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


Bluebell woods portraits: It’s finally time!

Bluebell Photoshoot

Yay! So it’s nearly BLUEBELL photoshoot time!

I had an absolute blast last spring photographing so many gorgeous families among the beautiful bluebell woods. And with bluebell season fast approaching, I’m getting SO excited.

I literally CAN NOT WAIT to get started on this year’s bluebell photoshoots!

Bluebell woods portraits in Dorset

I’m planning to be doing my outdoor lifestyle photoshoots in the local bluebell woods from mid-April onwards when the flowers look their best and are at their most vibrant.

I’ll be visiting my favourite bluebell photoshoot locations but I’ve been busy scouting out new ones in these past weeks too.

Related reading: Interested in a spring photoshoot?

Natural portraits among the bluebell woods

Over the past few years of taking bluebell woods portraits, I have perfected my technique of capturing stunning family photos, like these, among the carpet of delicate blue flowers.

And I’ve mastered it, not only in the day but at dawn and dusk as well, as these pictures show!

Related reading: Bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset and Hampshire

Anyone who has tried to take a snapshot among the bluebell woods will know that it isn’t easy to achieve photos like these, which is why it’s worth hiring a professional.

Working with the natural and low-light conditions of the woods is a skill I have mastered over the years. And, in keeping with my photography style, I can engage with children of all ages and keep them relaxed and comfortable throughout the shoot, so that the bluebell woods portraits I take are natural and, most importantly, as you like them.

Book your bluebell woods photoshoot today

The bluebell season lasts just six weeks and, based on the popularity of these sessions last year, I know that it won’t be long before I’m completely booked up. So, contact me as soon as possible to book in for your bluebell woods session.

Bookings have been coming in earlier each year. I took my first bluebell woods portrait booking in January and have had a flurry of enquiries in the last couple of weeks. So, don’t miss out! If you would like bluebell woods portraits of your family this spring, contact me today!

To book your session contact me on 07749 270431, email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or the contact form on my website.

My favourite bluebell woods portraits

And, prepare for a Facebook timeline full of images from this year’s bluebell sessions! I’ll be sharing some of my favourite bluebell woods portraits with you on the KW Photography Facebook page over the next few weeks!

Karen x


What to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot

Are you considering an outdoor family photoshoot but don’t have a clue what you should wear?

If so, don’t panic!  This is of the most common questions that I get asked when my clients book one of my lifestyle photoshoots.

And quite rightly so. The clothes you wear on the day of your family photoshoot should be a big consideration since they dramatically impact on the overall look and feel of the photos.

Things to consider when planning what to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot

  1. How and where are you planning to use the photos?

This is often something that can be forgotten, but it’s actually really important to think about how and where you will display the photos in your home.

If you are having a family photoshoot with the intention of hanging the mounted or framed photos in your living room, then think about the colour scheme in the room. What colours would work well with your décor?

Similarly, if you are having an outdoor family session so that you can get some fun photos of the children and plan to hang the pictures in their bedroom, again, what colours would work well with the room’s colours scheme?

Complementary colours will ensure that the pictures fit perfectly in the room and will enhance the colour scheme that you already have.

  1. Seasonality

The time of year that you are having the photoshoot is a really important consideration. Certain colours and types of clothing work best in particular seasons.

  • In the spring, pastels and light fresh blues, greens and yellows are a great option.
  • In summer, warm pinks, yellows look beautiful, as do cool sky blues, mints and aqua. For something glitzier, you’ve got the choice of champagne, rose gold and ivory shades.
  • Browns, rusty oranges, golds and creams work really well in the Autumn.
  • Warm reds and jewel colours such as emerald greens, teal and mulberry are perfect in the Winter.

My top tip would be to pick a base colour and consider the season when choosing this. Then, introduce contrast by wearing denim or either warm or cool neutrals.

For some great examples and for more inspiration on what to wear to your photoshoot, take a look at my Pinterest board where you’ll find colour combinations and suggestions for suitable clothing.

  1. A cohesive colour scheme for the whole family

Another really important consideration is how the family will look pictured together. What you are aiming for ideally is a cohesive, consistent colour scheme without looking too ‘matchy’.

The natural, outdoor photos that I will take of you and your family will look so much better if you have thought through in advance how you will incorporate your chosen colours into everyone’s clothing, but in a subtle way.

You don’t want to look like you tried too hard!

  • If dad is wearing a casual white shirt with blue trousers and tan canvas shoes, perhaps mum could wear a white coloured dress and blue pumps
  • The boys in the family could then wear either a casual blue shirt or plain white T-shirt with smart denim jeans and blue trainers
  • Or, for a girl, a blue and white checked with a white cardigan and sandals or shoes.

  1. Wear clothes that are smart but comfortable

A final, but really important point!

During your outdoor family photoshoot, I’ll be aiming to capture natural photos. Which means that I want them to reflect who you really are.

While that doesn’t mean that you need to ‘dress up’ for the occasion, anything too far the other way means that you potentially won’t look your best on camera.

My top tip here would be to keep the overall look smart-casual.

  • Anything too formal will look unnatural and will be uncomfortable for you and the kids. So please don’t force your children into shirts buttoned up to the collar if they aren’t used to wearing them or shoes that rub their feet. It’ll just mean that they’ll be fidgeting during the session which may make it a more stressful experience for you.
  • And don’t wear anything that’s either too tight-fitting or too baggy. You want your clothes to be flattering, and make you look your best possible self.

You’ll be looking at the pictures for years to come so choose your clothes wisely so that you won’t regret your decision later.

  • Do choose classic cut denim jeans, dresses, plain white T-shirts (no logos), unbranded trainers, plain coloured wellies (in Autumn). Basically, simple, classic clothes work best, and this is true whether you’re having your family portrait session outdoors or in the photography studio.
  • Anything too bright, fussy or overly-detailed will put the focus on the clothes rather on you, which is the exact opposite of what we’re hoping to achieve.

Again, there are some great examples of the styles of clothes that work well on my Pinterest board. Take a look there for inspiration on what to wear for your family photoshoot.

What will you wear to your outdoor family photoshoot?

So, I hope that these tips I have shared about what to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot have been useful?

Feel free to let me know which colour combinations from my Pinterest board that you love in the comments below, and feel free to ask any questions about what to wear, too.

As you’ll probably already know, I love photographing families outside all year round.

In the spring and summer, we’re spoilt with beautiful flowers, lush greenery, beautiful sunsets and those amazingly long, balmy evenings. And in the autumn and winter, the days aren’t as long but we still get beautiful light and there are still lots of opportunities to get some gorgeous pictures outdoors (just wrap up warm!).

Specialist in outdoor family photography

Remember, I specialise in outdoor portraits of not just families, but also newborn babies, children of all ages, and pregnant ladies too. So, if you’d like to secure a slot for your own outdoor portrait session here in Dorset, please complete this contact form.

I also have my own outdoor garden studio so you could book a studio session and also get some outdoor shots taken without us all needing to travel to a different location. Handy, right?

Karen x


beach maternity photoshoot

Beach Maternity Photoshoot

Beach Maternity Photoshoot

Are you looking to capture your beautiful bump with a beach maternity photoshoot and create some beautiful photos?

Well, whether you are pregnant now and ready for a photoshoot or just planning ahead ( love organised people ) you’ve certainly come to the right place. It’s no secret maternity photos are one of my favourite sessions, especially if we can combine the photoshoot with a magnificent Sunset! Where better than a beach maternity photoshoot to get fantastic sunset photos.

beach maternity photoshoot

I love all the wonderful locations we have here in Dorset, but the beach maternity photoshoots, especially in the summer are amazing. Sandy toes in the water, beautiful dress, suntanned bump what could be better?

Here are some hints and tips to help your beach maternity session go to plan.

What to wear

When you book a maternity session with me, we can discuss the kind of photos you are hoping for. I have a great selection of designer maternity dresses available for you to use and most are suited to the Beach. If you prefer to wear your own dresses then Asos is a great site for beach type maternity dresses for that relaxed floaty Boho look. Pale, pastel colours look great on the beach and white can look fab against the sand and waves. The beach in the summer can be busy so if you want to change then be aware you may have to shimmy inside a blanket to change on the beach, especially out of hours when the toilets facilities will be closed.

Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot

maternity photography dorset

Time of Day

My absolute favourite time of day for any location photoshoot would be the “golden hour “. At the end of the day, the light is just sublime. We could do sunrise but that would take some dedications from both of us to be at the beach for 4.30 am. 🙂 So the golden hour is probably best! That last hour or so before sunset has just the most the beautiful soft light. We all love that golden glow in photos and really is super flattering to us ladies. We can make the most of the golden light and hopefully get some great sunset photos too. I can’t stress enough how important the right light is for the photos, sunset can be late in the summer so Beach sessions tend to be between 7-9 pm to make the most of the light.

Beach Maternity Photo shoot

Can I bring my partner?

Absolutely! 100% yes! Dads-to-be are just as excited about the new arrival and often get a little overlooked so yes bring him along. We can include him in as many photos as you like. A simple pale coloured shirt with shorts or trousers will compliment you perfectly and look great in the photos. Dads love the special time with you and the bump, sometimes they can get a bit forgotten.

Pregnancy Bump photo

Can I bring my other children?

Oh yes, of course, you can! I just love to capture the older children at maternity sessions. They are super excited too about the arrival of their new brother or sister. If we are going for a sunset shoot then remember to get the little ones to have a nap in the afternoon so they make it into the evening.

What stage in my pregnancy is best for photos?

Oh, this really is a good question, and it really is different for everyone. I’ve had some ladies with tiny bumps at 38 weeks and others completely fed up and “popped” by 30 weeks. Generally, I recommend booking a session between 28 and 36 weeks. So before you have gotten too tired and fed up and still feel like you are “blooming”. That way you will look back on the photos in awe of your bump and still be able to make it back to the car having gotten your steps in on the beach. Walking in the sand can be fairly tiring when not pregnant, so add pregnancy into the mixed and you could be exhausted if later on in your pregnancy.

Maternity photoshoot

How do I book?

Well booking your beach maternity photoshoot couldn’t really be any simpler, check out my maternity booking information here 

My maternity sessions are currently discounted, so grab an absolute bargain.

Just drop me a line with your due date and the type of maternity session you’d like and we can go from there. I can’t wait to hear from you and get some great bump photos for you.

Bye for now

Karen x


Kids outdoors photographer

Outdoor family portrait sessions in Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows

The summer is my favourite time of the year and I’m so excited to now be offering outdoor family portrait sessions among some of Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows.

This year, I’ve collaborated with the lovely people at Holme for Gardens in Wareham, and have permission to use their field for outdoor lifestyle portraits.

So, naturally, I’ve been making the most of this opportunity and taking my clients there in the past week or so. It’s worked out brilliantly and all the children involved have loved having their photograph taken among the beautiful wildflowers.

Kids outdoors photographer

Outdoor wildflower portrait sessions in Dorset

Here are just some of the portraits I’ve created. Would like something similar of your family?

There is still time left in the season before the flowers lose their vibrant colours, and these outdoor portrait sessions are suitable whether you are after maternity/pregnancy photography, or child and family portraits. Contact me today to book yours.

Family photographer Poole

Natural family portraits

What I love about these sessions is that the children and families who take part are so clearly enjoying the flowers and the freedom to be able to walk among them (while being careful not to damage them, of course).

You’ll see that there are no forced smiles or static poses. The family photographs I create natural, outdoor pictures that bring the best of the outdoors into your home, and everyone has a great time in the process.

I achieve this by keeping everyone involved active and entertained throughout. The little ones, I keep occupied by encouraging them to count the wildflowers while I take their portrait. As every parent knows, distraction is the key with younger children!

As both a mum myself and an experienced child photographer, I’ve got lots of tricks like this up my sleeve to secure the perfect outdoor portrait.

family photographer near me

Dorset wildflowers are bloomin’ lovely!

Seeing the wildflowers popping up in fields, gardens and grass verges in the summer makes me really happy. And quite rightly! Who can fail to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells that these flowers create? They are simply fabulous, aren’t they?!

Every year I aim to make the most of the wildflower season. In a previous blog, I have written about how I can achieve perfect portraits in unlikely locations – take a look! It’s a behind-the-scenes insight into how I can create a stunning portrait in small spaces. A creative eye and even just a small patch of wildflowers is all I need!

Young girl smelling wildflowers in Dorset meadow

Book your wildflower portrait session today!

There are plenty of stunning flowers on display this year and they are currently in full bloom. So, don’t miss your chance to get some updated family photos taken outdoors among the beautiful wildflowers while they last!

If you’d like to book one of my outdoor family portrait sessions, get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of the last few slots I have available this summer.

And, if you haven’t already, do pay the Holme garden centre a visit! It’s a family-run business and has beautiful surroundings, a relaxing ambience, gorgeous plants to take home with you and unrivalled gardens to enjoy. I think you’ll love it!

Karen x


Baby sleeping on the beach

Outdoor newborn photography in Dorset

During the spring a couple of years ago, I took a newborn baby to a patch of bluebells in Dorset countryside. There, I did my first ever outdoor newborn photography photoshoot.

And, because I loved that session and the photos I created so much (and the baby’s parents did too!), every year since I’ve aimed to do more outdoor newborns.

This summer, I’ve tried a few new outdoor locations with newborn babies. I’ve been to the beach in Poole, and the forest and parks locally. Luckily for me, Dorset has plenty of beautiful locations to work from.

location photoshoot Poole Dorset
Newborn photographer Poole

On-location baby photography

Outdoor baby photo sessions are quickly becoming one of my favourite things to do, but they can be quite challenging.

They are weather dependent for one thing, which is why I can’t offer them as a paid-for service; they’re just a personal project for now that I organise when the mood takes me, and the weather is fine.

It’s frustrating that I can’t do more though, to be honest. I’ve certainly had lots of interest from parents wanting to book me for an outdoor newborn photo session and I love doing them. But right now, they’re just something fun and challenging for me to try out with willing families.

Anyone who knows me well should know that I’m always up for a creative challenge!

Baby sleeping on the beach

The challenges of an outdoor newborn photoshoot

Another reason why photographers don’t typically offer outdoor newborn photography is that feeding the baby during the session can be tricky, and if you have a newborn you’ll know that they need feeding regularly when they are so small.

Without the comfortable seating that I have in my photography studio, and perhaps no seating at all depending on the location, an outdoor session with a newborn can be trickier for the parents.

Plus, you also have the fact that if you’re in a public location, there’s a high chance that other people will be nearby and may want to have a nosey at what we’re up to!

That said, I always choose quiet locations for my outdoor newborn photo sessions and do them when the sun is setting. This is when places like parks and beaches are usually quieter, and it’s when the light is absolutely gorgeous!

Sunset sessions are my favourite! The golden evening light is just perfect for photoshoots!

Best newborn photographer
Baby sleeping on Poole beach

Interested in an outdoor newborn photoshoot?

If you’re expecting a baby and are interested in my newborn photography service, do get in touch.

For many years now, I’ve offered both studio photography and outdoor, on-location photography and I love the variety of my work.  Take a look at my newborn gallery to see more examples of the images I’ve created for clients.

Outdoor newborn photography sessions are limited and only available at certain times of the year. But if you’re keen to know more, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram, as that’ll be where I announce any model calls for future outdoor newborn photoshoots.

Karen

Baby on the beach sleeping

Beautiful bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset and Hampshire

It’s one of my favourite (and busiest) times of the year again – yippee! The beautiful bluebells have begun to rear their heads and so I’ll soon be kickstarting my bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset and Hampshire.

Related reading: Bluebell woods portraits: it’s finally time!

Why hire a professional photographer for a bluebell portrait session?

Bluebells are an absolute joy to photograph, although are tricky if you don’t know how.

If you’ve ever tried to take your own photos among the bluebell woods, you’ll have realised that it’s harder than you probably imagined!

It really is a fine art balancing the delicate colours of the bluebells with the darker colours of the surrounding trees and woodland, while getting your subject and the delicate bluebells in sharp focus.

Add in the fact that there are typically low light conditions in bluebell woods, and you can begin to see why, if you’re armed with only a smartphone camera and only a basic understanding of photography – you can struggle to achieve the images like mine.

Which is why so many families every year choose to hire me and book one of my now infamous bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset or Hampshire.

As an experienced professional photographer who is equally comfortable outdoors as I am working in my photography studio, I’m literally in my element photographing families among the outdoors during springtime.

The very best bluebells in Dorset and Hampshire

Another reason to hire me for bluebell portraits is that I seek out the very best patches of bluebells; usually well off the beaten track.

My friend Jacky and I are often on the scout for new outdoor locations and so far, this year we’ve already discovered some lovely patches of emerging bluebells across Dorset and Hampshire which I can’t wait to take my clients to.

Unfortunately, my favourite spots for bluebells in recent years have become more and more popular and the poor bluebells are getting trampled on by those who don’t realise just how delicate these pretty little flowers are.

Did you know that bluebells take up to seven years to grow back after they’ve been squashed?!

If you’re planning a visit with your little ones, please do remember how easy it is to damage the flowers. When you visit, please stick to the paths as much as possible and encourage your children to do the same.

Book your bluebell portrait session today!

My outdoor bluebell portrait sessions in Dorset and Hampshire are extremely popular every single year, and always sell-out quickly.

So, if you’re wanting some gorgeous maternity, child or family portraits among the pretty bluebells this spring, like the ones I’m showing here which were all taken on location last year, then be sure to get in touch with me ASAP to secure your slot.


Perfect portraits captured in unlikely locations

Perfect portraits

Hey, everyone!

If like me, you have been enjoying the great outdoors this summer, then you can’t have failed to notice the grass getting long and that patches of wildflowers have appeared. The council has also been leaving it longer between grass cuts.

This is great for the wild bee population, and the butterflies have been in abundance this summer.

The long grass and wildflowers are not only great for the insects though – I love it too! (Except on the A31, where it’s really dangerous coming to the roundabouts!)

Through the lens: What I see

Every day I drive past a small but perfectly formed patch of wildflowers on the way to school. To me, they are just crying out to but used in a photoshoot!

I’m sure most people would think I am slightly nuts getting excited about this. After all, it’s just a small patch – a couple of meters long – at the side of the road! But what I see through the camera lens is different to what others see.

Despite what you might think, as a portrait photographer, I don’t need a sweeping meadow or an amazing vista as a backdrop. I can see the potential in even the most unlikely locations.

I know how to make a perfect portrait in the most unexpected of places and even in very small spaces.

Trying out an unlikely location

So, armed with one of my many new dresses from the studio, and a willing small person off I ventured.

Safety is really important to me – as you can see from the video below, we were at a safe distance from the road. And mum, of my model Betsy, is right there too, keeping an eye on the children while I take the portraits.

Another thing to point out is that it is hugely important to me that we don’t damage the flowers at all. We don’t wade through the patch, reeking havoc! Instead, we stand on the edge and I can use clever camera angles to make it appear as though the child is actually in among the flowers in the final photo.

Betsy loved the flowers and the dresses and we had a great time getting some lovely location portraits for her mummy.

On another occasion, I took my daughter and her friend back to the same spot for a few more.

And on that day, we also found a patch of long grass which I didn’t even know was there. Although this all took place so close to home, it’s not something I had noticed before. It goes to show what beautiful things we could all be missing out on, right on our doorstep!

Perfect portraits captured in unlikely locations

So what do you think?

Would you have known that these portraits were taken next to such a small patch of flowers alongside a main road?! I suspect, not.

I love creating perfect portraits in unlikely locations like this!

Do get in touch with me if you would like something similar. Contact me on 07749 270431 or you can email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form

And let me know in the comments if you know of any little patches of flowers locally that might be suitable for your very own location shoot!


outdoor photography studio

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.

outdoor photography studio

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


dorset children's photographer

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!

dorset children's photographer

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