What happens during a newborn baby photoshoot?
If you’re considering hiring me as your newborn photographer, you’ll perhaps like to know what happens during a newborn baby photoshoot? Yes?
Well, if so, you’re in the right place. In today’s blog, I’m lifting the lid on the goings-on behind the scenes here at KW Photography, so that you have a really good idea of how I create the beautiful and creative newborn portraits like the ones shown in my newborn gallery.
What happens during a newborn baby photoshoot
Step 1: On the day of the baby photo session
When you arrive at my photography studio in Broadstone, Poole, you’ll be given a warm welcome and there will be plenty of time for you and your baby to settle and relax. You’ll be shown around the studio, offered drinks, we’ll sort the necessary paperwork and you’ll be given the chance to ask any final questions before I begin.
We’ll have previously talked about any preferences you have – such as the colours you’d like me to use in the photos – but we’ll chat about this again, and also more generally. You’ll tell me when your baby last fed, how they seem on the day and do feel free to mention anything else too.
You’ll notice that the studio is warm when you arrive, so dress in light layers. I tend to heat the studio to approximately 24 degrees for newborn sessions since your baby will be undressed and needs to be kept warm. I’ll lower the temperature slightly once they are wrapped (see step 3) and ready to be photographed.
Step 2: I settle the baby to sleep
As soon as you and the baby are comfortable, I’ll get started.
I’ll take your baby from you and then start settling them to sleep so that I can take the adorable ‘sleeping baby’ style photos that you’re after.
I do this rather than you so that we don’t disturb the baby once they are sleeping by moving them around and between us. It sometimes doesn’t take much to wake a baby!
Step 3: The baby is swaddled
Since babies like to be swaddled, once your baby is sleeping, I’ll wrap them to make them feel safe and secure. I use a skin-coloured stretch wrap and then, on top of that, a second wrap which is what you’ll see in the photos.
While doing this, I’ll be careful to make sure your baby is comfortable and that the feet and hands are positioned as I’d like them.
The safety of your newborn is my number one priority, so everything I do during the session will be done with this in mind.
Related reading: I’m Newborn Photographer of the Year
Step 4: The baby is positioned ready to be photographed
Once this is done, I’ll then position them in the prop I’m planning to use. This may be a cushion, a bucket, a basket – I have a huge variety of props in the studio.
And, just to reassure you, I’ll ensure that there is no risk of your baby falling, rolling or tipping out of the prop! All the baskets are weighted so that there is no risk of that.
For the more complex positions, I may ask you to support the baby with your hands while I take the photograph. But don’t worry, I edit your hand out of the photograph in the image processing stage later.
Step 5: I take a variety of photos
For each setup that I do (and I‘ll create several during your session), I’ll take a lot of photographs so that you have a variety of images to choose from.
- I’ll include detailed close-up shots – capturing the baby’s teeny tiny fingers and toes and, if I’m lucky, I may catch an adorable smile or yawn.
- I’ll also take photographs from a wider angle. It’s likely that you’ll see me adjusting my lighting as I work, in order to create different looks too.
You’ll notice that I keep my setups and colour schemes simple. With newborn babies, it’s best to keep the styling like this so that the focus is on the baby. I use gorgeous colours and soft fabrics that are soft to touch and cosy for my newborns.
Once I’ve captured those adorable prop setups, I move the baby to the bean bag posing area and get the lovely sleepy unwrapped photos too. If siblings are involved, then their star moment is guided by their age and their ability to cuddle their new sibling safely. So, I might suggest we start with sibling shots or I may suggest that we leave them to settle in the studio for a while before involving them in any photos.
Usually, I do family and parent shots at the end of the session as your baby may be awake by then, and they don’t need to be asleep if they are being cuddled by mummy and daddy.
Step 6: After your newborn baby photoshoot – Editing
Once you’ve returned home, I’ll begin working on the editing of your baby’s portraits. You can find out why professional photographers edit their photos here.
I don’t manipulate the images to the extent that your baby will look unnatural or plasticky – this would go against everything that I stand for! I’m all about natural baby photos and don’t believe in editing out all the baby’s imperfections – these are completely normal with newborn babies.
However, I do edit out the odd stray hair and some of the patches of red skin or where the skin is flaky. Your baby may also have milk spots.
Plus, in setups when parents have provided support to the baby’s head, I’ll edit out their hands. Clever, right?
Step 7: Viewing and ordering your newborn’s portraits
Once your image gallery is ready to view, I’ll send you a link to your online gallery. Or, if you prefer, we will have arranged an appointment for you to return to the studio to view the images on the large screen in my studio.
This viewing and ordering appointment is a great chance to get my help with selecting images from the gallery that you would like to buy. And I can give you advice on photo products and wall art (but don’t worry, it won’t be a hard sell!)
My newborn photography prices are available to view on my website, and images start from just £295 for ten photos on a bespoke USB.
Behind the scenes of a newborn baby photoshoot
So, I hope that insight into what happens during a newborn baby photoshoot has been useful?
To book your baby’s newborn session, please contact me. Please aim to book as early as possible – ideally around the time of your 20-week scan.
Bye for now,
Karen x
Essential newborn sleep tips for new parents: A free guide
Although they are adorable, there’s no denying it. Newborns are sleep thieves!
But, don’t worry – help is here! As a mum of two and a seasoned newborn, baby and family photographer, who has photographed more than 1000 babies, I’ve got lots of tried-and-tested newborn sleep tips up my sleeve.
Settling new babies is part and parcel of my job as a newborn photographer and I’m not known as a baby whisperer for nothing! So, trust me when I say that I know how to handle and settle babies and that, with my help, you’ll be getting your new baby off to sleep in no time!
My top tips for settling your newborn to sleep
Keep reading and you’ll discover that I’ve got lots of newborn sleep tips which will help to get even the most unsettled baby to sleep.
I’m listing three of my top ten baby sleeping hacks for new parents below, and the full list is available as a free downloadable guide. You can grab your copy by signing up here.
Many, many parents who have used my tips in the guide have since told me that they worked wonders for settling their newborn to sleep.
So, you really won’t want to miss this if you’re expecting a baby soon or already have welcomed your new bundle of joy and need some advice for settling them.
Newborn sleep habits
Before I get onto the newborn sleep tips, did you know that a baby can sleep for up to 18 hours per day in the first few weeks after birth?! Yep, that’s a LOT of sleep!
But some babies sleep more than others and sleep patterns will vary for a while until your baby is older and you manage to establish a sleep routine.
How much and when your newborn baby sleeps will be completely unique to them. Sleep may come in short bursts or your baby may sleep for longer periods – I’m afraid it’s the luck of the draw!
Forget about getting uninterrupted sleep through the night as a new parent. It’s to be expected that babies will wake up every few hours during the day and night as newborns to be fed. They’ll need feeding little and often.
You’ll have heard it before, but the only way to survive this disruption to your own sleep pattern is to try and get as much sleep as you can whenever the baby sleeps. Easier said than done sometimes, but it really is essential in order for you to be feeling your best.
Trying to survive on just a few hours a day won’t be fun over a long period, so always ask for help with caring for your baby if you’re in desperate need of more sleep.
Newborn sleep tips
As the following tips will highlight, there are lots of factors that may affect how long and how deeply your baby sleeps.
They can wake easily at the slightest of touches or if they feel cold. But a sleeping baby can also sleep through a fairly loud level of noise! Which leads me to the first of my tips on how to settle your newborn baby to sleep…
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Use white noise
Newborn babies are comforted by the sound of white noise as it mimics the sounds they heard when they were in the womb. Remember, they have been listening to the sound of your breathing, your heart beating and your body making noises for months!
For this reason, babies find it easier to settle to sleep if there is low-level white noise in the background. It’s what’s familiar to them and will comfort them enough to sleep peacefully.
In my photography studio, I use an app on my iPhone to play soothing white noise during a newborn photoshoot. There are lots of free apps available that offer this functionality. But if you don’t have the help of a white noise machine or app, make your own sounds. ‘Shushing’ (making gentle ‘shush’ sounds) will help to the baby to sleep.
2. Get the room temperature right
Another thing I do in the photography studio is ensure that the room temperature is optimised for a newborn baby.
The studio is kept at around 23 degrees because they will spend much of the newborn photo session without clothes on. But, at home, you’ll want it slightly cooler, at around 20 degrees.
Keep a room thermometer in the room where your baby is sleeping so you can keep a close eye on the temperature and adjust their clothing according to the temperature.
Babies will need to be warm enough to settle to sleep but shouldn’t be overdressed or at risk of overheating.
3. Establish a routine
By the time your baby is a few months old you will probably want to have established some kind of sleep routine. This makes it easier for your baby to recognise the signs that bedtime is approaching.
Popular rituals in a bedtime routine include a warm bath, a change of nappy and clothes, a bedtime story or lullaby, milk and a cuddle.
Be warned though, sleep is regulated by hormones and until babies are about three months old they don’t know the difference between day and night. Their bodies don’t produce the hormones cortisol and melatonin that ours do, which regulates our sleep patterns.
So, don’t get too hung up on establishing a routine in the early months – try to just go with the flow.
Download your free ‘essential sleep tips for new parents’ guide
For seven more newborn sleep tips and the full guide in a downloadable PDF format, don’t forget to sign up here to have it sent to you by email.
I hope these help! Do let me know how you get on by posting in the comments below.
Karen
What new parents need to know before hiring a newborn photographer
If you’ve never hired a newborn photographer (or any kind of studio photographer before) then I completely understand that there is a lot for you to take on board when making the decision about who to choose.
Hiring a newborn photographer isn’t just a case of searching for one in Google and choosing the first one you find. (That’s not the approach I would recommend anyway).
No, there’s far more to it than that because there are many photographers out there, and not all are created equal.
So, in today’s blog, I’m sharing with you some of the key things I believe that parents need to know before hiring a newborn photographer.
My hope is that you can get yourself clued up about newborn photography as far as possible in advance of your baby arriving. Then, having done your research in advance and being fully prepared, you’ll make the right decision about who to hire and will thoroughly enjoy your newborn photoshoot experience as a result.
Important things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer
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Safety
There is currently no official qualification that a newborn photographer needs to achieve which means that it’s really important that you choose yours carefully.
Do your homework into how they handle babies to achieve the photos they showcase on their website.
Some popular newborn photography poses seem to defy gravity. They show a sleeping baby supporting the weight of their own head (which is impossible!). Or, they are positioned on a shelf or hung from a height (which would be unsafe if not done properly).
Does the photographer you are considering talk about newborn safety on their website?
Do they discuss it in their blog (as I have done here) or on their social media? Have they been quoted in the media or written articles about it? Basically, do they mention it as being highly important? Or, in contrast, do they not talk about it at all?
No prominent mention of baby safety on a newborn photographer’s website should set off alarm bells in your head! This is my absolute number one priority, as it should be. Safety should always come first!
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Experience
Before hiring a newborn photographer, I’d always recommend that you aim to hire someone who has a lot of experience and who is a specialist in handling babies.
Newborn baby photography is a specialist skill. As a parent myself, I know that I’d only want to put my precious newborn in the hands of someone who knows how to handle them safely.
To see how experienced a photographer is, look on their website for examples of their work. Do they show a variety of example images which indicate that they have been established for a while?
Also, look online for reviews from happy customers. Do they have a highly-rated service on Google and Facebook? The more established newborn photographers will have many happy customers and positive reviews.
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Style
When deciding on which newborn photographer to hire, style is a big part of the decision process. Quite simply, you should hire a photographer whose work you absolutely love. And if you’ve not found that photographer yet, keep looking!
The images you see on their website galleries and shared on their social media pages should make you smile, coo and perhaps even cry! They should move you.
There should be an emotional connection to the images, and once you feel this…bingo! You’ve found the right baby photographer for you.
Honestly, once you’ve found the one, you’ll know. You’ll feel it in your gut that their work is the exact style you are after, and you’ll be excited to hire them.
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Location
Location is an important factor, but it needn’t be the deciding factor.
There is no reason why you cannot travel across the county, or even the country, to have your baby photographed by the newborn photographer you want to hire.
I say this because although I am based in Poole in Dorset, I very often have clients travelling from not only Dorset and the neighbouring county of Hampshire, but also from much further afield.
Clients regularly travel to me from London, Birmingham and even on a number of occasions, clients have travelled from abroad to be photographed by me.
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Cost of hiring a newborn photographer
While I’m not suggesting that you should max out your budget on newborn photos, you shouldn’t be looking to hire the cheapest photographer out there either.
As with everything in life, I believe that you get what you pay for. Cheap baby photos may seem a bargain but they’re not going to be the best quality. If something seems extremely cheap, ask yourself why that might be.
I’d highly recommend that you view consider price in your decision making, but that you don’t let low prices determine which photographer you choose.
As an experienced, multi-award-winning newborn photographer myself, I’m certainly not the cheapest in the area. But I believe that I offer great value photography considering my expertise (I’ve photographed over 700 newborns over the past eight years) and that my prices are a fair reflection of the quality of service and images that I provide to my photography clients.
Are you considering hiring a newborn photographer?
Please complete this contact form to get in touch with me if you think I may be the perfect newborn photographer for you!
And if you know any other parents-to-be who are also considering hiring a newborn photographer, then please do share this article with them too. Thank you!
Karen x
Is Newborn photography worth it?
So you’ve found out you are expecting a baby! Firstly congratulations, I bet you are super excited to meet your new arrival. Or maybe your precious bundle of joy has already arrived and your family is begging to see some photos.
You may have decided you’d like to capture those early days with some beautiful professional photos and you are searching google for a newborn photographer.
After a bit of research, you might have found a few prices. I bet you are thinking with everything else you have to get ready for the new baby “is newborn photography really worth it.”
Well, I’m here to tell you why I think it’s worth it, then I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you think it really is.
Have you ever wished for LESS photos of someone you love?
I’ve got to be honest with you, I’ve photographed over a thousand newborns in my 10 years plus as a baby photographer. I’ve met so many families but I have never heard a new parent say ” I wish I had less photos of my baby” Or “I wish I didn’t have so many photos of my family when I was growing up”. It’s the complete opposite, in reality, we can never have too many memories of our nearest and dearest.
Yes I know we are all attached to our camera phones and snap away constantly but, and it’s a big BUT how many of those phone photos are hanging on your wall? Or worst still are you sure they are backed up to the cloud or would you lose every moment if your phone died?
They are only TINY for such a short amount of time!
Oh I know it’s such a cliche, and you will hear it so often over the years but it’s so so true. A newborn baby grows fast, they change so much in the first few weeks. And they don’t stop growing either! We have just bought my son his first car and I still think of him as my baby!
Being a new parent is super tough! You are exhausted and life is mainly midwife appointments and health visitor visits. Then the family arrives on mass to welcome the new baby, Believe me, you’ll barely get a moment to think, and you can forget sleep! Life is a blur of feeding, nappy changes, quick naps, and eating dinner one-handed whilst feeding a baby.
“Cant I just take some photos myself?”
Yes, of course, you can and you will! You’ll take thousands of snaps on your phone. In fact, your iPhone will be red hot from the almost constant use. Your baby will be the most photographed baby ever. The whole family will take photos and lots of them, all those memories created will be so precious to you. Remember to back them up. The love you feel for your new baby is endless.
The thing is, will you exist in those photos, will you get a family photo altogether? I know from experience it’s like I don’t exist when my kids were small. I have photos of them and photos of them together and even with their Dad, only a handful with me in them. Those family photos are the most precious to me.
“But I just gave birth, I feel horrible”
I hear you, every new mum feels the same! Sleepless nights don’t fit well with a beauty regime. The thought of having your photo taken might send you into a panic! My job is you make you feel and look amazing, to capture the love you have for your new baby. Every new parent radiates love, and it’s a joy to watch. Being a new parent is such a joyful and emotional time.
I’m here to help you capture that special time and preserve it forever in something tangible. A photograph really is a time machine, it will take you back to that special moment. The connection between you, the deep affection, and that special bond.
Photographs as Fine Art and Wall Decor.
We live in a modern digital age, we all have photos on our phones but we rarely ever print them. We are so used to scrolling through them, whizzing through snaps of a nice dinner or a night out, and mixed into that camera roll are our most precious memories of our children. I don’t remember seeing too many snaps of a long-forgotten dinner in the precious photo album my mum kept.
The next generation, your children, really does deserve to have their memories preserved, printed, and seen. Not lost on a phone or a hard drive somewhere. What happens when technology changes and like VHS tapes you can’t play them anymore. Print those photos, make wall art from those memories and enjoy those moments forever.
So is newborn photography worth it?
Well, I think newborn photography is SO worth it. It’s worth the extra effort it takes to get dressed out of your PJ’s, put a bit of makeup on, and then making it out the door on time. Not forgetting the battle to get your toddler ready and in the car without forgetting something. All that said, a newborn photoshoot is still worth the effort.
The 3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn photoshoot will give you a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Every time you look at those photos on the wall you’ll remember just how teeny tiny your baby was and how much love you have for that child. I think those photographs are priceless.
Covid 19 has kept us all apart, so many families have missed key events in each other’s lives. It’s important to remember a moment lasts for seconds but a photograph lasts forever.
Want more info on a newborn photoshoot?
I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about a newborn photoshoot, just contact me here You can also find all the information you need here
Bye for now
Karen x
What to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot
Are you considering an outdoor family photoshoot but don’t have a clue what you should wear?
If so, don’t panic! This is of the most common questions that I get asked when my clients book one of my lifestyle photoshoots.
And quite rightly so. The clothes you wear on the day of your family photoshoot should be a big consideration since they dramatically impact on the overall look and feel of the photos.
Things to consider when planning what to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot
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How and where are you planning to use the photos?
This is often something that can be forgotten, but it’s actually really important to think about how and where you will display the photos in your home.
If you are having a family photoshoot with the intention of hanging the mounted or framed photos in your living room, then think about the colour scheme in the room. What colours would work well with your décor?
Similarly, if you are having an outdoor family session so that you can get some fun photos of the children and plan to hang the pictures in their bedroom, again, what colours would work well with the room’s colours scheme?
Complementary colours will ensure that the pictures fit perfectly in the room and will enhance the colour scheme that you already have.
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Seasonality
The time of year that you are having the photoshoot is a really important consideration. Certain colours and types of clothing work best in particular seasons.
- In the spring, pastels and light fresh blues, greens and yellows are a great option.
- In summer, warm pinks, yellows look beautiful, as do cool sky blues, mints and aqua. For something glitzier, you’ve got the choice of champagne, rose gold and ivory shades.
- Browns, rusty oranges, golds and creams work really well in the Autumn.
- Warm reds and jewel colours such as emerald greens, teal and mulberry are perfect in the Winter.
My top tip would be to pick a base colour and consider the season when choosing this. Then, introduce contrast by wearing denim or either warm or cool neutrals.
For some great examples and for more inspiration on what to wear to your photoshoot, take a look at my Pinterest board where you’ll find colour combinations and suggestions for suitable clothing.
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A cohesive colour scheme for the whole family
Another really important consideration is how the family will look pictured together. What you are aiming for ideally is a cohesive, consistent colour scheme without looking too ‘matchy’.
The natural, outdoor photos that I will take of you and your family will look so much better if you have thought through in advance how you will incorporate your chosen colours into everyone’s clothing, but in a subtle way.
You don’t want to look like you tried too hard!
- If dad is wearing a casual white shirt with blue trousers and tan canvas shoes, perhaps mum could wear a white coloured dress and blue pumps
- The boys in the family could then wear either a casual blue shirt or plain white T-shirt with smart denim jeans and blue trainers
- Or, for a girl, a blue and white checked with a white cardigan and sandals or shoes.
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Wear clothes that are smart but comfortable
A final, but really important point!
During your outdoor family photoshoot, I’ll be aiming to capture natural photos. Which means that I want them to reflect who you really are.
While that doesn’t mean that you need to ‘dress up’ for the occasion, anything too far the other way means that you potentially won’t look your best on camera.
My top tip here would be to keep the overall look smart-casual.
- Anything too formal will look unnatural and will be uncomfortable for you and the kids. So please don’t force your children into shirts buttoned up to the collar if they aren’t used to wearing them or shoes that rub their feet. It’ll just mean that they’ll be fidgeting during the session which may make it a more stressful experience for you.
- And don’t wear anything that’s either too tight-fitting or too baggy. You want your clothes to be flattering, and make you look your best possible self.
You’ll be looking at the pictures for years to come so choose your clothes wisely so that you won’t regret your decision later.
- Do choose classic cut denim jeans, dresses, plain white T-shirts (no logos), unbranded trainers, plain coloured wellies (in Autumn). Basically, simple, classic clothes work best, and this is true whether you’re having your family portrait session outdoors or in the photography studio.
- Anything too bright, fussy or overly-detailed will put the focus on the clothes rather on you, which is the exact opposite of what we’re hoping to achieve.
Again, there are some great examples of the styles of clothes that work well on my Pinterest board. Take a look there for inspiration on what to wear for your family photoshoot.
What will you wear to your outdoor family photoshoot?
So, I hope that these tips I have shared about what to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot have been useful?
Feel free to let me know which colour combinations from my Pinterest board that you love in the comments below, and feel free to ask any questions about what to wear, too.
As you’ll probably already know, I love photographing families outside all year round.
In the spring and summer, we’re spoilt with beautiful flowers, lush greenery, beautiful sunsets and those amazingly long, balmy evenings. And in the autumn and winter, the days aren’t as long but we still get beautiful light and there are still lots of opportunities to get some gorgeous pictures outdoors (just wrap up warm!).
Specialist in outdoor family photography
Remember, I specialise in outdoor portraits of not just families, but also newborn babies, children of all ages, and pregnant ladies too. So, if you’d like to secure a slot for your own outdoor portrait session here in Dorset, please complete this contact form.
I also have my own outdoor garden studio so you could book a studio session and also get some outdoor shots taken without us all needing to travel to a different location. Handy, right?
Karen x
When should you book a cake smash photoshoot?
Cake smash photoshoots are usually done to commemorate a baby’s first birthday. So, if your little one’s birthday is fast approaching and you’re considering a cake smash session, now is the time to act!
However – and this may go against everything you’ve heard about cake smash sessions before – cake smash photoshoots don’t have to be done on your child’s first birthday.
It’s entirely up to you whether you choose to book your cake smash session to coincide with your baby’s exact birthday (availability permitting). Or, you can have the session either a few days or weeks – or even months – before or after the actual day.
There are no hard and fast rules here at KW Photography. I like to be flexible and accommodate my client’s wishes, and there have been several occasions in the past when parents have asked me to photograph babies older than one-year-old.
KW Photography Cake smash sessions
If you decide not to book a cake smash photoshoot around the exact time of your little one’s first birthday, rest assured, we can work round it!
I’ve photographed two-year-olds enjoying a cake smash session before. And I have photographed children at their eighteen-month milestone. And everything in between.
You are very welcome to book a cake smash photoshoot at any time from when your baby is comfortable sitting up unsupported and started eating solid food.
When to book a cake smash photoshoot
In terms of when should you book a cake smash photoshoot, I’d recommend the earlier the better. After all, once you’ve decided you want to have one, what’s the point in waiting?
By booking your cake smash photoshoot early (and by early, I mean several months in advance), you can have the peace of mind that your booking is confirmed and in the diary.
And it’s another thing off your to-do list!
But, in contrast, if you book a cake smash photoshoot at late notice – just weeks or days in advance of the date you’d like to attend – there is a real risk that I may not be able to fit you in around my other pre-booked photo sessions.
And I hate having to disappoint people or, worse, turning people away because I’m too busy.
Relaxed, flexible portrait sessions
The beauty of my cake smash photoshoots is that they are just one-hour long. This is enough time for me to get lots of great cake smash pictures for you, but not too long that your baby gets fed up.
And, by being quick and fuss-free, you can pop into the studio either in the morning or afternoon, and fit the session in around your schedule that day.
Cake smash photoshoots won’t take up lots of your precious time. And you’ll be so glad you went ahead once you receive the pictures from me. (You can view more examples here, in my cake smash gallery).
Book your cake smash photoshoot today
Cake smash photoshoots are great messy fun and the children really get stuck in most of the time.
It’s hilarious to watch them delving their hands into their coloured iced cake and to making a complete and utter mess! That’s when I get the capture their cheeky grins and excited little faces. And that’s before all the fun that’s to be had in my miniature roll-top bubble bath too!
Have you seen my cake smash video?
For more of an insight into what happens during one of my cake smash photoshoots, don’t miss my cake smash video. This went viral on social media last year and has been watched by more than 5.5 million people around the world! Take a look to see what fun it is!
How old should a baby be at their newborn baby photoshoot?
As a parent-to-be or new parent, you may be considering a newborn baby photoshoot.
You’ve seen sleeping baby portraits like these online and want similar photos of your own baby. And why wouldn’t you?
But you may have been put off slightly, simply because you’ve been told that your baby must be only days or a week or so old at the time of their newborn baby photoshoot.
And for whatever reason, your baby is already older than this.
- Perhaps you’ve only just begun considering newborn photography and your baby is already several weeks old?
- Perhaps you hadn’t realised you needed to book in advance, so in the days that have passed while you try to find a photographer, your baby is now several weeks old?
- Maybe there were complications at the birth or afterwards which has led you or the baby to have been in hospital for longer than expected, so you haven’t been able to get to a photographer’s studio in those early weeks?
- Or maybe, you‘re just finding the whole experience of having a baby exhausting and overwhelming (you wouldn’t be alone on this one!) and just haven’t been able to get out of your PJ’s let alone out of the house with the new baby?
You CAN still have a newborn baby photoshoot if your baby is older than 14 days
Whatever the reason for you not having had your newborn baby photoshoot yet, fear not!
I’m here today to tell you that there IS still time for a photographer to capture beautiful sleeping photos of your baby.
And yes, I mean, EVEN if they are more than a few weeks old.
Newborn photography for ‘older’ babies
Case in point. I had beautiful baby Piper in the studio recently who was far from a sleeping, curled up newborn. She was a chunky 13 weeks old.
She was a gorgeous girly and lovely to work with, although obviously was so much bigger and more alert than the newborn babies that I am usually photographing in my studio.
OK, it was more challenging for me perhaps.
With her not sleeping as much as a days-old newborn would, it was certainly a completely different experience for me as the photographer.
I needed to be able to position her a little differently to how I would a tiny newborn but was still able to get those super sleepy poses parents love. When I have an older newborn in the studio I love to get those giggles and smiles too for parents. As you can see, Piper was full of fun!
Photography for children of all ages
I got some gorgeous portraits of baby Piper and am thrilled with the results. And, most importantly, so are her parents!
She is not the first ‘older’ newborn baby I have photographed either.
No, in my eight years as a newborn photographer I have worked with loads of babies who are considered ‘too old’ for newborn photography.
Can you believe that most newborn photographers consider babies ‘too old’ if they are over four weeks old? Crazy!
I am proud to be able to offer my services to clients whatever the age of their baby.
Rudy here is a bonny nine weeks old. Giggling and sleeping, even after a long car journey to me.
Experienced newborn photographer
I guess that it comes down to experience.
I have eight solid years of experience working with newborns and am confident that I can work with babies of any age.
But I also think that I am not afraid of a challenge, and don’t want to always go for the easy option.
Working with an older baby might be different to a typical newborn baby photoshoot, but the satisfaction of meeting the challenge and achieving results like these is extremely satisfying!
Book your newborn baby photoshoot today
The truth is, I love photographing babies of all ages. Take a look at my newborn and baby gallery here to see just a small selection of the portraits I have taken.
I am based in Dorset but regularly have clients travelling from London and across neighbouring counties, and even from abroad, to have their photos with me. So, if you haven’t found a photographer willing to do your newborn baby photoshoot, if your baby is more than a few weeks old, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!
To book your session contact me on 07749 270431, email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete the contact form on my website.
Karen x
I’m an award-winning maternity photographer!
I’ve just got back to Dorset, from the annual Societies Convention in London, with an award for my maternity photography. Yep, I’m now officially an award-winning maternity photographer! To say I’m over the moon would be an understatement!
Every January, I go along to the Societies of Photographers’ event. As a member, it’s one of the key events in my diary every year.
I love the event because I get to meet up with photographers from across the world. And there’s the chance to attend training workshops with amazingly talented photographers and have your work professionally judged.
This year, I submitted a maternity portrait in the international print competition, and am thrilled to have been awarded a Merit.
Every year, competition is extremely tough. Entries are received from of thousands of photographers from across the UK and beyond. So, it’s an absolutely brilliant feeling to have received recognition in this highly competitive competition. The print was displayed in a top London hotel for the duration of the convention.
Award-winning maternity photographer
I chose to put this maternity portrait, of the lovely Ashley, forward for judging this time because I just loved everything about the image. The composition, the posing, the lighting – everything worked out perfectly, just how I had planned.
And, how stunning does she look? That bump?! Such a beautiful maternity photo for her to treasure.
The image was enhanced even further thanks to the help of my wonderful mentor Damian McGillicuddy and partner Lesley McGillicuddy. Their guidance and support, and invaluable expertise with the printing really made the portrait shine!
Award-winning maternity photography in Dorset and Hampshire
My studio and outdoor maternity sessions have always been extremely popular. But winning this award has given me really valuable encouragement to continue creating these beautiful mum-to-be portraits for my pregnant clients.
If you’re interested in booking a maternity session with an award-winning maternity photographer in Dorset, do get in touch. They are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy.
Even if you don’t feel it, you look absolutely gorgeous in those final weeks of your pregnancy. A professional hair and makeup session will add further wow factor or come as you are and have some natural maternity portraits taken.
Plus, I can make you look and feel even more amazing in my stunning range of designer maternity dresses. Or, we can keep it simple – just you and your beautiful bump!
Studio maternity session or outdoor maternity session – the choice is yours!
Maternity photoshoots are available all year round and I can tailor the session completely to your preferences.
You may have a favourite local location where you want to be photographed, and if so, fine! We can go out at any time of year, whether to the forest, the beach or anywhere else you have in mind across Dorset or Hampshire.
I love this beautiful image of Laine taken on location in January.
Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot
Or you may have a particular colour scheme in mind? Perhaps you want a coloured dress to complement the décor of a room at home? Just let me know and I can create exactly what you’d like.
You deserve this time to take a moment out of your busy schedule just for you and your unborn baby, so book your maternity session with me, your local and award-winning maternity photographer today. ?
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Karen
Beach Days - Sandy toes and Salty kisses
Dorset Beach Photographer
I’m lucky enough to live and work as a family photographer on the sunny south coast in Dorset. Dorset is well known as a top UK holiday destination and has so many gorgeous places to visit. I feel spoilt for choice for photography locations in the local area. From the beautiful rolling countryside with spectacular views, to the award-winning beaches at Bournemouth and Poole. Not forgetting the dramatic Jurassic Coast, there’s something for everyone. I feel so lucky to be able to be a Dorset beach photographer.
Visitors flock to our beaches from far and wide because they are so unspoilt. Miles of golden sandy beaches, white cliffs and pristine coves to explore with the family. If you love relaxing by laying on the beach sunbathing then visit the 7 miles of sand at Bournemouth and Poole. Or if you fancy a bit more adventure, the Jurassic coast offers fabulous fossil hunting and rock pooling. My kids loved searching the rock pools for all sorts of creatures.
My home town of Poole has the most stunning harbour which is Europes largest natural harbour, this is a mecca for water-sports enthusiasts. Even at high tide, the Harbour side of the Sandbanks peninsular is very shallow. Making the harbour perfect for learning to windsurf and paddleboard. If you fall off you can just stand up in the water and hop back on!
Summertime is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand at Dorset’s gorgeous beaches. Kids love playing in the warm coastal waters and spending the day building sandcastles. Beach days are just so much fun for all the family.
What could be better than splashing in the waves or trying your best to build the biggest sandcastle possible with a tiny bucket and spade? Spending time searching for fossils with my two kids at Lyme Regis is a memory I will always cherish. Cracking open a stone and finding a fossil is just so much fun, and not just for the kids ;).Kids just love spending time at the beach. It’s such a perfect family day out.
The Global pandemic has challenged us all to rethink our priorities and take stock of what’s important in our lives. I think we are all enjoying and appreciating the simple pleasures in life much more. Even if my Banana bread was never quite instagramable 🙂
“Stayvacations” are all the rage and quite honestly Dorset is a fabulous county to do just that. If you are fortunate to live here already then its wonderful just to get out and explore where we live more. I’ve found so many great hidden gems locally (oh maybe that’s another blog).If you are visiting or hoping to soon, then I bet the beach is high up on the list for reasons you fell in love Dorset.
This year more than ever, I’m getting asked to meet families at the beach for a fun relaxed photoshoots. Whether you are staying on holiday, day-tripping, or live locally the beach is a great location for photos.
My favourite beaches for photo sessions are Hengistbury head with the amazing sunset and great beach huts. I also love my local beach, Sandbanks especially nearer the ferry with the sand dunes ( kids love playing in the dunes) and Studland for the quieter more rugged landscape.
Location photo shoots are some of my favourite sessions for families, especially with the long summer evenings. Why not make your stay even more memorable by booking a beach photoshoot. Those memories really will last a lifetime.
Remember, love the sand between your toes (and in your sandwiches), embrace the sand in the car for the next month. Most of all enjoy!
If you fancy a stroll along the beach whilst getting some amazing photos to cherish, you can get in touch with me here.
Bye for now
Karen x
Beach Maternity Photoshoot
Beach Maternity Photoshoot
Are you looking to capture your beautiful bump with a beach maternity photoshoot and create some beautiful photos?
Well, whether you are pregnant now and ready for a photoshoot or just planning ahead ( love organised people ) you’ve certainly come to the right place. It’s no secret maternity photos are one of my favourite sessions, especially if we can combine the photoshoot with a magnificent Sunset! Where better than a beach maternity photoshoot to get fantastic sunset photos.
I love all the wonderful locations we have here in Dorset, but the beach maternity photoshoots, especially in the summer are amazing. Sandy toes in the water, beautiful dress, suntanned bump what could be better?
Here are some hints and tips to help your beach maternity session go to plan.
What to wear
When you book a maternity session with me, we can discuss the kind of photos you are hoping for. I have a great selection of designer maternity dresses available for you to use and most are suited to the Beach. If you prefer to wear your own dresses then Asos is a great site for beach type maternity dresses for that relaxed floaty Boho look. Pale, pastel colours look great on the beach and white can look fab against the sand and waves. The beach in the summer can be busy so if you want to change then be aware you may have to shimmy inside a blanket to change on the beach, especially out of hours when the toilets facilities will be closed.
Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot
Time of Day
My absolute favourite time of day for any location photoshoot would be the “golden hour “. At the end of the day, the light is just sublime. We could do sunrise but that would take some dedications from both of us to be at the beach for 4.30 am. 🙂 So the golden hour is probably best! That last hour or so before sunset has just the most the beautiful soft light. We all love that golden glow in photos and really is super flattering to us ladies. We can make the most of the golden light and hopefully get some great sunset photos too. I can’t stress enough how important the right light is for the photos, sunset can be late in the summer so Beach sessions tend to be between 7-9 pm to make the most of the light.
Can I bring my partner?
Absolutely! 100% yes! Dads-to-be are just as excited about the new arrival and often get a little overlooked so yes bring him along. We can include him in as many photos as you like. A simple pale coloured shirt with shorts or trousers will compliment you perfectly and look great in the photos. Dads love the special time with you and the bump, sometimes they can get a bit forgotten.
Can I bring my other children?
Oh yes, of course, you can! I just love to capture the older children at maternity sessions. They are super excited too about the arrival of their new brother or sister. If we are going for a sunset shoot then remember to get the little ones to have a nap in the afternoon so they make it into the evening.
What stage in my pregnancy is best for photos?
Oh, this really is a good question, and it really is different for everyone. I’ve had some ladies with tiny bumps at 38 weeks and others completely fed up and “popped” by 30 weeks. Generally, I recommend booking a session between 28 and 36 weeks. So before you have gotten too tired and fed up and still feel like you are “blooming”. That way you will look back on the photos in awe of your bump and still be able to make it back to the car having gotten your steps in on the beach. Walking in the sand can be fairly tiring when not pregnant, so add pregnancy into the mixed and you could be exhausted if later on in your pregnancy.
How do I book?
Well booking your beach maternity photoshoot couldn’t really be any simpler, check out my maternity booking information here
My maternity sessions are currently discounted, so grab an absolute bargain.
Just drop me a line with your due date and the type of maternity session you’d like and we can go from there. I can’t wait to hear from you and get some great bump photos for you.
Bye for now
Karen x