one of my happy places to be; I capture the most precious of times in families' lives, their memories and their special moments - for mums and dads to be, new parents and families. I create portraits, stunning pieces of art for you to display lovingly in your home and pass down to your little ones in years to come. I love and adore being creative and I put my heart and soul into creating and capturing the most precious of images for you.
I am a specialist newborn and maternity photographer based by Malvern in Worcestershire and regularly capture sessions for people from Herefordshire, Worcester and Gloucestershire too.
I started photographing portraits (children, families and details/products) in excess of 12 years ago. And knew when my career went into photography full time capturing maternity and newborns was an absolute must. I used to photograph babies and sessions from clients' homes initially. I still offer this but only for lifestyle newborn and family sessions rather than studio sessions (these are very different and require so much less in terms of equipment). The size of my lighting, the quantity of props, the amount of flooring and backdrop options, fabrics, accessories, needing a hard floor and everything else that I require to capture newborn sessions comfortably and safely grew far too much for me to remain mobile (I'd need a much bigger vehicle).
I created my space where I work now - and I love it! It isn't massive however it works perfectly, it's light, airy and comfortable. I'm a single, full time working mum and the sole provider to a teen daughter with additional needs (I'm regularly told how patient and calm I am and I think raising my daughter has helped me to remain calm, to be patient and understand a child's needs) - I need to be closer to home in order to work efficiently but be close by too (and my setup and space enables this to work brilliantly).
I am able to offer a wonderful and very comfortable experience and service to my clients from the outset and their initial enquiry with me. Prior to your session we will have spoken at least once by telephone (usually more) and potentially by email too. We go through my newborn prep guide, what you'd like from your session, what to expect and what to bring with you to ensure that you're fully informed and prepared for your session so that it can run as smoothly and more importantly be as enjoyable as possible, I love to create wonderful memories and a really happy, positive experience for you. Upon arrival parents can settle in comfortably and have a relaxed feed with their little one, all being well they will naturally drift into a sleep. I'll have prepared or created some ideas in advance after our discussion and this is where the session then comes to life - I work hard to capture photographs for your home and memories based on our discussions and provide a wonderful (and frequently first) outing for you.
Your newborn session is baby led; it's based around their comfort (as my priority) at all times. I have a selection of gorgeous props, fabrics, outfits (for new mums and babies), flooring, wraps, headbands, flowers and so much more (collected over many years) used to create your works of art. You really are spoilt for choice with colours, textures, prints, outfits and props. A family recently said to me that there can't be anything that I don't have for a session.
Sessions can include your baby unwrapped and posed on my posing bag, wrapped, wraps draped beautiful over them, posed and curled in a flokati fur, in props (the cutest little beds, heart bowls, buckets, wooden bowls) and more, the possibilities for your session are endless.
As part of your session I offer the most beautiful, classic and elegant family portraits and the opportunity to have your memories, moments and photos captured together with your new arrival. I gently encourage this; their arrival is a new beginning and chapter in not only their lives but yours too and it's your journey and beginning of your story and history together as a new family. I've captured so many wonderful families over the years including families with first time parents, solo mums by choice, families with an older brother or sister (or multiple siblings), twins and sometimes grandparents too! I even love welcoming dogs into my studio! There is the option to have more classic looking portraits, beautiful black and white backlit photos, photos including just your hands, wearing one of my session gowns and stunning skin to skin portraits too - lots of choice and options to suit how you feel and the look you'd like.
I've spent and heavily invested many hours, days and months in training for my passion in newborn photography and have become a very experienced specialist in this area. Parents entrust me with their newborn babies; their baby's safety and comfort throughout the session is always my priority which is why I have taken training so extensively very seriously. I have photographed numerous twins sessions too. I've trained with some of the most renowned photographers in the world (from the USA and Australia) and the UK and undertake mentoring and assessments too. Over the years I have developed a deep understanding and experience in timing a newborn session, the flow of your session, understanding babies' needs, their cues, what to look out for and when they might give that lovely dreamy/windy smile too!
I take hygiene very seriously, following your session all fabrics used are washed in sensitive/non bio products. Props are cleaned, items wiped with antibacterial/antiviral wipes/cleaner.
I take on a limited number of newborn sessions each month to accommodate families when their new bundles arrive into the world. Not every baby arrives on time, some are early, some may need additional support and care upon their arrival and some may make their entrance a little later than expected. I have experience of working with babies who were born prematurely and also with babies who have needed extra care by way of surgery following their birth. This is something discussed ahead of your session and I plan the timing and posing of your session accordingly. Likewise some new mums may need some extra time following a more complicated birth, having been through one myself I can empathise and will always ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
If your baby has already arrived into the world and you haven't booked your session yet, please do get in touch I can often accommodate babies who have already arrived.
If you have any questions regarding your session please don't hesitate to contact me. Speaking by phone is so much more personal and wonderful if possible however I appreciate it's not always so easy to find time. (A telephone consultation will be required before your session, there is information I need to share with you and take from you in order to plan your session and ensure it runs safely and efficiently).
Often parents book sitter (6-10 month milestone) sessions for when their baby reaches the sitting stage independently. Many of the props and set colours can be carried on through into these sessions and I capture this really lovely stage in their and your lives filled with fun and smiles. I have a very extensive wardrobe filled with lovely outfits for this age range - they're adorable and so cute
And likewise for cake smash sessions when your baby reaches one year of age, I offer first birthday photography. If you'd like to you can include colours from your newborn session as part of the portrait session at 12 months of age. We get to be exceptionally creative with first birthday photography and choosing a theme for this session is lots of fun! I work with the most amazing local cake maker for my sessions who has been supplying me with cakes (for both professional and personal use) for many years.
Newborn sessions are frequently booked from around 20 weeks of pregnancy however I take bookings whenever parents are ready (this could be earlier than 20 weeks or indeed later). If your baby has already been born please don't panic, I can usually find an opening to ensure your session is captured.
I really look forward to welcoming you and capturing your little one when they arrive
If you would like to discuss your session please get in touch