AndyDane

Royal baby watch & the joys of a growing family

As I write this, in the final days of April, the world is waiting with baited breath for news of the imminent birth of the Royal baby; Kate and Prince William’s second child and brother or sister to their firstborn, George. Kate is rumoured to be four days overdue but now in labour so apparently news could come at any time!

Much like the first time around, the world’s news media has kicked into overdrive and scores of journalists and photographers are literally pitched up outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington where the birth will take place, desperate to be able to report the news as it breaks and to catch a glimpse of the new baby to share with the world.

Of course, I love the news of a baby’s birth, whether Royal or not, and as a mum myself, I can recall those unforgettable emotions you experience as a new parent. The birth of a new baby is the most amazing, euphoric and completely mind-blowing experience (once the hard bit of the delivery is over with!).

Kate and William are bound to be feeling a mixture of emotions right now – anticipation of the birth, excitement for what’s ahead but also nervousness, no doubt, at the thought of soon having two children to care for. And with the world watching, these emotions must be all the more intense.

I would love to have been the photographer commissioned to take the portrait of the new Royal baby when he or she arrives. Sadly, I didn’t that call this time – perhaps they’ll think of me for baby number three!

But seriously, adding to your family – as the Royal couple are about to – with a second or perhaps third child is such a significant step in your family’s history, and is a great opportunity to update your family photos.

It’s the reason why many of my clients decide to not only have photographs taken of their newborn baby, but also to get a family shot or two at the same session, or to photograph the new baby with his sibling(s).

It’s something I would wholeheartedly recommend and it’s the kind of portrait that I love to do. I’ve featured some examples here of the many gorgeous growing families I’ve had the honour of photographing recently. I hope that you enjoy!

Until next time,

Karen x

Mummy! Daddy! Watch me grow!

We all know that kids grow up fast. But as a new parent, try as hard as you might, it’s often impossible to keep track of it all amid the madness that comes along with a newborn! Many of the parents I meet say that they aim to keep a regular photographic record of their baby’s growth, particularly in the babys first year.

But while cameras on smartphones are getting better these days, and parents may take lots of photos quickly and easily without the need for specialist equipment, at home very few manage to get the quality photographs they want. Particularly photos – like those done by professionals – that are worthy of hanging on the walls at home, or giving away as gifts to friends and family.

Of course, there’s the lighting to consider, the background, the props and the overall composition of the photo. Also a newborn baby is harder to pose than may be presumed and an older baby often won’t stay in the pose or position you’d like, nor look to camera, so it can become a bit of a challenge!

Because of this I offer ‘Watch Me Grow’ sessions. These have become a real hit with parents because the package includes a newborn photoshoot at my Poole-based studio, ideal for when baby is just days or weeks old, plus an additional two photoshoots to be held at any time during the babys first year.

So by booking a Watch Me Grow package you are certain to get the professional photos you desire, while keeping tabs of their incredible development in their first year and without the hassle of trying to do it yourself at home. Plus from each session I provide 20-30 edited images on a private online gallery, and then the final images selected from the gallery are supplied a disc. So printing those photos you want for your home or as gifts is a doddle!

If you’re interested in booking a Watch Me Grow session, or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you!

Life after redundancy, today is the 4th anniversary of my being made redundant from my “job for life” at a large magazine printing company here in Poole. So after 23 years working at the same place I said goodbye to friends and colleagues at the factory in Dorset; best years of my life spent printing the glossy magazines we all love to read so I thought at the time. Having emptied my desk in anticipation of leaving it took another 3 months for consultation to end, finally being released on the 11th of February 2011, my husband’s birthday.

On the 12th February 2011, I became a full-time photographer, my head full of hopes and dreams for the future mixed with a fear of the unknown we all face once in a while. Having earmarked a chunk of my redundancy settlement to convert our large garage into a bespoke studio at home in Broadstone, I set about filling it with lighting, backdrops and props. I took a whole year to find my way into the Newborn photography world I’m so well known for now, starting with a training workshop on newborn posing in Jan 2012 followed quickly by a couple more, including the Baby Whisperer Academy that I’m now part of as a trainer myself.

During the last four years I have learnt so much and my photography passion has grown beyond even my wildest dreams.

Someone once said to me at my old job “oh its all right for you you’ve got your husband’s wage and your hobby to fall back on, you’re lucky” It’s amazing how lucky I became the harder I worked!

I’ve had so many amazing things happen to KW Photography in such a short space of time, including featuring not once but twice in the Daily Mail with my Newborn Photography gaining my Craftsman qualification in studio portraiture, as well as being awarded two Photographer of the Year titles with the Guild of Photographers

Being mentored by the amazing Damian McGillicuddy who showed me how to make my business work and helped me continue to grow and flourish. Working for a massive UK Baby Brand MAMUK, capturing their products in use. But the most amazing thing of all has to be meeting all the gorgeous Newborns, Children and Parents who come to the studio every day.

I’ve even have an article about me being printed right now, ready to be published and of all things printed in the very factory where I used to work, how amazing is that…who’d have thought it?

This year will bring a few more changes for the future, including my husband being made redundant in the very new future. This is terrifying and exciting in equal measures and I can genuinely say hand on heart whilst its scary facing the unknown I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Follow your dreams, they can become reality.

Bye for now

Karen x

They say never work with kids or animals…

Ha ha! Well, I’ve been doing both!

As you all know, I absolutely love my job photographing babies, children and families.  Some of you may also know that I could be described as a bit of an animal lover and have been known to dabble in pet photography, often with our family Pooch Scamp as the obliging subject.

So when I get asked by clients if they can bring their pets along to take part in a photo shoot, I see it as nothing other than a chance to combine these two loves of mine, and it’s always a lot of fun!

My studio in Poole has recently been visited by a whole host of animals. These have included Lucky the newborn duck who waddled in on a newborn photoshoot with its five-month old helper Edie. There has also been the lovely Lilia with her new puppy Belle, an American Cockerpoo (an American Cocker Spaniel and Toy Poodle cross, in case you were wondering!). There’s also been Lenny the Bassett Hound who took pride of place in the Pavey  family photoshoot, among lots of others.

Photographing animals certainly has its challenges though. Unlike newborn babies who can be lulled to sleep and manoeuvred into position, animals rarely follow directions and are pretty much always on the move!

As with people, getting a great portrait is always easier when the subject is relaxed, so if you’re planning on bringing your pet to my studio, make sure the animal comes fed and alert. If it’s a dog, I’ll encourage you to play with him as you would at home so bring along his favourite toy or treat. If it’s a duck like Lucky who is less likely to follow commands, well, I’ll setup the shot and then watch and simply wait for them to do their thing.

My job as a photographer, whether of people or pets, is to be ready at any moment to capture a certain look or fleeting movement that might just create the perfect portrait.

Children and pet photography is something that I hope to do more of. The love that kids often have for their pets is so endearing and can translate well into a photograph. And let’s face it, no family portrait can be truly complete without the animals of the household included too.

So to those who say ‘never work with children or animals’: Thanks for the advice, but I think you’re barking mad! Ha ha!

It perhaps doesn’t feel very long since you welcomed your baby into the world. Then, before you know it, they are six months old already and have changed beyond all recognition. Seem familiar?

Well, this is exactly why many parents choose to come to me for a studio portrait session with their six month old baby; to capture that adorable stage in their development that is unique to that half-year milestone.

A six month old is a joy to photograph. No longer a sleepy newborn bundle but a proper little person, with gorgeous squidgy bodies and eyes wide in wonder! I will present them with various toys in a ploy to capture their best smile and it’s a real joy to see their happy faces beam with delight.

For a six month photo shoot I would recommend bringing an outfit for your baby to wear (keep it simple, try to co-ordinate colours and avoid logos, character T-shirts etc. that may date the photographs), as well as any personal items that you may wish me to include, such as their favourite teddy bear.

I can provide a large selection of adorable hats, colourful blankets and props such as baskets, boxes, suitcases and I’ve even got an old Victorian-style miniature bath which they can be photographed in. Or we can keep it simple and just let baby dictate the pace and style of the shoot, and pick out props themselves!

Ultimately the best photos are those where baby is relaxed and happy.

If you are coming to me for a six month photo shoot sometime soon, I can’t wait to see you and your baby. In the photos, I will endeavour to let their unique personality shine through and capture them at their gorgeous half-year best!