Ever wondered when you should book your photos in? Here are some ideas of the best times to organise a photoshoot:

Maternity

It breaks my heart when I hear Mamas regret not capturing their bump! It’s such an important time to capture that isn’t just about you, but about your baby too. When they’re older and they ask what they looked like in your tummy, what will you have to show them? A blurry mirror selfie, or beautiful photos where you’re proudly showing off your amazing bump?

When should I book?: The best time for a maternity shoot is when you’re between 28-34 weeks pregnant and can be done either in the studio or outdoors at sunset. Make sure to get in touch as soon as possible after your 12 week scan to secure your date!

Newborn

There’s nothing I love more than newborn cuddles over a coffee and chat with some lovely parents! Newborn photoshoots are for babies aged between 4 days to 4 weeks old. This is the time when they will still curl up as if they were still in the womb, and are more likely to fall asleep quickly. My style is really natural, focusing on baby-led posing and minimal props to ensure that we capture your baby just as they perfectly are.

If your baby is older than 4-6 weeks old, I recommend waiting a few months for a Sitter session. This is because older babies are generally only able to lay on their backs and occasionally their fronts, meaning it is harder to get lots of variety in your photo gallery as I’m more limited with the angles I can photograph them at.

When should I book?: It is essential to get in touch whilst you’re still pregnant to book your newborn session. My diary fills up months in advance, and it’s rare that I have any last minute sessions available. For newborn sessions, we pencil a date into our diaries for around 7 days after your due date. Once baby arrives, we then adjust this date as needed – it’s completely flexible!

Sitter

Sitter sessions happen when your baby is between 7-10 months, but ideally at around 8 months old. This is the time when they’re able to sit unaided, but aren’t on the move yet.

We’ll capture their chunky thighs, gummy smiles, squishy toes, wrist rolls – the list goes on! If they’re crawling, we’ll have a wonderful time chasing them around the studio, showing them wonderful toys and having the best of times.

When should I book?: As soon as you can! My diary fills up 3-6 months in advance, so the sooner you get in touch, the better.

Please do not worry, I don’t expect your little ones to be perfectly behaved or for them to sit still either. Running around and playing games is my thing! I’m here to tailor the session to their individual personalities, engage their attention and create natural photos with no stress, so don’t be afraid to relax with them and go with the flow.

First Birthday

Time flies when you’re having fun! Your baby’s first birthday will come around before you know it, and what better way to celebrate than a cake smash, followed by a bubbly bath!

My First Birthday sessions also include pre-cake family photos, so you can capture some gorgeous images to update your family albums.

These sessions can take place around the date of your baby’s birthday, or around 4-6 weeks beforehand if you’d like the photos back in time to display at their birthday celebrations.

When should I book?: As soon as you can! My diary fills up 3-6 months in advance, so the sooner you get in touch, the better.

Family

Family shoots are simply wonderful! These take place outdoors, an hour or so before sunset to get the gorgeous golden evening light.

I will capture your tribe in a beautifully natural way – no awkward posing here! You’ll walk together, look at each other and show everyone all of the love you have to give. You’ll then be able to display this on your walls, reminding your children each day of just how much they are loved.

There is a choice between a long grass field, the beach or the hilltops so whatever your family enjoy, there will be a perfect location for you.

When should I book?: Now! Don’t wait, because you never know what tomorrow brings. There will never be a ‘right’ time – it doesn’t matter what you weigh or how you might think you look, because your family loves you just as you are. To them, you are everything. You are perfect. So book that shoot now, for your family but for yourself too. Because you deserve to be remembered in photos as the incredible Mama you are.

Whatever stage you’re at, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch here.

So much love,

SB x