[qode_accordion style=”toggle”][qode_accordion_tab title=”When is the best time to book my session?”]Maternity session
After your 20 week scan. The best and recommended time for the session is between 34-36 weeks. However, I have photographed expectant mums who were 39 weeks! It all depends on how you are feeling and how your pregnancy is going.
Newborn session
After you’ve had your 20 week scan. The best time for the session is when baby is between 7-14 days old. I will pop a provisional date in the diary. Babies can arrive 2- 3 weeks early and up to 2 weeks late, so I will allow for some wriggle room. I only book a limited number of newborn sessions per month, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”How long do the sessions take?”]Maternity sessions take between 1- 1.5 hours, depending on if there are children and/or husbands/partners who are to be included in the shoot.
Newborn sessions take between 2-4 hours. This includes feeding, settling and changing the baby. Some sessions can take longer (e.g. twins, or if we have a very unsettled baby). Babies are very sensitive to our moods, so I don’t like to rush newborn sessions. My newborn sessions are partly baby led and patience really is the key to a successful session. I have a room where my clients are more than welcome to take a well deserved nap and clients are more than welcome to bring laptops and log onto the wifi. I have had dads bring their laptops and do some work during the session!
Sitter and cake smash sessions are completely dependant upon each baby, but if your little one is happy, these sessions will be between 1-1.5 hours.
Family sessions take up to 1 hour.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”What about the safety of my baby?”]Your baby’s safety is my number one priority. My approach to newborns is a more natural and less posed style, so I will never force a baby into any position.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”How can I prepare for my session?”]Maternity session
If you would like me to arrange for hair and makeup, I am more than happy to do this with a local beautician/hairdresser. You would go to have your hair and makeup done first, before coming to the studio (payment for this is made directly with the beautician/hairdresser).
Newborn session
Please feed, wind and change your baby right before you come to your session. I always ask parents to pop their baby into a simple white vest top (short/no sleeves) and put them in an outfit that has poppers and is easy to remove when you get to my studio.
Please try to keep your baby awake as much as you can. A bath, massage, tickling toes can help. Keeping babies awake will ensure they are sleepy for their session and will allow me to capture those gorgeous squishy, sleepy newborn shots. However, please do not worry if this goes out the window! I appreciate babies run to their own schedules and if your little one doesn’t want to sleep during their session, we will still get some beautiful awake shots. I love seeing babies looking up into the world and some of my favourite images, are those that I have taken of awake babies.
During newborn sessions, I use a Dyson heater and the studio will be around 28 degrees, which ensures your baby remains lovely and snug. I suggest parents wear light clothing and come in layers that can be removed.
Sitter session, or a cake smash session
Make sure your little one has a really good nap beforehand and has been fed. We want them well rested and full of energy!
Family session
If you have little ones, I always suggest parents to talk to them about their upcoming photo session. Get them excited about it and have them practice their sweet smiles!
Make sure your children are well fed and rested prior to your session[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”What should I bring to the session?”]Maternity
I have some beautiful maternity outfits to choose from, but I also suggest mums bring a black or white/light neutral coloured maxi dress, or tight fitting dress (no patterns).
In addition to this, I also ask mums to bring:
- White/black/beige underwear (g-string, briefs or boy leg shorts – whatever you feel comfortable in)
- Strapless nude or white bra
- White shirt that buttons up at the front
Newborn session
Make sure you bring:
- your nappy bag
- extra bottles if you are bottle feeding and
- dummies if you are using them
I always provide light snacks and drinks for parents during my sessions, but if mum is breastfeeding, I suggest you bring some food with you. If your baby has an older sibling/s, please bring snacks and toys for toddlers (if applicable).
I always suggest parents bring a change of clothes for themselves, just in case your little one decides to go to the toilet while you are holding them.
Sitter and cake smash session
- Nappy bag
- Snacks for your little one
- A change of clothes for them (and you – if it is a cake smash!).
Family session
- Snacks for your children that can be used as bribery!
[/qode_accordion_tab][/qode_accordion][qode_accordion style=”toggle”][qode_accordion_tab title=”What do I wear to the session?”]My photography style is light and airy, so I suggest clients wear light, neutral colours – whites, creams, greys, light/muted blues.
Think coordinating, not matching. Incorporate colours that fit well together. Pinterest has a lot of great colour guides and examples if you need inspiration.
Please make sure the outfits chosen fit well. Please avoid clothing with bright colours, patterns, checkered patterns, stripes, logos and children’s characters. My aim is to provide you with beautiful, classic and timeless images, that will never date.
If dads prefer not to be shirtless during their newborn session, I like to suggest to wear a plain, tight fitting v-neck t-shirt with a good fitting pair of jeans. A simple, light coloured, collared shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up, will also look good.
For mums, a loose fitting tank top works well. Keep it neutral in colour and avoid patterns. Also, please bring along a strappy vest top in either white, nude, light grey or black and keep your nails natural looking, avoiding any bright, block coloured nail polish. Bring along your makeup bag with you too.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”Do you work weekends?”]Yes, however I try to keep my weekends free to spend with my family, so I only do a limited number of weekend sessions. There is a £35 weekend surcharge that applies.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”Do you photograph larger/extended families?”]Yes. Additional extended family members are £30 per person.[/qode_accordion_tab][qode_accordion_tab title=”Do you photograph kids parties, weddings, christenings?”]No.[/qode_accordion_tab][/qode_accordion]