This was my first time photographing the very photogenic little Ava, for her first birthday photoshoot, a milestone photo session.
I honestly cannot put into words just how much I enjoyed photographing this young lady. Mum, Natalie, says one of Ava's favourite new things is her new slide that she got for Christmas and walking, holding someone’s hand.
“The session went really well and I'm very happy with the outcome,” says Natalie. I'm glad to hear she had as positive an experience as I did.
Let's move on to the pictures. Here's Ava in all her 1-year-old glory!
I just wanted to take a minute to talk about the importance of the pre-session warm up. What is this, you might ask? This is the photographer-child interaction time that occurs before we begin the photo session. I always suggest that you show up a little bit early, maybe 15 minutes, to your child photoshoot so we have this time to get to know each other. Especially with young children, it’s going to be a little bit scary interacting with someone they’ve never met before. We want to ensure we can really show off your child’s personality, so we want him or her to be comfortable with me and with the environment.
If we were to just throw them into the middle of the session and there’s this strange lady with a camera jumping around trying to get them to look and smile, your child is going to tense up and there may even be confusion and tears. We really just want everything to run smoothly.
If you can arrive early, this will give me time to introduce myself to your child, and to try to get a vibe on how the session will go. Some children warm up right away, while others need the entire warm up time to start to feel comfortable and come out of their shells. And that’s OK. I always follow their lead.
After I introduce myself, I will try to get to know your child. I’ll ask her/him questions about what she/he likes or doesn’t like, sing songs, maybe play a game, etc. Just to break the ice a little, so by the time the photo session starts, your child is happy and more familiar with me. Making sure you’re there early enough to have this time is probably one of the most important tips I can give you for your child’s session.
Once we’ve done a photoshoot and your child realises that I’m not scary and we have fun together, the next session shouldn’t need much warm up time at all, if any. But for the very first session together, it is important.
P.S. Want to learn more about my milestone packages? Get in touch via my Contact Page and I'll send you full details. Why not take a look at my Cake Smash and Splash packages too.
I really look forward to hearing from you soon!
Hello dear Blog reader
Today I thought I would share some thoughts on breastfeeding and bottle feeding, after listening to a very interesting programme on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour this morning.
The programme talked about women's experiences of feeding their babies, following the results of a poll commissioned by BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour and BBC Radio Sheffield revealed that over a third of mothers felt ashamed for giving their child formula. These results are similar to another survey from researchers at Liverpool University, who studied the experiences of more than 1,600 new mums in 2016. Among the 890 who did formula feeding, 67% reported feeling guilty, 68% felt stigmatised and 76% felt the need to defend their feeding choice.
As a newborn and baby photographer, I meet lots of new mums. I am always very interested to hear about their experiences of feeding their new baby. I have two daughters, now age 6 and 7. I was determined to breastfeed my girls, as I believed it was the best thing for them and was told that it was the most natural thing in the world. After all, the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. I breast fed both until they were about 6 months old. Looking back, I was quite naive and I even consider myself stupid for having carried on this long. Don't get me wrong, I acknowledge that breast milk is better for babies than formula, but I wish someone had said to me that it is not some holy elixir. I was in agony breastfeeding both girls for a long time (not for the whole six months, but certainly for at least six weeks). I used to dread feeding times because it bloody hurt. I consulted midwives, visited NCT breastfeeding support classes, visited my GP, even had some advice from international breastfeeding guru, Dr. Suzanne Colson of Biological Nurturing, but nothing seemed to stop the pain. I ended up doggedly continuing and taking paracetamol to ease the pain on the advice of my GP (although I am not recommending that anyone takes any medication without the advice of a doctor). I didn't stop because I felt guilty. I felt that I would be depriving my daughters of something vital.
When breastfeeding mothers (new or old!) come to my studio for a newborn photo session, I try to find out whether they are struggling. I have yet to meet a mother who says they are loving breastfeeding - most speak of how difficult it is, whether that's because they are experiencing pain or difficulty feeding and of course all find it exhausting. I try to offer some consolation and tell them about my story and how I wish someone had said to me, "stop" and concentrate on my well being, as well as that of my daughters. I experienced post natal depression with both and I'm sure that was largely due to the pain I experienced breastfeeding. All I heard from the experts was to keep trying and that it would come with time, but it took far too long, looking back, and I wonder whether I would have had a different experience as a new mother if I had switched to the bottle. I didn't want to leave the house because I didn't want to have to feed in public and found it difficult to see other mothers seemingly getting on fine with feeding their babies (although I now know a lot of these mums were putting on a very brave face).
I was delighted to discover, this morning, whilst listening to Woman's Hour, that in June 2018 the Royal College of Midwives guidance published new guidance for mothers, saying the decision to breastfeed - or not - "is a woman's choice and must be respected". It said that while it deemed the exclusive use of breast milk the "most appropriate method of infant feeding" for the first six months, what was most important was that parents made an informed decision.
The advice given at the end of the radio programme was overwhelmingly, "Fed Is Best", breast is a little bit better but it is far more important to look after yourself and your baby and to seek support if you are struggling. I thoroughly recommend that you listen back to the programme on BBC Radio 4 and if you are currently struggling, please do consider all the options and do not dismiss your own well being, which itself is vitally important in the development of your child.
I absolutely love my job and especially enjoy creating newborn baby photos, as babies grow so quickly and change so fast. I didn't have a newborn photo shoot with either of my daughters, probably because it was the last thing on my mind, but I do wish I had some photos of their tiny creases, hairy shoulders and just their gorgeous newness to remember how amazing they were at that very young age. Perhaps if I had switched to the bottle, I would have felt more inspired to take my camera out and I'd have those images and better memories to look back on today.
For further information on these studies, visit:
Gather round dear blog readers
Today's post is all about a certain baby that will surely put a smile on your face. Miss Anna was so much fun to photograph and our newborn photo session turned out so perfectly!
This particular session was a very special since Anna had been born prematurely at 26 weeks and 5 days, weighing just 2.1lb. Little Anna was still on oxygen, hence the tube in the photos. Her story added a whole other level to our photo shoot and I love how it photographed, as well.
Mum, Camilla, was very nervous before the photoshoot, but she says,
"Helen made me feel really comfortable and she was so good with Anna. Helen is great, I really recommend her. She is so friendly and good with the baby".
Baby Anna is so sweet/adorable. She was so calm and relaxed, I couldn't have asked for a better baby photo session!
You'll see what I mean below!
Introducing... BABY ROSS!
I'm still flying high from one of the most awesome newborn shoots I've had in a while. The adorable little guy in front of the lens is the son of Megan & Dale and brother to big sister Jennifer, age 3.
Baby Ross was a little angel and was very chilled out through the majority of our 3-hour baby photo shoot. I'm not gonna lie. When he looked all bright eyed and alert, I thought the session might have turned out a little tricky, but I was able to rock him to sleep and give mum & dad a break and a chance to eat biscuits and put their feet up, which Megan says was her favourite part of the session! Her advice to others considering a newborn photoshoot with me is,
"Enjoy the time that someone else takes your baby and gives you a break while they create memories for you."
Sister Jennifer loves Ross and now carries her baby around with her all day too. Although, a few days after he was born, mum told her that he would cry a lot and she said that it's okay because we'll just get rid of him then!
Megan says,
"Helen made us feel so comfortable and she was brilliant with both Ross and Jennifer. She didn't even worry when she had to rock and rock and rock because Ross wasn't in the mood for a nap. She just took the situation as it came and was totally relaxed. It was a great experience!"
Thanks Megan! I absolutely loved our session and hope to be able to photograph your beautiful family again sometime. Maybe a cake smash in a year's time?!
Happy New Year blog readers!
I've had a wonderful year photographing some amazing clients and their families and businesses. I'm so excited to see what 2019 will bring. I have a packed calendar of maternity photo sessions, newborn photoshoots, cake smash photo shoots, family portraits and corporate photography too. I will also be running a series of Mini Sessions themed around the seasons, so join my mailing list and follow me on Facebook to keep up to date with news, events and special offers. I'll be offering Easter Bunny photoshoots for newborns and babies, Bluebell Mini Sessions in the local bluebell woods and much more.
Just before Christmas I was very busy with family photo shoots, as my clients prepared gifts for friends and family, such as the Baker family, who came for a family portrait at my home studio.
The Baker family consists of Cheryl (grandmother), who lives in South Africa and was visiting for Christmas, Jolene (mother) organiser, Amy, who is going to university soon and younger brother Michael. A very creative family, Jolene says she chose me as her photographer as she liked the quality of my previous work - thanks Jolene!
"Helen made us feel welcome and at ease straight away. She took the time to make us a drink and have a chat before the shoot began", says Jolene.
As you can see from the comments above and the photos below, this family is not only photogenic, but also a close-knit group who clearly love spending time together. They are lucky to have been together over Christmas, especially since grandmother Cheryl lives so far away.
Asked whether she would recommend me to others, Jolene says,
"Yes definitely 100%. Lovely welcoming atmosphere and great photos."
It certainly was a fun photoshoot. Amy and Michael were not too keen on having their photos taken, as is the case with most clients I see! However once we had a chat and a bit of a giggle, everyone soon relaxed and I was able to catch some natural smiles, as shown in these photos.
If you are looking for a professional family portrait which shows your family relaxed with natural smiles, get in touch via my Contact Page. I offer sessions at my studio or outdoor photoshoots, for those who would prefer to have their family photos taken in a more natural environment. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy New Year!
Helen x
Hi again,
Let me stop for a second to tell you that I am seriously the luckiest photographer in the world. My clients are always so wonderful to work with. That's true of my family photo session with the Palmer family, too!
I met up with them in the Summer at Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort and the weather was perfect for photo-taking. It was warm and slightly overcast, so not too bright. While the weather was fine, it was the Palmer family that made this photoshoot such a joy.
The family consists of Mum, Ali, who loves walking Mollie the dog, Isabelle, who loves horse riding, Oliver, who would prefer to have been playing on his iPad and Dad, Neil, who doesn't like hills! Their favourite family activity is going to the beach.
As you can see from the photos, this family is not only photogenic, but clearly love spending time together. They are lucky to have each other.
Neil says about the session, "It was so much fun and very relaxed". Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did, Neil!
Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Helen x
When it comes to a family photo shoot, a lot of stress is typically associated with days leading up to the session. I'm here to help you relax and be prepared all at the same time. Here are some tips:
If you need any more advice just get in touch!
Gather round awesome blog readers!
Today's post is all about a certain baby with the kind of big blue eyes that will surely put a smile on your face. Mr. Joey was so much fun to photograph and our session turned out so brilliantly!
This particular session was a very special since Joey was born at 11.11 on Remembrance Sunday and his dad is a serving soldier. This added a whole other level to our photo shoot.
Joey is so adorable, despite managing to wee up his dad's sleeve on two occasions during the shoot!
Anyway, as you can see from the pictures below, Joey and I had one of the best sessions together. His mum, Julia, and dad, Simon, prepared for the session by giving Joey a little bath, to ensure he was nice and clean. Her preparation efforts allowed us to have an especially awesome shoot together. Joey was awake most of the way through the session and was very calm and relaxed.
Joey has two older brothers and one sister. The first thing that Julia thought when she discovered she was pregnant with Joey was "Uh oh!" - Jude was only 6 weeks old!
Asked whether she would recommend H Jones Photography to others, Julia said, “Yes, so friendly and welcoming. Lovely warm environment to photograph newborns in. We felt very relaxed and at ease the whole time.”
Because the shoot went so well, I asked Julia if she would share one helpful piece of advice with other mothers planning a newborn session (See – I've got your back, mums around the world). Her biggest piece of advice is: “Do it early, they don't stay tiny newborns for long.”
Enjoy the adorableness below!
Whilst it is a good idea to get a newborn photoshoot when your baby is around 5-10 days old to capture the squishiness of your tiny baby, please don't be put off from having a photo session if your baby is older. I can capture beautiful images of your little one at any age. Below are some examples of different developmental stages I can capture at different ages. Of course all babies are unique and will reach various 'milestones' at different ages, so this is very much just a guide!
These sessions are recommended between approximately 7-10 days of age. This is because mums have had a little bit of time to adjust to having a new baby and also because babies tend to be sleepier at this age. When babies sleep, this enables me to capture a wider variety of poses. However, it is absolutely not my aim to get your baby to sleep before I will take photos. Personally I love the wide awake shots!
I have photographed babies at many different ages. At 6 weeks, they tend to be more alert and I can capture those amazing bright, wide-eyed shots and a range of wonderful expressions. I can still wrap baby and put them in various props, such as baskets, buckets etc, surrounded by lots of natural, neutral colours and textures.
At 3 months babies may be laughing and smiling, doing mini push-ups and bringing their hands together.
At 6 months they might be sitting for short periods unsupported, crawling and reaching for objects.
When your baby is sitting, or crawling, this can be a great time to get a baby photoshoot. These stages go so quickly and it is wonderful to have professional images to look back on. I wish I had done so with my children - I missed the opportunity sadly.
When, or just before, your baby reaches the age of one, a wonderful and increasingly popular way to celebrate is to hold a cake smash photo session. Take a look at my Cake Smash Page for further details.
Looking for several photoshoots to capture several special moments in time? I offer a range of packages that offer excellent value for money. Please note these prices are for the sessions, professional editing and creation of a private online gallery. Images are available to purchase separately under one of my packages. Check out my pricing page for details.
Please get in touch via my Contact Page for further information or to book.
Last weekend I ran some mini photo sessions on the pumpkin patch at Bourne Valley Pick Your Own near Andover, Hampshire. This proved to be so popular that I have announced some more mini sessions for the weekend of 27-28th October 2018. This is such a fun thing to do and I can capture some magical photos of your child, children, family, pets and even get a baby picture in the pumpkins for you! Look for details under the Sessions drop down menu on my website.
Several families from the local area booked last weekend to have family photos taken. Some wanted photos of their child/children, others wanted a family portrait, others wanted a pet portrait and photos with their dogs. Dogs are allowed at the farm, but not on the pumpkin patch, so I set up a little area to the side of the patch with a few pumpkins for these shots. I asked families to dress in fairly plain, coordinating clothing, as this makes for a much better photo.
It was such fun and once those children being photographed had been snapped, they were able to run around, find their favourite pumpkin or have fun in the outdoor play area, with sunken trampolines, slide, swings and even a zip wire. It really is a great place to visit with or the family.
Bourne Valley Fruit Farm is an established family farm which was created 25 years ago by Wyndham and Bridget Culley, and is now run by their sons, Dan and Matt. The Farm is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty near the idyllic village of St Mary Bourne. As well as pick your own, they have a farm shop open from May until October with ready picked fruit and vegetables as well as locally produced guernsey cream, home made jam and ice creams.
Pumpkins are £2.50 ( £1 for small ones ) and they are open every day from 10.00 til 4.00. There will be food available as well as quality coffee from kudos coffee Whitchurch.