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
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
My top ten kid-friendly attractions in Dorset
With school almost out for summer (eek!), today I thought I would share some of my favourite kid-friendly attractions in Dorset.
Many of the places I list in this round-up are ones that I enjoy or have enjoyed in the past, with my own children. And I’ve included cheap and completely free options.
So, there should be no need to feel panicked about what you are going to do once the children are finished school for the summer.
We really are spoilt for choice here in Dorset – what with both the beach and forests on our doorstep and all these wonderful, fun places. So, whether you are a local or visiting Dorset during the holidays, hopefully, you’ll find something here that’s of interest.
1. The beach!
This HAD to be my number one. We have the most amazing beaches on our doorstep – seven miles of sandy beach to be exact, stretching from Hengistbury Head in the east to Sandbanks beach to the west. Kids of all ages love the beach.
If the weather is good, settle down for a day making sandcastles, digging holes and burying parents or younger siblings in the sand(!), paddling and swimming in the sea, and then wash it all down with a picnic and ice cream. The epitomy of the perfect British summer!
2. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
A great destination for kids under 8yrs. Farmer Palmers in Organford is an award-winning farm park with animals, tractor rides, playgrounds, soft play and lots of space for your little ones to burn off some energy! There’s also lots of free parking.
Under 2yrs are free. For more information visit http://farmerpalmers.co.uk
3. Durlston Country Park
Durlston Castle is located on the cliffs in Swanage, offers fantastic sea views. You can walk around the site of Durlston Castle and learn something new at the visitor centre. For weary mums and dads, there is a café where you can get drinks and food afterwards!
For more information visit http://www.durlston.co.uk
4.Tutankhamun Exhibition
This is a good option for older kids. They’ll be learning at the same time as exploring this collection of ancient history artefacts. And there’s also a Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester too – both small but worth a look.
For more information visit https://www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk
For more information visit https://www.thedinosaurmuseum.com
5. Furzey Gardens
Furzey Gardens in the New Forest is a magical place where young children can explore and seek out up to 40 fairy doors which are located throughout the beautiful grounds. If you’re lucky you’ll also see wild New Forest ponies around the borders of the site.
Entry price: FREE for children under 3yrs. Adults – donation.
For more information visit https://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/Pages/Category/Furzey-Gardens
6. The National Trust’s Brownsea Island
Located within the beautiful Poole Harbour and just a short and inexpensive boat ride from Poole Quay, Brownsea Island is great for a full day out with the kids. Don’t forget your picnic! And keep your eyes open for red squirrels, resident peacocks and other wildlife.
For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
7. Swanage Railway
Venture across to the Purbecks and climb aboard the brilliant Swanage Railway, for a trip to the seaside resort of Swanage. You’ll travel through the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, past the castle ruins and the gorgeous Purbeck countryside. There’s also a Miniature Model Village at Corfe Castle which is worth a look.
For more information visit http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
8. Wimborne Model Town
Wimborne Model Village is also a sweet little attraction in the heart of the town. Little kids will love the miniature hourses and shops, which are based on how the town looked in the 1950s. There is also a nostalgic model railway, gardens and tea room.
Entry price: FREE for children under 3yrs.
For more information visit http://www.wimborne-modeltown.com
9. Monkey World
Monkey World is great place to visit with kids of all ages and is an ape rescue centre. The huge grounds are home to a large variety of gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons and orang-utans, and there are outdoor playgrounds and picnic spots, as well as an indoor soft play, within the café, for the babies.
For more information visit http://www.monkeyworld.org
10. Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley is a great option for all ages. Access to the huge forest walks, including the popular Gruffalo trail is free – you’ll just pay for parking (around £9 for a full day). There are play areas, a play trail, picnic areas and an authentic miniature steam railway.
The ‘Go Ape’ tree top and Segway adventures (available at an extra cost) are ideal for entertaining bigger kids.
Free entry although parking charges apply. For more information visit http://www.moors-valley.co.uk
11. Dorset Water Park
I’m squeezing in an extra suggestion since this new adventure park is proving to be a great hit with families of all ages. It is a huge woodland water park spread over two lakes and overlooking the beautiful Corfe Castle. Each lake features different inflatable obstacles for you to tackle. Have you taken your kids yet?
For more information visit https://www.dorsetwaterpark.co.uk
Kid-friendly attractions in Dorset: What else would you recommend?
So, these are my recommendations of kid-friendly attractions in Dorset! I would love for you to share any other places that you would also suggest in the comments.
For further ideas or information visit www.visit-dorset.com.
And if you’d like an on-location photoshoot with me this summer, at either your favourite park, woodland or on the beach, contact me today to book. Please complete this contact form and I’ll be in touch.
Karen x
Essential newborn sleep tips for new parents: A free guide
Although they are adorable, there’s no denying it. Newborns are sleep thieves!
But, don’t worry – help is here! As a mum of two and a seasoned newborn, baby and family photographer, who has photographed more than 1000 babies, I’ve got lots of tried-and-tested newborn sleep tips up my sleeve.
Settling new babies is part and parcel of my job as a newborn photographer and I’m not known as a baby whisperer for nothing! So, trust me when I say that I know how to handle and settle babies and that, with my help, you’ll be getting your new baby off to sleep in no time!
My top tips for settling your newborn to sleep
Keep reading and you’ll discover that I’ve got lots of newborn sleep tips which will help to get even the most unsettled baby to sleep.
I’m listing three of my top ten baby sleeping hacks for new parents below, and the full list is available as a free downloadable guide. You can grab your copy by signing up here.
Many, many parents who have used my tips in the guide have since told me that they worked wonders for settling their newborn to sleep.
So, you really won’t want to miss this if you’re expecting a baby soon or already have welcomed your new bundle of joy and need some advice for settling them.
Newborn sleep habits
Before I get onto the newborn sleep tips, did you know that a baby can sleep for up to 18 hours per day in the first few weeks after birth?! Yep, that’s a LOT of sleep!
But some babies sleep more than others and sleep patterns will vary for a while until your baby is older and you manage to establish a sleep routine.
How much and when your newborn baby sleeps will be completely unique to them. Sleep may come in short bursts or your baby may sleep for longer periods – I’m afraid it’s the luck of the draw!
Forget about getting uninterrupted sleep through the night as a new parent. It’s to be expected that babies will wake up every few hours during the day and night as newborns to be fed. They’ll need feeding little and often.
You’ll have heard it before, but the only way to survive this disruption to your own sleep pattern is to try and get as much sleep as you can whenever the baby sleeps. Easier said than done sometimes, but it really is essential in order for you to be feeling your best.
Trying to survive on just a few hours a day won’t be fun over a long period, so always ask for help with caring for your baby if you’re in desperate need of more sleep.
Newborn sleep tips
As the following tips will highlight, there are lots of factors that may affect how long and how deeply your baby sleeps.
They can wake easily at the slightest of touches or if they feel cold. But a sleeping baby can also sleep through a fairly loud level of noise! Which leads me to the first of my tips on how to settle your newborn baby to sleep…
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Use white noise
Newborn babies are comforted by the sound of white noise as it mimics the sounds they heard when they were in the womb. Remember, they have been listening to the sound of your breathing, your heart beating and your body making noises for months!
For this reason, babies find it easier to settle to sleep if there is low-level white noise in the background. It’s what’s familiar to them and will comfort them enough to sleep peacefully.
In my photography studio, I use an app on my iPhone to play soothing white noise during a newborn photoshoot. There are lots of free apps available that offer this functionality. But if you don’t have the help of a white noise machine or app, make your own sounds. ‘Shushing’ (making gentle ‘shush’ sounds) will help to the baby to sleep.
2. Get the room temperature right
Another thing I do in the photography studio is ensure that the room temperature is optimised for a newborn baby.
The studio is kept at around 23 degrees because they will spend much of the newborn photo session without clothes on. But, at home, you’ll want it slightly cooler, at around 20 degrees.
Keep a room thermometer in the room where your baby is sleeping so you can keep a close eye on the temperature and adjust their clothing according to the temperature.
Babies will need to be warm enough to settle to sleep but shouldn’t be overdressed or at risk of overheating.
3. Establish a routine
By the time your baby is a few months old you will probably want to have established some kind of sleep routine. This makes it easier for your baby to recognise the signs that bedtime is approaching.
Popular rituals in a bedtime routine include a warm bath, a change of nappy and clothes, a bedtime story or lullaby, milk and a cuddle.
Be warned though, sleep is regulated by hormones and until babies are about three months old they don’t know the difference between day and night. Their bodies don’t produce the hormones cortisol and melatonin that ours do, which regulates our sleep patterns.
So, don’t get too hung up on establishing a routine in the early months – try to just go with the flow.
Download your free ‘essential sleep tips for new parents’ guide
For seven more newborn sleep tips and the full guide in a downloadable PDF format, don’t forget to sign up here to have it sent to you by email.
I hope these help! Do let me know how you get on by posting in the comments below.
Karen
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
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
A day in the life of a children's photographer - Pumpkin patch
A day in the life of a Dorset children’s photographer.
So, the sun is shining but there’s a little chill in the air. This can only mean one thing. That summer has passed and autumn is in full swing.
I love those late summer evenings with the golden glow of sunset, but I have to confess I really love autumn too. The colours and bright crisp days are great for a little location photography. Just wrap the kids up warm, hats, scarves and gloves, chunky jumpers, and wellies. It’s a kid’s dream! They love running in the leaves and splashing in puddles (I mean, who doesn’t? If only us grown-ups could get away with it) and generally being kids!
Today I headed off in search of a slightly different type of location. After a quick search on the internet, I found a great “Pick your own” pumpkin farm on the edge of the New Forest in Sopley.
What a great backdrop for a photoshoot and with half term and Halloween just around the corner, it seemed like a great opportunity to get some fun seasonal photos. We followed the pumpkin signs and found it fairly easily, pulled into the carpark, and Wow! Row upon row of pumpkins. It was a photographer’s dream. A photo opportunity around every pumpkin.
The boys had an absolute blast choosing the biggest and best pumpkin. The farm even supply little sledges for you fill with your finds.
Not content with just pumpkin picking, the boys decided to test out their wellies. This meant things were going to get very messy! Well, boys will be boys and I loved the fact that they had so much fun out in the fresh air on their photoshoot. We had plenty of lovely clean shots before the splashing started so mum was pretty relaxed about the mess.
Things quickly got even messier with all three boys enjoying the splashing fun.
We finished off the trip a lovely photo on the farm tractor. The boys had a fantastic photoshoot doing exactly what boys love doing, getting messy!
If you’d like a lovely Autumnal location photoshoot then please get in touch (I promise puddle jumping doesn’t have to be included). What a great way to spend the day making memories with Dorset children’s photographer!
Bye for now
Karen x
Choosing your newborn photographer
Newborn photography is now a popular lifestyle choice for many new parents. As the genre has become more popular in the UK in recent years, after first becoming en vogue in America, families throughout the country are now generating an unprecedented demand, which has, in turn, led to an increasing number of photographers offering a newborn photography service. Let me help you with choosing your newborn photographer.
Yet, when it comes to choosing your newborn photographer – someone in whom they are to trust handling and manoeuvring their precious just-born baby – it can undoubtedly prove difficult to decide who to choose. Should they select solely on price? Or are there other factors to consider?
Since there is currently no official qualification that a photographer offering a newborn photography service needs to achieve, unfortunately, the industry is, in effect, unregulated. To put it bluntly, anyone with a camera could potentially claim to be a newborn photography professional, and I can say for certain that there are many very unprofessional, inexperienced people doing just that!
It genuinely frightens me to think of how these so-called ‘professional’ newborn photographers must be posing the newborn babies presented to them. Without any professional training whatsoever, and therefore without having learnt the essential skills of how to safely pose babies, photographers are out there trying out baby poses and positioning these young children in potentially dangerous ways. And all the while, the unwitting parents are none the wiser to the danger that they have put their babies in since they’ve probably never had newborn photos taken before, and they’ve trusted and believed the claims of the ‘professional’ photographer without question. Even looking at a photographers portfolio can be misleading, there are stock images you can buy or unscrupulous photographers will actually just use other photographers photos and pass them off as their own. This very thing has happened to me more than once, sadly there are people out there happy to make a fast buck.
I believe there’s also huge concern about those newborn photographers who are promising a photo session and photos cheap some as low as £20! In my view, such a price can only reflect the fact that the photographer is sub-standard and potentially unsafe posing your baby.
Ideally all newborn photographers would adhere to a professional code of conduct that is designed to safeguard babies and their parents. My hope is that in time, organisations such as the Baby and Newborn Photography Association (BANPAS) will be able to make this a reality.
I’ll undoubtedly blog about this topic again in the future as this subject is one very close to my heart and there is so much more to say. In the mean time I’d love to hear your opinions, and to learn what factors made you choose your newborn photographer, whether you used me or someone else. Please comment and I look forward to reading your responses.
Until next time,
Karen x
MAMUK commissions KW Photography
National baby brand commission complete for MAMUK!
If you’ve been to me for a newborn photoshoot this year you’ll be well aware that I have been working for national baby brand MAM UK. They are the lovely people who have been providing loads of free baby products which I have been giving out to you all in goody bags after every newborn photo session!
The partnership with MAM UK came about earlier this year, after they saw an article with some of my newborn portraits in the national press. They liked my work so contacted me and we’ve worked together ever since. I’m hugely excited about it because while I have done commercial photography projects before, this is my first commission from a national brand!
MAMUK was after some new baby-focussed photography for their marketing materials. So I recently photographed their new range of dummies at my Poole-based photographic studio with the assistance of some obliging and extremely gorgeous baby models Marnie , Daisy Theo and Max – I couldn’t have done it without you!
After sending off the final images to MAM UK, not only did I get some really positive feedback from them but I’m delighted to see that they have already started to use the images in national advertising and in social media campaigns!
They’ve been posting the new campaign on their Facebook page and you can also find out more about the great range of MAM UK baby products on their website.
Lucky the Duck Newborn Photoshoot
I am always one to take on a new challenge I try to never shy away from tricky photo shoots. Sometimes I get some very strange Newborn photoshoot requests, from weird and wonderful props to can I bring my Duck?!? Well of course I said yes! , and i was delighted to meet lucky the duck our adorable little feathered duckling. This duck is just a fluffy bundle of gorgeousness, i really wanted to keep him or her ( I’m not actually sure!)
Never one to shy away from the challenge I invited Lucky the Duck to the studio in Poole with his grown-up helper 5-month-old Edie. Edie was super cute herself in a fluffy yellow tutu to compliment the duckling’s downy feathers. The pair of them got along just great!
Well, Lucky the newborn Duck just a few days old was a pro….He/she enjoyed their photoshoot especially enjoyed the cuddle with the photographer 😀
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to photograph this bundle of fluff, so much fun was had when the duck came for its baby photoshoot. I mean how fantastic it is to welcome this cute duckling into the studio. I was quite worried it was going to get really messy but actually, we got away with the minimal mess from the duck and baby. The session took about 30 mins and we made sure the bird wasn’t stressed out at all during the session. In fact, quite the reverse happened! We managed to find some perfect friends for the duckling with the little bath ducks to keep him company, he preferred to cuddle up with me in the barrel of my lens. I wonder if id be allowed to keep him? Im not sure my two dogs would appreciate this fluffy newborn as a friend.
Bye for now
Karen x
