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.
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
Life moves fast, and before you know it, the little moments that make your family unique become treasured memories. A professional family photoshoot is the perfect way to freeze those fleeting moments in time—whether it’s the infectious giggles of your children, a loving embrace between siblings, or the quiet connection between parents and their little ones.
At H Jones Photography, I specialise in creating natural, timeless family portraits that you will cherish for years to come. Here’s why you should book your session today:
Children grow quickly, and family dynamics change with each passing year. A family photoshoot allows you to document this stage of life, creating images that you can look back on with joy and nostalgia.
I understand that not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera. My sessions are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, allowing you to interact naturally while I capture authentic moments. There’s no pressure—just genuine smiles and laughter.
Whether you prefer the scenic beauty of Hampshire’s countryside, a vibrant seasonal setting like bluebell or lavender fields, or the cosy atmosphere of my garden studio in Anna Valley, I offer a variety of stunning backdrops for your session.
I focus on creating elegant, classic images that won’t go out of style. Using soft, neutral tones and natural light where possible, I ensure that your portraits are sophisticated and beautifully composed.
A family photoshoot isn’t just about the final images—it’s also about creating a fun and memorable experience for your loved ones. Whether it's playful moments with your children or tender interactions between family members, my sessions are designed to bring out the best in everyone.
From outfit advice to posing tips, I’ll guide you through every aspect of the session to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. My goal is to make the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Your family photos deserve more than just a spot on your phone. I offer a range of high-quality prints, albums, and wall art options so you can proudly display your favourite moments in your home.
Invest in memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you want to capture a special milestone, update your family portraits, or simply celebrate your loved ones, now is the perfect time to book your session.
📍 Location: H Jones Photography, near Andover, Hampshire
📅 Availability: Limited slots available—contact me to secure your date
📩 Get in touch: Send me an enquiry via my contact form here.
Let’s create something beautiful together!
At H Jones Photography, I’ve always been passionate about creating beautiful, timeless images while being mindful of my environmental impact. Before becoming a professional photographer in Hampshire, I worked in the renewable energy sector and previously in countryside conservation. I have an MSc in Environmental Assessment and BSc in Environmental Management. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve partnered with Ecologi, a fantastic organisation dedicated to funding climate solutions, including tree planting and carbon reduction projects worldwide.
As a photographer, I strive to minimise my environmental footprint wherever possible—whether that’s through choosing renewable energy suppliers, using sustainable materials, or making ethical business decisions. Partnering with Ecologi allows me to take this commitment even further by actively contributing to reforestation efforts and supporting initiatives that combat climate change.
Photography is all about capturing precious moments, and I believe that protecting our planet is essential to ensuring future generations can enjoy the beauty of nature. By supporting Ecologi, I am taking a proactive step towards a more sustainable future, ensuring that my business gives back to the environment.
By joining Ecologi, I’ll be helping to fund projects that:
Ecologi works with responsible reforestation partners to ensure trees are planted where they will have the greatest impact. These projects not only help fight climate change but also provide habitat for wildlife and support local communities. Additionally, Ecologi invests in verified carbon reduction initiatives, such as wind and solar energy farms, peatland restoration, and clean water projects, helping to create a more sustainable world.
When you book a session with H Jones Photography, you’re not just investing in stunning portraits—you’re also contributing to a more sustainable future. Every small step counts, and together, we can make a real impact.
I want my clients to know that their photography experience with me extends beyond just capturing memories. It’s about making a difference, supporting green initiatives, and taking responsibility for our planet. I hope that by being part of Ecologi, I can inspire others to be more conscious of their own environmental impact and support sustainability in their everyday lives.
I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter, and I’d love for you to follow along on this journey. You can check out my Ecologi profile here to see the progress we’re making together!
I believe that together, we can create lasting change. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s create beautiful memories while giving back to our planet. 💚
GET IN TOUCH TO BOOK YOUR SHOOT
Are you currently 7-8 months pregnant and looking to capture the radiant beauty of this special time in your life? H Jones Photography is seeking a confident, glowing expectant mother for an exclusive maternity photoshoot in our Anna Valley studio, near Andover.
This is a unique opportunity to create stunning, artistic imagery that celebrates the strength, grace, and beauty of pregnancy. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a professional photoshoot that highlights your natural glow, this is your chance!
What’s Involved:
Requirements:
Why Participate? As a thank you, you’ll receive:
How to Apply: If you’re interested, please email me at helen@hjonesphotography.co.uk with the subject line “Maternity Model Call.” Include the following details:
Applications close on 19 January 2025, so don’t wait! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your journey to motherhood and help inspire other expectant mothers with the beauty and power of maternity photography.
I can’t wait to hear from you and for us to create something truly special together!
With best wishes,
Helen x
Helen Jones LSWPP
H Jones Photography
The field of photography has always embraced innovation, from the introduction and acceptance of digital cameras to advanced photo editing software. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the industry by storm, and newborn photography is no exception. As a specialist in this heartwarming niche, I’ve seen first-hand how AI is reshaping the way photographers capture and process precious moments of a baby’s first days. Here’s how AI is enhancing newborn and baby photography for the better.
Editing newborn photos can be time-consuming, as each image requires a gentle touch to enhance the baby’s natural beauty while preserving authenticity. AI-powered editing tools like Adobe Lightroom’s AI-enhanced masking or specialised plugins can automatically detect and adjust elements such as skin tones, lighting, and blemishes. These tools allow baby photographers to maintain consistency and quality across an entire gallery, freeing up time to focus on creativity.
My newborn photoshoots are held indoors, where lighting can be controlled and made softer. In some scenarios, such as larger family group shoots, I often need to bump up the ISO on my camera to enable use of a higher f-stop, which keeps everyone in sharp focus. A higher ISO can mean more noise or grain in images. AI-driven noise reduction algorithms can clean up grainy images without sacrificing detail, ensuring the final photos are sharp and professional. This advancement can also be used to help create a serene, dreamy look that parents adore in their baby portraits.
Culling—the process of selecting the best images from a photoshoot—is a task that can take hours. AI tools equipped with facial recognition can identify smiles, eye contact, and other endearing expressions, helping photographers quickly sort through hundreds of images. This means parents get their cherished photos faster. This is of more use to wedding photographers, who tend to take a lot more images than baby photographers.
Gone are the days of physically swapping out endless props and backdrops during a session. AI can now simulate background changes and add props digitally, giving photographers and parents more options without extending the shoot time. This technology is especially helpful for creating composite images, where safety is paramount and babies are never placed in precarious positions. This isn't something that I have really delved into, as my style is to keep my images very neutral and minimal, with the focus on the baby or the family.
AI can also help photographers provide more tailored experiences for their clients. From generating mood boards based on client preferences to recommending colour palettes and poses, AI tools ensure each session feels unique. This level of customisation allows families to see their personalities reflected in their baby’s portraits.
While AI offers incredible advantages, it’s essential for photographers to use these tools ethically. For instance, AI should enhance—not replace—a photographer’s creative vision and technical skills. In newborn photography, maintaining authenticity and respecting the natural beauty of the baby is non-negotiable. We don't want babies to look like dolls!
As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely we’ll see even more innovative applications in newborn and baby photography. From AI-assisted camera settings that adjust in real-time to smart albums that organise photos for clients automatically, the possibilities are endless.
My Less is More Philosophy
As a baby photographer Hampshire families trust, embracing AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch. Instead, it’s about using technology to enhance artistry and deliver unforgettable memories to families. My philosophy in life and in my work is, "less is more". I hope this shows in my images and reassures you that I won't over-edit or use AI to blanket-edit your gallery. One of the unique aspects of my services is the setting itself: my beautiful garden studio in Anna Valley, Hampshire. This serene, natural space provides a stunning backdrop for baby and newborn photography, adding an extra touch of charm and warmth to each session.
If you’re searching for a professional newborn photographer Hampshire or baby photographer Hampshire who blends modern techniques with heartfelt artistry, get in touch. Let’s create timeless keepsakes of your little one’s first days. My garden studio in Hampshire is the perfect location to capture these unforgettable moments.