springtime photoshoot

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!

spring photoshoot in Dorset

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.

Bluebell photoshoot Dorset

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.

spring photoshoot in Dorset

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.

  1. For one thing, it’s always nice to get outdoors, particularly after a long cold winter.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

Dorset childrens photographer

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.

springtime photoshoot

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.

dorset photography

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


Bournemouth beach photographer

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.

Bournemouth 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!

Dorset photographer captures family photos

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.

Family holding hands on the beach

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.

Girl on Poole Beach with seashell

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


parent and baby photography

National Surrogacy Week - What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy, what’s it all about?

My job as a newborn and family photographer means I meet hundreds of new parents every year in my Poole studio. During the past 10 years, I’ve met parents from all walks of life. No matter what their nationality, beliefs, or sexuality is they love their babies unconditionally. As every parent across the globe does. It’s National Surrogacy week and I knew the perfect couple to chat about their experience.

I’ve been lucky enough to share the joy of well over a thousand couples in being new parents. I’ve heard countless birth stories and their journeys to becoming parents. My own pregnancies were “easy”. I have two amazing kids that are growing into lovely young adults. I couldn’t imagine not being able to share my life with my offspring.

As it’s National Surrogacy week I thought it would be amazing to share one couple’s very personal and emotional account. I learned of their Surrogacy story whilst photographing their newborn baby girl.

Family photos near me

Lisa and Sunny’s Surrogacy story

“The statistics show that 1:4 women experience a miscarriage at some point in their life and 1:100 will experience recurrent miscarriages. It says women but I think it’s important to highlight that men are also impacted by this. For every woman suffering, in many cases, there will be a man struggling as well. So it impacts everyone, your friends, family and colleagues. Whether we realise it or not someone in your world will have dealt with the devastating impact of losing a baby through miscarriage.

There will be no two experiences the same, everyone will deal with their journey differently. Only since my beautiful two-year-old daughter was born, do I feel comfortable to talk about my experience. In the 5 years before Lara was born we experienced multiple miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy. Had several rounds of IVF, a couple of misdiagnoses, numerous invasive tests, operations, blood tests and more needles and drugs than I care to mention. The physical, emotional, mental and financial strain of infertility is immense and has a significant impact on your life.

newborn baby and new parents

Many people would like to share their journey with others but feel unable to. The stigma that surrounds miscarriage, loss of a baby, infertility feels very real. You battle with yourself daily. It becomes all-consuming and dominates your thoughts and feelings. The emotions I have dealt with include shame, anger, embarrassment, loss, jealousy, desperation, love and hope. It is a roller-coaster of emotions, highs and lows. On more than one occasion I considered living a child-free life, I had a career I loved, a loving relationship, good friends and family but every time I considered it my heart dropped and my future looked dark.

During this time we tried everything. From holistic therapy (acupuncture, reflexology, detox retreats) to visiting top London fertility clinics. Finally, in 2015 I was diagnosed with several blood conditions that meant my body views my babies as intruders and rather than nurturing them, attacks resulting in a miscarriage. After being told numerous times by Fertility Consultants that our embryos are ‘perfect’ I was determined not to give up and after my last loss in March 2016, I decided to research Gestational Surrogacy (where a woman often called a host, carries our embryo for us). And this is where our story takes a positive turn; we met Rachel and her family in April 2016 in a Facebook Surrogacy group and have become firm friends ever since.

New baby girl newborn photographer

The next part of my story is the reason I’m able to talk about my experience now. Our beautiful baby girl was born in November 2017. The day Lara was born, so was I. It felt like a fog lifted, I had found my purpose, my missing piece, it was like that dark future disappeared and everything became clear.

Childrens photographer Dorset

Hope

Surrogacy is often a misunderstood topic. Where people think the Surrogate is a victim or being taken advantage of. Here in the UK that couldn’t be further from the truth (there are always exceptions). These women are strong, focused and determined. They have come to the surrogacy world for a variety of reasons but ultimately, they want to help someone have the family they dreamed of. In the UK it’s altruistic so only expenses connected to the pregnancy can be paid, they do not gain financially for giving this incredible gift.

Although our surrogacy journey was straightforward compared to other journeys, it was still an emotional rollercoaster. We were successful with Lara on our second IVF attempt, so we still had to deal with the heartache of a failed transfer which we found out about the day before my 38th birthday. Even with Surrogacy, there is no guarantee you’ll have a family at the end of your journey. Watching Lara now though it was worth every tear, every moment of heartbreak, every penny and I’d do it all over again to be where we are now.

Family photographer Dorset

Looking back on my journey, we’ve been taken emotionally, physically and mentally to some dark places. The surrogacy community and the Surrogates that are prepared to help people like us brought hope when we thought there was none. They don’t only change lives but help create them, helping people start and complete their families. They’re some of the strongest people I’ve ever met.  I’m blessed to have found the community and made some amazing friends, both Surrogates and other Intended Parents (IPs).

I’m always here to answer questions or offer support so please feel free to get in touch if you’re in the middle of that fog or just would like to know more. Wishing anyone who is in that dark place the strength and determination to continue their journey, whether you reach your dream through your own pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy – hold on, it’s definitely worth it!”

Lisa x

Best Family photographer

Create Newborn photos at home.

DIY Newborn photos

What strange times we are living in, week 5 of a national lockdown and we are getting full-on cabin fever. So I thought i’d add you useful tips on DIY newborn photos to my blog.

My days consist mostly of battling with my teenage son to get him out of bed before midday because it’s “wasting the day”. This is generally met with a chorus “of what’s the point”. I’m also struggling to see what the point is to be fair, and I’m picking my battles wisely.

Even my naughty dog Scamp ( yes aptly named)  has the wanderlust and is finding the tiniest hole to escape the garden and go for a walk.

I’m missing my lovely clients, and the newborn cuddles that are the highlight of my week. What a great job to have! This got me thinking, babies don’t stop being born during a pandemic. Obviously, with the stay-home stay-safe advice we can’t get those early days photographed in the studio.

So how can parents still get DIY newborn photos to cherish?

DIY newborn baby photos

Create memories in your own home.

You have a new baby and sadly can’t have any visitors to meet your new bundle. So now is the ideal time to create some perfect memories with your new baby. Capture every moment, even if you are feeling very sleep deprived, show family and friends so they can share in your joy.

Yawning newborn baby

Download my DIY newborn photos tips.

I’ve put together a guide for you to download. It’s full of helpful advice on how to capture those all-important shots of your newborn baby. These early days with your baby are so precious and fleeting its important to remember them.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE

Hope you find it useful as a prompt to get the best from your camera or camera phone at home.

I’m sure the Lockdown will lift soon so remember I’m very comfortable photographing older newborns. 

Please do get in touch if you would like more information on newborn photoshoots, I’d love to chat.

Stay safe and bye for now

Karen x

Newborn baby photographer Dorset

Newborn photographer Southampton

Siblings and Newborns-What to expect during your photoshoot.

Can the rest of my children come to the newborn session?

I’m experienced newborn photographer and a mum of two myself. I know that one of the most important photos parents want from the newborn photoshoot is the siblings and newborns together. I really understand that its the most important photo of the whole session for parents, often topping the family  photo.

So yes, absolutely do bring the other children to the session. At the newborn photoshoot booking we can discuss the best way to organise the photo session to include the siblings.

Newborn twins photographer

In an ideal world, your toddler/child will sit nicely, carefully cradling the precious new bundle and smile adoringly at the camera. Oh if only, my job would be made so easy!

Younger children especially, react differently to the changes when a new baby arrives. Some love their new sibling others can’t even bear to be near the new baby. On the whole most toddlers just too busy and mostly ignore the new arrival. All of these traits can make it quite tricky to get the siblings and newborns together for the sibling photo.

Newborn photographer Southampton

I have years of experience so I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get those all-important photos of the kids together.

There are also a few things that you could do at home to help the session go more smoothly.

Tips for a smooth session.

  • If they are old enough then get them used to cuddling the baby. In a safe way either on your lap or in the corner or the sofa with your assistance.
  • Try to mention you are coming to visit Karen and shes going to take some photos so its not a total shock when they arrive at the studio.
  • Get them used to having photos taken with the baby and ask them to smile.
  • Make sure the older children aren’t tired or hungry or both at the time the session is booked for.
  • Bring the outfit you’d like them to wear to keep it clean until they need to wear it. Avoid bright colours, patterns and pictures if possible.
  • Bring a favourite toy or cuddly to keep them entertained during the session.
  • Bribery if all else fails. Try not to make it chocolate though , it can get messy with a mouth full of chocolate.
  • Finally don’t stress about the session, I have lots of tricks to help get those all-important memories.

Happy toddler and newborn baby cuddling

Siblings and Newborns

There are lots of ways to get your children in the photo for the important siblings and newborns together. But if a toddler really doesn’t want to join in then we can use the magic of photoshop to get them together.

Most newborn photoshoot sessions are during the week so if you have a child at school don’t worry, we can split the session. It is possible to do the newborn part of the session, come back after school, and do the family and sibling shots.

Same goes for toddlers, if you think they may struggle to cope with staying in one place for a few hours then have a chat with me and we can work out the best way to get the photos you want in the most stress free way.

Hope this give you some hints and tips on how a newborn photosession works with siblings whatever their age. if you’d like more info then please drop me message.

Bye for now 🙂

Karen x

Bournemouth newborn baby photographer

Christmas photoshoot shop local

Shop local this Christmas

Christmas shopping, love it or loathe it?

If you are anything like me then the Amazon delivery man is making daily visits to your door with Christmas pressies. That started me thinking that as a small business myself I really ought to try and shop local and visit those local independent retailers and makers.

Here are a few of my favourites I found on my travels.

The Attic Store

I first came across the Attic store many years ago when they were an online based store trading mainly on “Not on the high street” and I loved their quirky crochet toys and gifts. Well, now you can visit either of their beautiful gift stores located in Broadstone and Westbourne. Both shops have something for everyone and lots of items that can be personalised making the perfect Christmas gift.

My faves are the personalised jewellery , chose your item and they will put it on a personalised card with a special message. So much nicer and thoughtful than the normal amazon delivery 😉

Lytchett Bay Soaps

Continuing the shop local ethos we have include this great new small business, free postage and packing over £18 or if you are local enough then its free delivery within 3 miles. That’s a win win to me its local but I can order online and the lovely Liz will drop the soaps off to me .

Looking on the website you are literally spoilt for choice , you can go for a best seller like “storm freya” or make up a super gift box as a perfect present.

Great news too is that most of the products are vegan and plastic free.

Christmas photoshoot shop local

Cherry Picked Hampers

Theres something supremely christmassy about giving and receiving a hamper full of wonderful local sourced goodies. Over at Cherry picked hampers they have a wonderful selection of hampers for every occasion, the Christmas hampers look extra yummy. This fab local business ticks the local box by sourcing all their produce from Dorset, making it the perfect gift for family and friends.

 

Walford Mill Wimborne

Walford Mill is a unique centre for makers and artists, they offer a great range of individual items ranging from ceramics to jewellery and cards in the shop. The current maker exhibition is all about Christmas and there are lots of pop-up artists and makers exhibiting during December making it an ideal place to get those unique and unusual gifts.

Newborn baby smiling whilst posed in a metal bucket with flowers

The Rhubarb Candle Company

Everybody loves candles at Christmas and I just love this local candle making company. The candles are hand poured and made using soy and not the nasty paraffin wax. Very tempted to get the Christmas tree, Spiced Orange or Gingerbread  perfumed candle to make the house smell just oh so christmassy. You can order on the website, pick up at a local gift fair or collect from them in person.

Hope you find that ideal gift for your loved ones, don’t forget that you can purchase a KW Photography gift voucher and keep those memories alive forever.

Bye for now

Karen x


Visit santa in Dorset

Top 5 places to visit santa in Dorset

Yay, it’s Christmas time.

It’s that time of year again, the excitement is mounting and the kids are getting excited beyond belief that Santa is coming soon. Visit Santa and see the big man himself in person is an absolute must for the little ones, so here are my top 5 places locally to see Santa.

 

Stewarts garden centre

Broomhill Garden Centre, Wimborne, or Christchurch Garden Centre, Christchurch, Dorset .Both sites have Santa in residence it’s magic how he transports himself 😉 Meet the elves and then Santa himself in his winter wonderland.

The kids get a gift bag and an age appropriate toy. Stewarts is a lovely setting with lots to see and a cafe with good food.

Make sure you booking advance as Santa gets super busy at both sites .

Swanage railway

I always love the nostalgia of the swanage railway and its always been a firm favourite with my kids to board the Santa Special.

Again, its very popular but there are slots left to book a ticket for the hour long round trip on the special santa train. Grown ups get a mince pie and the kids get to meet Santa and receive a gift .

Visit santa in Dorset

Upton Country Park

Upton Country Park is one of my favourite places to visit, and if you book a location photo session with me then we are most likely to visit the park because it’s such a stunning location.

Each year the park just gets better , this year is no exception with the arrival of Santa and his Elves. Not only do you get to meet the main man but you also get to see his owls and donkeys ( reindeer stayed at home this year ). The little ones get an age appropriate wrapped gift and a printed photo with Santa to take away. Enjoy a visit to Santa, take the kids to the new adventure play park and grown ups get a free cuppa included in the ticket price.

Open weekends and school holidays, pre booking is advisable.

Christmas mini shoot

Farmer Palmers

Locals and visitors to Dorset both love Farmer Palmers for a super fun day out with the kids. So with that in mind visit Santa visiting the farm just makes it even better.

Santa at Farmer Palmers is one of the few places locally you don’t need to pre book. Those clever Elves have a “book on the day” system so you don’t need to wait in a queue but I’d still recommend getting to the farm early to get your slot.

Santa is in residence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at the weekends too. Best of all Santa is happy to pose for a selfie or two at no extra charge ! Don’t forget your camera 😉

Outdoor photographer Dorset

The Ark Poole Park

The Ark are offering a crafty activity to kick off the festivities for the kids this December. The children get to make reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve, make a Christmas decoration and write a letter to Santa. Then you are all set to meet the big man himself and receive a gift. Open until the 24th Dec pop over to the Ark for some festive fun.

Hope you enjoy meeting Father Christmas over the festive season. If like me you are wondering what on earth to buy the family and friends for Christmas then why not get a KW Photography gift voucher? That way you can enjoy your photos all year round.

Bye for now

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 photoshootplease 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


baby oscars

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!

baby oscars

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


child photographer of the year

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.

Long haired girl in field of seed heads

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.

child photographer of the year

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