Take a look at the newly revamped KW Photography studio | Poole, Dorset

I’m really excited to share the news that I have completed a major revamp of the KW Photography studio!

I started my portrait photography business almost seven years ago now, and I’ve always loved the space I had. But, for a while now, I’ve been considering changing things around a little. And this year I decided to go for it!

So, after a LOT of hard work over the past few weeks (although it feels like longer), finally, I’ve got a larger studio space – yippee!

A newly extended studio space

I’ve had my head down this past month or so getting the hard work done.

Even with a team of helpers, it proved to be a lot of work and more complex than I had anticipated (aren’t these things always?!).

But at least I didn’t need to extend. It was just a case of knocking down a partition to extend the overall space, and to re-home a lot of stuff that had been stashed away in what was the former storage area.

The new KW Photography studio can be seen in all it’s glory in this video

Three ways the new KW Photography studio is a game-changer

Having the extra space in the studio will dramatically change things for me as I go about my day-to-day work. I’m already feeling the benefit, as I’ve squeezed in a couple of sessions since it was all completed .

But it will also enhance and improve things for you, too.

  1. More streamlined, quicker sessions

My signature newborn sessions can take up to four hours to achieve a variety of images incorporating different setups, props and poses.

Before the extension, I had space for just one setup. Now I’ve got loads more space! I can have two or more newborn setups in place at any one time. Which means I can achieve the same photos in less time.

Rather than have to stop and change the backdrops, cushions and props during a session, I can simply transition over to the second setup and start taking photos. I think you’re going to love how much time this saves!

  1. A more comfortable experience

The larger space in the photography studio also means that I can offer you a more spacious, dedicated area to relax in while I photograph your little one(s).

As before, you’ll find that I have comfy chairs as well as refreshments on tap so that you can really get cosy and enjoy the experience, while I get to work. But the more open-plan layout now means there’s plenty of room to feed your baby, stretch your legs and room to stash your bags and other belongings.

More space and dedicated areas for all my photography equipment, props and child and maternity clothing mean that everything has a home now too. So, while this is mainly a benefit for me, you’ll also find the studio to be tidier than it’s ever been before!

  1. More inspiration for your own wall art

In the new studio, you’re also now able to view a larger selection of wall art.

Hung on the walls of the KW Photography studio are examples of the photo products you can buy from me after your session, once you have chosen your favourite images from the photoshoot.

Look out for the new circular birch orbs – these are proving really popular and are so different to anything you may have seen elsewhere before!

Most of my clients buy photo products from me along side the digital images.

Having your photos professionally printed and mounted on your walls at home is, I think, the best way to enjoy the photographs. With digital files on a USB, there is a risk that the images never see the light of day!

NEW! Private gallery viewing sessions

Which is why I’m also now offering private viewing sessions for clients who would like help with making their final image selections and wall art purchases.

I can consult you, based on my years of experience as a photographer and my 20+ years of experience in the professional print industry.

I can help you to make a decision about which images to have created into stunning wall art that will suit your home and space where you’re intending to hang the pictures.

If you’d like to book a private gallery viewing appointment – which would take place at my photography studio a couple of weeks after your photoshoot – we can agree a date and time for this when you visit for your session.

So, come and visit me in the new KW Photography studio!

If you’ve got a photoshoot booked in with me soon, you’re going to be among the first to see the new studio space – lucky you! I can’t wait to hear what you think.

If you haven’t but have been meaning to book in, do contact me today and secure your slot.

I’ve got a very busy diary in the next few months – Spring is always a notoriously busy time. As well as working in my new studio space, I’ll be starting my popular bluebell woods photoshoots very soon, so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment. I really hate having to turn people away!

You can either call me on 07749270431 or complete this contact form to make an enquiry.  


The joys of a cake smash and bath splash session

If you’re a toddler, splashing around in warm, silky bubbles is just so much fun! Which is why I always include a bubble bath splash session in every one of my popular cake smash photoshoots.

Today, I wanted to share with you some of the fun my little clients have during a cake smash and bath splash session here at KW Photography.

Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles!

It’s certainly a highlight of my day seeing babies and children enjoying themselves during their photoshoot with me. The smiling faces and squeals of delight during a cake smash and bath splash session are just so adorable!

I bring the warm bubbles into the photography studio towards the end of the cake smash session. At this point, the cake has usually been well and truly destroyed and baby needs a good clean up!

I have the cutest miniature roll-top bath which is just the perfect size for little ones. And I always use plenty of bath mixture to ensure they have lots of bubbles to play with.

Baby clapping in bath

A Cake Smash and Bath Splash: Messy fun for everyone!

As you’ll have probably seen if you’ve taken a look at my cake smash portrait gallery already, cake smash sessions can get very messy!

So, the bath splash is not only a great tactic for keeping your baby entertained during the cake smash shoot, but it also allows me to create a greater variety of images for you to feature on your walls at home.

And it also has a practical purpose, of course – I wouldn’t want to be sending you home with a child covered in cake! I don’t think it would do the upholstery in your car much good!

Baby Splashing in bath

Happy babies, happy memories

My years of experience as a baby photographer has taught me that I get the best portraits of your little ones if they’re enjoying themselves during their time with me.

So, whether you’re visiting for a cake smash session, for one of your ‘My First Year’ baby portrait sessions, or a family photoshoot, I’ll be sure to keep them entertained.

Baby peeking over lip of bath

Cake smash and bath splash sessions

Follow these links to discover more about what’s involved in a cake smashwhen to book your cake smash photoshoot and to see a cake smash session in action!

And if you’re interested in booking a cake smash or baby portrait session please get in touch by completing this contact form.

Karen x


How to cope at Christmas with a new baby (or puppy!)

Although for the children in your life, Christmas can be a magical time. For parents, it can become quite stressful. Add a new baby into the mix (or in my case, a new puppy – everyone, meet Ruby!) and there is the potential for Christmas to descend into chaos!

So, today I wanted to share some tips on how to cope at Christmas with a new baby (or puppy).

Hopefully, these tips will help you to ensure that you still have a wonderful time despite the extra pressures you may be under as a new parent or pup-parent.

Christmas with a new baby or puppy

A new pup or baby certainly changes the dynamics in even the most harmonious of households! So, naturally, you can expect that this Christmas won’t necessarily pad out as it has in previous years.

Having a new pup in our house these past few days has already proven to have ruffled a few feathers (sorry, Scamp – we still love you too!). And if you’ve a new baby, chances are you’ll find the same.

  1. Take it slow

The key to a great Christmas is to not try to be super-mum or dad, and to take everything at the pace that feels comfortable for you.

Becoming a parent is a big deal! And just because it’s Christmas time, you shouldn’t feel that you should rush around trying to coordinate an unforgettable Christmas for the rest of the family.

  1. Be realistic

Accept that things will take longer to do. And you won’t be able to manage everything that you’re used to single-handedly while also caring for your newborn throughout the day and night.

Keep your focus on you and your baby. You should come first in these important first few weeks.

If it takes you hours to get up and out of bed in the morning, so be it! Enjoy your skin to skin time, get some rest when you can and just enjoy this special time as a new family.

 

  1. Set expectations

I’d also recommend that you make it known to immediate family, any other children you have and any visiting relatives or friends that things will be a little different to usual this Christmas. Remind others that you have additional commitments now as a new parent and that certain things are going to have to give for a while.

For example, you may not want or be able to leave the house or to travel long distances, with a new baby or pup in tow. And you’ll probably be more distracted than you have been in the past. You won’t be able to be as sociable or hands-on as you normally are.

Older children in the family may feel that they’ve become less important to you since the new arrival, so tackle this in advance and you’ll prevent upsetting them.

Ensure they realise that this initial phase is short-lived and that everything will soon be back to normal. And work with your partner to find ways to ensure their Christmas experience is not affected negatively as a result of the disruption that comes with becoming a new parent again.

  1. Ask for help

Remember people aren’t mind readers. So, don’t be afraid to tell your children, husband, friends or family how they can help you.

Encourage others to get involved with baby-related (or pup-related) tasks if that’s what you want (or not, if it isn’t!). Or, direct them to the kitchen where they could make themselves useful in other ways.

I’ve found that Ruby has taken a lot more of my time than I had anticipated, and it’s often the same with a baby. Just someone offering to take Scamp – our other dog – for a walk, or to help cook, clean or make me a cup of tea has been a great help.

    1. Recognise when you, and they, need downtime

    It’s usually the case that when a new baby or puppy joins the family everyone wants to come and meet him or her and have a cuddle.

    But too much man-handling can make them overwhelmed and irritable. So, it’s really important that you limit the amount of time that people are holding and passing the baby or pup around.

    You’ll also need regular downtime. As a new mum, you’ll likely be tired from the birth and the sleepless nights ever since. So, carve out time for you and don’t be afraid to tell people when enough is enough!

  1. Try to avoid putting yourself under so much pressure

Christmas usually involves a lot of planning, shopping, gift wrapping, cooking, and socialising. But this year, since you’ve got a new baby, cut yourself some slack. Christmas with a new baby is tough!

We mums are the worst for piling the pressure on ourselves. Allow yourself to take this Christmas off from your usual festive duties. You’ll be glad you did.

This is how well my Christmas shoot went with Ruby…..Nailed it 😉

  1. If you are interested in booking a maternitynewbornchild or family portrait session in 2018 please contact please get in touch by completing this contact form.

    Karen x


Why professional photographers edit their photographs

If you haven’t hired a professional photographer before, you could be forgiven for wondering why professional photographers edit their photographs.

Common questions I have been asked by clients before include:

  • Why do the images need editing – surely a skilled professional photographer creates the image in the camera itself, not on the computer?
  • Why can’t I just be sent the digital images, on the day of my photoshoot?
  • And, why must I wait up to several weeks to view my images?

The thing is, I realise that when you’ve had your photoshoot, you’re so excited. I know that you just cant wait to see the results!

But I don’t make you wait for your images just to tease you, I promise!

There is a valid reason why, and that is that there is a final stage in the process after the photoshoot itself. And that process is editing.

Almost all professional photographers (some may not, but certainly most do) edit their photographs. It’s a critical step in the process. And in today’s blog I’ll explain that in a little more detail.

What’s involved in a professional photoshoot

Despite what you might think, there is much more to a photographer’s work than setting up a shot and then clicking the buttons on the camera.

  • Lots of planning goes into it before you even turn up for your photoshoot
  • And after the session, many more hours are spent finalising the pictures so that they are ready for you to print.

Which also explains why professional photography comes at a considerable cost.

You aren’t just paying for the time I spend during your phootshoot – which is up to an hour for most portrait sessions, or several hours for a newborn session.

Behind the scenes of a professional photography shoot

Each and every photoshoot I do involves many hours of work behind the scenes too!

But since you typically only see the final images when I share them on Facebook or in your online photo gallery, you’ve perhaps not realised that there is such a lot of work involved.

Before the photoshoot

Yep, creative styling is a huge part of the work in advance of any photoshoot. Whether that’s a maternity or newborn session, a baby ‘sitter session’ or group portraits with older children, or a family studio shoot.

After all, those coloured backdrops, props, dresses, headbands, newborn outfits and wraps, don’t buy themselves!  And I need to setup the photography studio so I am ready for you, with everything I’m likely to need to be at hand.

I have to create and pre-plan my shoots and then editing is a fundamental part of the creative process after the shoot in order to get the image just right.

After the photoshoot

While I will always aim to get the portrait as good as I can in camera, there is always some editing to be done afterwards. I use digital editing techniques to finish each and every image that I include in your gallery.

I do this so that each image is consistent with my KW Photography brand style; something that I’ve developed over the years and which sets me apart from other photographers.

Without that editing, which is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle so to speak, they simply aren’t finished KW Photography images.

Plus, as in the example below, there may be a need to do some editing to digitally remove parts of the image.

During my newborn photoshoots, I make sure that I always pose babies safely. When I’m trying to achieve portraits like this one, I ask parents to support their child’s head while I take the photos. Then, once the image is edited afterwards, all signs of the parent’s hand or arm are removed. Like magic!

Editing out blemishes

There’s also another reason why editing is important. Often newborn babies have blotchy, uneven coloured skin for the first few weeks. And marks or blemishes on their bodies that parents would prefer to be removed on the computer.

Also, older children may have chickenpox scars or snotty noses (I’ve certainly edited out plenty of snot in my six years as a baby and child photographer!). I can edit the images that I take in my camera to whisk these away!

If a portrait of your newborn baby or child is going to be hung on the walls at home, it’s usually the parent’s preference to have me edit the image so that these things are removed. But let me assure you, I won’t edit to the extreme! I have limits on what I will do.

Why professional photographers edit their photographs

So, I hope that helps to explain why professional photographers edit their photographs? And why there is a small delay in getting the images to you for viewing and ordering.

If you have any questions or concerns about the editing process, do always ask me your questions either in advance or during your photoshoot.

To book your session please contact me today. I’m available on 07749 270431 or email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.

Karen x


A milk dress maternity photoshoot!

Milk Dress Photoshoot

I’m often coming up with ideas for creative portraits; some I don’t do anything about, others I get a little bit obsessed with and decide to give it a go. This milk dress photoshoot was one of those obsessions!

The ‘Milk dress’

Case in point. Last year I saw the most amazing ‘milk dress photoshoot’ “pinup” style photos from a great photographer called Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz.

Wow! His work is just inspirational and brilliantly done.

My creative mind started working. I wondered if I could produce a milk dress maternity image without wrecking the whole photography studio too much!

Luckily, it wasn’t too hard to find a willing victim (I mean model, ha ha) who was happy for me to give it a go.

So armed with eight litres of milk and a big roll of plastic sheeting, I decided to give try out a milk dress photoshoot with the help of my photographer friend Jacky.

Preparing the photography studio

I really didn’t want to let any of the milk I was going to be using during the photoshoot to hit the floor.

That would have been a nightmare to clean up afterwards, and the smell would have been just horrible! So, as you can see, we covered everything!

I did warm the milk but only a tad, as I’d been told that warm milk is a little more translucent than cold milk. And I really needed the milk to cover my model Lindsay’s body to achieve the effect I was after.

Milk throwing!

We tried a few milk throwing/pouring techniques. But, to be honest, for the milk skirt splashes (which you can see below), it really was a case of just chucking it! No finesse was needed. The goal was simply to hit the target (poor Lindsay!).

The top half was more tricky. In order to create the final ‘dress’, we needed the milk to run in a certain way and not spread too much as it ran down the body.

In the end, it took roughly 500 photos to have enough to piece together the dress bit by bit. The splash skirt ones were my personal fave!

Huge thanks to Lindsay

Jacky and I worked as quickly as possible but it soon got a bit cold for my poor model despite the central heating being on.

I think Lindsay deserved a medal for braving the cold milk at 30 weeks pregnant (yes, doesn’t she look amazing for 30 weeks!)

We all had a lot of fun trying out the milk dress technique. Lindsay was a great sport for putting up with us and all the milk being thrown at her naked body.

It probably wasn’t the most enjoyable experience she has ever had. And I think her face in this photo says it all really!

Creating the milk dress

After the studio cleanup, and armed with my 500 photos of a milk-covered model, I set about the task of piecing it all together in my photo editing software, Photoshop.

Boy, how I had underestimated this part of the process!

It’s safe to say that my photoshop skills were tested to the limit with this portrait.

I normally use Photoshop to enhance a photo, not completely manipulate it. And being self-taught, it took a little research into areas of Photoshop that I don’t normally use. But after several hours I got there.

I had lots of fun throwing milk and a few hair-pulling moments in Photoshop, but I’m pleased with the end result and hope Lindsay loves it too.

What do you think? Do please let me know in the comment below.

I’m hoping to do a few more creative photoshoots over the coming months so look out for those on the blog soon.

Maternity photoshoots at KW Photography

I just love doing maternity photo sessions. So if you’re expecting then please take a look at my maternity photo gallery and get in touch to book a session.

There won’t be any need for you to be subjected to the milk throwing, like Lindsay was. My normal maternity photoshoots are far more conventional!

But they do make you feel and look amazing and are a great way to celebrate this special time in your life before your new baby arrives.

Karen x


Indoor family attractions in Bournemouth and Poole

In today’s blog, I’m sharing a roundup of my ten favourite indoor and wet-weather family attractions in Bournemouth and Poole.

Why? Well, because, as a mum of two, I know how hard it is to conjure up activities when it’s wet, windy and cold outside.

Luckily, down here in Dorset we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to options for indoor family entertainment. So, there should be no need for the kids to crash on the sofa with the PlayStation for hours on end, or to moan “I’m bored!”

Whether you have little or big kids or both, these activities should provide you with plenty of inspiration for what you can do when the weather isn’t at its best.

Ten things to do with the kids in wet weather in Bournemouth and Poole

  1. Go Swimming

Grab your trunks, swimming costumes and towels and plan a trip to the local swimming baths.

In Poole, there is Splashdown, at Tower Park – one of the largest waterparks on the south coast. There you’ll find thrilling indoor and outdoor flume rides and several under 5’s splash zones.

Or if you’re in Bournemouth, the Littledown Centre has a huge 25-metre pool and loads of free parking. The pool itself is ideal whether you are wanting to have a relaxing swim or a splash around with the family. At selected times over the weekends, they also open the waterslides and have inflatable pool toys.

  1. Go rock-climbing

Rock Reef, located on Bournemouth Pier, is just the ticket if you’re after a thrill, too.

This all-weather attraction offers a range of adventure sports and includes climbing walls suitable for all abilities and all ages from upwards of four years old. There are also high ropes, aerial obstacle courses and an indoor fun cave experience.

  1. Go trampolining

Another high-energy attraction worth a visit is Activate Trampoline Park in Ferndown. The trampolines and a new assault course will be sure to wear your big kids out! There is also special area designed for children under 5 and a soft-play facility and on-site café.

  1. Go ice-skating

A seasonal activity you might want to try is ice-skating, and there are various places across Dorset where you can get your skates on.

There is a small rink at The Ark in Poole Park, and the Bournemouth International Centre offers the south coast’s biggest indoor ice rink from mid-December through to mid-February. There is also an outdoor ice-skating rink in Bournemouth Central Gardens from mid-November to January.

  1. Go skateboarding

Or if skateboarding is more what your kids are into, take them to Prevail Skatehouse in Poole. This is an indoor skatepark, ideal for burning off some energy and perfecting their BMX, scooter or skateboarding technique. There’s also a dedicated ‘mini ramp room’ for younger skaters. Why not have a go too? There’s no need to just let the kids have all the fun after all!

  1. Soft play

Not feeling too energetic? There’s always soft-play! These centres are always a good option in wet weather for kids aged up to about 12yrs, and there are loads to choose from across Dorset.

In Poole, Lemur Landings in Tower Park is one of the county’s largest and has recently had a refurb. And there are lots of others dotted around, the best of which include Giggles and The Ark in Poole Park. Soft play is just one of the attractions at places like the Oasis Indoor Fun Centre in central Bournemouth and at many of the larger family destinations such as Adventure Wonderland and Farmer Palmers.

  1. A trip to the theatre or cinema

A great wet-weather attraction that even mum and dad can enjoy is the theatre or cinema. We have Bournemouth Pavilion, the Bournemouth International Centre and the Pavilion Dance all in the town centre, playing host to a regular programme of events, shows and concerts. There is also the new Odean Cinema in the new BH2 complex in central Bournemouth.In Poole there is the popular arts centre The Lighthouse as well as Cineworld at Tower Park, showing a wide variety of movies and performances.

  1. Visit a museum

Over in west Dorset, you’ll find The Tank Museum which offers an educational and fun day out. It hosts the world’s best collection of tanks and tells the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day. Also worth a visit if you’re in Poole is Poole Museum, just off Poole Quay.

  1. Visit an aquarium

A fascinating few hours could also be spent at either the Oceanarium Bournemouth or at Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. You’ll come face to face with marine life from around the world which is something that all the family can enjoy.

  1. Walk in your wellies!

Finally, if you’re feeling up to it, brave the weather, grab your welly boots, coats and hats and enjoy the great outdoors. After all, kids of all ages love jumping in muddy puddles! And you never know, the weather may improve once you’re out!

There are lots of parks and woodlands to enjoy across Dorset such as Upton Country ParkMoors ValleyDurlston Country Park and of course, there is the beautiful New Forest in neighbouring Hampshire. Or a beach walk gets my vote all year round.

Do let me know in the comments of any other wet-weather family attractions in Bournemouth and Poole that are worth a mention, and which are your favourites from my list!

And if you’ve found this useful, please share so that others can benefit from it too. 

Karen


Six tips for photographing older children and teenagers

Children’s photographer

Photographing older children and teenagers can be very tricky and that makes being a children’s photography even trickier.

As a mum of 2 teenagers one who is driving now, I know that it’s sometimes ridiculously hard to get big kids to cooperate and pose for portraits. Perhaps if you’re a parent to older children you’ll share my pain?!

Photographing camera-shy teens

As they grow up, teenagers can become more reluctant to pose for a camera, and I know this from my own experience of trying to photograph my own son.

Being a professional photographer, I obviously don’t find the photography side challenging. But I do struggle to get my son, who’s 18, to even be in front of my camera. He literally hides when I reach for it and only lets me photograph him if I bribe him with money!

Childrens photographer

Professional child and family photographer | Dorset

Of course, as a children’s photographer, I have years of experience photographing children of all ages.

So I thought I’d share some tips today on photographing older children and teenagers, as well as share some examples of portraits I have taken recently.

My top tips for photographing older children and teenagers

  1. Work quickly

When photographing children of any age, it’s crucial to act quickly since they soon get distracted or bored. But this is particularly important with teenagers. As Tom did, they will likely only give you a few minutes to take the shot, so make those minutes count!

  1. Treat them as adults

Older kids want to feel they are not being patronised or spoken to like a child. So, when photographing teenagers, communication is key. Get the conversation flowing and do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. You’ll get the best photos of them when they are feeling relaxed and at ease.

Pro tip: One thing you can do, whether you’re using a smartphone camera or a DSLR, is say that you are taking some ‘test’ shots initially. They’ll feel less inhibited if they think you aren’t really trying to photograph them properly. And these early pictures, before they potentially clam up in front of the camera, could be some of the best you end up taking!

  1. Direct them, but don’t ‘pose’ them

Probably what most people dislike about being photographed is that they don’t know how to sit or stand, how to pose or what to do with their hands. Teenagers may feel particularly conspicuous in front of the camera.

Since the best portraits are usually natural shots which show the subject’s personality, don’t overly ‘pose’ your teenager. Allow him or her to act normally and then photograph them simply being themselves, with a little bit of direction if needed.

  1. Make it fun

No-one wants to be photographed if they are bored or feel awkward. So, make the few precious minutes you have to photograph your older child as fun as possible. Talk to them, ask them questions about things they like to do, what their plans are for the weekend, what hobbies they have, their favourite movie, food or X-box game. Anything that will get them more engaged will result in better quality, more natural photos.

  1. Embrace their individuality

Forget trying to dress them in formal clothes or something that they don’t want to wear. Photographing older children and teenagers will usually only be successful if you allow them to call the shots.

Let them wear what they want and style their hair in the way they want (even if you would prefer they wore something else or combed their hair away from their face).

  1. Don’t force them to smile

Similarly, don’t force them to smile. Their natural expression and individual style are what you will want to capture in your photos since then you’ll be capturing a portrait that reflects who they really are.

What are your experiences of photographing older children and teenagers?

Do your children love being photographed or are they camera-shy? Let me know what challenges you’ve experienced when taking photos of your big kids or teenagers in the comments below. Do you want to be a children’s photographer or think you might leave it to the professionals?

Karen x


Reflecting back on my first newborn photoshoots

With school having just finished for the summer, it struck me that the newborn pics I took of the babies I photographed in my first year as a professional photographer will have been among those finishing their first year of school recently. Wow!

I guess that would make sense. After all, I started my professional photography career six years ago and began to specialise in newborn photography very soon after that.

Which means that I have been photographing newborns for that long. How quickly time flies!

Where does the time go?

It’s unbelievable to think that those babies have now graduated from their first year at school. And come September, the babies I photographed in my second year as a newborn photographer will be starting school!

They were all just teeny tiny newborns when they came to me!

My first newborn photoshoots

So, because I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, I thought it would be nice to dig out some of the images from my earliest newborn photoshoots. I’ve included a small selection here and have included them alongside more recent pictures I’ve taken, as they’ve grown up.

It’s fascinating to see how they have grown into such lovely little people. Bless them!

Many of my client families do return to me for photo sessions as their children get older – whether it’s for a Watch Me Grow package of three sessions during the baby’s first year, or for a first birthday cake smash an annual child portrait or family portrait.

Case in point. Look at these two! I can’t believe they are ready to start school in September. I photographed them back in January 2013 and now they have a gorgeous baby brother as well.

Photographing children as they grow

Here’s Charlie. He was such a cute newborn and I loved his cake smash for his first birthday.

And here he is now. He loves cuddling his baby sister!

Here’s another example of Newborn Pics

A beautiful baby…

Wow! Look at her now. She’s a stunning and very grown up little princess!

Don’t miss your chance to capture precious newborn pics

My advice to you if you’re a parent-to-be or a new parent is to not risk forgetting these precious newborn pics! It will only be a short while before your own baby is grown and off to school too!

Capturing the precious and short-lived moments in your baby’s first weeks with professional newborn portraits is an investment you will never regret. Honestly!

To book a newborn photoshoot with me please contact me on 07749 270431 or you can email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.

And before I go, parents of these children featured, if you’re reading this – I’d love to know if you feel like me; that the past five or six years has just flown? And what do you remember of their newborn photoshoot? I’d love to know!

Karen x


Perfect portraits captured in unlikely locations

Perfect portraits

Hey, everyone!

If like me, you have been enjoying the great outdoors this summer, then you can’t have failed to notice the grass getting long and that patches of wildflowers have appeared. The council has also been leaving it longer between grass cuts.

This is great for the wild bee population, and the butterflies have been in abundance this summer.

The long grass and wildflowers are not only great for the insects though – I love it too! (Except on the A31, where it’s really dangerous coming to the roundabouts!)

Through the lens: What I see

Every day I drive past a small but perfectly formed patch of wildflowers on the way to school. To me, they are just crying out to but used in a photoshoot!

I’m sure most people would think I am slightly nuts getting excited about this. After all, it’s just a small patch – a couple of meters long – at the side of the road! But what I see through the camera lens is different to what others see.

Despite what you might think, as a portrait photographer, I don’t need a sweeping meadow or an amazing vista as a backdrop. I can see the potential in even the most unlikely locations.

I know how to make a perfect portrait in the most unexpected of places and even in very small spaces.

Trying out an unlikely location

So, armed with one of my many new dresses from the studio, and a willing small person off I ventured.

Safety is really important to me – as you can see from the video below, we were at a safe distance from the road. And mum, of my model Betsy, is right there too, keeping an eye on the children while I take the portraits.

Another thing to point out is that it is hugely important to me that we don’t damage the flowers at all. We don’t wade through the patch, reeking havoc! Instead, we stand on the edge and I can use clever camera angles to make it appear as though the child is actually in among the flowers in the final photo.

Betsy loved the flowers and the dresses and we had a great time getting some lovely location portraits for her mummy.

On another occasion, I took my daughter and her friend back to the same spot for a few more.

And on that day, we also found a patch of long grass which I didn’t even know was there. Although this all took place so close to home, it’s not something I had noticed before. It goes to show what beautiful things we could all be missing out on, right on our doorstep!

Perfect portraits captured in unlikely locations

So what do you think?

Would you have known that these portraits were taken next to such a small patch of flowers alongside a main road?! I suspect, not.

I love creating perfect portraits in unlikely locations like this!

Do get in touch with me if you would like something similar. Contact me on 07749 270431 or you can email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form

And let me know in the comments if you know of any little patches of flowers locally that might be suitable for your very own location shoot!


outdoor photography studio

An invitation to enjoy my new outdoor photography studio

Outdoor Photography studio

At the rear of the KW Photography photography studio, I have a large garden and I had it excavated last year. I’m planning to turn this space into an outdoor photography studio. It was hugely overgrown – more like a jungle! It took weeks and weeks of hard work to clear it. But now, at last, you can actually see the wood for the trees, so to speak!

Well, suffice to say, it was a job well worth doing. Because, this year I am now able to offer you the option of having your portraits taken outdoors as well as indoors, all on one site!

Yep, if you are looking to have natural, outdoor portraits taken of the kids this summer, then look no further. This is exactly what I am now offering in my new outdoor photography studio (a.k.a the garden)!

Studio and on-location photography in one session

On the days when the weather has been kind recently, I’ve started inviting clients outside. Everyone I have taken out there so far seems to be loving the new outdoor photography studio.

They like that they can get both indoor and outdoor portraits taken in the one session with me, which naturally results in a wider variety of images for them to choose from and buy.

And the cherry on the cake, of course, is that it’s now possible to do this without us all having to leave the premises and that it’s available at no additional cost!

A natural backdrop for maternity, baby and family portraits

I planted thousands of bulbs last year after the garden was cleared and am thrilled that these have mostly been successful. I had a carpet of bluebells in the spring, and now have a lovely mix of shrubs and grasses which have created a lovely backdrop for the outdoor portraits.

As you can see, baby Jennie loved being in the garden! I took the miniature enamel bath outside and she splashed away in the fresh air! It was lovely to watch. She even gave me loads of smiles despite the pain she was in with her pesky teeth that day.

outdoor photography studio

And when this gorgeous little girl decided that she didn’t want to have her photo taken in the studio, the outdoor photography studio was the perfect solution!

Come and discover my garden studio

Another great thing about the garden studio is that it extends quite far back and so there’s lots of scope to create a variety of pictures.

I had a fabulous giant swing installed earlier in the year which is ideal for the bigger kids and adults, and I’ve also got lots of props like vintage trikes, chairs and wheelbarrows which are cute to include in pictures of the younger ones.

I’m so thrilled that I am finally getting to use the outside space here at KW Photography HQ in Poole. I’ve wanted to for years now. And I’m really pleased that feedback has been so positive about this exciting new service.

Book your outdoor photography studio session today

The outdoor photography studio is a safe and welcoming place for both children and adults. I look forward to inviting you to come and try it out for yourself.

Remember, I’m able to create professional portraits of you, your children or your entire family, and I specialise in both styled studio portraits and relaxed outdoor photos.

So whether you want to combine a studio session with some time in the garden, or if you just want an outdoor session, the choice is entirely yours.

Please contact me to book your session. I’m available on 07749 270431 or you can email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.

Karen x