In April 2024 I hosted the 7th Poole Baby Event. It was an absolutely fantastic day, and it was our busiest event to date. We ran out of goody bags by lunchtime! Along with 12 other amazing local businesses, we put on a full schedule of talks, demos and taster classes throughout the day. Biscuits by Sarah B was with us again and Sarah provided free hot drinks throughout the day and offered free biscuit decorating for our visitors (and we got to have a go too!) Marial from Sing and Sign was with us for the day providing a play area for the small guests and also a free taster class in the afternoon. We held a fantastic tombola style raffle and raised £180 for SPRING Support who help families who have lost their baby. Our next event!We are back again on 3rd November 2024. Join our facebook event to keep updated. If you are a local business interested in attending, you can join the waiting list here. Photo disclaimer: these photos are a collection of snaps from phone cameras, I did not take my professional camera along to the event.
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Newborn photography sessions take place when you baby is around 7 days old. It is always a good idea to book in whilst you are pregnant to secure space around your due date. Before your newborn photography sessionYou will have looked at my portfolio before booking your newborn photography session with me you will know the type of images to expect when you visit the studio. It is worth thinking about if you might like some parent and baby photos and if you have other children that you would like to bring along to the session also. When you book I will send you an information pack which should answer your questions. You can find more information and Q&A's about newborn photography here. During your newborn photography sessionWhen you arrive at the studio you will have plenty of time to choose some of your favourite props, outfits and wraps whilst I make you a hot drink. Your baby will likely to need feeding and changing during your time here, the morning is yours and totally baby led. I never book more than one photography session in per day so we have up to 3 hours if we need it. Most sessions last around 2 hours. You get to sit back and enjoy your tea or coffee whilst watching me working my magic with your little one. I have 11 years of experience so I will work with your baby to produce beautiful natural photos that you will treasure forever. After your newborn photography sessionYou get to go away with lovely memories and most likely a tired sleepy baby! Your images will be presented in an online gallery which is sent via email for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever. For more information on my newborn photography sessions including prices please take a look at my newborn photography pages.
When you are looking to book a newborn photographer it is always a good idea to look at examples of full sessions and not just their favourite hand picked images for their online portfolios. Whilst my website will give you a feel for my natural style and exactly what to expect, I always think it is nice to share an entire gallery so you get to see an example of everything you get not just my "favourite" images that I choose to share on social media and on my website portfolios. I am pleased to be able to share all of the images from a recent newborn photography session here with me in my baby photography studio in Poole, Dorset. This gorgeous little girl was just 7 days old when she came to see me for her newborn photography session. Her parents chose to add a little touch of pink to the session. I have a gorgeous selection of neutral props, outfits and wraps in my baby photography studio but I also have a little bit of pink and blue when families like to add a little bit of colour. The colours work well with all of my lovely neutral props to create some beautiful natural photographs for you to treasure. She brought her older brother with her to the session, I also photographed him as a newborn so it was lovely to see them all again. I have so many beautiful wraps to choose from in my baby photography studio. Wraps are always a popular choice for newborn photographs. During a newborn photography session, depending on which package you have paid for, you will get to choose 2-3 different props for me to take some photos of your baby in. I always include photos of your baby with no props also. If this is not your first baby, you are more than welcome to bring your other children along to your newborn photography session. I love including them in the photos. I always love to capture the tiny little details during newborn photography sessions, I take lots of close ups including those ever gorgeous little baby feet pictures. If you are expecting a baby and would like to find out more about my natural newborn photography, you can visit the newborn area of my website, or you can drop me a message and I would love to send you a booking information pack.
There is SO much going on over the Easter school holidays for families for FREE! I have done all the hard work for you and put everything together in one place. If you have seen anything else that I haven't already listed please do add it to the comments section so help other families. Happy Easter to you all. FREE Easter Egg Hunt in Blandford. Friday 5th April 10am-12pmJoin in on Friday 5th April in Woodhouse Gardens for our FREE Easter Egg Hunt. Solve the clues and collect your gift. The event runs from 10am - 12pm The event is free and open to all however one ticket must be booked per child to ensure that we have enough chocolate gifts. To book your child's ticket go to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/blandford-forum-town-council This event is very kindly sponsored by Sarunds. FREE Parks Foundation eventsAs usual, the Parks Foundation have a jam packed schedule of events in April. Check out some of them here, or visit their website for more information: Home - The Parks Foundation Little Gizmos FREE Easter Event - 3rd AprilLittle Gizmo's Entertainment have got 2 events coming up at Colin's Nest Coffee Shop Luxurycare with loads of fun and games and soft play as well as special guests. The event runs from 11am-1pm. FREE Orienteering at Upton Country Park 6th April 1-5pmHave fun, start a new hobby, learn new skills, and get some exercise all in one afternoon! Join in for the launch of the new orienteering course and explore Upton Country Park. Members of Wessex Orienteering Club will be on hand to provide some friendly support to people new to orienteering or to help you refresh your skills. Visit the event on Facebook for more information: Orienteering at Upton Country Park | Facebook FREE Easter Maze at Castlepoint 29th March - 7th AprilExplore our Easter Maze, where you'll find letters hidden on large eggs waiting for you to discover as you wander through. Piece together the puzzle by finding the letters and spelling out the secret word on your trail sheet. Then, drop off your completed sheet at Hotel Chocolat for a chance to win one of three delicious Hotel Chocolat Easter eggs! When you want to take part, trail sheets will be able to pick up at the maze entrance. And as an extra treat for joining in the fun, once you've submitted your completed sheet, indulge in a complimentary chocolate sample courtesy of Hotel Chocolat! The Easter Mini Maze activity will be running from Friday, 29th March, until 7th April. Located outside M&S Please visit the facebook event page for more information: Mini Maze Easter Adventure at Castlepoint | Facebook FREE Easter Eggstravaganza Weymouth Friday 5th April 1-3pmEaster Eggstravaganza - Chickerell Town Council - Tickets (eventcube.io) Following success of the Halloween Spooktacular at Willowbed Hall, an Easter Eggstravaganza will take place on Friday 5 April 2024 . This FREE family fun event is set to entertain with lots of activities. https://bit.ly/3v0PBN5 to book your FREE TICKET for entry. FREE Streetdance workshopsFree street dance workshops at the Henry Brown Centre. Please email katie.neal@pdsw@org.uk to book your place. FREE Family cooking workshops This Easter, join The Friendly Food Club to cook up a storm. Eat what you make and open to all ages. Book your space by emailing : admin@westhowe.net to book with the number of adults, number of children and any dietary requirements or allergies FREE Biscuit decorating workshop at Gather, Poole Dolphin Centre -30th MarchJoin 'The Great British Bake Off' contestant, Maggie the Seaside Baker, at Gather inside Poole Dolphin Centre for a fun-filled kids' workshop on decorating homemade Easter biscuits! Don't miss out on this chance to learn new decorating techniques and enjoy tasty treats! Ticket must be pre booked. Reserve your spot for the 10:30am - 12pm session here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../easter-biscuit... Reserve your spot for the 1pm - 2:30pm session here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../easter-biscuit... FREE Easter Egg Hunt - 11th April 10-1130am BournemouthJoin in for an EGG-citing morning of fun searching for chocolate eggs around the LIFE.CENTRE. There will be crafts, games and of course, an Egg Hunt! It's all free, so do drop in for an EGG-cellent time! Please visit the Facebook event page for more information: Egg Hunt No Yolk | Facebook Local attractions with FREE entryIf you are looking for somewhere to visit locally with no entrance fees, I have put together a little list for you.
Do you know anywhere else? Please do add in the comments section below. Please check with event providers for more information before travelling to events.
A baby photography session is the perfect way to capture your fast growing baby whilst they are still small. These sessions are suitable for babies between 6 weeks and 5 months. For babies between 6-9 months (who can sit unaided but are not yet crawling) I offer sitter photography sessions. I also offer newborn photography sessions and cake smash photography sessions in my photography studio here in Dorset. What type of images can I expect?The type of photographs you can expect from your session will largely depend on the age of your baby. A 6 week old baby is likely to still be very sleepy during the day and we may still get newborn style images, where as an older baby will be awake and more smiley. Can I have a family photo at my baby photography session?Yes of course, family photos can be included at no extra cost during any baby photography session. Siblings are welcome too, but please bear in mind that I only offer baby photography sessions in the studio during school hours. Before your baby photography sessionIf you have time, have a look through my baby photography gallery to see which props / colours you might like to use. At this age, most parents choose to bring a couple of favourite outfits with them also. I have a beautiful collections of outfits and wraps in the studio so you do not have to bring anything if you don't want to. During your baby photography sessionWhen you arrive at the studio we will have time to get your baby changed and I will set out a couple of props (if you would like to use any) of your choice. The session is led completely by your baby. It lasts up to 1 hour which allows plenty of time if you baby is still young and needs to stop for a cuddle or a little top up feed. If you baby is still very young or premature you may wish to consider booking a newborn photography session, which allows more time. After your baby photography sessionYou get to go away with lovely memories and most likely a tired sleepy baby! Your images will be presented in an online gallery which is sent via email for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever. For more information on my baby photography sessions including my prices, please take a look at my baby photography pages.
A cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one. You will remember this special birthday forever so choosing to capture it with a professional cake smash photography session is a decision that you will never regret. Before your cake smash photography sessionIf your baby has not tasted cake before or participated in messy play you might like to let them have a go at this. You might also want to buy a special outfit, or you can choose from one of mine in the studio. Please feel free to let me know beforehand if you have a particular prop/set up request. When booking you will get a choice of donuts, or cake. Please do let me know about any allergies upon booking. During your cake smash photography sessionWhen you arrive in the studio, you will have a chance to get your baby changed into either their own outfit that you have brought with you, or you can choose one of mine. The cake and decorations will be set up ready. My set-up is very minimal, as this keeps the focus of each image on your baby not an elaborate bright set up. I have a semi naked style cake on a lovely wooden stand, usually some kind of neutral bunting/bead decoration, and some ONE letters. We can change anything around if you would like to before we start the session. When your baby is ready, we will sit them next to the cake and wait for the fun to begin! I will be there capturing your baby reacting to the cake and getting stuck in. After the smash , if you have booked the smash and splash package I will get your choice of bath tub ready with some warm water and bubbles whilst you undress your baby for the next set of photos. Splash time is always super fun as most babies absolutely love the water. We always get some more gorgeous photos of them splashing around and playing with the bubbles. After the bath tub time, it is time to dry off and get changed to go home. Will I need to get involved in the session?Most likely. Please do wear something you do not mind getting messy as the chances are that you might need to encourage your baby a little bit or show them what to do with the cake if they are unsure. I will give you a spare spoon to get stuck in with them if they need a helping hand. However, some babies get their hands right in as soon as we sit them by the cake and do not need any help at all! Even if that is your baby, they will likely be walking or crawling around with cake on their hands so be prepared to get some on you too, I usually do! Will my baby just eat the whole cake?To be honest, no. The idea of the session is not to present your baby with a cake for them to eat, If you think of it as more of a messy play session. If your baby loves getting their hands messy , the chances are they will absolutely love playing and smashing up the cake. They will likely eat some of it, but they usually don't each much at all. Leftover cake?9 times out of 10 the cake is still good enough to be wrapped up for you to take home and eat. However, I cannot guarantee this as on occasion we have ended up with just a pile of crumbs at the end and you wont want to take that home! After your cake smash photography sessionYou get to go away with memories of the special day, along with an engraved wooden spoon whilst you wait for your photos. Your images are presented in an online gallery for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever. If you would like the photos back in time for your baby's first birthday I would suggest booking the session around a month before their birthday. Or many people chose to do the session on their actual birthday. For more information about my cake smashes including prices, please take a look at my cake smash pages.
I am super excited to share that my ever popular mini accordion albums now come in 3 sizes! These make the perfect little gifts for family or for you to display at home with your brand new beautiful memories in. These gorgeous little books come in a choice of 3 sizes: 8x8cm - mini square album - 18 pages 12x12cm - large square album - 10 pages 10x14cm - large portrait album - 14 pages All sizes come in a selection of colours and materials with your bespoke choice of personalisation on the cover. ~ Dove Grey suede (light grey, as pictured) ~ Iron Grey suede (dark grey, as pictured) ~ Soft Rose velvet (light pink, as pictured) ~ Off White velvet (as pictured) ~Deep Sea Blue velvet ~ Emerald Green velvet ~ Liquorice Black velvet ~ Dijon yellow velvet ~ Crimson red velvet (Christmas red) - Aquamarine blue velvet (as pictured) These little book are perfect as you can use them as a mini book or open them out and keep them on display. They look great on a shelf or mantlepiece. They hold together with a magnetic closure. You can find a price list for these mini accordion albums on my product page.
If you would like to order a book please contact me. It seems like the Christmas holidays were a really long time ago and I don't know about you but my children are definetly ready for their next break. February half term can be a tricky one though, especily if you are on a budget as the weather isnt usually great and there is not much to do for free indoors so it can end up costing a small fortune keeping them entertained. This is why I have put together my usual list of FREE local activities and events for families in Dorset again. I hope you enjoy reading and please do share with your friends. The Parks FoundationAs usual, the Parks Foundation have a great line up of FREE events for the children over the holidays. Here is Februarys schedule. For more information please visit the Parks Foundation Facebook page FREE Boxing Workshop - 15th February in FerndownThis must be booked in advance, please see information below. Event is at The Centre in Ferndown. FREE Arts and CraftsThis must be booked in advance, please see information below. This is at The Centre in Ferndown. Snowdrop walkSnowdrops are starting to appear around now. These always excite me, they are the first sign that spring is on its way and the warmer weather is coming. Why not take the kids on a walk to try and find some. This particular stunning display is in Damerham. Float to Live RNLI Festival - Saturday 17th FebruaryFundraising and Raising awareness for Poole Lifeboat Station. Join in at the Gather space downstairs in Poole Dolphin Shopping Centre for FREE fun activities for the whole family. Get your face painted as a pirate or mermaid, play some fun casino style games and come and learn more about Poole Lifeboats. Please check out their event on Facebook for more information. Visit a FREE museum!Visiting a local museum to learn about the history of the area is the perfect rainy day activity. Many museums also have free trails for young children. Did you know that many museums have free entry? Some of the museums with no entrance fee include Wareham Town Museum, Red House Museum in Christchurch, Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury, and the Bournemouth Natural Science Society which is open on selected dates throughout the year. Please check ahead before visiting for more information on opening times etc. Durlston Country Park - Wild Wednesday 14th FebruaryEntrance is free and on Wednesdays they host Wild Wednesday which is also free. Drop in at the Learning Centre from 11am - 3pm to have a go at painting, crafts and activities with a birdy theme. Wild Wednesdays runs every Wednesday of the school holidays and is free to take part, although donations (via cash or card) are much appreciated. Other local attractions with no entrance feeDorset has many beautiful places to visit at no cost. Here are a few of my personal favourites:
I hope you have found this article useful. If you know of any other FREE local events or activities please do share them below. What do you like to do in Dorset that does not cost anything? Please make sure you check details online or by phoning ahead before you travel to any of these places or events.
Wow I just can hardly believe that my business turns 11 this month! If someone had told me 11 years ago that this is where I would be today, with my very own studio , doing what I love every day, I would not have believed them. The trouble is now I believe I can do anything! I mainly wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for being there, for helping me live my dream, to every single one of you , whether you have had a session (or numerous sessions!) with me, told your friends about me or just helped to support me on social media, I could not have been where I am today without your support. How I got into PhotographyThe year was 2003, I had finished school , started my first "proper" job at Sainsburys and had just started studying Media at Bournemouth & Poole College. The media course allowed me to do one A-Level alongside, so I choose Photography, as sure, why not, that sounded like a fun course! At that time I wanted to become a magazine editor (hence the media course) But that was all about to change. From the moment I was handed my first SLR camera, and told to go for a walk around outside and shoot a roll of film, I was totally hooked. Walking along Bournemouth seafront and capturing images on film on a cold fresh morning, and then coming back to college and developing my first roll of film that is where the magic started. Watching the photos appear as the negatives were developed then making my own prints, it was pure magic. And the smell, I can still remember the darkroom smell now. This is what I wanted to do. After my media course and A- Level I went on to do another 1 year photography course at The Arts Institute (now known as The Arts University), followed by the start of my degree. Things were a lot different back then though, I was studying at the very start of the digital age. We were taught how to shoot on film and at the time digital was very discouraged, we were told by tutors that it would never take off! It was only during my degree that we began learning digital, when we had one digital unit as part of the course! I remember learning the basics of photoshop, and hating it, I am much more a fan of analogue anything, even now I prefer pen and paper to a computer screen any day. Ironically, my least favourite genre of photography whilst studying was people! We were taught to shoot portraits in a formal studio setting with 3 lights. I still was not sure where I wanted my career in Photography to go , but I was sure it was not there. I spent my work experience with a very well known photographer in London who photographs celebrities, and whilst this was an amazing experience, it taught me that it was absolutely not what I wanted to do. I decided not to finish my degree as I knew I did not want to take the path that was show to us. College and university taught me a lot, the basics of taking photographs, but nothing to do with running a business. This is something that I have completely taught myself over the years. How I started my businessAfter leaving university, I had a couple of photography jobs which didn't amount to much but they were a start. During my second photography job I fell pregnant and was very sick so I had to leave. I enjoyed being a full time Mum until my children were 3 and 1 then I realised I really should start working again. The thought of ever going back to a day job and leaving them behind filled me with dread so I thought I would give it a bash at getting paid to offer family photography sessions. Apart from taking photos , I literally had NO idea how to run a business! I registered with HMRC, got myself insured, created a facebook page then dived right in at the deep end! The first few years were quite slow as my children were still so young and I was learning what it was like to run my own business. It was when my youngest started school that I took the plunge and went full on it my work. I decided that I wanted to specialise in newborn photography as I love babies so much and know how fast they grow and change and how precious those early days are. Where I am nowSo much has changed over the past 11 years, but all for the better and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I have gone from photographing anything from weddings, to christenings to specialising in newborn and family photography and I even opened my very own studio 2 years ago! When I started 11 years ago I had no idea where it would take me! I have been able to be there to watch my children grow into the wonderful caring teenagers that they are and running my own business has meant that I have never missed a single moment of their childhood. It seems so weird that they are now an entire generation different to the babies who I am currently photographing. I could go on forever about my business, but I mainly want to thank you all for your support over the years, I would not be where I am without you all. As I start to wind down the business for the Christmas holidays and reflect on the year, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for supporting me this year. I have had a truly amazing year business wise, one that I could never have imagined, even this time last year and I could not have done it all without you. So thank you all so much, whether you have had a session with me this year, recommended me to a friend, or just been there to support me on social media. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a super happy 2024. 2023 what a year!This year has been absolutely incredible for me. Whilst I am good at setting my goals and aspirations for the year, this year has been so much more than I ever expected it to be! Here are a few of Samantha Prewett Photography's highlights from 2023:
However, you cant win at absolutely everything, and this year came with some life lessons, the main one being that I cant do everything! In September I set up TikTok and got rather excited about it all, until I quickly realised that I didnt actually like it, and it was sucking up far too much of my time. I have also ditched Twitter (or X as it is now called) this year as it just dosent work for me and I do not find it interesting! 2024 - What is happening2024 will be kickstarted with my 11th Birthday celebration in January. No party this year, but I will be having a sale/offer so please do keep an eye out out for that. I have planned 2 baby events for 2024, you can find out more, and register your interest as a business here. And of course, due to this years huge success, Christmas mini sessions will start in October. Once again, thank you for all of your support and I hope you and your families have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
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