Interested in a Spring photoshoot in Dorset?
The changing seasons mean that now’s a great time to book a spring photoshoot in Dorset with me.
Spring is my favourite time of year because the beautiful flowers that emerge are always an absolute delight.
Daffodils, tulips, bluebells, snowdrops, and blossoms all create a stunning backdrop for outdoor portraits, and they look amazing whether photographed in the morning or at dusk. A photographer’s dream!
Timeless outdoor portraits among the spring flowers
Around about now, in early spring, vibrant yellow daffodils and delicate white snowdrops come into bloom. Blossoms are also starting to appear. These pretty pastel flowers are lovely to feature in your family portraits.
Bluebell sessions
Later in the Spring, usually around April/early May, colourful tulips and beautiful bluebells then begin to emerge.
Sadly, many of my favourite spots for bluebells here in Dorset closed last year and won’t be reopening this spring. The crop was so damaged by people who didn’t stick to the pathways. It’s such a shame! Hopefully though, in time, the crop will regrow to its former glory.
There are still some lovely patches of bluebells around though, so I do still hope to be able to offer bluebell woods sessions this spring.
If you’re particularly interested in a bluebell shoot, get in touch. I’ll add you to my waitlist and I’ll keep you posted when I know where the best places are this year.
Spring family photoshoot locations in Dorset
Every year, I scout out new locations to take my clients for outdoor portraits among the spring flowers, and this year will be no different. I always manage to discover some wonderful new places, literally bursting with colour!
An example from a few years ago would be this field of vibrant yellow rapeseed that my friend Jackie and I came across one evening. Here’s my daughter Lizzie (looking a lot younger than she is now) among them in the gorgeous golden light, just before sunset.
It was a beautiful location for my spring family photoshoots that year, and I returned with clients often.
Why book a spring photoshoot?
There are so many reasons to book a spring family photoshoot with me this year – whether you choose a spring family photoshoot or an outdoor maternity photoshoot.
- For one thing, it’s always nice to get outdoors, particularly after a long cold winter.
- Another reason is that you can enjoy the beauty of the emerging spring flowers while also having some fun as a family. If it’s a maternity photoshoot that you’re interested in, you can enjoy some peace and tranquillity in beautiful surroundings before your baby arrives.
- Plus, you’ll be able to update your photo albums with your new springtime portraits or get some beautiful new artwork onto your walls at home.
Since time passes quickly and children grow and change so fast, even if you had a family shoot a few years ago, wouldn’t be nice to get some updated portraits now the kids have grown?
What happens during a spring family photoshoot?
All my spring outdoor photoshoots are held at locations within Dorset. I’ll make a recommendation nearer the time based on the flowers that I know are in bloom there.
It’s suitable for up to 5 people and lasts around 1-2 hours.
I’ll take care of everything. As well as sourcing the location, I’ll guide you on how to interact and pose for the camera on the day.
I’ll encourage you to relax and simply enjoy the time together and, while you do, I’ll capture a variety of individual and group photos.
Spring photoshoot outfit ideas
I will help by giving you ideas and recommendations on what to wear to your spring photoshoot.
Mummies and daughters are also welcome to use any of my princess-style dresses. I have them in many gorgeous pastel shades that complement the stunning colours of the blossom and bluebells, making them ideal for outdoor portraits among the spring flowers.
Aren’t they fabulous?!
I also have some cute outfits for little boys and accessories that I can bring along too.
Book your Spring photoshoot in Dorset today
Both outdoor family portrait sessions and outdoor pregnancy sessions are available this spring, but slots are limited.
The flowers don’t stay at their best for long, so if you’d like a spring family photoshoot or an outdoor maternity session, please don’t delay in booking!
Take a look around the website for details of my prices and packages, then contact me to book.
I’d love to capture portraits of you and your family this year. I guarantee you won’t regret taking some time to be photographed together among the spring flowers – they really are beautiful!
Karen x
Celebrate your amazing mum with a Mother’s Day portrait session
Mother’s day gift inspiration!
Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday 27th March. Have you arranged a special Mother’s Day gift for the mums in your life yet?
If not, why not consider a Mother’s Day portrait session?
My family photo sessions are ideal for capturing a beautiful mother and daughter or mother and son portrait, or one with several generations of the family!
Don’t forget to treat mum this Mother’s Day!
By the way, fellas, if you’ve become a daddy in the past year, and this will be your partner’s first-ever Mother’s Day, don’t forget to treat her with this fantastic Mother’s day gift!
She’ll love a portrait session with you and your baby – it will be a great memento of your growing family.
Timeless, natural portraits
My photoshoots are informal and relaxed, and the pictures are natural – as I know you like them.
I have an expert eye for capturing the special moments you share on the day, and I’ve several tricks up my sleeve for making children of any age feel comfortable in front of my camera.
Family portrait sessions at KW Photography
I offer portraits at my photography studio in Poole. Or, if you’d prefer an outdoor location, I’m more than happy to meet you at your favourite park or picnic spot across Dorset for some al fresco portraits in the spring sunshine (fingers crossed about the last bit!).
Capturing special memories: The perfect Mother’s Day gift!
As a working mum, I certainly don’t know where the weeks go! I rarely get round to having photos taken where I am in front of the camera, with my kids.
My daughter Lizzie is a great model, and I’ve hundreds of pictures of her, but very few of me together with my children or with my mum.
Perhaps you are the same?
If so, a Mother’s Day portrait session at KW Photography would be a lovely way to celebrate your beautiful brood and get the family photos you want, once and for all.
What’s included in a Mother’s Day portrait session?
Group family sessions start from just £299 for a one-hour photoshoot, and up to five people can come along. This includes 5 photos via a download link.
If you’ve got a larger family than that, no problem! Larger groups can be catered for as well if you arrange it with me first.
Mother’s Day photos
I’ll professionally edit around 20-30 final images from your Mother’s Day portrait session and you can view these within a private viewing before choosing which ones to purchase.
After the shoot, you will have the opportunity to buy from a range of high-quality photo products priced from just £150.
Or you can opt to receive the images on a KW Photography keepsake USB.
How to book your Mothers Day portrait session
Booking is simple and there are two options available.
- Either book a family portrait session be held within the next week or so and then present the images as a gift on Mother’s Day.
- Or buy a KW Photography voucher to present on Mother’s Day and book your family session at a mutually convenient time later in the month or year.
Treat your mum to a Mother’s Day portrait session
I’ve already got lots of bookings for Mother’s Day weekend although I do still have a limited number of slots available.
So if you’d like to treat your mum or partner to a professional photoshoot for Mother’s Day. Then contact me to book today on 07749 270431 or via karen@me.com or via the contact form on my website.
Let’s celebrate mum with timeless photography. After all, she’s worth it!
Karen x
Bluebell woods portraits: It’s finally time!
Bluebell Photoshoot
Yay! So it’s nearly BLUEBELL photoshoot time!
I had an absolute blast last spring photographing so many gorgeous families among the beautiful bluebell woods. And with bluebell season fast approaching, I’m getting SO excited.
I literally CAN NOT WAIT to get started on this year’s bluebell photoshoots!
Bluebell woods portraits in Dorset
I’m planning to be doing my outdoor lifestyle photoshoots in the local bluebell woods from mid-April onwards when the flowers look their best and are at their most vibrant.
I’ll be visiting my favourite bluebell photoshoot locations but I’ve been busy scouting out new ones in these past weeks too.
Related reading: Interested in a spring photoshoot?
Natural portraits among the bluebell woods
Over the past few years of taking bluebell woods portraits, I have perfected my technique of capturing stunning family photos, like these, among the carpet of delicate blue flowers.
And I’ve mastered it, not only in the day but at dawn and dusk as well, as these pictures show!
Related reading: Bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset and Hampshire
Anyone who has tried to take a snapshot among the bluebell woods will know that it isn’t easy to achieve photos like these, which is why it’s worth hiring a professional.
Working with the natural and low-light conditions of the woods is a skill I have mastered over the years. And, in keeping with my photography style, I can engage with children of all ages and keep them relaxed and comfortable throughout the shoot, so that the bluebell woods portraits I take are natural and, most importantly, as you like them.
Book your bluebell woods photoshoot today
The bluebell season lasts just six weeks and, based on the popularity of these sessions last year, I know that it won’t be long before I’m completely booked up. So, contact me as soon as possible to book in for your bluebell woods session.
Bookings have been coming in earlier each year. I took my first bluebell woods portrait booking in January and have had a flurry of enquiries in the last couple of weeks. So, don’t miss out! If you would like bluebell woods portraits of your family this spring, contact me today!
To book your session contact me on 07749 270431, email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or the contact form on my website.
My favourite bluebell woods portraits
And, prepare for a Facebook timeline full of images from this year’s bluebell sessions! I’ll be sharing some of my favourite bluebell woods portraits with you on the KW Photography Facebook page over the next few weeks!
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Outdoor family portrait sessions in Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows
The summer is my favourite time of the year and I’m so excited to now be offering outdoor family portrait sessions among some of Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows.
This year, I’ve collaborated with the lovely people at Holme for Gardens in Wareham, and have permission to use their field for outdoor lifestyle portraits.
So, naturally, I’ve been making the most of this opportunity and taking my clients there in the past week or so. It’s worked out brilliantly and all the children involved have loved having their photograph taken among the beautiful wildflowers.
Outdoor wildflower portrait sessions in Dorset
Here are just some of the portraits I’ve created. Would like something similar of your family?
There is still time left in the season before the flowers lose their vibrant colours, and these outdoor portrait sessions are suitable whether you are after maternity/pregnancy photography, or child and family portraits. Contact me today to book yours.
Natural family portraits
What I love about these sessions is that the children and families who take part are so clearly enjoying the flowers and the freedom to be able to walk among them (while being careful not to damage them, of course).
You’ll see that there are no forced smiles or static poses. The family photographs I create natural, outdoor pictures that bring the best of the outdoors into your home, and everyone has a great time in the process.
I achieve this by keeping everyone involved active and entertained throughout. The little ones, I keep occupied by encouraging them to count the wildflowers while I take their portrait. As every parent knows, distraction is the key with younger children!
As both a mum myself and an experienced child photographer, I’ve got lots of tricks like this up my sleeve to secure the perfect outdoor portrait.
Dorset wildflowers are bloomin’ lovely!
Seeing the wildflowers popping up in fields, gardens and grass verges in the summer makes me really happy. And quite rightly! Who can fail to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells that these flowers create? They are simply fabulous, aren’t they?!
Every year I aim to make the most of the wildflower season. In a previous blog, I have written about how I can achieve perfect portraits in unlikely locations – take a look! It’s a behind-the-scenes insight into how I can create a stunning portrait in small spaces. A creative eye and even just a small patch of wildflowers is all I need!
Book your wildflower portrait session today!
There are plenty of stunning flowers on display this year and they are currently in full bloom. So, don’t miss your chance to get some updated family photos taken outdoors among the beautiful wildflowers while they last!
If you’d like to book one of my outdoor family portrait sessions, get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of the last few slots I have available this summer.
And, if you haven’t already, do pay the Holme garden centre a visit! It’s a family-run business and has beautiful surroundings, a relaxing ambience, gorgeous plants to take home with you and unrivalled gardens to enjoy. I think you’ll love it!
Karen x
Putting Dorset on the map: Recent international photography award wins!
International photography award!
As well as keeping busy in my photography studio creating portraits for my clients, I like to enter photographic competitions every now and then to keep me on my toes.
Getting my photography assessed and graded is an important way for me to learn how to keep improving my portrait photography.
Of course, winning a photography award is always lovely (and I’ve won many awards in the past). But that’s honestly not what I expect when I enter.
Award-winning portrait photographer
So, imagine my surprise when I entered the RISE photography awards recently and came away with a Bronze award in the Newborn Photography category and three Silver awards; two in the Children’s Photography category and one in the Maternity Photography category.
Best of all, I also had an image shortlisted for the Final in the Newborn category. It was selected by the judges as one of the best top 20 images from a total of 1100 entries in its category! OMG!
I was completely bowled over when I heard the news and felt very proud of myself, that’s for sure!
International photography awards
The RISE Awards are huge in the portrait photography industry.
They were founded by Australian newborn photographer Kelly Brown, who’s the very best photographer in the newborn industry in my opinion. I had the pleasure of attending one of Kelly’s photography workshops a few years ago, which I wrote about on the blog.)
The RISE international photography award is a competition open to portrait photographers all over the world.
There were over 4000 entries in total by photographers across the nine categories; maternity photography, birth photography, newborn photography, baby photography, children photography, family photography, pet/animal photography, portrait, photography, and wedding photography.
Winning these international photography awards for my newborn, child and maternity portraits is a great personal achievement, and I hope gives you some reassurance that my work is of the highest quality.
Over the summer, I also won two Gold awards with the Societies of Photographers for my outdoor newborn portraits, so that was another highlight as well!
If you’d like to book a portrait session with me, get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of the last few slots I have available this year.
Karen x
Introducing my new fruit smash photoshoot!
Here at my Poole-based studio, I’ve literally done hundreds of cake smashes and still love doing them! My cake smash sessions are among the most popular of my baby photography services.
(Take a look at this video to see behind the scenes. It reveals what happens during one of my cake smash sessions. As you’ll see, there are smiles all round!)
But if you’ve been put off booking one, then perhaps you may prefer a new twist on the traditional cake smash photoshoot?
I’m now offering fruit smash sessions!
Fruit smash sessions are a fun alternative to a classic cake smash.
You’ve guessed it! I use lots of lovely, colourful fruit rather than a giant cupcake, but the concept is exactly the same.
Your baby has an absolute blast munching and scrunching their way through the delicious fruit. I capture all the fun in adorable pictures that will make a colourful addition to your walls at home.
On my Facebook page, I’ve shared this cute video showing a small baby sitting in a watermelon. Worth taking a look if you missed it!
The baby was so happy and loved chewing at the fruit, as your baby would do at their own fruit smash photo session! It’s a healthy snack too!
What’s involved in a fruit smash photoshoot?
A fruit smash session includes portraits of your baby before the messy fun begins! I’ll capture a variety of cute images of them sitting and playing against a colourful backdrop from my signature backdrop collection.
If the photoshoot has been organised to coincide with your baby’s first birthday, I’ll also use large wooden letters spelling out the word ‘one’ in the photos. Some children try to eat the letters! Thankfully, they’re pretty indestructible!
Older babies also welcome though as I explain in this blog about when to book a cake smash session.
Then, the entertainment begins when I bring out the fruit. I’ll arrange a display of brightly coloured, fresh, seasonal fruit.
As with my traditional cake smash portrait sessions, the baby will probably love the colours and also the taste of the fruit. So, they’ll be delighted to have the chance to tuck in. They’re welcome to make as much mess as they like!
I’ll also take photographs as your child gets cleaned up afterwards. Warm water and bubbles are the order of the day and are included in every session. Your baby can even have a fruit-filled bath! It’s another fun, sensory experience for them!
Cake Smash or Fruit Smash photoshoot? What would you choose?
Cake smash sessions have been popular for many years now and their popularity shows no sign of slowing down! The reason is clear. It’s a messy but 100% fun-filled session that both children and parents love. The photographs are a fantastic memento.
As well as being perfect for your walls at home, the cake smash or fruit smash portraits can also be used to personalise party invitations, gift cards, photo gifts and calendars. There are so many ways you could use the photos. I’m confident that they’d make you crack a smile each time you looked at them!
Book a fruit smash photoshoot today
If a fruit smash session sounds like something you think your baby would love, get in touch today. Complete this form to secure a date for yours. I look forward to having you in the studio soon!
Karen x
KW Photography gift vouchers: Why not treat someone to a family photoshoot experience?
Let’s face it 2020 has been a year of missing family and friends and we are all looking to treat our nearest and dearest. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, why not treat that someone special with a family photoshoot experience at KW Photography?
My photography gift vouchers are ideal for families of up to five people. Buy one for yourself or for others as a birthday or Christmas gift, or as a wedding or anniversary present. Anytime is a good time to have family portraits taken!
Family photoshoot experience at KW Photography
Priced at £99, KW Photography gift vouchers are a present that any Dorset or Hampshire-based family would love to receive!
They entitle the recipient to a professional 20-30-minute family photoshoot (not suitable for newborn) with me for up to 5 people in my studio. The session can take place at a date of their choosing, subject to my availability and up until the voucher expiry date (as marked on the voucher).
An all-inclusive, great value price for family photography
The price you pay for the voucher includes five high-resolution, professionally edited family portraits as digital files ready for them to print and display around the home.
This is an incredible value package offering a significant saving on my usual studio session fee and my digital image collections.
The best thing about buying one of the KW Photography gift vouchers is that there are no extra costs for your recipient to pay. The price of £99 secures the voucher, guarantees a slot in my diary, and includes the photo session and five print-ready images.
The perfect gift for photography lovers
KW Photography gift vouchers are available to buy now and would make the perfect gift for those who like to record special family moments in photographs.
Get your family photoshoot experience gift voucher today
If you would love to have a family photoshoot experience with me, then grab one for yourself, or for someone else, while you can!
There are only limited gift vouchers available to purchase at this great value price, so these are likely to sell out fast. Contact me via this form for more information or hit the “Buy Now” button to purchase a voucher.
Karen x
Seven things you may not expect of your professional portrait session
You’ve made the decision to have a professional portrait session. Great! And now you’ve selected your preferred photographer (hopefully me!). The date is all booked in your diary and you’re now looking ahead to having the portraits taken.
You’ve probably got an idea of how it will turn out (after all, you’ve done your research), and you’re already imagining the pictures taking pride of place on your walls or mantlepiece at home.
But, whether it’s a maternity, newborn, older baby or child, family, cake smash or outdoor lifestyle shoot that you’ve booked, the chances are that they’ll be some unexpected aspects of the experience. After all, you never can predict how things will go, especially if young children are involved!
In today’s blog, I’m revealing seven things that you’ll experience when hiring me for a professional portrait session that you may not have expected.
Surprising features of your professional portrait session with KW Photography
-
In-depth guidance on what to expect and how to prepare
I realise that you may never have hired a photographer before, apart from your wedding photographer perhaps, unless you are a repeat customer of mine. So, it’s a new experience for you and you won’t necessarily know what to expect. And, if this is the case, don’t worry.
When you get in touch with me to book, I’ll send you all the information you’ll need in advance of your photoshoot. Plus, you can find extra information on my website, on the Frequently Asked Questions page, in my Newborn Photography Guide (if relevant to you) and within my blogs.
Clients often tell me that they hadn’t realised I would help them to prepare so well. But I do this because I’m committed to helping you feel as prepared as possible for your photoshoot. And, if you still have questions, then please don’t hesitate to ask – simply call me or drop me an email.
-
Hands-on help with your newborn baby
If you’re having a newborn portrait session with me, once you’ve arrived and we’re ready to get started, I’ll settle your baby to sleep and position then safely for the photographs.
Some parents are surprised to learn that I do this and have expected that they’d need to do far more themselves during the session. But honestly, you should just sit back and relax.
My comfy Poole-based photography studio is spacious and welcoming, and there’s plenty of room for you to rest, put up your feet and enjoy the session. Take advantage of the soft seating, the complimentary drinks, flick through my portfolio brochures and look at the examples of art on the walls.
Or even feel free to even have a little doze if you wish, since you’ll almost certainly be a little sleep-deprived!
-
Guidance on how to look your best for the photos
I believe that another important part of my job is to give you guidance and to make you feel at ease. My aim is to make you look your very best in the pictures, so I will direct you throughout the session.
If it’s a studio-based child or family session, I’ll use my experience of what works well to advise you on how to stand, sit or interact with the other members of your family. Or if it’s a maternity session, I’ll guide you on how to pose in a way that’s flattering and elegant.
There’s nothing worse than not knowing how to stand, which way to look or what to do with your hands, I know. So, I take all that doubt away by giving you clear instructions. And we’ll be chatting away the whole time too, which will also help to distract and relax you.
When I’m photographing an outdoor lifestyle shoot though, I’ll be encouraging you to simply have fun. In these sessions, I may give you some direction but I’m more focused on capturing the natural moments, the smiles and the interactions that unfold.
-
Tricks to get your baby to look to the camera
Of course, in a cake smash or a baby portrait session, young children don’t always take instruction! But, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve that’ll encourage your little one to interact with the camera.
Again, my best tip for you would be to leave it to me – to be honest, if you wave your arms around or say their name, chances are they’ll look at you rather than me, so they won’t be looking into the camera.
During a baby session I am usually on the floor, singing nursery rhymes, using squeaky toys and rolling balls around the room – yes, I may look a bit mad at times! But these are tried and tested techniques for getting great photos, so I’d urge you to just go with it and leave me to it!
Remember, I’ve photographed hundreds of babies and young children over the years, so I know how to get the cooperation of even the most reluctant children!
-
Poop happens!
When it comes to photographing newborn babies, you may also be surprised to discover babies often do poop or wee in my studio – either on me, on you or on the floor!
Many a time parents have looked at me in embarrassment and horror when their newborn baby does this for the first time, but honestly, there’s no need to worry!
I am fully prepared for life’s little accidents, and of course, it’s completely natural. Everything in my studio is washable, and I clean and sterilise everything I use in the studio before each session.
-
Editing and refining your image gallery
When it comes to reviewing the portraits taken during your session, you’ll perhaps also be relieved to learn that I’ll do the hard work of whittling the hundred or so images I’ve taken, down into an edited gallery for you to choose from.
I select the images that are the best of the best, and then I spend time editing those pictures to achieve the final image gallery from your professional portrait session.
Wondering why professional photographers edit their photographs? I explain that here.
Parents are often surprised to realise how much work goes on behind the scenes and about the editing process. When I tell them it can sometimes take over an hour to edit each image, they tell me they didn’t realise!
Only once fully edited are the images ready for you to view. I will then send you a link to view your gallery or, if you’d prefer, you have the option of returning to my studio, where I have a dedicated area for viewing your portrait gallery on a large screen. This is the most exciting bit – the big reveal!
-
Help with choosing your final images
A further, often unexpected benefit of hiring me is that I can help you to decide which are your favourite images from the final image gallery.
Choosing which images to purchase can be tough! It’s highly likely that you’ll love all of the images and will find it hard to select the ones you love the best. So, I can be there to guide you on your final selections if you did want some help with this.
It’s important for you to realise though, that I deliberately sit quietly while you view your gallery for the very first time. I don’t impose my preferences on you or make you buy images that you don’t want (or more than you want).
My sole aim with a viewing appointment is to help you choose your favourite images and to help you make the often-difficult decisions about which ones, and how, you’ll display in your home.
Initial reactions to the images are usually very telling, so I’ll be encouraging you to go with your gut and choose the images you love at first sight.
You’re now fully prepared for your professional portrait session!
So, there you have it. Seven things you may not have expected about your professional portrait session with me. I would love to know which of these surprised you the most? Do let me know in the comments below.
If you’ve yet to book but would like to, please complete this contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!
And if you know someone in Dorset, Hampshire or even further afield who may be interested in having professional portraits taken, please do share this article with them. Thank you!
Karen x
