This week end I had the pleasure of meeting Baby Olivia & her parents. She was a delight to work with and these are a small selection of preview images from her shoot. Isn't she just adorable. Olivia came along with her own rag doll and a wee mouse she had been given as a present !

It is worth pointing out, that although most of my session previews are shown on the facebook page at www.fb.com/smallprints this is entirely optional. Some parents choose to wait for the huge reveal to see all their files once every one has been retouched individually. Some parents prefer that their images aren't put on face book at all, and this is entirely respected. The Small Talk Blog is also used if parents prefer to see a 'sneak peak' but either aren't on social media or prefer not to have their images on there.

I always discuss parent's preferences for props and poses and I love to create a small 'wish list' for you ahead of your shoot, so I can prepare the studio with appropriate back drops and sets. We kept Olivia's shoot fairly neutral with some girly touches, and kept things very simple and natural.

Shortly, once the studio renovation is complete I shall have all my props laid out in the props room, so parents can see exactly what's available, there are so many options ! I will always guide you if you prefer, and it is lovely to be given freedom sometimes as well, to be creative and try new ideas, accessories and props. But I feel that parents like to be consulted & involved in creating such important images; that won't just be important to them in the future but will also be very special for their baby.

Parents are always welcome to take along any thing they think might work as a prop ( as long as I can safely pose in or on it, then I will attempt it for you). Popular choices are babies own first possessions such as teddy bears or soft toys, blankets or shawls, rattles, first baby bracelets, toy boxes etc. Things that tie with parents careers or hobbies, such as guitars, golf clubs, drums, you name it !   Some parents bring there own first teddies as they pass on down a generation.  Some parents bring the Grandparents which is just fantastic and I love the celebratory atmosphere we have in studio when that happens - just let me know if you'd like me to have some champagne on ice !  Photographing a newborn is a huge privilege but capturing moments of tenderness between a new baby and other family members is a tremendously rewarding experience. 

The last time it did happen we got beautiful shots like this, just imagine how treasured these will be in years to come :

NEWBORN 'GENERATIONS' BY SMALL PRINTS

"When a baby is born, so is a mother"   ..... and a grandmother !

You could just feel the love in the room for this new baby.

If you wish to bring additional family members along to your newborn shoot, just please let me know in advance.

As I'd hate to run out of coffee cups, biscuits ... or champagne flutes !