Christmas outdoor photos
This years christmasy photographs were so much fun!
This year I made the decision to do Christmas photos outside. This was mainly because I love outdoor photography. It really allows the children to be free and allows me to capture their true personalities.
We went to Bray nature reserve and the children seemed to love it, despite it being super cold. They were all fabulous.
Here are just a few of the photos from those three days.
Recent Session - Two gorgeous girls and their baby brother
A pleasure photographing this gorgeous family - seeing how much the older two secretly loved each other
We headed to Chalfont St Giles at sunset and captured the kids running free as the sun went down. Its as beautiful, fun and the perfect setting for some lovely natural photographs.
Recent newborn session - baby boy
A second baby boy for this lovely family... who I photographed just before they told everyone the good news back in the summer.
Recent Session - little one with her whole family
Have a look at this fab session that included the whole family
This little one lives in San Francisco, so when she was back for her first Christmas it was the perfect excuse to get the whole family together for photos.
It was the first time I got to photograph 4 generations of women in the studio, so I felt extremely flattered that they asked me.
Recent Session - Maternity photos
This couple wanted natural maternity photos and a record of their bump
What to expect from your newborn session
So over the last few months I have been surprised by how many people finish their newborn photo session and say they had no idea how much they’d enjoy it. It made me realise that perhaps people don’t know what to expect, so here is a little over view of what goes on.
First of all, once you are here we go straight into the studio (which is in my garden) where the session takes place. I will offer you a drink and get you relaxed. If you have older children, they will be given a tour of the things they have access to in the garden and I will help them to feel at ease. If they are happy you will be happy and the session will go smoothly, so this is always a priority for me, to make sure they feel at home and safe.
We then get the baby undressed and change nappy, if they need a top up this is where they will have one. You are welcome to feed in private if you wish.
The room is kept nice and warm as the baby is likely to be undressed or wearing less clothes than usual. Keeping them warm ensures that they are happy and not upset. I also have white noise playing, I use womb sounds that sooth the baby and mean that I can move them without it bothering them.
If you have an older sibling I will call them into various shots as we go. I find this works better than putting lots of pressure on a the beginning or the end of the session being all about them. They can come in and out of the shot freely and kiss their new baby brother or sister or hold them if they are old enough.
If your baby needs to stop for feeding / changing then we stop and take our time. The session is totally led by them.
At the end of the session you are encouraged to get in photos with your children if you want to. I take close ups of you cuddling them and some candid shots of you all together. This is a lovely time as I don’t need to direct or pose you too much – it’s all about those natural moments.
The session usually takes around 2 hours from start to finish but sometimes it will take more which is fine.
Once we are finished, your baby usually wants another feed, so you are welcome to stay and make sure they will be happy for the journey home.
After your session I know you are dying to see a photo from the day, so I usually post one on my social media platforms for you to see / share / tag yourselves. Then within the next two weeks I will send you a link to your gallery where you can choose your favourites.
How to prepare for your newborn session with Fiona
Thank you for booking your session with me. I promise you to make it as stress free and relaxing as possible!
You are probably wondering two things: what do I need to bring and what do I need to wear?
What do I need to bring?
Bring your change bag with the usual items you take anywhere. Make sure you have enough milk for a few feeds just incase baby is particularly hungry. Please also pack couple of baby grows; white, grey, baby pink or baby blue are preferable. If there are any teddy bears or blankets that are particularly special then do bring those too. It’s always nice to get photographs with special items included but do not feel like you have to.
What do I need to wear?
You will have seen in my portfolio that I advise people to wear white, cream, grey, blue, pink or pastels. This is to ensure that the photos retain a light, airy feel and that the focus is all on the baby and your connection, rather than a brightly coloured distracting top. I would also recommend denim jeans, or light trousers.
For siblings please stay away from dressing them in anything with a large logo or any character based clothing, instead keep them dressed in simple clothing of the above mentioned colours.
