma Thurman like Lady May J in the image above.
Hobbies – What do they like to do for fun? Do the play guitar, read comic books, paint? Bring along items from their hobbies. Do they love the countryside? Bring along wellingtons. Carpentry? Bring a tool belt.
If you need help coming up with a theme for your session to incorporation your partner’s interests, contact me and I will brainstorm with you.
Book your boudoir photo shoot here.
Thanks to Lady May J Burlesque UK for posing for these photos ❤️
1. Wear what makes YOU feel sexy. Boudoir photo shoots are all about bringing your sexy side, so if you put something on and you feel uncomfortable, move on to the next option. Consider it sort of like searching for the perfect wedding dress. When you put it on and can't help but spin in front of the mirror or think, "Heck yes, I'm sexy!" then that is the piece you should wear on shoot day.
2. Consider what your partner likes, too. Maybe s/he loves you in the colour red, or still talks about that baby doll number you wore a couple years ago. If s/he's into sports or a certain hobby, play into that, as well.
3. Opt for lingerie that flatters your favourite assets. If you've got impressive boobs (yes, we're going there), then choose something that really shows of that feature. Maybe you're a fan of your own derriere and want to show off those goods, too. Choose a piece that accentuates whatever features you love most about yourself.
4. Footwear matters, too. It's so easy to go into a less-than-classy vibe depending on your footwear. Our suggestion: keep it simple. Patterns, baubles, bells, whistles, and more than three inches of heel can all lean “too much.” Instead, opt for shoes that scream "sexy sophistication." FYI: Heels can also do a lady good when it comes to posture and accentuating muscles in her legs. I also think bare feet look fab in boudoir photo shoots.
Book your boudoir photo shoot here.
Thanks to Lady May J Burlesque UK for posing for these photos ❤️
I'm really nervous. Is that normal?
It is definitely normal to be nervous for your boudoir session, so don't worry. Most people are nervous until the session has gone on for a few minutes. After it starts, you’ll begin to loosen up. If you’re still nervous, try out these relaxation tips provided in another blog post.
How do I know how to pose?
Don’t worry about posing. We've totally got you covered in that department. We know all the tricks to create the most flattering angles for you, no matter what shape or size you are.
Do your packages include hair and makeup?
I don't currently offer packages with hair and makeup, but will happily assist you with your own make up if you bring it along to your session and also with hair styling.
Do you provide the wardrobe?
I do not provide your wardrobe. This is something you’ll have to pick out and bring along yourself. If you need help choosing an outfit, I can definitely give you some suggestions, though. You do not need to purchase expensive lingerie, if you don't want to or can't afford to. I can take some beautiful images of you in any clothing, for example, a simple shirt.
I want share these pictures with my partner, but I don't want loose prints floating around. Any ideas for the best gift?
This is a very common concern and I totally understand. I recommend placing an order for my Gold or Platinum Bundles, which include an accordion album. This is much more discreet and will keep your images in one place and not floating around. For more information on these and other products, just ask.
What should I bring to my boudoir session?
For your boudoir photo shoot, I suggest two to three different outfits and any props you may want to incorporate. Need help choosing props? Check out this blog article on incorporating your partner’s interests.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, you can bring a friend if you think it will help you relax. However, sometimes an extra set of eyes has the opposite effect, even if it is a friend. They are more than welcome to come, but if they are making you uncomfortable, they may have to wait out on the porch.
Will my session be with a male or female photographer?
I am a one woman team, so you will only have one female photographer for your session.
Do you do touchups?
Yes, I will smooth skin and do some basic retouching on all of your portraits.
I’m not a model – are boudoir photos still flattering even if my body isn’t perfect?
Absolutely! Nobody is perfect and every woman is sexy. If you have any specific concerns, contact me and we can talk about it!
Do you do outdoor boudoir sessions?
I currently do not offer outdoor boudoir photo shoots, simply because I don't have a private outdoor location for this.
Do I have control over who sees my images?
Yes, most certainly. I will only share photos if you have given me permission and have approved the images for sharing. I totally respect your wishes and won't post or share any images if you’d prefer they stay private. Check out my full terms and conditions and privacy policy here.
Have a question that’s not listed here? Contact me and I will answer it for you.
Book a boudoir photo shoot or burlesque photo shoot here.
Thanks to Lady May J Burlesque UK for posing for these photos ❤️
Cuddling, sleeping, feeding, crying. That’s what newborn behaviour is all about in the first few months.
Although your baby might give you some eye contact, crying is probably the main thing you’ll notice about his behaviour. For example, he’ll cry if he’s hungry, unsettled, wet or uncomfortable.
Crying is a newborn’s main way of communicating, of telling you what she needs. It’s a sound that can spur you into action, even when you’re asleep. If you’re a breastfeeding mother, it can trigger your let-down reflex.
Crying peaks at about six weeks. This period of intense newborn crying will pass.
Babies cry and fuss on average for almost three hours a day. Some cry for a lot longer than this. Most of this crying and fussing seems to happen in the late afternoon and evening, although every day will probably be a bit different.
As your baby gets older, it’ll be easier for you to understand what he’s trying to tell you through crying. His crying is also more likely to be spread throughout the day.
Your newborn baby is working out what the world is like. The way you respond to her behaviour, especially her crying, tells her a lot about her world.
For example, your baby might find out that when he cries, someone comes to give him what he needs. This might be a nappy change, a feed or a cuddle. If that happens, he’ll learn that the world is a pretty OK place.
When you respond quickly to comfort your crying newborn, your baby will cry less often overall. It’s absolutely fine to pick up your baby when she cries. It tells her that she’s safe because you’re a caring, responsive parent who loves her.
You can’t spoil a newborn. If your newborn is crying, it’s because he needs your help. If you respond calmly and consistently, it helps your baby learn that the world is a safe and predictable place.
Some babies cry a lot over a long period of time. Nothing seems to comfort them. This is often called colic.
Colic might just be natural behaviour for some babies, especially at the end of a long day and after too much stimulation. Crying might help a newborn take control of her environment. It’s as if your baby is saying, ‘Enough! I’m just going to cry to shut out the world’.
If your baby cries like this, it can be very hard for you to cope with. These ideas might help you and your baby:
All children have the right to be safe and protected. But parenting can be hard work. Seek help if you feel that you can’t cope or you might hurt your child.
Dealing with crying gets easier as your newborn learns more about the world and gets better at showing you what she needs. Also, you’ll become an expert at ‘reading’ your baby’s behaviour. No-one knows your baby better than you, but if you’re worried about your baby’s crying, talk it through with your GP or child and family health visitor.
Why this is relevant for newborn photography
Newborn photographers will recommend that newborn photoshoots are done when baby is between 7-10 days old and there are two main reasons for this. Firstly, your baby is more likely to be sleepy at this very early stage of their life and this makes it possible to safely pose babies in those gorgeous positions you see in newborn photography. It is vitally important that newborn photographers are trained in how to pose babies safely. I have undertaken training with one of the UK's leading newborn photographers and am a member of BANPAS, who provide ongoing advice and support for baby and family photographers. The second reason for having your newborn photos taken when your baby is so small is that they still have all their newborn features - creases, wrinkles, hair etc - which will go before you know it as babies change so fast.
I believe it's really important to document each stage of your child's journey, through a newborn baby photoshoot, sitter session, cake smash or first birthday portrait and of course photos with siblings and family members. Check out my website for details of these sessions or drop me an email to start a chat.
Are you coming to the end of your maternity leave? Are you dreading going back to work, feeling guilty about leaving your baby, yet excited to be returning to adult company? Whatever is going through your mind, there are bound to be mixed feelings. As parents we feel guilty about all sorts of things and what we feel guilty about one minute we may not the next, but something else is sure to arise that makes the guilt return. It seems to be unavoidable.
Your baby may be around 6-8 months of age and that time will have gone in the blink of an eye. Your little one may now be honing those fine motor skills and perhaps mastering sitting, although all babies develop at a different rate of course.
Why not treat yourself to a Sitter Session and get a free Mobile Gallery App so that you have the images from your sitter photoshoot on your phone, in your pocket or bag, with you at all times to show off to your colleagues, friends and family. Blink again and your child will be walking. Whatever their personality - cheeky, confident, shy, reserved - let me capture your child's unique character.
A sitter photoshoot session takes around an hour and will be held in my beautiful garden studio in Anna Valley, near Andover, Hampshire. I can provide simple, neutral or vintage style rompers, or you are welcome to bring any outfit (or outfits) of your choice. I have a range of timeless props, including a vintage wooden child's chair, a vintage style racing car, baskets, wooden bowls, a little wooden bed and plenty more.
To see my pricing info, please check out my Pricing Page.
To book or enquire, please get in touch via my Contact Page.
"Because babies grow too fast..."
The Importance of Maternity Photos
Even though pregnancy comes with a lot of difficult trials, it is an amazing time in your life. It is a time of celebration and of anticipation as you prepare to meet your little bundle of joy. It’s a time where you become strong – stronger than you ever thought you could possibly be. During this time, you create your initial bond with your child that will continue throughout your entire lives.
There are very few women who actually feel like they are beautiful while they are pregnant – especially during the first pregnancy. However, the miracle of pregnancy is a beautiful thing. Swollen feet, stretch marks, and hormone changes aside – you are growing a real live human being inside of you. All of those side effects come from different things your body has to do to help nourish and protect your baby.
You are beautiful, and you should take the time to celebrate these changes and this amazing moment in your life. Your maternity photos will be a great gift to pass down to your child as an heirloom of your first memories with them. This is something they can treasure forever.
If you're looking for a maternity photoshoot, get in touch via my Contact Page. You might also like to consider my bump-to-baby photoshoots, or bump-baby-milestone packages, to document your pregnancy and your baby's first year with a set of coordinating images. It's a lovely idea to use some props from a newborn photoshoot in a child's first birthday photoshoot or cake smash session.
I have a selection of maternity dresses suitable for photoshoots, including the one shown in the image above. I also like to photograph mums to be in their jeans and a stripy t-shirt, or whatever they feel comfortable in, or perhaps even naked to really show off that bump!
Get in touch via my Contact Page and we can discuss your wishes and fears when it comes to a maternity photoshoot!
Just for you, here are some tips to ensure your Spring outdoor photoshoot, such as my Bluebell Photoshoot, is stress free and flawless...
1. Wear layers. Spring can be finicky in the sense that you can go from frozen to over heated in a matter of minutes. I suggest wearing layers - vest top, t-shirt, cardigan, scarf, etc. That way each family member can peel off, or add, a layer as they see fit and remain comfortable throughout the photo session.
2. Location is a big deal. You better believe we're going to take advantage of the fresh, warm air and all those flowers popping up from the ground and buds in the trees. If you have any favourite photoshoot locations, let me know. I have a nice list on hand, too.
3. Play into the colours of the season when choosing your family's outfits. Fresh pops of green, blue, pink and yellow are always a hit in the springtime. I recommend choosing a colour theme for the whole gang, then slightly deviating from that with accessories to keep things interesting. Book your girls for a magical photo session in big floaty dresses. Look in places such as shein.com, H&M, eBay, Monsoon, Next, Boden, White Company... find something simple to make sure the focus is on the person being photographed rather than their clothing. Avoid bold patterns, words and big logos. Get in touch with me to plan what to wear for your photoshoot- I'd love to help you prepare. Remember my golden rule... less is more.
4. Speaking of accessories: wear them if you like, but avoid anything too bold - less is more! Choose jewelry, scarves, or prints that play into the spring theme. Butterflies, flowers, insects, etc, can make for some adorable family pictures.
5. Time it right. Book a photo session too early and you may miss out on those spring buds. Book too late and you've already wandered into summer territory. Keep an eye on the weather and give your photographer a call when the time is right. For my bluebell photo sessions I always visit the bluebell woods regularly to ensure those beautiful native flowers are in the best condition for your family photoshoot.
6. Incorporate props. Spring offers some beautiful backdrops where props blend in perfectly. For example, old wooden chairs look stunning in a sea of blooming rose bushes, and a quilted blanket is lovely on the fresh, green grass. If you have something you'd like to incorporate into your photo shoot, get in touch with me beforehand so I can work it into the session. I also have a variety of props that I can bring along, so it's good to talk beforehand and plan ahead so we get exactly what you want from your photoshoot.
7. Really think about your footwear. Spring can often mean a soggy ground, so flip-flops or heels are not the best choice. Instead, wear something that's comfortable and spring appropriate, like loafers, flats or boots.
Check out information on my bluebell photoshoots or get in touch via my Contact Page. I'd love to hear from you.
Helen x