5Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is watching the tiny babies that I photograph grow up and turn into their own little characters. Whilst my main focus on newborn photography , I absolutely love photographing families too. I often see babies come back for their first birthday, and some families continue their journey with me long that, so to the families that have chosen me to capture their story time and time again I am forever grateful, this is my ultimate reward. One particular little client has recently been to me for his 15th photography session, and he is only 6 years old! I wanted to share some of his beautiful memories with you all from his photography sessions over the past 6 years. He has had every sort of session that I offer from newborn to family to all the special ones in-between; daffodils, bluebells and even his watermelon smash for his 1st birthday. I first met him back in 2017 for his new born photography session after meeting his parents at a baby event that I attended in Upton just beforehand when they were expecting him. Later on that year he was my first ever outdoor Christmas baby! In 2018 he came came for a bluebell photography session. Bluebell photo sessions in Dorset are my most popular outdoor sessions. I do mini sessions in evenings in April/May. Shortly after the bluebells was his first birthday session. I was so excited that his Mum chose my signature watermelon smash session to celebrate. I was lucky enough to see him again for a third time in 2018 for his Christmas photography session. Our next session was in Spring 2019 , when I started offering Daffodil photography sessions. Shortly after that we met again at the Bluebells. In the summer of 2019 he turned 2 and we celebrated with a family photography session at Sandbanks beach, my favourite outdoor location in Dorset. We met for a 4th time in 2019 for his third Christmas photography session. in 2020 Covid got in our way of so many things and we almost missed out entirely this year! But we just managed to get a mini session in just before Christmas, yay! In 2021 we managed to get a bluebell session in and then again a Christmas one. I can't believe he is now at school! In 2022 we met at the daffodils again. We enjoyed playing in the flowers and getting some more up to date precious memories. In December 2022 we met at Wareham forest again for our annual Christmas photography session. I can't believe how much he has grown since we last met in the Spring! In October 2023 he came to my studio for the first time for his annual Christmas photography session. We had lots of fun! Here is to capturing many more adventures as you grow! I can't wait for our next session together whenever that may be.
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Quite often I speak to parents who have just missed the "newborn" stage for a photography session. This can be for many reasons, sometimes things do not quite go to plan and they are just not ready to go out to a photography session with their brand new baby at 1 week old, sometimes they have simply chosen to wait a little longer. I photograph babies between 6 weeks and 5 months old (pre sitting) in a very similar way to newborns here at my beautiful baby photography studio in Poole, Dorset. This beautiful little one was 6 weeks old when he came to see me recently. For this particular session, the parents opted for a "newborn" package so they could have a longer session and we got a beautiful selection of awake and sleepy images, much like we would for a younger newborn photography session. If your baby is still tiny and very young we always discuss your options before we book your session in so you can choose which type of session is right for you. If your baby is older, you will get slightly different images , you can see lots more examples on my website or you might like to read another recent blog post about a 4 month old baby photography session. At 6 weeks old baby's are usually a lot more alert and their eyes are open for longer during the day. We got the perfect combination of wide awake and sleepy photos during his session. If you would like to read more about my baby photography sessions there is lots more information on my website or you can contact me for a booking information pack.
So you have had your photography session and have some beautiful photographs to treasure. But what now? All of my sessions come with digital images and if you chose my middle or top package you will already have a beautiful box of prints to treasure, but what now? Have you printed any of your photographs yet? If not, did you know that I offer a stunning selection of wall art and books to display and show off your gorgeous memories? From stunning bamboo wall art to gorgeous photo books, I have a selection of beautiful products available for you to purchase at any time.
You can even purchase additional loose prints and photo gifts such as keyrings. You can check out what is available and see the price list here: Newborn and Family Photography in Dorset (samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk) 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 I hope that my website gives 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. The reason that I have specifically decided to share this gorgeous newborn photography session with you is that they asked for a completely neutral, white session, which shows their baby in their natural beauty which is always what I do in my newborn sessions, even with the use of props. This gorgeous little one was just 4 days old when he came to see me in my newborn photography studio in Poole a couple of weeks ago. I had the privilege of photographing one of his older brothers as a newborn too. I always love it when families come back to me to capture their growing family. His brothers were both absolutely amazing during the session. After we had taken their photos, I was setting up for the next shot and I turned around to pick him up and they were all sat here like this! These natural moments are always some of my favourites. I really hope they do treasure these gorgeous photos as much as I would if these were my children. When you come to me for your newborn photography session you get full choice of my beautiful collection of props. This family chose my wooden heart, my "mini moses basket" and white wooden bowl to use during their session. As we are getting close to Christmas, we included a few photos in one of my cute little Christmas hats too. Being just 4 days old, he slept for pretty much his entire session. We did get to see his gorgeous little eyes open briefly, which I did manage to capture. Usually babies are around 7-10 days old, but if you are ready sooner you are most welcome to come in, likewise it does not matter if you need a bit longer as I photograph older newborns too. If you have missed the "newborn" stage I photograph babies up to 5 months in the studio in a similar way to newborns, they are just less sleepy, but sessions are equally beautiful. You can read more about my older newborn / baby photography sessions on my website also. 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.
You may have read my previous social posts or blogs before about natural newborn posing. Baby led newborn photography is what I am all about. Your newborn photography session with me here at my natural light studio in Poole, Dorset is completely led by your baby, and not by a strict posing work flow. I use my 9 years of experience to work with your baby to produce the most beautiful, natural photographs possible that you will treasure for many years to come. When you visit me with your baby, you will still get full choice of which props and colours you would like to use. . However none of the props that I have define the image, your baby will always be the centre of each and every photo that I take, all of my props simply compliment each other and your baby. What makes me different to most other newborn photographers is that I do not guarantee any particular "pose". My job is to work with your baby and photograph them in their most comfortable positions from all angles to create a stunning collection of images for you to choose your favourties from. If you love my natural baby led approach to newborn photography and would like to see more, please visit the newborn photography area of my website or get in touch to request a booking information pack.
Newborn and baby photography in PooleI have had my business for almost 9 years now and 8 weeks ago I moved house, complete with the most beautiful newborn photography studio attached to the back of my home. I couldn't be happier with how it looks and feels, so I really hope you want to read on to see for yourself too. 9 years of photographing newbornsIn January 2022 I will have been running Samantha Prewett Photography for 9 years! I was so fortunate to have a gorgeous light open plan space in my previous home , where I started offering newborn photography sessions almost 9 years ago. As well as my family, my business has also grown and it was time to move into a bigger home with a separate newborn and baby photography studio. I officially opened my studio in Poole (less than 2 miles away from where I lived before) at the end of October and immediately fell in love with it. My first session was absolutely everything I could have wished for and more. You can read about it here if you would like to. Natural light newborn photographyAs a natural light photographer, the available light is absolutely essential when choosing a space for my newborn photography sessions. I spent a lot of time looking at houses, and at different times of the day to assess the light coming in through the windows (and as it turns out , even the roof!) If you would like to find out why I choose to only use natural light, the answer is the word, it is "natural" . If you are interested to read into this more, you may like to check out my natural light newborn photography article. Home comforts, and more!My photography studio has a beautiful brand new sofa which doubles up as a comfy place for parents to chill out during their session (whilst I take care of their baby and create beautiful memories) and a place for the parent and baby photos. I have found myself migrating to the sofa over the past few years rather than a backdrop as parents are more comfortable and relaxed, so this helps produce beautiful natural images. It also makes the perfect setting for cosy family photos should you have any older sibling(s) that you might wish to bring to your newborn session. I have a lovely brand new coffee machine , which uses recyclable pods (I am working on getting reusable ones) and plastic free snacks available, as well as cold drinks. I have wi-fi access for you to use, with the password on the wall. The studio is attached to the back of my house, with the kitchen right next to it should you need to warm up bottles. I am a naturally clean and tidy person so you should feel at ease if you need to use the bathroom whilst you are here. I ensure this is thoroughly cleaned before each photography session. Beautiful selection of neutral propsI have built up a stunning collection of neutral co ordinating props, outfits and wraps over the past 9 years. I love putting the natural colours and textures together to create beautiful set ups that compliment your baby. Your baby is always the focus of every single image I take, not the props.
Well here we are back in lockdown, again! I first wrote this blog back in April last year but I thought I would re do it as it might be useful to more people now ( unfortunately) Giving birth to your baby during a world wide pandemic is no mean feat! But you are creating history right now, bringing a child into the world at this time is heroic, please do not forget how amazing you are , you can do this! Unfortunately, you will not be able to get any professional newborn photographs taken at this time. So I have written a simple guide to help you with taking some photographs of your own baby at home. I photograph babies up to 5 months here at Samantha Prewett Photography in Poole in a similar way to newborns, you can read more about this in my baby section. I would love to see you and your baby after this is all over and the world has started to return to a safe place to be. 1. Simple is keyYou really do not need any props to take some lovely photographs at home yourself. Just a couple of blankets. Find somewhere in your home with lots of natural light, turn off your flash and any other lights you have in your home. If you have a nice rug you can lay your baby on the floor. If you have a favourite outfit you can dress them in that, or if you want to take their clothes off for some photos make sure that it is nice and warm in your home first. I heat up my home for a few hours before any newborn photography session. Don't try and attempt any "poses" that you have seen newborn photographers create. We have had lots of training and many years of experience so we know how to safely position your baby without risking their safety. 2. Get in nice and closeThis is one of my all time favourite newborn photographs. I love taking simple, close up photos of newborns, especially when they are awake. I find the morning is usually when they are most content and happy so if you can try some photos as early as you can, as soon as you have enough daylight. For a natural, uncluttered background, simply lay baby on a light coloured blanket or throw. If you have a special one that you would like to use, all the better for those precious memories. 3. Don't forget the feet!If you follow me you will know that I love baby feet! There is nothing cuter than tiny little baby toes. So make sure you take some photos of your babies feet and hands. If you have another adult or other children at home, you can get them to hold babies feet or hands in their hands whilst you take a few photos so that you can see how small they are. 4. Make sure that you get in some photos yourself.Although you may not feel very photogenic straight after having a baby, trust me you look amazing. The new mum (and Dad) look is something you will definitely want to remember. I simply love this photo so much, Dad was almost asleep here, you can really feel the closeness in the photograph. Whilst most parents chose to have parent and baby photos when they come to me for their newborn photography sessions, not all do. The ones that don't still have some photos on their phones of them with their baby. Trust me you will regret it in years to come if you do not. Even if you are on your own with your baby, the wonders of modern technology allow you to take selfies on your phone, just remember to hold the phone so it is looking down on you and your baby not up your noses. 5. Print your photos!This is the most important piece of advice that I can offer you. There is nothing more precious than a printed photo book or a photo album, or even a shoebox full of photographs to look back on over the years. Photographs become so much more valuable over time, trust me , my children are now 9 and 11 and they love looking at all of our photo albums from when they were smaller. My professional printing lab was close for a while back in the first lockdown so I have given the FreePrints app a go for our scrapbook photos, I have to say I was impressed. Remember to chose "Matt" finish so your photos are kept free from fingerprint marks. You can read my Covid-19 statement here, which will let you know what to expect if you are booked in with me and your baby arrives during this pandemic.
When you are looking to book a newborn photographer it is always a good idea to look at examples of full sessions not just their favourites hand picked for their online portfolios. Whilst I hope that my website gives you a feel for my natural style and exactly what to expect, I always think it is nice to share an entire gallery every so often 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 have been doing this twice a year over the past few years and if you would like to see some other examples of full newborn galleries, I have copied some links at the bottom of this blog post for you. I have chosen (with the kind agreement of his parents) this gorgeous little man for my recent example newborn gallery as they chose to have parent and baby photos too so you can see some examples of these images aswell. He was just 10 days old when he came to see me for his newborn photography session. A lot of people think of newborn photography to be just cute curled up photos of sleepy babies. Yes this is some of what I do, but I love to see them awake too! It is my job to beautifully capture your precious little one just as they are, if they want to sleep that is great, but likewise if they are awake for their entire session that is absolutely fine too! This lovely little man gave us both. Although I have a large selection of beautiful, natural props here, parents sometimes choose to bring some personal items with them to their newborn photography sessions. You are more than welcome to do this, but please do check with me first if they are large items. This lovely family brought along a few special items to their session. Mum and Dad sent me some of their favourite images over before their session, so I could incorporate the props and colours they liked during their newborn photography session. We even managed to get a windy smile, awwwwwww. If you choose to have parent and baby photos during your newborn photography session you will probably end up with quite a large gallery to choose your favourites from! This is because I like to show these in colour and black and white, and where I do not show every single shot I have taken of your baby, I tend to include ALL of the parent ones as I know you will like to choose the way you look and every one has their own opinions on which photo of themselves they will like the best. As you can see here, there is quite the variety! I would like to thank this lovely family for allowing me to share this session, and I hope they will look back on this blog in years to come ( I do not delete old blog posts) with fond memories as their gorgeous little one grows. If you would like to read more about my newborn photography sessions, you can find out more in the newborn area of my website, or you can see these other examples of full newborn galleries that I have blogged over the past few years:
https://www.samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk/blog/full-newborn-photography-gallery-from-february-2020 https://www.samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk/blog/february-25th-2019 https://www.samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk/blog/a-full-newborn-photography-session-from-january-2018 https://www.samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk/blog/a-full-gallery-from-a-recent-newborn-photography-session It is always a good idea to see examples of full sessions when booking a photographer. Websites and social media are a good place to look to see if you like my style, but you need to see examples of what you get from one session not just my favourites cherry picked for my portfolio. Here you can read about a recent newborn photography session and see EVERY SINGLE shot that was presented in their gallery. It has been a while since I shared an entire newborn photography gallery with you all , so I thought it was about time to "update" with a new one. Not because I don't like the other images anymore, neither have they gone "out of date" , but because I love showing you how different every session is. This gorgeous little girl was just 9 days old when she came to see me. She brought her big sister along too and we also got lots of gorgeous family photos during the session too. We started the session with some sibling photos as I like to show older siblings that they are involved, its not just all about the baby. If they are not keen on the idea we have time to come back to them at the end of the session , or even capture those tiny little moments of interaction during the session as they don't always want to "pose" for a photograph. On this particular occasion, big sister was happier than little sister to have her photo taken! Mum and Dad brought some gorgeous matching handmade outfits along which were made by a lovely friend of mine at Loved Garms. I always ask before the session which props and colours parents would like to use during their session so I can set them up ready. Depending on the package you choose, we usually have time for 3-5 different set ups during newborn photography sessions. Newborn photography sessions that take place here with me are generally focused around your baby, but we can include a few family photos if you would like. If you would like a more family orientated session, a newborn lifestyle session where I visit you at home might work better for you. I like to take some photos with no props as well, just baby. But as you can see even when I do use props they never dominate the image, your beautiful baby will always be the focus of every single shot that I take during your session. Like "most" babies she was awake for a lot of the session but we got her to sleep towards the end for some sleepy photos. Every newborn baby is different, all of my sessions are baby led, so if they are wide awake that is completely fine I work them to produce these gorgeous natural images that you will treasure. We work to their schedule not mine. At the end of this session went spent a few moments capturing some gorgeous natural family photos. These photos are always informal and you get to sit and snuggle up together on my lovely new sofa whilst I capture the moments for you to treasure. I would like to thank this lovely family for letting me share their gorgeous photographs with you all.
Please contact me for more information on newborn photography sessions or if you would like to read more about newborn photography with me in Poole, Dorset you can visit the newborn photography section of my website. I first wrote this blog back in 2016, attempting to inform people why I shoot with natural light only and why (to me) it is better than artificial light. To this very day, it is still THE most important aspect of my newborn photography, but 4 years down the line from originally writing it, I don't need to convince people anymore as you all know! Every single client who visits me tells me exactly what I have been trying to tell you all for the past 7 years, that the natural light and home environment that I shoot in is wonderful, so relaxing and calming to walk into and that they would never want it any other way. Rewinding back to when started my business 7 years ago, people always used to ask why I shoot with natural light only, or usually they assume I shoot with it until I am able to get myself a "studio" with artificial lighting. Hence, I felt the need to explain myself, as it is a topic that I feel very strongly about. Well, the answer to this question is in the question itself, it is natural. Natural is part of my brand, natural posing, natural light, natural newborn photography, natural baby photography, natural family photography. Now I don't as most people know this! I know most photographers use artificial lighting indoors, especially here in the UK where the weather can be very unpredictable. But if you know how to use it correctly , it really can be the most beautiful natural resource. Yes, on some very dull (and likewise very sunny!) days it can be harder to work with, but by changing your camera settings and sometimes moving baby slightly, or yourself, you can achieve some amazing results. Natural light is not the easy option. Quite the opposite in fact, it takes a lot more work than studio lighting. There is so much more to learn , to think about, than setting up one or two lights and not having to think much about lighting during the photography session. Natural light is constantly changing, so as well as settling and "posing" baby, camera setting often need to be constantly changed as does positioning of baby and the set up with the change of the power of the sun. But I would not have it any other way. I have used artificial lighting in the past on many occasions, so I have an in depth knowledge of both, however I was always taken back by the beauty of natural light so I made the decision to work only with this. I feel that it offers the client a beautiful, gentle, pure, natural, organic feel which is what my brand sets about to achieve. If you would like to read more about your newborn photography experience with me, here are a couple of other useful articles that when all read together pretty much sum up my newborn photography business.
* Why I offer newborn photography from my home * Newborn photography experience with Samantha Prewett Photography You can see more of my beautiful newborn photographs and find out more information such as pricing in the newborn area of my website. If you are interested in a photography session please do contact me and I will happy to send you a beautiful booking information pack. |