Is newborn photography worth it

Celebrate your amazing mum with a Mother’s Day portrait session

Mother’s day gift inspiration!

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday 27th March. Have you arranged a special Mother’s Day gift for the mums in your life yet?

If not, why not consider a Mother’s Day portrait session?

My family photo sessions are ideal for capturing a beautiful mother and daughter or mother and son portrait, or one with several generations of the family!

Is newborn photography worth it

Don’t forget to treat mum this Mother’s Day!

By the way, fellas, if you’ve become a daddy in the past year, and this will be your partner’s first-ever Mother’s Day, don’t forget to treat her with this fantastic Mother’s day gift!

She’ll love a portrait session with you and your baby – it will be a great memento of your growing family.

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Timeless, natural portraits

My photoshoots are informal and relaxed, and the pictures are natural – as I know you like them.

I have an expert eye for capturing the special moments you share on the day, and I’ve several tricks up my sleeve for making children of any age feel comfortable in front of my camera.

Poole newborn photographer

Family portrait sessions at KW Photography

I offer portraits at my photography studio in Poole. Or, if you’d prefer an outdoor location, I’m more than happy to meet you at your favourite park or picnic spot across Dorset for some al fresco portraits in the spring sunshine (fingers crossed about the last bit!).

Dorset photographer captures family photos

Capturing special memories: The perfect Mother’s Day gift!

As a working mum, I certainly don’t know where the weeks go! I rarely get round to having photos taken where I am in front of the camera, with my kids.

My daughter Lizzie is a great model, and I’ve hundreds of pictures of her, but very few of me together with my children or with my mum.

Perhaps you are the same?

If so, a Mother’s Day portrait session at KW Photography would be a lovely way to celebrate your beautiful brood and get the family photos you want, once and for all.

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What’s included in a Mother’s Day portrait session?

Group family sessions start from just £299 for a one-hour photoshoot, and up to five people can come along. This includes 5 photos via a download link.

If you’ve got a larger family than that, no problem! Larger groups can be catered for as well if you arrange it with me first.

Family photography

Mother’s Day photos

I’ll professionally edit around 20-30 final images from your Mother’s Day portrait session and you can view these within a private viewing before choosing which ones to purchase.

After the shoot, you will have the opportunity to buy from a range of high-quality photo products priced from just £150.

Or you can opt to receive the images on a KW Photography keepsake USB.

How to book your Mothers Day portrait session

Booking is simple and there are two options available.

  1. Either book a family portrait session be held within the next week or so and then present the images as a gift on Mother’s Day.
  2. Or buy a KW Photography voucher to present on Mother’s Day and book your family session at a mutually convenient time later in the month or year.

Family holding hands on the beach

Treat your mum to a Mother’s Day portrait session

I’ve already got lots of bookings for Mother’s Day weekend although I do still have a limited number of slots available.

So if you’d like to treat your mum or partner to a professional photoshoot for Mother’s Day. Then contact me to book today on 07749 270431 or via karen@me.com or via the contact form on my website.

Let’s celebrate mum with timeless photography. After all, she’s worth it!

Karen x


is newborn photography worth it?

Is Newborn photography worth it?

So you’ve found out you are expecting a baby! Firstly congratulations, I bet you are super excited to meet your new arrival. Or maybe your precious bundle of joy has already arrived and your family is begging to see some photos.

You may have decided you’d like to capture those early days with some beautiful professional photos and you are searching google for a newborn photographer.

After a bit of research, you might have found a few prices. I bet you are thinking with everything else you have to get ready for the new baby “is newborn photography really worth it.”

Well, I’m here to tell you why I think it’s worth it, then I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you think it really is.

is newborn photography worth it?

Have you ever wished for LESS  photos of someone you love?

I’ve got to be honest with you, I’ve photographed over a thousand newborns in my 10 years plus as a baby photographer. I’ve met so many families but I have never heard a new parent say ” I wish I had less photos of my baby” Or “I wish I didn’t have so many photos of my family when I was growing up”. It’s the complete opposite, in reality, we can never have too many memories of our nearest and dearest.

Yes I know we are all attached to our camera phones and snap away constantly but, and it’s a big BUT how many of those phone photos are hanging on your wall? Or worst still are you sure they are backed up to the cloud or would you lose every moment if your phone died?

Bournemouth baby photographer

They are only TINY for such a short amount of time!

Oh I know it’s such a cliche, and you will hear it so often over the years but it’s so so true. A newborn baby grows fast, they change so much in the first few weeks. And they don’t stop growing either! We have just bought my son his first car and I still think of him as my baby!

Being a new parent is super tough! You are exhausted and life is mainly midwife appointments and health visitor visits. Then the family arrives on mass to welcome the new baby, Believe me, you’ll barely get a moment to think, and you can forget sleep! Life is a blur of feeding, nappy changes, quick naps, and eating dinner one-handed whilst feeding a baby.

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“Cant I just take some photos myself?”

Yes, of course, you can and you will! You’ll take thousands of snaps on your phone. In fact, your iPhone will be red hot from the almost constant use. Your baby will be the most photographed baby ever. The whole family will take photos and lots of them, all those memories created will be so precious to you. Remember to back them up. The love you feel for your new baby is endless.

The thing is, will you exist in those photos, will you get a family photo altogether? I know from experience it’s like I don’t exist when my kids were small. I have photos of them and photos of them together and even with their Dad, only a handful with me in them. Those family photos are the most precious to me.

“But I just gave birth, I feel horrible”

I hear you, every new mum feels the same! Sleepless nights don’t fit well with a beauty regime. The thought of having your photo taken might send you into a panic! My job is you make you feel and look amazing, to capture the love you have for your new baby. Every new parent radiates love, and it’s a joy to watch. Being a new parent is such a joyful and emotional time.

I’m here to help you capture that special time and preserve it forever in something tangible. A photograph really is a time machine, it will take you back to that special moment. The connection between you, the deep affection, and that special bond.

Poole newborn photographer

Photographs as Fine Art and Wall Decor.

We live in a modern digital age, we all have photos on our phones but we rarely ever print them. We are so used to scrolling through them, whizzing through snaps of a nice dinner or a night out, and mixed into that camera roll are our most precious memories of our children. I don’t remember seeing too many snaps of a long-forgotten dinner in the precious photo album my mum kept.

The next generation, your children,  really does deserve to have their memories preserved, printed, and seen. Not lost on a phone or a hard drive somewhere. What happens when technology changes and like VHS tapes you can’t play them anymore. Print those photos, make wall art from those memories and enjoy those moments forever.

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So is newborn photography worth it?

Well, I think newborn photography is SO worth it. It’s worth the extra effort it takes to get dressed out of your PJ’s, put a bit of makeup on, and then making it out the door on time. Not forgetting the battle to get your toddler ready and in the car without forgetting something. All that said, a newborn photoshoot is still worth the effort.

The 3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn photoshoot will give you a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Every time you look at those photos on the wall you’ll remember just how teeny tiny your baby was and how much love you have for that child. I think those photographs are priceless.

Covid 19 has kept us all apart, so many families have missed key events in each other’s lives. It’s important to remember a moment lasts for seconds but a photograph lasts forever.

Is newborn photography worth it

Want more info on a newborn photoshoot?

I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about a newborn photoshoot, just contact me here You can also find all the information you need here

Bye for now

Karen x


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

Baby photographer bournemouth and Christchurch

Christmas Eve Box ideas

Christmas Eve is nearly here.

Christmas Eve traditions for my family are pretty simple, carrot for Rudolf and whisky and mince pie for Santa. However there’s a new tradition landed in the UK from Germany , the Christmas Eve Box. I’ve done a little digging to find out what it’s all about and come up with a few ideas  to take the stress away.

Keep reading for my tips and ideas .

Baby photographer bournemouth and Christchurch

What on earth is it?

So if like me you are wondering what a Christmas Eve box is all about then think of it as an early Christmas stocking. I love the idea of adding a little tradition to help get the kids though Christmas Eve , which can end not in the tv commercial happy families but in the kids having total meltdowns having to wait for the big day. The excitement can just be too much for the kids to bear.

Baby christmas photos

To buy or not to buy?

So the box itself can be a simple as a wrapped box, a shoe box would work perfectly as it already has a a neat fitting lid. Why not line the box with festive paper and add a personal touch to the outside with some ribbon it’s as easy as that. Or if the diy option isn’t your thing then there are plenty of boxes available to buy, like this reusable box from John Lewis    

You might want to have a personalised box , there are plenty to chose from online but I like these from Not on the high street 

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What do I fill it with?

The big question, what do you put in it? Well think about the pressies you stash away to stop the kids getting bored and usually buy or make anyway to make Christmas festive.

1, Festive Colouring, why not print out a few christmasy colouring pages for the kids. Check out these fun free Christmas pages

2, Xmas PJ’s , this is a must for the kids festive jammies are just so cute to wake up in on Christmas Day. Why not add them to the Christmas Eve box and make them that little bit more special . We love these from M&S

3, Gingerbread biscuits, Love baking? Why not add a festive cookie cutter to the box and make some biscuits with the kids. Or you could pop in some ready to eat gingerbread men that just need decorating to save time.

4 Hot chocolate, well you are going to need something to dip those biscuits into ! You could add a little packet of marshmallows and a bag of hot choc powder to a festive mug or buy a pre made cone for the occasion.

5, Christmas book, there’s something quite magical about reading a Christmas book on Christmas Eve with the children at bedtime. Wrap your favourite book or add a new Christmas book.

6, Reindeer food, you can make your own food as an activity with the kids or buy some pre-made to sprinkle for Rudolph and the team.

Just a few inexpensive ideas for you to try and i hope this has inspired you to start or continue a cute tradition on Christmas Eve with the children.

Bye for now

Karen x


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 😉

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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