Putting Dorset on the map: Recent international photography award wins!
International photography award!
As well as keeping busy in my photography studio creating portraits for my clients, I like to enter photographic competitions every now and then to keep me on my toes.
Getting my photography assessed and graded is an important way for me to learn how to keep improving my portrait photography.
Of course, winning a photography award is always lovely (and I’ve won many awards in the past). But that’s honestly not what I expect when I enter.
Award-winning portrait photographer
So, imagine my surprise when I entered the RISE photography awards recently and came away with a Bronze award in the Newborn Photography category and three Silver awards; two in the Children’s Photography category and one in the Maternity Photography category.
Best of all, I also had an image shortlisted for the Final in the Newborn category. It was selected by the judges as one of the best top 20 images from a total of 1100 entries in its category! OMG!
I was completely bowled over when I heard the news and felt very proud of myself, that’s for sure!
International photography awards
The RISE Awards are huge in the portrait photography industry.
They were founded by Australian newborn photographer Kelly Brown, who’s the very best photographer in the newborn industry in my opinion. I had the pleasure of attending one of Kelly’s photography workshops a few years ago, which I wrote about on the blog.)
The RISE international photography award is a competition open to portrait photographers all over the world.
There were over 4000 entries in total by photographers across the nine categories; maternity photography, birth photography, newborn photography, baby photography, children photography, family photography, pet/animal photography, portrait, photography, and wedding photography.
Winning these international photography awards for my newborn, child and maternity portraits is a great personal achievement, and I hope gives you some reassurance that my work is of the highest quality.
Over the summer, I also won two Gold awards with the Societies of Photographers for my outdoor newborn portraits, so that was another highlight as well!
If you’d like to book a portrait session with me, get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of the last few slots I have available this year.
Karen x
Introducing my new fruit smash photoshoot!
Here at my Poole-based studio, I’ve literally done hundreds of cake smashes and still love doing them! My cake smash sessions are among the most popular of my baby photography services.
(Take a look at this video to see behind the scenes. It reveals what happens during one of my cake smash sessions. As you’ll see, there are smiles all round!)
But if you’ve been put off booking one, then perhaps you may prefer a new twist on the traditional cake smash photoshoot?
I’m now offering fruit smash sessions!
Fruit smash sessions are a fun alternative to a classic cake smash.
You’ve guessed it! I use lots of lovely, colourful fruit rather than a giant cupcake, but the concept is exactly the same.
Your baby has an absolute blast munching and scrunching their way through the delicious fruit. I capture all the fun in adorable pictures that will make a colourful addition to your walls at home.
On my Facebook page, I’ve shared this cute video showing a small baby sitting in a watermelon. Worth taking a look if you missed it!
The baby was so happy and loved chewing at the fruit, as your baby would do at their own fruit smash photo session! It’s a healthy snack too!
What’s involved in a fruit smash photoshoot?
A fruit smash session includes portraits of your baby before the messy fun begins! I’ll capture a variety of cute images of them sitting and playing against a colourful backdrop from my signature backdrop collection.
If the photoshoot has been organised to coincide with your baby’s first birthday, I’ll also use large wooden letters spelling out the word ‘one’ in the photos. Some children try to eat the letters! Thankfully, they’re pretty indestructible!
Older babies also welcome though as I explain in this blog about when to book a cake smash session.
Then, the entertainment begins when I bring out the fruit. I’ll arrange a display of brightly coloured, fresh, seasonal fruit.
As with my traditional cake smash portrait sessions, the baby will probably love the colours and also the taste of the fruit. So, they’ll be delighted to have the chance to tuck in. They’re welcome to make as much mess as they like!
I’ll also take photographs as your child gets cleaned up afterwards. Warm water and bubbles are the order of the day and are included in every session. Your baby can even have a fruit-filled bath! It’s another fun, sensory experience for them!
Cake Smash or Fruit Smash photoshoot? What would you choose?
Cake smash sessions have been popular for many years now and their popularity shows no sign of slowing down! The reason is clear. It’s a messy but 100% fun-filled session that both children and parents love. The photographs are a fantastic memento.
As well as being perfect for your walls at home, the cake smash or fruit smash portraits can also be used to personalise party invitations, gift cards, photo gifts and calendars. There are so many ways you could use the photos. I’m confident that they’d make you crack a smile each time you looked at them!
Book a fruit smash photoshoot today
If a fruit smash session sounds like something you think your baby would love, get in touch today. Complete this form to secure a date for yours. I look forward to having you in the studio soon!
Karen x
Five things to do before baby arrives: Tips for mums-to-be
If you’re expecting a baby, huge congratulations! Having a baby is life-changing, wonderful and a thrilling adventure! I’m really excited for you!
So now, with the news of your pregnancy having been announced to friends and family, you may be wondering…what’s next? What should you do first?
Well, here’s a list of five things to do before baby arrives.
Hands up, I didn’t do all of these when I was pregnant. But with the benefit of hindsight, I should have done! I highly suggest that you do at least some of these while you have the chance.
As a mum of two myself, I know how quickly those nine months do go. Even if at several points in your pregnancy you’ll probably feel like you’ve been pregnant FOREVER, it really isn’t long. And you’ll have lots to organise before your baby is born.
I’d highly recommend that try to avoid getting so lost in the excitement that you forget to take some time out for yourself during your pregnancy! Decide now what would you like to do before baby arrives. And be sure to get it scheduled in your diary.
Things to do before having a baby
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Plan a Baby Moon
Without doubt your life will never be the same again once your baby has been born. Of course, I mean that in the best possible way. But it does mean that there won’t be much time for you and your partner initially.
Travelling across the country or to other corners of the world is unlikely to be at the top of your priority list with a baby in the family. So, plan a holiday or mini break.
Travel to a far-flung location or go on that city break that you’ve always wanted to. With a baby in tow, travel will be more complicated in the future. So, use the time you have now to tick off those travel destinations that have forever been on your wish list.
I recommend planning these ‘baby-moon’ trips for the first and second trimesters of your pregnancy rather than the third as you’ll probably be more comfortable and have a smaller baby bump to lug around.
You may also find that some airlines don’t let you travel close to your due date. Always check their policies before you book flights.
2. Treat yourself to a pampering session or spa break
Of course, you should ensure to eat well, drink plenty of water and rest regularly during your pregnancy. But you also could indulge in a spot of relaxation and pampering time too! After all, you’re growing a little person in there. You need to look after yourself.
A home pampering session could involve a relaxing soak in a hot bath, listening to your favourite music. Why not invest in some soft fluffy towels and luxury toiletries to enhance the experience, hey? Or you could enjoy a regular night in alone. Watching your favourite TV show or reading your favourite book or magazine uninterrupted is pure bliss!
Or, take it up a notch and enjoy a spa day with your partner or girlfriends. Spa days are a popular way to rejuvenate as you get to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and come out with glowing skin and feeling like a chilled-out goddess!
A pregnancy massage could also really help with aches and pains in your back, ease sore muscles and reduce tension. Luckily, here in Dorset and neighbouring Hampshire, we have some amazing hotels with fantastic spa facilities such as Chewton Glen and Rhinefield House. Both highly recommended!
3. Book a maternity photoshoot
If maternity photography was popular around the time I was pregnant with my own children, I would have loved to have had some photos taken. And this is something that I hear from a lot of mums who come into my photography studio with their babies.
The thing is, unless you have another child, you may not ever get the chance again to capture your pregnancy in photographs. What a shame to potentially miss out on this opportunity!
Both you and your child will love to look back on photographs of your beautiful body in those final stages of your pregnancy, in years to come!
Related reading: What to expect from a pregnancy photoshoot
I recommend that if you would like me to capture your growing baby bump in photos, to book in as soon as possible after your 20-week scan when you know your expected due date. Do also book in for a newborn photoshoot at that time as well.
That way, we can confirm the slot in my diary, and you won’t run the risk of being too late to book. As your due day approaches, you’ll be glad you sorted it early as it’ll be one less thing to think about.
The beautiful maternity pictures I will create will make you look and feel fabulous. Did you know that I’m an award-winning maternity photographer?
I have a stunning collection of designer maternity gowns for you to choose from, or we can opt for simple photos – the session is completely bespoke to you.
Your maternity photoshoot can also be done in my studio here in Poole, near Bournemouth, Dorset. Or, we can venture outdoors to your favourite local location, whatever the season.
4. Host a Baby Shower
Baby showers are really popular these days as a way of celebrating your unborn baby, so I couldn’t leave this off my list of things to do before baby arrives, could I?
Friends and family of the mum-to-be get together to share gifts and well-wishes, and it’s a great excuse to have some quality time with your besties before your baby arrives.
Usually, a friend will organise a baby shower for you, sometimes as a surprise. But if you definitely would like one, be sure to let them know. A baby shower is a fun occasion which usually includes baby-themed games and party food, so will take some organising. Ideally, don’t hold it too close to your due date – babies can sometimes arrive weeks early!
5. Get lots of sleep if you can
A final suggestion in my list of things to do before baby arrives is to sleep! I know it’s easier said than done as having a big baby bump towards the end of your pregnancy can make sleep more difficult. But, once you are on your maternity leave especially, try to resist the urge to keep busy or clean the house!
The urge to ‘nest’ can become overwhelming in the final stages of your pregnancy but leave the housework if you can. Rest your body and take the chance now to get as much shut-eye as possible. Sleep in the daytime if you can and get early nights.
I hate to break it to you, but you won’t be getting much sleep in the initial days and weeks after your baby is born. Believe me, a tired, burnt-out new mum will find it so much harder when the little one arrives than a mum who’s rested, relaxed and in tip-top shape on the big day.
Which of these will you find time for?
I hope this list of things to do before baby arrives has been useful? Let me know which ones you hope to do in the comments section below.
Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope to see you in my photography studio soon! If you’re interested in booking in with me for maternity photos or newborn photos, please get in touch by completing this form.
Karen x
KW Photography gift vouchers: Why not treat someone to a family photoshoot experience?
Let’s face it 2020 has been a year of missing family and friends and we are all looking to treat our nearest and dearest. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, why not treat that someone special with a family photoshoot experience at KW Photography?
My photography gift vouchers are ideal for families of up to five people. Buy one for yourself or for others as a birthday or Christmas gift, or as a wedding or anniversary present. Anytime is a good time to have family portraits taken!
Family photoshoot experience at KW Photography
Priced at £99, KW Photography gift vouchers are a present that any Dorset or Hampshire-based family would love to receive!
They entitle the recipient to a professional 20-30-minute family photoshoot (not suitable for newborn) with me for up to 5 people in my studio. The session can take place at a date of their choosing, subject to my availability and up until the voucher expiry date (as marked on the voucher).
An all-inclusive, great value price for family photography
The price you pay for the voucher includes five high-resolution, professionally edited family portraits as digital files ready for them to print and display around the home.
This is an incredible value package offering a significant saving on my usual studio session fee and my digital image collections.
The best thing about buying one of the KW Photography gift vouchers is that there are no extra costs for your recipient to pay. The price of £99 secures the voucher, guarantees a slot in my diary, and includes the photo session and five print-ready images.
The perfect gift for photography lovers
KW Photography gift vouchers are available to buy now and would make the perfect gift for those who like to record special family moments in photographs.
Get your family photoshoot experience gift voucher today
If you would love to have a family photoshoot experience with me, then grab one for yourself, or for someone else, while you can!
There are only limited gift vouchers available to purchase at this great value price, so these are likely to sell out fast. Contact me via this form for more information or hit the “Buy Now” button to purchase a voucher.
Karen x
Seven things you may not expect of your professional portrait session
You’ve made the decision to have a professional portrait session. Great! And now you’ve selected your preferred photographer (hopefully me!). The date is all booked in your diary and you’re now looking ahead to having the portraits taken.
You’ve probably got an idea of how it will turn out (after all, you’ve done your research), and you’re already imagining the pictures taking pride of place on your walls or mantlepiece at home.
But, whether it’s a maternity, newborn, older baby or child, family, cake smash or outdoor lifestyle shoot that you’ve booked, the chances are that they’ll be some unexpected aspects of the experience. After all, you never can predict how things will go, especially if young children are involved!
In today’s blog, I’m revealing seven things that you’ll experience when hiring me for a professional portrait session that you may not have expected.
Surprising features of your professional portrait session with KW Photography
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In-depth guidance on what to expect and how to prepare
I realise that you may never have hired a photographer before, apart from your wedding photographer perhaps, unless you are a repeat customer of mine. So, it’s a new experience for you and you won’t necessarily know what to expect. And, if this is the case, don’t worry.
When you get in touch with me to book, I’ll send you all the information you’ll need in advance of your photoshoot. Plus, you can find extra information on my website, on the Frequently Asked Questions page, in my Newborn Photography Guide (if relevant to you) and within my blogs.
Clients often tell me that they hadn’t realised I would help them to prepare so well. But I do this because I’m committed to helping you feel as prepared as possible for your photoshoot. And, if you still have questions, then please don’t hesitate to ask – simply call me or drop me an email.
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Hands-on help with your newborn baby
If you’re having a newborn portrait session with me, once you’ve arrived and we’re ready to get started, I’ll settle your baby to sleep and position then safely for the photographs.
Some parents are surprised to learn that I do this and have expected that they’d need to do far more themselves during the session. But honestly, you should just sit back and relax.
My comfy Poole-based photography studio is spacious and welcoming, and there’s plenty of room for you to rest, put up your feet and enjoy the session. Take advantage of the soft seating, the complimentary drinks, flick through my portfolio brochures and look at the examples of art on the walls.
Or even feel free to even have a little doze if you wish, since you’ll almost certainly be a little sleep-deprived!
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Guidance on how to look your best for the photos
I believe that another important part of my job is to give you guidance and to make you feel at ease. My aim is to make you look your very best in the pictures, so I will direct you throughout the session.
If it’s a studio-based child or family session, I’ll use my experience of what works well to advise you on how to stand, sit or interact with the other members of your family. Or if it’s a maternity session, I’ll guide you on how to pose in a way that’s flattering and elegant.
There’s nothing worse than not knowing how to stand, which way to look or what to do with your hands, I know. So, I take all that doubt away by giving you clear instructions. And we’ll be chatting away the whole time too, which will also help to distract and relax you.
When I’m photographing an outdoor lifestyle shoot though, I’ll be encouraging you to simply have fun. In these sessions, I may give you some direction but I’m more focused on capturing the natural moments, the smiles and the interactions that unfold.
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Tricks to get your baby to look to the camera
Of course, in a cake smash or a baby portrait session, young children don’t always take instruction! But, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve that’ll encourage your little one to interact with the camera.
Again, my best tip for you would be to leave it to me – to be honest, if you wave your arms around or say their name, chances are they’ll look at you rather than me, so they won’t be looking into the camera.
During a baby session I am usually on the floor, singing nursery rhymes, using squeaky toys and rolling balls around the room – yes, I may look a bit mad at times! But these are tried and tested techniques for getting great photos, so I’d urge you to just go with it and leave me to it!
Remember, I’ve photographed hundreds of babies and young children over the years, so I know how to get the cooperation of even the most reluctant children!
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Poop happens!
When it comes to photographing newborn babies, you may also be surprised to discover babies often do poop or wee in my studio – either on me, on you or on the floor!
Many a time parents have looked at me in embarrassment and horror when their newborn baby does this for the first time, but honestly, there’s no need to worry!
I am fully prepared for life’s little accidents, and of course, it’s completely natural. Everything in my studio is washable, and I clean and sterilise everything I use in the studio before each session.
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Editing and refining your image gallery
When it comes to reviewing the portraits taken during your session, you’ll perhaps also be relieved to learn that I’ll do the hard work of whittling the hundred or so images I’ve taken, down into an edited gallery for you to choose from.
I select the images that are the best of the best, and then I spend time editing those pictures to achieve the final image gallery from your professional portrait session.
Wondering why professional photographers edit their photographs? I explain that here.
Parents are often surprised to realise how much work goes on behind the scenes and about the editing process. When I tell them it can sometimes take over an hour to edit each image, they tell me they didn’t realise!
Only once fully edited are the images ready for you to view. I will then send you a link to view your gallery or, if you’d prefer, you have the option of returning to my studio, where I have a dedicated area for viewing your portrait gallery on a large screen. This is the most exciting bit – the big reveal!
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Help with choosing your final images
A further, often unexpected benefit of hiring me is that I can help you to decide which are your favourite images from the final image gallery.
Choosing which images to purchase can be tough! It’s highly likely that you’ll love all of the images and will find it hard to select the ones you love the best. So, I can be there to guide you on your final selections if you did want some help with this.
It’s important for you to realise though, that I deliberately sit quietly while you view your gallery for the very first time. I don’t impose my preferences on you or make you buy images that you don’t want (or more than you want).
My sole aim with a viewing appointment is to help you choose your favourite images and to help you make the often-difficult decisions about which ones, and how, you’ll display in your home.
Initial reactions to the images are usually very telling, so I’ll be encouraging you to go with your gut and choose the images you love at first sight.
You’re now fully prepared for your professional portrait session!
So, there you have it. Seven things you may not have expected about your professional portrait session with me. I would love to know which of these surprised you the most? Do let me know in the comments below.
If you’ve yet to book but would like to, please complete this contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!
And if you know someone in Dorset, Hampshire or even further afield who may be interested in having professional portraits taken, please do share this article with them. Thank you!
Karen x
Newborn, baby and family photography: What options do you have at KW Photography?
Here at KW Photography, I offer a variety of different newborn, baby and family photography sessions so this article is a round-up of the services that are available if you choose me as your portrait photographer.
I want you to be clear on what the options for child and baby portrait sessions with me are so that you can make the right choice for your family.
Newborn Photography
My most popular service is my newborn photography. This is my signature service – the one thing I have become known for and which I am the most experienced in. It’s completely true that photographing newborn babies is my first love!
I just adore working with newborn babies and love creating portraits of your brand-new baby, capturing them as they are in their first few days of life. They don’t stay like this for long, so I think it’s so important to photograph this amazing stage.
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A ‘Newborn’ Studio Session
I’m known for my sleeping baby pictures and I’ve photographed over 1000 babies to date!
In this type of session, I spend up to 3-4 hours photographing your baby, creating a variety of poses, and using different props and backdrops to give you a wide choice of images (20-30) to choose from.
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Outdoor newborn portraits
Plus, if you want something different, in addition to the traditional posed newborn images, you can now take advantage of the option to have newborn photos taken in my outdoor garden studio as part your newborn studio session. This is included in the newborn session fee.
Outdoor newborn portraits have proved very popular since I started doing them last year. I keep your baby warm at all times, don’t worry! As always, your baby’s safety is my number one priority.
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The ‘My First Year’ package
This is a great option for families who want newborn photos and know they’d also like to return for baby photos on two additional occasions in their baby’s first year.
I typically capture babies at the ‘sitting’ stage, at approximately 6-8 months, and again on their first birthday (many families choose to upgrade this first birthday session to a ‘cake smash’ photoshoot).
Another thing to point out is that when you book a newborn session with me, you are very welcome to bring older siblings, family members and even your furry friends to also be featured in the photos. I’m a dog lover myself and know that they are an important part of the family too!
Baby and family photography is what I specialise in so adorable sibling photos and mum/dad pictured with the baby are important photos to take. Family photos (up to five people) come as standard too!
Click here for more information about my newborn photography services and here to see examples in my newborn photo gallery.
Baby and Family Photography
If you’ve missed the newborn stage but are still keen to get photos of your baby once they are a few months old, there are plenty of options for you:
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Relaxed older ‘newborn’ photos
Some photographers won’t attempt newborn-style photography with babies over four weeks, but I am very confident working with babies of any age.
The images you can expect to receive when the baby is a little older will be just as beautiful, but they will be more relaxed as your baby won’t be as curled up anymore, and they will be more alert than days-old newborns who sleep almost all day.
Which means that I can usually achieve adorable wide-eyed photos like this.
Click here for more information about my newborn photo sessions and here to see examples in my newborn photo gallery.
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Baby portrait sessions
You can also come to me at any time in your baby’s first year for a baby portrait session. Common milestones that parents like to document are the:
- At approximately 3-4 months – I can photograph them laying on their backs, smiling or practising their ‘tummy time’
- At approximately 6-8 months – typically babies are learning or have learnt to crawl and can sit independently which is a big achievement!
- And any time from 12 months old, babies start to walk. It’s lovely to capture those very first steps!
And, if you wish to have more than one photoshoot during your baby’s first year, the ‘My First Year’ package, as I mentioned above, is a great value option. Find out more about the ‘My First Year’ package here.
Cake Smash Photography
Cake smashes are hugely popular and it’s easy to see why! They are such fun for your baby and the photos are colourful and full of personality!
During a cake smash portrait session, your child gets the chance to celebrate their first birthday in style. With a giant birthday cake and sat in front of a colourful backdrop accessorised to your liking, they have the chance to play, eat and even destroy their cake while I take photos!
But while cake smashes are traditionally associated with a baby turning one, they don’t have to be! Rules were made to be broken, right?!
You can book a cake smash anytime from when your baby is sitting up independently, as I explain here.
Click here for more information about my cake smash photoshoots and here to see examples in my cake smash photo gallery.
Newborn, Baby and family photography
So, as you can tell, there are lots of different options available to you if you’re looking for newborn, baby and family photography.
I’m proud to say that I am one of the longest-established newborn and baby photographers here in Dorset and that I’ve worked in this specialist genre of photography for seven years, photographing babies and children of all ages.
An investment into professional newborn, baby and family photography is one that I guarantee you will never regret. The photos will keep the memories alive and you’ll treasure them forever.
To enquire or to book a portrait session with me, please complete this contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!
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
The joys of a cake smash and bath splash session
If you’re a toddler, splashing around in warm, silky bubbles is just so much fun! Which is why I always include a bubble bath splash session in every one of my popular cake smash photoshoots.
Today, I wanted to share with you some of the fun my little clients have during a cake smash and bath splash session here at KW Photography.
Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles!
It’s certainly a highlight of my day seeing babies and children enjoying themselves during their photoshoot with me. The smiling faces and squeals of delight during a cake smash and bath splash session are just so adorable!
I bring the warm bubbles into the photography studio towards the end of the cake smash session. At this point, the cake has usually been well and truly destroyed and baby needs a good clean up!
I have the cutest miniature roll-top bath which is just the perfect size for little ones. And I always use plenty of bath mixture to ensure they have lots of bubbles to play with.
A Cake Smash and Bath Splash: Messy fun for everyone!
As you’ll have probably seen if you’ve taken a look at my cake smash portrait gallery already, cake smash sessions can get very messy!
So, the bath splash is not only a great tactic for keeping your baby entertained during the cake smash shoot, but it also allows me to create a greater variety of images for you to feature on your walls at home.
And it also has a practical purpose, of course – I wouldn’t want to be sending you home with a child covered in cake! I don’t think it would do the upholstery in your car much good!
Happy babies, happy memories
My years of experience as a baby photographer has taught me that I get the best portraits of your little ones if they’re enjoying themselves during their time with me.
So, whether you’re visiting for a cake smash session, for one of your ‘My First Year’ baby portrait sessions, or a family photoshoot, I’ll be sure to keep them entertained.
Cake smash and bath splash sessions
Follow these links to discover more about what’s involved in a cake smash, when to book your cake smash photoshoot and to see a cake smash session in action!
And if you’re interested in booking a cake smash or baby portrait session please get in touch by completing this contact form.
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
A milk dress maternity photoshoot!
Milk Dress Photoshoot
I’m often coming up with ideas for creative portraits; some I don’t do anything about, others I get a little bit obsessed with and decide to give it a go. This milk dress photoshoot was one of those obsessions!
The ‘Milk dress’
Case in point. Last year I saw the most amazing ‘milk dress photoshoot’ “pinup” style photos from a great photographer called Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz.
Wow! His work is just inspirational and brilliantly done.
My creative mind started working. I wondered if I could produce a milk dress maternity image without wrecking the whole photography studio too much!
Luckily, it wasn’t too hard to find a willing victim (I mean model, ha ha) who was happy for me to give it a go.
So armed with eight litres of milk and a big roll of plastic sheeting, I decided to give try out a milk dress photoshoot with the help of my photographer friend Jacky.
Preparing the photography studio
I really didn’t want to let any of the milk I was going to be using during the photoshoot to hit the floor.
That would have been a nightmare to clean up afterwards, and the smell would have been just horrible! So, as you can see, we covered everything!
I did warm the milk but only a tad, as I’d been told that warm milk is a little more translucent than cold milk. And I really needed the milk to cover my model Lindsay’s body to achieve the effect I was after.
Milk throwing!
We tried a few milk throwing/pouring techniques. But, to be honest, for the milk skirt splashes (which you can see below), it really was a case of just chucking it! No finesse was needed. The goal was simply to hit the target (poor Lindsay!).
The top half was more tricky. In order to create the final ‘dress’, we needed the milk to run in a certain way and not spread too much as it ran down the body.
In the end, it took roughly 500 photos to have enough to piece together the dress bit by bit. The splash skirt ones were my personal fave!
Huge thanks to Lindsay
Jacky and I worked as quickly as possible but it soon got a bit cold for my poor model despite the central heating being on.
I think Lindsay deserved a medal for braving the cold milk at 30 weeks pregnant (yes, doesn’t she look amazing for 30 weeks!)
We all had a lot of fun trying out the milk dress technique. Lindsay was a great sport for putting up with us and all the milk being thrown at her naked body.
It probably wasn’t the most enjoyable experience she has ever had. And I think her face in this photo says it all really!
Creating the milk dress
After the studio cleanup, and armed with my 500 photos of a milk-covered model, I set about the task of piecing it all together in my photo editing software, Photoshop.
Boy, how I had underestimated this part of the process!
It’s safe to say that my photoshop skills were tested to the limit with this portrait.
I normally use Photoshop to enhance a photo, not completely manipulate it. And being self-taught, it took a little research into areas of Photoshop that I don’t normally use. But after several hours I got there.
I had lots of fun throwing milk and a few hair-pulling moments in Photoshop, but I’m pleased with the end result and hope Lindsay loves it too.
What do you think? Do please let me know in the comment below.
I’m hoping to do a few more creative photoshoots over the coming months so look out for those on the blog soon.
Maternity photoshoots at KW Photography
I just love doing maternity photo sessions. So if you’re expecting then please take a look at my maternity photo gallery and get in touch to book a session.
There won’t be any need for you to be subjected to the milk throwing, like Lindsay was. My normal maternity photoshoots are far more conventional!
But they do make you feel and look amazing and are a great way to celebrate this special time in your life before your new baby arrives.
Karen x
