FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There’s no such thing as a silly question, and I’m sure you have one or two in mind! Here are a few of my most commonly asked questions, but if yours isn’t on here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ

family photo session
When is the best time to book a maternity/newborn session?

The best time to get in touch is right after your 20-week scan. We will book in your maternity session around the 32-34 week mark, and/or pencil in your newborn session approximately a week after your due date. Of course, babies rarely arrive on time, so the original booking date may need to be moved forward or back accordingly. I always leave enough wriggle room in my diary to guarantee that your session will take place when your baby is at the optimal age for newborn photos.

My baby is already here! Can we still book a photo shoot?
My diary usually gets booked approximately four weeks ahead (and longer during the spring and the autumn). However, please do get in touch anyway, as I may well be able to fit you in at short notice, as other booked sessions are often moved to accommodate other babies’ actual arrival dates.
What is the best age for newborn photos?
I normally photograph newborns around the 7-14 days mark, when they still look very new – their features change so quickly at that age! That being said, because of the way I work and the very natural posing style that I use, I welcome (and love photographing!) older newborns as well – those first smiles and intense gazes are captivating!
How long will the newborn photo shoot take?
My newborn photo shoot are a strictly no-stress zone! We will not be working on a long list of poses, and will not be watching the clock – you will have the time and space to feed your baby as often as they need, hold them if they need a cuddle and reassurance, and relax with a cup of coffee while I work my magic.

On average, a newborn and family photo shoot will take between 3 and 4 hours.

Can we, the parents, and our other children be included in the photo shoot?
Of course! Those family/sibling pictures will one day be the most prized memories you own. I normally start my sessions with sibling and family images. Older brothers and sisters (especially toddlers) can get tired quite quickly, so once their involvement in the shoot is complete, I encourage Dad to take them out for a walk or visit a friend or relative. If you are visiting the studio, a small play area is available, and several playgrounds can be reached within a five minutes’ walk.
What should we wear at the session?
For maternity sessions, I recommend Mums to bring along a selection of blouses and dresses, and also some simple vest tops and low-waisted jeans for some informal shots. I will also provide scarves and robes for more intimate shots at the studio. Dads will photograph well in unpatterned knitwear and simple button-down shirts and t-shirts. I can offer detailed colour recommendations depending on whether we will be shooting outdoors or indoors, the time of year and of course your personal style. If other children are taking part in the session, complementary colours to Mum and Dad will work well.

For newborn sessions, Mums may bring simple blouses and vest/strapless tops for skin-on-skin portraits. Unpatterned shirts and t-shirts will work well for Dads. Simple, plain colours work best – white, cream, beige, grey are all favourites. Feel free to bring a couple of changes of clothing for older siblings, too – family photo outfits should be complementary in colour to Mum and Dad. I will provide a range of scarves, wraps and blankets for your newborn, but you are welcome to bring a selection of outfits as well. Keeping it simple works best – for example, traditional, footless all-in-ones are very cute and photogenic (Gap and Zara offer a number of great contemporary classics of this type).

I am always happy to provide bespoke advice prior to, and during, both maternity and newborn sessions.

What will we need to provide for the session? Will you bring any props?
Whether you are coming to the studio, or I am visiting you in your home, all the equipment and textile props I need for the session will be provided. For home visits, the session will usually take place in several parts of your home, including your living room, the nursery and the master bedroom. I will need to keep the space where I work quite warm, so I will bring a fan heater with me to provide a boost to the room temperature if necessary.

Please feel free to bring any objects of sentimental value that you would like to include in the photos (previous requests have included grandma-knitted blankets/hats, parents’ original moses baskets, special toys and even a rugby ball!) and I will do my best to incorporate them in your portraits in the most natural way.

Our baby's skin is still quite blotchy/flaky. Do you retouch photos?
This is very common with new babies, and not a problem at all. All your portraits will be fully retouched to take care of any blemishes and redness.
When/how can we see our pictures?

So, what happens after your newborn photo shoot? Naturally, you will be excited and impatient to see your photos!

Over the next two to three weeks, I will be very busy personally editing your images to the high standard you can see on this website. Once the editing process is complete, I will invite you back to the the studio, where you will be able to review your images on a large screen and we’ll discuss all your options for displaying your portraits around your home.

Where a viewing appointment may be difficult to arrange, you may view and purchase your portraits online, through a password-protected gallery.

With so many display ideas at your fingertips, this is the ideal opportunity to create a striking wall art arrangements of frames, canvases, acrylic or metallic gloss prints for your home. You could opt for a bespoke heirloom album to showcase your portraits. Or you could simply order your favourite images in their high resolution digital version, for printing and sharing on social media. Read all about my gorgeous photographic display and art range.

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ

family photo session
When is the best time of the year to book an outdoors family photo session?
The simple answer is: any time! Each season has its unique colours and character, and each month of the year provides endless opportunities. Choose spring and summer for fresh colours and bright light; autumn for rich tones and striking backlight; and even the cold winter brings outstanding scenery with its low, crepuscular light and striking cloud formations. And, if we’re lucky, even snow!
How long will the photo session take?
My family photo sessions always flow at the children’s pace. I never put a time limit to the time we spend together, because it is important that both you and your children get to know me and feel comfortable around me, before the camera even comes out!

Most outdoors sessions take the form of a walk around the your chosen location. We will spend time playing, chatting and exploring,  while I capture the day’s events as they unfold. We will take breaks whenever the children need them – snacks and drinks will definitely come in handy.

Indoors, we will shoot in your living space, where you and your children feel most comfortable. In-home sessions have been known to involve jumping on the bed, sofa cuddles, quiet time reading a book or even bath time!

On average, a children’s photo session will take between 1.5 and 3 hours. The length of baby sessions depends on your baby’s age – under six months, they tire quite easily. I always ensure that I adapt the pace of the session to your family’s unique needs.

 

Can our pet join in?

Absolutely! The more the merrier. A much loved family pet can bring in so much life and excitement to your family photos.

Let me know if you would like your dog, cat, rabbit, iguana (it has happened!) or other pet friend to join us, and we will make sure that the location we choose for your shoot is well suited to them, too.

What should we wear at the session?
Think texture and personality. I know there’s so much more to you than chinos and a white shirt. You are unique individuals and the greatest part is, when you’re together in a single image, you still blend as a family. For your session, everyone should be in the same style – all formal or all casual. Stick with similar or complementary color tones and fabrics (i.e., everyone in pastels or deep tones).

I like children to have at least one small part of their outfit reflect their personalities, like a hat or a fun t-shirt under a jacket or cool shoes. Need some help? No problem. You are welcome to bring your favourites (plus shoes, hats, tights, scarves, accessories) and we’ll piece outfits together. I love bold colors and patterns, but recommend that you avoid logos, large writing or cartoon characters. Think spots, stripes, childlike, cheerful, happy, bright, fun.

Choose fabrics with lots of texture (sweaters, denim, knits). Layers add interest and depth to an image, so pair up short/long-sleeved shirts, wear a jacket, put leggings under skirts and dresses, etc. I like a simple look, too – a flowing, white dress or a white t-shirt and jeans.

For more inspiration, visit this nifty Pinterest board I maintain with the latest photo styles of the season!

What happens if it rains or my child is sick?
I would never want to photograph someone who wasn’t feeling 100%. If one of your party becomes ill, please call as soon as possible and we will reschedule.

I always monitor the weather prior to an outdoors photo shoot – we are in England after all! A light, intermittent drizzle may be workable and even desirable – wellies, colourful raincoats and rain coats are all excellent props – as are muddy puddles! On other occasions, it may be necessary to reschedule, for example if it is too windy, cold or in case of strong rain.

When/how can we see our pictures?

Your images will be ready to view approximately two to three weeks after your session. I will invite you back to the the studio, where you will be able to see your images on a big screen and be plied with coffee and cake while we chat about your plans for the images in a completely pressure-free environment. With so many display ideas at your fingertips, this is the ideal opportunity to create a striking wall art arrangements for your home or choose a bespoke heirloom album for your portraits. Alternatively, you may view and purchase your portraits online, through a password-protected gallery. This very convenient solution is perfect for digital products.

MORE QUESTIONS?

I’d love to hear from you. Just complete the contact form below or give me a call on 07941 355027.

family photo session

Get in touch