How to stay cool when pregnant in the summer
If you’re pregnant in the summer, like I was when I carried my daughter Lizzie, and are struggling to cope with the current warm weather conditions, this week’s blog is for you! I’m sharing my top tips on how to stay cool when pregnant in the summer, which I hope you’ll find useful.
The challenge of a summer pregnancy
In the final months of pregnancy, you are likely to be a vision of health. And probably gets lots of compliments from friends and family about your pregnancy ‘glow’. But inside, you may be feeling far from attractive!
I know this from experience. And it’s what my pregnant clients tell me when they come to me for their maternity photoshoots. In the final weeks of their pregnancies, women like you often feel heavy, tired and exhausted. And warmer conditions, in the summer months, only make it even more difficult to remain comfortable. Knowing how to stay cool when pregnant is a common challenge!
You’re naturally hotter than normal when you’re pregnant anyway thanks to all the extra blood circulating around your system. And you’re carrying the extra weight of a growing baby which is undeniably tough work!
Yep, being pregnant in the summer months can be tough. So I do feel for you pregnant ladies!
How to stay cool when pregnant in the summer
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Avoid being in the direct sunlight
Sit under a parasol if out in the garden or on the beach. Sitting in the shade will help you to keep your cool.
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Venture outside only in the mornings or late afternoons
Avoid the 11am-3pm window when the sun is at its strongest if you can. I love venturing out with my maternity clients in the early evening to capture portraits in the ‘golden hours’ before sunset (see some examples in my maternity gallery here) – this is a great time of the day to be outdoors. When indoors, open the windows and close the curtains to prevent the rooms from getting too warm.
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Listen to your body
When in the sun, keep strenuous activities to a minimum. Light walking is fine but listen to your body. If you need to, stop and rest regularly. Put your feet up whenever you can to minimise swelling, and take short naps if you get the opportunity.
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Use fans or water sprays to keep cool
These are really handy since they fit in your handbag and can be used wherever you are – whether in the car, at home or out and about. Use in conjunction with the air conditioning system in your car if you’re out on the road or find yourself stuck in traffic. I know that lots of mums-to-be are at work, so fingers crossed you have air con in the office! If not, ask for a fan.
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Take a dip!
Better still, dip your feet in a paddling pool or the sea. Or run your wrists under a cold tap for instant refreshment! I had terribly swollen feet in the last couple of months of pregnancy and the only thing that fitted on my feet were flipflops. I worked in an office at the time so no heels for me!
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Stay hydrated
You need to drink more water when pregnant anyway, but this is even more important when it’s hot outside. Aim to drink a glass of water every hour to keep your fluid levels topped up and your body temperature regulated. Not drinking enough water isn’t good for you or the baby, and can leave you feeling dizzy and tired. Get refreshment from water-based ice lollies and get creative with fresh smoothies and alcohol-free ‘mocktails’, if you are bored of drinking water!
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Wear light cotton layers
I’d recommend light-coloured cotton or linen fabrics and a large-rimmed hat in the sun. Maxi dresses cover a multitude of sins and look stylish at the same time. And if you are prepared to strip down to a maternity swimming costume, just keep covered up with a sarong to minimise the amount of skin that is exposed to the direct sunlight.
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Keep the suncream topped up
This goes without saying but always use a suncream that is at least SPF15. And don’t miss those easy-to-forget areas such as the tops of your feet, ears and the backs of your hands.
9. Lay down and put your feet up!
Honestly, this is my top tip. If all of the above don’t help, simply try to rest. Nesting is overrated! You need to rest to prepare for the big event, so stop cleaning the house and put your feet up!
Those are my tips on how to stay cool when pregnant. What are yours?
Please do share your best tips on how to stay cool when pregnant in the summer in the comments below.
And if you’re in the final stages of your pregnancy and would like to consider a maternity photoshoot with me – either in my photography studio or on-location at either your favourite park, woodland or on the beach, contact me today to book.
I’m available on 07749 270431 or please complete this contact form.
Karen x
What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot in Dorset with Karen Wiltshire Photography
What can you expect from a pregnancy photoshoot with me? Well, if you’re a mum-to-be considering a maternity session, keep reading to find out.
I'm an award-winning Dorset maternity photographer and have worked with many lovely expecting ladies over the years.
Will you choose an indoor or outdoor maternity photoshoot?
While I have a custom-designed photography studio in Poole and I love to do indoor, studio-based maternity sessions, I also adore going on location in and around Dorset with my maternity clients.
The type of pregnancy photoshoot you choose will likely be dictated by the time of year and the weather.
My outdoor maternity photoshoots are available almost all year round. It’s only in the winter that I generally don’t shoot maternity outdoors. I imagine you’d rather be in the warmth and comfort of the studio at that time of year!
Naturally, when the weather is good, my outdoor maternity sessions are very popular, and it’s clear why. Open space and a natural setting are lovely to have as a photoshoot backdrop.
Pregnancy photoshoot portraits: Examples through the seasons
To inspire you on what’s possible in the season that you’re expecting your baby, here’s an overview of what each season offers in terms of flora and fauna.
Spring pregnancy photoshoots
Everything outdoors starts to come alive from April onwards, so if you’re expecting your baby in the spring then an outdoor pregnancy photoshoot is possible among the bluebells, daffodils or delicate blossoms.
From May, colour flowers like azaleas and rhododendrons also start to bloom and the greenery fills out which looks wonderful in the photos.
Summer pregnancy photoshoots
Summer (hopefully) brings with it warmer weather and longer, lighter evenings. This is the time of year when I love to get out and about with maternity clients and their families either on the beach or in the local woodlands.
‘Golden hour’ in the early evenings is a great time for photos and, if we’re lucky, we can include the setting sun in the portraits.
Around May/June, wildflowers come into their own. I know of local poppy and rapeseed fields that we can visit. Slightly later, around June/July, we could seek out patches of long summer grasses.
Then, in August/September, sunflowers add some vibrant colour and drama to outdoor maternity portraits. Lavender is lovely in Summer too, although sadly there aren’t any lavender fields in Dorset. Since we have so much else to enjoy though, let’s not worry about that!
Related reading: How to stay cool when pregnant in the summer
Autumn pregnancy photoshoots
Autumn is a beautiful time for outdoor photos too and is probably my favourite time of year to shoot outdoors actually.
The colours are gorgeous; fiery reds, burnt oranges and bright yellows. Leaves are falling and there’s a carpet of colour on the ground. The light is also soft and warm, and the temperature is generally still pleasant so you shouldn’t feel a chill either.
I know some lovely locations in and around Poole and Bournemouth where it’s stunning in autumn time, as shown in these examples.
If you’re expecting your baby in autumn, just imagine it! This could be you!
Winter pregnancy photoshoots
Unless we’re having a particularly mild winter, or you’re feeling brave (!), during the winter all maternity sessions are done in my photography studio in Broadstone, Poole.
Indoors, I use flattering studio lights and a variety of neutral printed backdrops to create flattering maternity portraits such as those shown here.
Other things you should know about my maternity portrait sessions
So, I hope that was useful as a guide to what you can expect from a pregnancy photoshoot throughout the seasons of the year.
If you opt for an outdoor pregnancy photoshoot, we can visit a location of your choice or I can suggest somewhere, and we can achieve a good range of photographs from just one location.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I can advise you on what to wear – it’s all part of the service. I can also provide a selection of beautiful maternity photoshoot dresses. You’re welcome to pick whichever one takes your fancy and borrow it for the duration of the shoot. These are luxury designer maternity gowns that will make you feel amazing and that look stunning on everyone!
Ready to book your outdoor pregnancy photoshoot?
I really enjoy maternity photoshoots, and just love to help excited mums-to-be in those final weeks of their pregnancy by creating beautiful portraits for them to treasure.
If you like the bump photos you see here and are expecting in the next few months, do get in touch to enquire or make a booking so that I can create the same for you!
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.
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?
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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
I’m an award-winning maternity photographer!
I’ve just got back to Dorset, from the annual Societies Convention in London, with an award for my maternity photography. Yep, I’m now officially an award-winning maternity photographer! To say I’m over the moon would be an understatement!
Every January, I go along to the Societies of Photographers’ event. As a member, it’s one of the key events in my diary every year.
I love the event because I get to meet up with photographers from across the world. And there’s the chance to attend training workshops with amazingly talented photographers and have your work professionally judged.
This year, I submitted a maternity portrait in the international print competition, and am thrilled to have been awarded a Merit.
Every year, competition is extremely tough. Entries are received from of thousands of photographers from across the UK and beyond. So, it’s an absolutely brilliant feeling to have received recognition in this highly competitive competition. The print was displayed in a top London hotel for the duration of the convention.
Award-winning maternity photographer
I chose to put this maternity portrait, of the lovely Ashley, forward for judging this time because I just loved everything about the image. The composition, the posing, the lighting – everything worked out perfectly, just how I had planned.
And, how stunning does she look? That bump?! Such a beautiful maternity photo for her to treasure.
The image was enhanced even further thanks to the help of my wonderful mentor Damian McGillicuddy and partner Lesley McGillicuddy. Their guidance and support, and invaluable expertise with the printing really made the portrait shine!
Award-winning maternity photography in Dorset and Hampshire
My studio and outdoor maternity sessions have always been extremely popular. But winning this award has given me really valuable encouragement to continue creating these beautiful mum-to-be portraits for my pregnant clients.
If you’re interested in booking a maternity session with an award-winning maternity photographer in Dorset, do get in touch. They are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy.
Even if you don’t feel it, you look absolutely gorgeous in those final weeks of your pregnancy. A professional hair and makeup session will add further wow factor or come as you are and have some natural maternity portraits taken.
Plus, I can make you look and feel even more amazing in my stunning range of designer maternity dresses. Or, we can keep it simple – just you and your beautiful bump!
Studio maternity session or outdoor maternity session – the choice is yours!
Maternity photoshoots are available all year round and I can tailor the session completely to your preferences.
You may have a favourite local location where you want to be photographed, and if so, fine! We can go out at any time of year, whether to the forest, the beach or anywhere else you have in mind across Dorset or Hampshire.
I love this beautiful image of Laine taken on location in January.
Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot
Or you may have a particular colour scheme in mind? Perhaps you want a coloured dress to complement the décor of a room at home? Just let me know and I can create exactly what you’d like.
You deserve this time to take a moment out of your busy schedule just for you and your unborn baby, so book your maternity session with me, your local and award-winning maternity photographer today. ?
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Karen
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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
Is it too late for my Newborn photos?
Is my baby too old for newborn photos?
The current lockdown situation in the UK doesn’t stop baby’s being born. They arrive whatever the situation! Obviously its not possible to venture out and have baby photos done right now, with all non-essential businesses being closed.
The question I’m getting asked a lot at the moment, ” is my baby going to be too old for sleepy newborn photos”.
My answer is always the same. We can definitely create beautiful newborn style photos with babies that are more than a few days old. Infact they can be 12-13 weeks old and still get sleepy newborn photos, it just takes a little forward planning.
How to prepare for the session.
There are a few ways you can help prepare for an older newborn photo session.
- Book the session time to fit in around normal nap times. From about 6 weeks baby start to fall into a rhythm with naps, this means you have a better idea when your baby is most likely to be sleepy.
- Have lots of awake time before the session. Its not always possible especially if you have a long journey to make to get to the studio, but try to have some awake fun time before the session.
- Babies sleep best on a full tummy. Bring milk to the session to fill those tummys and help make them sleepy. If you use a dummy bring that too as it can help to settle baby.
- Dress baby in something easy to take off like a baby grow or vest. This makes it easier to undress them if they are sleepy on arrival.
- Last but not least allow time, time to relax and really enjoy the photoshoot. The session can take an hour or it could take 3 hours, it just depends on the baby on the day.
What to expect during the session.
Whether your baby is a few weeks old or a few months old you can expect a fun, relaxed and stress free photoshoot. I have over 9 years of experience with newborns and have photographed well over a thousand now.
So expect to arrive at the studio, sit in comfortable surroundings drink tea and relax whilst I photograph your adorable baby. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to ensure we get great photos for you to cherish.
There will be plenty of time to capture those important memories, please stay safe and enjoy the time with your new family. When the time is right, get in touch and we can book that all-important photoshoot.
Bye for now
Karen x
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 .
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.
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
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
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 .
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.
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 😉
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
Join me on an outdoor maternity photoshoot this autumn
Today on the blog, I wanted to share with you some examples of beautiful outdoor maternity photoshoot sessions I’ve taken recently while out on location.
Since the leaves are changing colour and falling to the ground now, it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor maternity photoshoot.
The gorgeous burnt oranges, browns and yellows are everywhere at the moment. And these wonderful autumn colours create a stunning backdrop for my photographs.
I’ve been loving the chance to create maternity portraits with an autumnal twist, as you’ll see!
On-location maternity photography in Dorset
As you’ll know if you’ve been following my work for a while, I love doing studio portraits. But I equally love getting outdoors with my camera.
My photographer friend Jacqui and I are always on the lookout for new locations although we find that the best places for autumnal colour are often local parks and woodlands. There are several places in and around Bournemouth and Poole, near to my photography studio here in Dorset, which never disappoint.
When scouting for a potential location, I specifically seek out places where there are plenty of leaves on the ground as this creates a lovely carpet of colour. And I look for trees we can incorporate into the shot as well.
For example, isn’t this one of Emma absolutely stunning? So serene and elegant – I absolutely love it.
Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot
But I’m also keen to ensure there aren’t too many people around, so you don’t feel that you’re in front of an audience. My pregnant lady clients wearing luxurious dresses have been known to turn heads if there are people nearby!
New maternity gowns – perfect for autumn and winter
As well as being excited about the changing seasons, I’m just totally in love with my new range of maternity gowns.
Since it’s autumn (and winter will along before we know it), I’ve recently bought a new batch of maternity dresses to add to my ever-growing collection. I now have these stunning velvet dresses in a number of different colours and they look A-MA-ZING on!
They are super luxe dresses and are so flattering. They catch the light beautifully. Aren’t they fab?!
I’ve got them in a dusky pink and a rich deep blue so far. But because they come in a range of beautiful colours and look so fantastic on camera, I’m also toying with the idea of buying some more (I know, I know, but I just can’t resist!).
The gold and burnt orange ones are definitely on my wish list.
Book your autumnal outdoor maternity photoshoot today
So, if you’re in your final months of pregnancy, why not book yourself in for an outdoor maternity photoshoot with me?
You’ll have the chance to wear one of these stunning new dresses if you wanted. And you’ll get the chance to be photographed like these lovely ladies out and about among the beautiful autumn colours while it lasts.
Outdoor maternity photoshoots with the rest of the family
An outdoor maternity photoshoot in autumn is perfect if you’re after flattering pictures that capture you at this extra special time in your pregnancy. It’s a chance to take some much-needed time out from the last-minute preparations before your baby arrives. So, just treat yourself!
All my sessions are relaxed and enjoyable. So, whether you’re body-confident or feel a bit awkward carrying your bump around, I promise that a maternity photoshoot with me will be a fun experience.
And feel free to bring along other family members too – I encourage you to come with your partner, your other children (if you have them), and even your pets!
Get in touch as soon as possible if you’d like to book though as I only have limited slots available.
For more examples of my maternity portraiture, keep scrolling! Also, please visit my maternity and pregnancy website gallery.
Karen x
