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
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
Introducing the KW Photography Baby Oscars
And the Award goes to…
This Sunday, the 89th Academy Awards – a.k.a. the Oscars – will be held in Hollywood. The great and the good from the movie industry will attend and the best actors, actresses and movies of the past year will be celebrated. So here at KW HQ we decided we needed our own version The Baby Oscars
Purely in the name of fun, I have decided to create my very own version of the Oscars to tie in with this prestigious event.
Having had my photography business established for six years now, I have a tonne of adorable newborn baby and kids portraits in my portfolio.
So, I thought it would be fun to look back and celebrate some of these gorgeous children.
I love photographing children of all ages
Babies and children are just the cutest people to photograph.
Those of you who have hired me as your portrait photographer and recommended me to your friends will know that I absolutely LOVE my job.
Getting to meet so many delightful little people makes my work so much fun!
The innocence of a sleeping newborn right through to the mischievous grins of a one-year-old during their first birthday cake smash shoot are just some of the things I enjoy the most.
So, ladies and gentleman, without further ado, let me introduce you to…
The KW Photography Baby Oscars
In this inaugural KW Photography Baby Oscars, I’m celebrating some of my favourite images from the past year.
And there are prizes for the winners – if your child is featured below please contact me via the comments box below to claim your prize which is a free 10 x 8 print worth £25.00.
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Newborn Smile’ goes to…
Bea: Back in July 2016, Bea came along with her mummy and absolutely stole my heart with her great big grin. She was just six weeks old at the time and really loved that camera. Yeah baby!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Pout’ goes to…
Theo: This was an easy one to choose. There was no contest really!
All Theo had to do during his photo session was to enjoy his cake smash cake and be the star of my cake smash video. But, no, he had other ideas!
It’s true what they say about working with kids and animals! Ha ha!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Yawn’ goes to…
Benjamin: Just look at that sleepy head! Oh, it’s such hard work being just a few days old!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Splash’ goes to…
Alyssa: I had so many adorable children in for cake smashes during 2016. Alyssa’s still makes me laugh out loud! She was so excited!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Smash’ goes to…
Woody, Hugo and Rosie: Being triplets, they will have to share their cake smash crown, just as they shared their cake. Hats off to mummy and daddy! Triplets as active as these three needs heaps of energy!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Chin Dimple’ goes to…
Daisy: Perfect in every way! I love her gorgeous little chin dimple.
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Newborn Hair’ goes to…
Florence: Just look at those gorgeous locks!
The KW Photography Baby Oscar for the ‘Best Dressed’ goes to…
Elsie: She wins the best-dressed crown hands down. She stole the show in her mummy’s wedding dress.
KW Photography Baby Oscars winners
So, that’s my 2017 KW Photography Baby Oscars award winners!
I hope that you have enjoyed these pictures as much as I have enjoyed taking them? Which is your favourite? Do let me know in the comments.
And, don’t forget mummies and daddies, if your child has been featured please also comment on the blog to get in touch about your prize.
Have a great weekend everyone ☺
Karen x
Cake smash portraits and a celebration of all things cake!
Today I’d like to share with you some of my favourite cake smash portraits from recent sessions.
First birthday cake smash
As you probably know if you follow my Facebook page, my cake smash portrait sessions for one-year-olds are extremely popular. Particularly since this video of mine went viral last year and was watched by over 5.6 million people!
There is usually not one single week in a typical month when I am not doing at least one cake smash. And very often I can be busy doing several in a week. I love them and it’s great that my clients do too.
Celebrating a baby’s first year
Cake smash portraits are certainly becoming the popular way to celebrate a baby hitting that first-year milestone. And as a result, I buy a LOT of cake!
Themed cake smash photoshoots
Each child, as part of my cake smash photoshoot, gets their very own professionally made, giant cupcake to devour during their session.
Yes, some are reluctant at first. But most really go for it after a while, and the parents and I are usually laughing throughout the entire session! It’s such fun to watch!
My shoots are fully themed; mummy and daddy choose from a selection of colours and themes in advance. I provide the cake and the themed outfit, I setup a themed backdrop and we start the messy play.
I capture all the fun as your baby squeals with delight, smashing up and eating the cake. Then afterwards, I get them all squeaky clean again (you’ll be pleased to hear)!
They have a splash around in my miniature roll-top bath, and that’s also another opportunity for me to capture some great photographs to finish the session.
Baby becomes a toddler
A first birthday cake smash is a fantastic way to celebrate your child turning one and officially transitioning from a baby into a toddler.
At this age, they are growing in confidence by the minute and their personality shines through the in the adorable photos.
To view more examples from my cake smash portrait portfolio, visit my gallery here. And to book a cake smash for your child, call me on 07749 270431 or contact me via my website to book your preferred date.
Before I go, I’ll leave you with one final tip for parents coming to a cake smash session …prepare to get messy!
Karen x
Shortlisted for ‘Child Photographer of the Year’ Award
I have received some extremely exciting news today. I have been shortlisted for the Child Photographer of the Year award with the largest photographic society in the UK, the SWPP (the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers)!
I’m just one of three professional photographers across the UK and Europe who are now in the running for the title of Child Photographer of the Year.
I’m actually in shock if I’m honest, but thrilled too! Oh, wouldn’t it be brilliant if I was to win?!
Gold standard portrait
This portrait was awarded a ‘Gold’ in the SWPP’s latest monthly photography competition and has played a large part in my award nomination.
I don’t actually think winning awards is the be-all and end-all. Happy clients are most important to me. Yet, it certainly feels good to have been selected!
Especially when the standard of work from the other thousands of UK and international photographers who have entered the competition is so high!
Accomplished Studio and On-Location Photographer
This nomination is particularly special to me because I have been submitting images to the SWPP this year that have been a mixture of studio photography (my first love) and outdoor, on-location photography.
Although I began doing more outdoor photography in the summer of 2015, it is only in 2016 that I feel that I have become just as competent in on-location photography, using natural light, as I am in the studio.
Lifestyle Photography in Dorset
I’ve worked hard, invested in professional training and got out and about around Dorset at every possible opportunity, usually taking my long-suffering daughter Lizzie with me to model (as you can see from all the portraits I’ve included here).
I feel that I have come a long way this year and this award nomination is a real boost and acknowledgement of that.
Making Memories
These portraits are special in another way too; because they are all of Lizzie, my own daughter.
I often talk about the importance of capturing important family moments in photographs.
Being a mum as well as a photographer, I’m in the lucky position of being able to take professional-standard portraits of Lizzie, and in doing so I’m making memories of my own. I love that!
Child Photographer of the Year announced in January
So wish me luck!
The winner will be revealed next month at the SWPP’s annual awards ceremony. It would be amazing to become Child Photographer of the Year so please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me and I’ll keep you posted about the result!
Karen x
Christmas baby portraits: How I created these ‘Elf on the shelf’ images
Christmas baby portraits
With Christmas coming up, naturally, I have been taking lots of themed Christmas baby portraits these past few weeks. I just adore them, and every one goes crazy for the elf on the shelf!
Parents do too! And, why not?! There’s so much to love! They can be used on personalised Christmas cards. And they make great Christmas presents for family and friends when printed and framed, or used in photo gifts.
Christmas baby portraits are lovely both to give, and to receive.
Elf on the Shelf inspired portraits
I have particularly enjoyed working on a new concept this year. A creative setup, inspired by the ‘Elf on the Shelf’ craze.
Elf on the Shelf has increased in popularity, here in the UK, over the past few years. So I thought it would be fun to transform a few gorgeous newborns into little elves and capture them sleeping on their very own ‘shelf’.
I say ‘shelf’ in adverted commas since they were not perched on a shelf, of course. It’s simply a clever optical illusion. If you’d like to know how I safely created these Elf on the Shelf-inspired portraits, read on!
Newborn photography: Tricks of the trade
Now, it’s important for you to realize that I would never balance a baby on a shelf or hang them from a height.
Nor would I position them in a basket that was at risk of toppling over. Or in a way that they were required to support their own head in their hands.
That just wouldn’t be safe.
Composite newborn images
All my portraits are taken in the safe, warm environment of my photography studio and the baby’s parents are always close by as well.
‘Composite’ newborn baby portraits like the one above are actually created after the photoshoot. They are essentially one or more photographs combined together using digital editing techniques.
Although the majority of the work is done in the photography studio, editing is an essential element in the success of this kind of image.
How I created the sleeping ‘Elf on the Shelf’ portrait
For the photo above, I setup the shot of the baby resting her head on the teddy bear, while laying on the shelf. The shelf was balanced and securely positioned on a chair, and the baby was held safely in position by the parent at all times.
The final image was achieved when I combined several photographs together. I removed the parents’ hand and the chair from the photographs during the digital editing process. Clever huh?
(For more of an insight into this process, take a look at how composite newborn images are created here).
Clever Christmas baby portraits
Here’s another Elf on the Shelf portrait. This one was tricky to setup, but was worth it!
Although the baby appears to be sitting on the shelf, he was actually lying, safely and comfortably, on his back on the floor.
I deliberately chose the rustic wooden backdrop which looked like the interior wall of a winter log cabin, and then propped the shelf up against his legs and bottom.
To complete the illusion, the props were also carefully positioned alongside him, and stuck down with tape to stop them from falling to the side. Then I photographed the whole setup from above, with my camera looking directly down to the floor.
Ensuring baby’s safety at all times
Of course, I wanted it to appear as though these babies were really positioned on the shelf.
But, as with any other portraits that I create that appear to put the baby in a position of potential danger, I can assure you that these are all created 100% safely.
Book your photoshoot today!
These are just a couple of examples of creative portraits that I produce for my clients within my signature newborn photography experience.
If you’d like something similar with your newborn baby, whatever the time of year, please contact me today.
Karen x
Smile baby! Newborn, baby and child photography
Is there anything more adorable than a smiling baby?
Lucky for me, I get to meet so many gorgeous little ones in my job in newborn, baby and child photography.
And since it was World Smile Day recently, I felt it fitting to collate a collection of some of my recent ‘smiley’ portraits for you to enjoy.
To sleep or not to sleep…
The majority of newborn babies I photograph are less than two weeks old. At that age, they typically spend up to 18 hours per day asleep.
So it’s no surprise then that they spend most of the photoshoot blissfully unaware of the flashing camera. Safely in the land of nod.
But there are always a few cheeky ones!
Sometimes the babies I photograph just refuse to play ball. They’ll be wide awake and taking it all in. This is really lovely if it happens. It gives me the opportunity to capture some great open-eyed shots, like this.
Smile, smile, smile
And if I’m REALLY lucky, they’ll flash me a super-cute smile too!
Babies don’t usually smile before the six-week mark. Anything before that is an unconscious reflex, similar to the jerky arm and leg movements that they do in their first few weeks.
But if they do smile, it’s unbelievably cute! If I can capture any smiling shots for the parents, I always will. Seeing their baby’s smiling face for the very first time is just magic!
Natural smiles are the best!
Older babies, toddlers and young children also regularly give me the most adorable grins.
Unfortunately, as kids get older they learn to give the posed “cheeeeseeee” grins whenever a camera is presented in front of them. This isn’t so great, and it’s one of my daily challenges when working with toddlers and older children.
But capturing a natural smile, when the child’s eyes and entire face light up, is fantastic at any age.
I hope you enjoy the smiles! I love baby and child photography!
If you are expecting a baby and wish to discover more about my newborn photography sessions, visit my Frequently Asked Questions page as well as my Newborn Photography Guide here.
Don’t forget to book as early as possible to secure your preferred date. Book around the time of your 20-week scan if possible. Slots do fill up fast!
Until next time,
Karen x
Amazing Birth photography
Birth photography: A birth story in photographs.
Photography for me has always been about capturing the moment; that special smile, the cutest look, or the best pout ever. I get plenty of opportunities with all the babies, toddlers, and children that pass through my photography studio in Poole.
Once in a while, you get the chance to be a witness to something truly magical and special. On Friday 30th September, I was asked to photograph a birth.
Now, this was not really how I’d planned to spend my Friday. In fact, I was due to photograph a beautiful seven-day-old baby girl in the studio. However, I was a stand-in photographer for another local photographer who was due to cover a birth. Yup, you guessed it, I got lucky and the call came to me!
So I got the first message the night before. Labour was starting so I jumped into action, packed my camera, made sure my batteries were charged, and formatted my memory cards. I was so excited I could barely sleep! I kept waiting for the text to arrive during the night, but the baby was having other ideas and keeping us waiting.
Morning arrived and, with it, all the usual rush to get the kids to school, bags packed, school lunches made and rush hour traffic. So the imminent birth was pushed to the back of my mind.
Perfect timing, 9.30 I was called into action; “Come now, the baby is on its way.”
I dashed to Lilliput, near Sandbanks in Poole, found the house and let myself in.
The scene was so calm, candles flickering and gentle music playing. I slipped quietly in, set my camera to silent and got to work.
My aim was to document this amazing day for the parents, not get in the way nor intrude their intimate, precious time. As a Mum myself, I know how “in the zone” you are giving birth. The mix of emotions is immense. From total panic and fear to a sense of calm and, finally, elation when your baby is born.
The labour progressed pretty quickly and I was sure delivery was going to happen soon. This was the second birth I’ve photographed and both have been at home with no pain relief; what amazing strong mothers they are!
At 13.11pm on Friday 30th September Carrie gave birth. I’m in total awe of her will and strength of character managing to give birth exactly how she had planned, at home in the birthing pool.
I couldn’t wait to see if it was a boy or girl. Daddy announced a healthy baby boy!
Congratulations Carrie and Patrick on the birth of your gorgeous new baby boy! I really enjoyed the opportunity to try out birth photography again and I can’t wait to see you all in the studio for a newborn session soon.
Much love, and bye for now,
Karen x
Something new for you mummies to be!
Mummies to be
You know me…Never one to stand still! As a complement to my pregnancy and baby portrait services, I’ve decided to introduce something brand new for you mummies to be. Something which I hope many of you will love.
I’ve been busy behind the scenes testing out a new idea, a plaster cast of a pregnant lady’s baby bump.
This makes a beautiful prop, in the shape of a bowl, which can then be incorporated into a newborn baby photoshoot several weeks later.
During your newborn photo shoot, the baby can be placed in the bowl – in my signature sleeping baby style – and then the bowl is yours to take home with you afterward, as a lasting memento of your pregnant shape.
What a lovely way to celebrate your pregnancy and to create a personalised photo prop for your baby’s first photoshoot!
I’m really excited about adding another string to my bow with maternity bump castings. I love learning new skills and trying out new things, and the feedback from ladies I’ve done a cast for is extremely positive.
The process is incredibly quick to do and is completely safe for you pregnant ladies. So, don’t worry about having to stand for long periods of time while you have your cast done, and the process isn’t uncomfortable for you either. I promise!
I hope that you love this idea?
If you’re expecting in the next sixth months, I’d love to get you booked in for your maternity bump casting soon! The ideal time to get one done is between 34-38 weeks of pregnancy. Please contact me to secure your session.
Also, please share news of my new service with all the pregnant ladies who you think would love to get one done. Thank you in advance!
Finally, if you’d like to know more please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you have.
I will be posting more examples of my maternity bump castings on my social media pages along with reviews from ladies who have tried it out for themselves.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
Karen x
Radio Ga Ga , adventures of a Newborn Baby Photographer
Those of you who’ve met me will know that I’m not someone who craves the limelight, but when I’ve something important to say I’m happy to make my views known. And, yesterday I got to share the important message about safe practice in newborn baby photography when I was interviewed live on BBC Radio Solent and on BBC Radio West Dorset.
It’s something I’ve been talking about a lot on here recently as I believe the safety of the baby MUST come first, and that newborns shouldn’t be put in danger for the sake of a photograph. All safety-trained professional photographers know this of course, but parents using newborn photographers don’t necessarily realise how complex poses are created. So, I wanted to do my bit to increase awareness.
I arrived at the Bournemouth International Centre early yesterday morning and was chaperoned to the unmanned studio based there, shortly afterwards to be linked to Julian Clegg and his team who were broadcasting live from Southampton. Eek! At this point the nerves really set in!
Julian was great though and, after a friendly introduction, gave me five minutes of airtime to discuss how newborn photography can be practiced safely and to explain how posed shots, like the ‘head in hands’ shot is created using digital imagery techniques. The subject sparked a bit of controversy as not everyone is a fan of newborn photography of course but, as I stressed in the interview, I prefer the more natural baby poses myself although am trained and able to safely create the composite images such as the head in hands if a parent requests it.
I had a second interview on BBC Radio West Dorset as well, and have also recently been featured in the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
I hope that my small part in spreading awareness about this important issue helps to keep more babies safe during their newborn photoshoots.
Until next time,
Karen x
