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.

Family photographer near me

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.

Best Family photographer

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


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


Create Newborn photos at home.

DIY Newborn photos

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

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

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

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

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

DIY newborn baby photos

Create memories in your own home.

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

Yawning newborn baby

Download my DIY newborn photos tips.

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

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE

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

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

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

Stay safe and bye for now

Karen x

Newborn baby photographer Dorset

Newborn photographer Southampton

Siblings and Newborns-What to expect during your photoshoot.

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

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

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

Newborn twins photographer

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

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

Newborn photographer Southampton

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

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

Tips for a smooth session.

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

Happy toddler and newborn baby cuddling

Siblings and Newborns

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

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

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

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

Bye for now 🙂

Karen x

Bournemouth newborn baby photographer

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 

Baby photographer near me

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


Visit santa in Dorset

Top 5 places to visit santa in Dorset

Yay, it’s Christmas time.

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

 

Stewarts garden centre

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

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

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

Swanage railway

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

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

Visit santa in Dorset

Upton Country Park

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

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

Open weekends and school holidays, pre booking is advisable.

Christmas mini shoot

Farmer Palmers

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

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

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

Outdoor photographer Dorset

The Ark Poole Park

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

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

Bye for now

Karen x


Introducing the new collection of Karen Wiltshire Photography backdrops!

If I’ve ever photographed you, your newborn baby or your family here in my photography studio in Poole, you’ll perhaps remember that I use a variety of printed floors and backdrops.

A new photography backdrop collection

Well, up until recently, I’ve always purchased printed backdrops. But, I was beginning to find it a struggle to find designs and colours that I liked.

So now, I’m incredibly excited to reveal that I have designed my very own – the Karen Wiltshire Photography collection!

In collaboration with the brilliant team at Baby Prop Shop, I have created a custom range of my very own, and I’m pleased to tell you that it’s selling really well!

Professional photographers across the UK and abroad are seemingly loving the unique designs, which I created, hand-painted and photographed myself, and are buying it to use in their own studio sessions!

Why photography backdrops?

Photography backdrops are an essential piece of kit in my work as a studio photographer. I use them interchangeably in order to create a variety of photographs during your studio session.

The fabric backdrops are used to create the appearance of a textured or coloured floor and back wall, and they come in thousands of different colours.

They are used by photographers, like me, all around the world. They are a practical and safe way to create a number of different looks for studio portrait sessions.

The photography backdrops I choose for each session depends on the look and feel of the portraits that I’m aiming to create – whether that’s an indoor maternity session, a child portrait session, a cake smash or a family portrait session.

If I’m doing a newborn session, I’ll carefully coordinate my backdrops with my props, blankets and newborn baby hats and outfits.

My clients also sometimes tell me that they want me to incorporate particular colours into their photos. If that’s the case, I’ll select a backdrop that will coordinate with the colour scheme of the room at home where they are planning to display the portraits.

The Karen Wiltshire Photography backdrop collection

The Karen Wiltshire Photography range was something I created using painted, wide wooden planks – a look that I love and is perfect for newborn and baby photography in particular.

And because of the excellent print quality, there are lots of features and textures to make the planks look as realistic as the real thing. But with the additional benefit of the photographer not having to use real wooden boards that could trap tiny fingers and toes or give off splinters.

Ask me about my new photography backdrops when you’re next in the studio!

When I set out as a professional photographer seven years ago, I never dreamt of having my own backdrop collection which would be selling internationally! But, there we are…it’s happened!

If you’re coming to me for a studio portrait session anytime soon and want to know more, be sure to ask me about my collection of photography backdrops and I’ll gladly show you the range.

I have the full collection which includes six coloured designs in my studio, and of course, I love using them in my sessions! Colour-wise, there’s everything from a whitewash colourway to a green-blue teal, through to a muted dark wood.

To view the full collection of Karen Wiltshire Photography backdrops that I’ve designed, do visit the Baby Prop Shop website.

To enquire or to book a studio portrait session with me, whether for yourself, your family or a friend, please complete this contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!

Karen x


Why professional photographers edit their photographs

If you haven’t hired a professional photographer before, you could be forgiven for wondering why professional photographers edit their photographs.

Common questions I have been asked by clients before include:

  • Why do the images need editing – surely a skilled professional photographer creates the image in the camera itself, not on the computer?
  • Why can’t I just be sent the digital images, on the day of my photoshoot?
  • And, why must I wait up to several weeks to view my images?

The thing is, I realise that when you’ve had your photoshoot, you’re so excited. I know that you just cant wait to see the results!

But I don’t make you wait for your images just to tease you, I promise!

There is a valid reason why, and that is that there is a final stage in the process after the photoshoot itself. And that process is editing.

Almost all professional photographers (some may not, but certainly most do) edit their photographs. It’s a critical step in the process. And in today’s blog I’ll explain that in a little more detail.

What’s involved in a professional photoshoot

Despite what you might think, there is much more to a photographer’s work than setting up a shot and then clicking the buttons on the camera.

  • Lots of planning goes into it before you even turn up for your photoshoot
  • And after the session, many more hours are spent finalising the pictures so that they are ready for you to print.

Which also explains why professional photography comes at a considerable cost.

You aren’t just paying for the time I spend during your phootshoot – which is up to an hour for most portrait sessions, or several hours for a newborn session.

Behind the scenes of a professional photography shoot

Each and every photoshoot I do involves many hours of work behind the scenes too!

But since you typically only see the final images when I share them on Facebook or in your online photo gallery, you’ve perhaps not realised that there is such a lot of work involved.

Before the photoshoot

Yep, creative styling is a huge part of the work in advance of any photoshoot. Whether that’s a maternity or newborn session, a baby ‘sitter session’ or group portraits with older children, or a family studio shoot.

After all, those coloured backdrops, props, dresses, headbands, newborn outfits and wraps, don’t buy themselves!  And I need to setup the photography studio so I am ready for you, with everything I’m likely to need to be at hand.

I have to create and pre-plan my shoots and then editing is a fundamental part of the creative process after the shoot in order to get the image just right.

After the photoshoot

While I will always aim to get the portrait as good as I can in camera, there is always some editing to be done afterwards. I use digital editing techniques to finish each and every image that I include in your gallery.

I do this so that each image is consistent with my KW Photography brand style; something that I’ve developed over the years and which sets me apart from other photographers.

Without that editing, which is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle so to speak, they simply aren’t finished KW Photography images.

Plus, as in the example below, there may be a need to do some editing to digitally remove parts of the image.

During my newborn photoshoots, I make sure that I always pose babies safely. When I’m trying to achieve portraits like this one, I ask parents to support their child’s head while I take the photos. Then, once the image is edited afterwards, all signs of the parent’s hand or arm are removed. Like magic!

Editing out blemishes

There’s also another reason why editing is important. Often newborn babies have blotchy, uneven coloured skin for the first few weeks. And marks or blemishes on their bodies that parents would prefer to be removed on the computer.

Also, older children may have chickenpox scars or snotty noses (I’ve certainly edited out plenty of snot in my six years as a baby and child photographer!). I can edit the images that I take in my camera to whisk these away!

If a portrait of your newborn baby or child is going to be hung on the walls at home, it’s usually the parent’s preference to have me edit the image so that these things are removed. But let me assure you, I won’t edit to the extreme! I have limits on what I will do.

Why professional photographers edit their photographs

So, I hope that helps to explain why professional photographers edit their photographs? And why there is a small delay in getting the images to you for viewing and ordering.

If you have any questions or concerns about the editing process, do always ask me your questions either in advance or during your photoshoot.

To book your session please contact me today. I’m available on 07749 270431 or email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.

Karen x


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


Amazing Birth photography

Birth photography: A birth story in photographs.

Photography for me has always been about capturing the moment; that special smile, the cutest look, or the best pout ever. I get plenty of opportunities with all the babies, toddlers, and children that pass through my photography studio in Poole.

Once in a while, you get the chance to be a witness to something truly magical and special. On Friday 30th September, I was asked to photograph a birth.

Now, this was not really how I’d planned to spend my Friday. In fact, I was due to photograph a beautiful seven-day-old baby girl in the studio. However, I was a stand-in photographer for another local photographer who was due to cover a birth. Yup, you guessed it, I got lucky and the call came to me!

So I got the first message the night before. Labour was starting so I jumped into action, packed my camera, made sure my batteries were charged, and formatted my memory cards. I was so excited I could barely sleep! I kept waiting for the text to arrive during the night, but the baby was having other ideas and keeping us waiting.

Morning arrived and, with it, all the usual rush to get the kids to school, bags packed, school lunches made and rush hour traffic. So the imminent birth was pushed to the back of my mind.

Perfect timing, 9.30 I was called into action; “Come now, the baby is on its way.”

I dashed to Lilliput, near Sandbanks in Poole, found the house and let myself in.

The scene was so calm, candles flickering and gentle music playing. I slipped quietly in, set my camera to silent and got to work.

My aim was to document this amazing day for the parents, not get in the way nor intrude their intimate, precious time. As a Mum myself, I know how “in the zone” you are giving birth. The mix of emotions is immense. From total panic and fear to a sense of calm and, finally, elation when your baby is born.

The labour progressed pretty quickly and I was sure delivery was going to happen soon. This was the second birth I’ve photographed and both have been at home with no pain relief; what amazing strong mothers they are!

At 13.11pm on Friday 30th September Carrie gave birth. I’m in total awe of her will and strength of character managing to give birth exactly how she had planned, at home in the birthing pool.

I couldn’t wait to see if it was a boy or girl. Daddy announced a healthy baby boy!

baby being born

Congratulations Carrie and Patrick on the birth of your gorgeous new baby boy! I really enjoyed the opportunity to try out birth photography again and I can’t wait to see you all in the studio for a newborn session soon.

Much love, and bye for now,

Karen x