What is my style?
Newborn baby in the studio.
Over the past decade I have invested an abundance of time perfecting my craft. Hours of online posing workshops, in person posing/editing/business workshops from the best in the business. This has all mounted to where I am today, a very experienced, knowledgable and skilled family photographer.
I began as a heavily posed newborn photographer in 2012 - think buckets, bowls and froggy poses! Whilst I loved this and the challenge that came with this style I also craved more. Something was missing and it was the moments with the parents I wanted to photograph more of. As I watched parents feed, cuddle, dress and soothe their babies between poses I fell in love with these moments and knew that when I had a baby of my own these were the moments I want documented myself. And that’s what brought me to where I am today.
What is relaxed posing?
Also referred quite often as ‘lifestyle’ photography, however I don’t feel I belong in that genre. I would say my style is a more hybrid version of newborn/family photography. I have taken what I have learnt as posed photographer and incorporated that into my craft today. Whilst I take on the elements of the ‘lifestyle’ genre, I wouldn’t wholly fit this. I do style the studio in a more lifestyle vibe with a huge linen couch, way too many cushions, pampas grass and some stools - keeping everything neutral and timeless. These pieces provide a more relaxed setting for photos and comfort, new Mum’s need comfort during these first weeks!
So I wouldn’t say I am posed nor lifestyle, I would happily consider myself as a ‘relaxed’ or ‘semi’ posed photographer - thus being someone who gently poses you, but in a more relaxed and natural way.
You are still you and that is important to me to convey in your images.
Connection
Now what I aim to photograph in each and every session, is your connection as a family.
From the big moments of welcoming a new baby into your life, to the small moments of your eldest child gently kissing your newborn during your shoot. These are the moments I want to freeze for you.
My sessions involve a lot of the family involved. A lot of cuddles, a lot of touching and a lot of skin including hands all over and around baby. These are all very important things to a new baby. The way I shoot is focused on making sure your new baby is comfortable at all times. Whilst heavily posed photography is safe in the hands of an experienced photographer, it does come with lots of movement, adjusting and unsettling a new baby.
I have a workflow I complete each session that ensures your baby has as little disruption as possible to their sleep and comfort. I don’t remove nappies as this can upset babies, cause a mess on family members and generally just something we don’t need to deal with. I honestly cannot remember the last time a client requested a nudie photo of their baby. I dress your baby in beautiful knitted nappy covers or outfits so they’re comfortable at all times. There’s no need to unsettle a baby for the sake of photos. With gentle posing, lots of cuddles with Mum & Dad I know how to achieve a huge gallery with minimal fuss. And that’s what parents need in the first weeks after birth, that time is an adjustment enough as it is!
What to expect
A session that runs for approximately 1.5-2 hours, as opposed to the long and hot 4-5 hours of a heavily posed newborn shoot. Photographs with parents & siblings in a relaxed and comfortable way. Whilst some smiley shots are great, most of the images are natural of you loving on baby! To read more about ‘What to expect’ head to my other blog to find out more!
