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
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?
What is the best age for newborn photos?
How long will the newborn photo shoot take?
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?
What should we wear at the session?
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?
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?
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
When is the best time of the year to book an outdoors family photo session?
How long will the photo session take?
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?
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 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.