Newborn, baby and family photography: What options do you have at KW Photography?
Here at KW Photography, I offer a variety of different newborn, baby and family photography sessions so this article is a round-up of the services that are available if you choose me as your portrait photographer.
I want you to be clear on what the options for child and baby portrait sessions with me are so that you can make the right choice for your family.
Newborn Photography
My most popular service is my newborn photography. This is my signature service – the one thing I have become known for and which I am the most experienced in. It’s completely true that photographing newborn babies is my first love!
I just adore working with newborn babies and love creating portraits of your brand-new baby, capturing them as they are in their first few days of life. They don’t stay like this for long, so I think it’s so important to photograph this amazing stage.
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A ‘Newborn’ Studio Session
I’m known for my sleeping baby pictures and I’ve photographed over 1000 babies to date!
In this type of session, I spend up to 3-4 hours photographing your baby, creating a variety of poses, and using different props and backdrops to give you a wide choice of images (20-30) to choose from.
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Outdoor newborn portraits
Plus, if you want something different, in addition to the traditional posed newborn images, you can now take advantage of the option to have newborn photos taken in my outdoor garden studio as part your newborn studio session. This is included in the newborn session fee.
Outdoor newborn portraits have proved very popular since I started doing them last year. I keep your baby warm at all times, don’t worry! As always, your baby’s safety is my number one priority.
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The ‘My First Year’ package
This is a great option for families who want newborn photos and know they’d also like to return for baby photos on two additional occasions in their baby’s first year.
I typically capture babies at the ‘sitting’ stage, at approximately 6-8 months, and again on their first birthday (many families choose to upgrade this first birthday session to a ‘cake smash’ photoshoot).
Another thing to point out is that when you book a newborn session with me, you are very welcome to bring older siblings, family members and even your furry friends to also be featured in the photos. I’m a dog lover myself and know that they are an important part of the family too!
Baby and family photography is what I specialise in so adorable sibling photos and mum/dad pictured with the baby are important photos to take. Family photos (up to five people) come as standard too!
Click here for more information about my newborn photography services and here to see examples in my newborn photo gallery.
Baby and Family Photography
If you’ve missed the newborn stage but are still keen to get photos of your baby once they are a few months old, there are plenty of options for you:
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Relaxed older ‘newborn’ photos
Some photographers won’t attempt newborn-style photography with babies over four weeks, but I am very confident working with babies of any age.
The images you can expect to receive when the baby is a little older will be just as beautiful, but they will be more relaxed as your baby won’t be as curled up anymore, and they will be more alert than days-old newborns who sleep almost all day.
Which means that I can usually achieve adorable wide-eyed photos like this.
Click here for more information about my newborn photo sessions and here to see examples in my newborn photo gallery.
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Baby portrait sessions
You can also come to me at any time in your baby’s first year for a baby portrait session. Common milestones that parents like to document are the:
- At approximately 3-4 months – I can photograph them laying on their backs, smiling or practising their ‘tummy time’
- At approximately 6-8 months – typically babies are learning or have learnt to crawl and can sit independently which is a big achievement!
- And any time from 12 months old, babies start to walk. It’s lovely to capture those very first steps!
And, if you wish to have more than one photoshoot during your baby’s first year, the ‘My First Year’ package, as I mentioned above, is a great value option. Find out more about the ‘My First Year’ package here.
Cake Smash Photography
Cake smashes are hugely popular and it’s easy to see why! They are such fun for your baby and the photos are colourful and full of personality!
During a cake smash portrait session, your child gets the chance to celebrate their first birthday in style. With a giant birthday cake and sat in front of a colourful backdrop accessorised to your liking, they have the chance to play, eat and even destroy their cake while I take photos!
But while cake smashes are traditionally associated with a baby turning one, they don’t have to be! Rules were made to be broken, right?!
You can book a cake smash anytime from when your baby is sitting up independently, as I explain here.
Click here for more information about my cake smash photoshoots and here to see examples in my cake smash photo gallery.
Newborn, Baby and family photography
So, as you can tell, there are lots of different options available to you if you’re looking for newborn, baby and family photography.
I’m proud to say that I am one of the longest-established newborn and baby photographers here in Dorset and that I’ve worked in this specialist genre of photography for seven years, photographing babies and children of all ages.
An investment into professional newborn, baby and family photography is one that I guarantee you will never regret. The photos will keep the memories alive and you’ll treasure them forever.
To enquire or to book a portrait session with me, please complete this contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!
Karen x
Take a look at the newly revamped KW Photography studio | Poole, Dorset
I’m really excited to share the news that I have completed a major revamp of the KW Photography studio!
I started my portrait photography business almost seven years ago now, and I’ve always loved the space I had. But, for a while now, I’ve been considering changing things around a little. And this year I decided to go for it!
So, after a LOT of hard work over the past few weeks (although it feels like longer), finally, I’ve got a larger studio space – yippee!
A newly extended studio space
I’ve had my head down this past month or so getting the hard work done.
Even with a team of helpers, it proved to be a lot of work and more complex than I had anticipated (aren’t these things always?!).
But at least I didn’t need to extend. It was just a case of knocking down a partition to extend the overall space, and to re-home a lot of stuff that had been stashed away in what was the former storage area.
The new KW Photography studio can be seen in all it’s glory in this video
Three ways the new KW Photography studio is a game-changer
Having the extra space in the studio will dramatically change things for me as I go about my day-to-day work. I’m already feeling the benefit, as I’ve squeezed in a couple of sessions since it was all completed .
But it will also enhance and improve things for you, too.
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More streamlined, quicker sessions
My signature newborn sessions can take up to four hours to achieve a variety of images incorporating different setups, props and poses.
Before the extension, I had space for just one setup. Now I’ve got loads more space! I can have two or more newborn setups in place at any one time. Which means I can achieve the same photos in less time.
Rather than have to stop and change the backdrops, cushions and props during a session, I can simply transition over to the second setup and start taking photos. I think you’re going to love how much time this saves!
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A more comfortable experience
The larger space in the photography studio also means that I can offer you a more spacious, dedicated area to relax in while I photograph your little one(s).
As before, you’ll find that I have comfy chairs as well as refreshments on tap so that you can really get cosy and enjoy the experience, while I get to work. But the more open-plan layout now means there’s plenty of room to feed your baby, stretch your legs and room to stash your bags and other belongings.
More space and dedicated areas for all my photography equipment, props and child and maternity clothing mean that everything has a home now too. So, while this is mainly a benefit for me, you’ll also find the studio to be tidier than it’s ever been before!
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More inspiration for your own wall art
In the new studio, you’re also now able to view a larger selection of wall art.
Hung on the walls of the KW Photography studio are examples of the photo products you can buy from me after your session, once you have chosen your favourite images from the photoshoot.
Look out for the new circular birch orbs – these are proving really popular and are so different to anything you may have seen elsewhere before!
Most of my clients buy photo products from me along side the digital images.
Having your photos professionally printed and mounted on your walls at home is, I think, the best way to enjoy the photographs. With digital files on a USB, there is a risk that the images never see the light of day!
NEW! Private gallery viewing sessions
Which is why I’m also now offering private viewing sessions for clients who would like help with making their final image selections and wall art purchases.
I can consult you, based on my years of experience as a photographer and my 20+ years of experience in the professional print industry.
I can help you to make a decision about which images to have created into stunning wall art that will suit your home and space where you’re intending to hang the pictures.
If you’d like to book a private gallery viewing appointment – which would take place at my photography studio a couple of weeks after your photoshoot – we can agree a date and time for this when you visit for your session.
So, come and visit me in the new KW Photography studio!
If you’ve got a photoshoot booked in with me soon, you’re going to be among the first to see the new studio space – lucky you! I can’t wait to hear what you think.
If you haven’t but have been meaning to book in, do contact me today and secure your slot.
I’ve got a very busy diary in the next few months – Spring is always a notoriously busy time. As well as working in my new studio space, I’ll be starting my popular bluebell woods photoshoots very soon, so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment. I really hate having to turn people away!
You can either call me on 07749270431 or complete this contact form to make an enquiry.
The joys of a cake smash and bath splash session
If you’re a toddler, splashing around in warm, silky bubbles is just so much fun! Which is why I always include a bubble bath splash session in every one of my popular cake smash photoshoots.
Today, I wanted to share with you some of the fun my little clients have during a cake smash and bath splash session here at KW Photography.
Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles!
It’s certainly a highlight of my day seeing babies and children enjoying themselves during their photoshoot with me. The smiling faces and squeals of delight during a cake smash and bath splash session are just so adorable!
I bring the warm bubbles into the photography studio towards the end of the cake smash session. At this point, the cake has usually been well and truly destroyed and baby needs a good clean up!
I have the cutest miniature roll-top bath which is just the perfect size for little ones. And I always use plenty of bath mixture to ensure they have lots of bubbles to play with.
A Cake Smash and Bath Splash: Messy fun for everyone!
As you’ll have probably seen if you’ve taken a look at my cake smash portrait gallery already, cake smash sessions can get very messy!
So, the bath splash is not only a great tactic for keeping your baby entertained during the cake smash shoot, but it also allows me to create a greater variety of images for you to feature on your walls at home.
And it also has a practical purpose, of course – I wouldn’t want to be sending you home with a child covered in cake! I don’t think it would do the upholstery in your car much good!
Happy babies, happy memories
My years of experience as a baby photographer has taught me that I get the best portraits of your little ones if they’re enjoying themselves during their time with me.
So, whether you’re visiting for a cake smash session, for one of your ‘My First Year’ baby portrait sessions, or a family photoshoot, I’ll be sure to keep them entertained.
Cake smash and bath splash sessions
Follow these links to discover more about what’s involved in a cake smash, when to book your cake smash photoshoot and to see a cake smash session in action!
And if you’re interested in booking a cake smash or baby portrait session please get in touch by completing this contact form.
Karen x
Why professional photographers edit their photographs
If you haven’t hired a professional photographer before, you could be forgiven for wondering why professional photographers edit their photographs.
Common questions I have been asked by clients before include:
- Why do the images need editing – surely a skilled professional photographer creates the image in the camera itself, not on the computer?
- Why can’t I just be sent the digital images, on the day of my photoshoot?
- And, why must I wait up to several weeks to view my images?
The thing is, I realise that when you’ve had your photoshoot, you’re so excited. I know that you just cant wait to see the results!
But I don’t make you wait for your images just to tease you, I promise!
There is a valid reason why, and that is that there is a final stage in the process after the photoshoot itself. And that process is editing.
Almost all professional photographers (some may not, but certainly most do) edit their photographs. It’s a critical step in the process. And in today’s blog I’ll explain that in a little more detail.
What’s involved in a professional photoshoot
Despite what you might think, there is much more to a photographer’s work than setting up a shot and then clicking the buttons on the camera.
- Lots of planning goes into it before you even turn up for your photoshoot
- And after the session, many more hours are spent finalising the pictures so that they are ready for you to print.
Which also explains why professional photography comes at a considerable cost.
You aren’t just paying for the time I spend during your phootshoot – which is up to an hour for most portrait sessions, or several hours for a newborn session.
Behind the scenes of a professional photography shoot
Each and every photoshoot I do involves many hours of work behind the scenes too!
But since you typically only see the final images when I share them on Facebook or in your online photo gallery, you’ve perhaps not realised that there is such a lot of work involved.
Before the photoshoot
Yep, creative styling is a huge part of the work in advance of any photoshoot. Whether that’s a maternity or newborn session, a baby ‘sitter session’ or group portraits with older children, or a family studio shoot.
After all, those coloured backdrops, props, dresses, headbands, newborn outfits and wraps, don’t buy themselves! And I need to setup the photography studio so I am ready for you, with everything I’m likely to need to be at hand.
I have to create and pre-plan my shoots and then editing is a fundamental part of the creative process after the shoot in order to get the image just right.
After the photoshoot
While I will always aim to get the portrait as good as I can in camera, there is always some editing to be done afterwards. I use digital editing techniques to finish each and every image that I include in your gallery.
I do this so that each image is consistent with my KW Photography brand style; something that I’ve developed over the years and which sets me apart from other photographers.
Without that editing, which is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle so to speak, they simply aren’t finished KW Photography images.
Plus, as in the example below, there may be a need to do some editing to digitally remove parts of the image.
During my newborn photoshoots, I make sure that I always pose babies safely. When I’m trying to achieve portraits like this one, I ask parents to support their child’s head while I take the photos. Then, once the image is edited afterwards, all signs of the parent’s hand or arm are removed. Like magic!
Editing out blemishes
There’s also another reason why editing is important. Often newborn babies have blotchy, uneven coloured skin for the first few weeks. And marks or blemishes on their bodies that parents would prefer to be removed on the computer.
Also, older children may have chickenpox scars or snotty noses (I’ve certainly edited out plenty of snot in my six years as a baby and child photographer!). I can edit the images that I take in my camera to whisk these away!
If a portrait of your newborn baby or child is going to be hung on the walls at home, it’s usually the parent’s preference to have me edit the image so that these things are removed. But let me assure you, I won’t edit to the extreme! I have limits on what I will do.
Why professional photographers edit their photographs
So, I hope that helps to explain why professional photographers edit their photographs? And why there is a small delay in getting the images to you for viewing and ordering.
If you have any questions or concerns about the editing process, do always ask me your questions either in advance or during your photoshoot.
To book your session please contact me today. I’m available on 07749 270431 or email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.
Karen x
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
An invitation to enjoy my new outdoor photography studio
Outdoor Photography studio
At the rear of the KW Photography photography studio, I have a large garden and I had it excavated last year. I’m planning to turn this space into an outdoor photography studio. It was hugely overgrown – more like a jungle! It took weeks and weeks of hard work to clear it. But now, at last, you can actually see the wood for the trees, so to speak!
Well, suffice to say, it was a job well worth doing. Because, this year I am now able to offer you the option of having your portraits taken outdoors as well as indoors, all on one site!
Yep, if you are looking to have natural, outdoor portraits taken of the kids this summer, then look no further. This is exactly what I am now offering in my new outdoor photography studio (a.k.a the garden)!
Studio and on-location photography in one session
On the days when the weather has been kind recently, I’ve started inviting clients outside. Everyone I have taken out there so far seems to be loving the new outdoor photography studio.
They like that they can get both indoor and outdoor portraits taken in the one session with me, which naturally results in a wider variety of images for them to choose from and buy.
And the cherry on the cake, of course, is that it’s now possible to do this without us all having to leave the premises and that it’s available at no additional cost!
A natural backdrop for maternity, baby and family portraits
I planted thousands of bulbs last year after the garden was cleared and am thrilled that these have mostly been successful. I had a carpet of bluebells in the spring, and now have a lovely mix of shrubs and grasses which have created a lovely backdrop for the outdoor portraits.
As you can see, baby Jennie loved being in the garden! I took the miniature enamel bath outside and she splashed away in the fresh air! It was lovely to watch. She even gave me loads of smiles despite the pain she was in with her pesky teeth that day.
And when this gorgeous little girl decided that she didn’t want to have her photo taken in the studio, the outdoor photography studio was the perfect solution!
Come and discover my garden studio
Another great thing about the garden studio is that it extends quite far back and so there’s lots of scope to create a variety of pictures.
I had a fabulous giant swing installed earlier in the year which is ideal for the bigger kids and adults, and I’ve also got lots of props like vintage trikes, chairs and wheelbarrows which are cute to include in pictures of the younger ones.
I’m so thrilled that I am finally getting to use the outside space here at KW Photography HQ in Poole. I’ve wanted to for years now. And I’m really pleased that feedback has been so positive about this exciting new service.
Book your outdoor photography studio session today
The outdoor photography studio is a safe and welcoming place for both children and adults. I look forward to inviting you to come and try it out for yourself.
Remember, I’m able to create professional portraits of you, your children or your entire family, and I specialise in both styled studio portraits and relaxed outdoor photos.
So whether you want to combine a studio session with some time in the garden, or if you just want an outdoor session, the choice is entirely yours.
Please contact me to book your session. I’m available on 07749 270431 or you can email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.
Karen x
In the age of the iPhone, do you need a professional photographer?
Hey, everyone!
May is almost here. The sun is starting to shine a little longer each day. And the beautiful flowers are starting to bloom, enticing us all outside for some well-earned family time.
When I log into Facebook my newsfeed at the moment, it is positively bursting with my friends’ lovely snaps of their children. It’s great to see so many of you out and about among the spring flowers.
Since we all have smartphones with pretty sophisticated cameras these days, it is certainly possible to take some great shots simply with your phone.
So, this got me thinking.
In the age of the iPhone, do you need a professional photographer?
Playing devils advocate for a minute, why would you want to book a professional photographer, like me?
When you can potentially capture great outdoor portraits on your phone, is the investment into a pro photographer worth the money?
Is it really worth spending a couple of hundred pounds on professional portraits when you can take your own for free?
So, with this in mind, last week I did a bit of an experiment.
Comparing the iPhone with a professional camera
When I was out in the bluebell woods myself, photographing the beautiful Amira , I grabbed my phone (a shiny new iPhone ) and handed it to Amira’s mummy.
I asked her to get some photos of me photographing Amira, and some shots of Amira on her own.
Putting the iPhone to the test
Now my iPhone is great. Being the latest model, it has an excellent quality integrated camera. So, I was actually amazed at how badly the shots turned out.
I expected vibrant bluebells, a gorgeous warm glow and a creamy background with Amira looking amazing in the foreground.
But this is the shot from my iPhone. You can see for yourself, it isn’t very impressive!
In fact, it’s hard to see Amira at all!
The background is way too clear and messy, the colours are flat and where has that gorgeous warm glow gone?
I was pretty disappointed with the iPhone’s performance to be honest.
Why you need a professional photographer
In contrast to the poor quality iPhone picture that Amira’s mummy took, this is the portrait I captured on my professional camera.
I took this photo while I was stood next to Amira’s mummy. So I was in the same location at the same time, working with the exact same lighting conditions.
I use a professional quality Canon camera and, an essential piece of my kit for this kind of shot, a really long lens.
The advantage of a long lens over the iPhone is that it it allows me to do a tighter crop of the subject. And it does an amazing job of blurring out that messy background and bringing Amira to the forefront of the photo, since I am in control of the apeture of the lens.
The result is a carpet of gorgeous bluebells (deliberately, not all in focus), the child in sharp focus (drawing your eye immediately to her) and the gorgeous golden light falling on her skin.
Wow! Isn’t this a major improvement to the iPhone snap!
Amateur vs. pro photography
You could be forgiven for thinking that these two pictures weren’t taken on the same day, let alone the same time! There is such a huge difference between the two images!
The professional portraits I took were a hit with Amira’s mummy and I’m told that this one is going to be printed and mounted onto the walls at Amira’s home.
The iPhone snap will be deleted!
Heres a few more of the stunning Amira
Proof you need a professional photographer
So, that’s why (in my opinion anyway), in the age of the iPhone you still need a professional photographer!
Even with the very latest smartphones and iPhone cameras at our disposal, the results are so inferior to the quality that a professional photographer can produce.
Now I know this, of course, but I wonder if the thought has ever crossed your mind before? Whether you need a professional photographer? Or whether you could save yourself some money and do a D.I.Y portrait session.
Well, if you’re after the kind of portraits that I can produce, I hope that this may have helped you to answer that question!
If you’re now convinced and would like to book a spring flowers outdoor photoshoot, please contact me as soon as possible to book your slot. I’m on 07749 270431 or email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete the contact form on my website.
The bluebells are only around for a few more weeks and I only have limited bluebell sessions left.
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
