Maternity & Newborn
A new baby is such an incredibly exciting moment in your life. From gazing at their little hands and feet, to wondering how on earth you're going to care for you're new bundle, it's hard to take in all the emotions.
When photographing your newborn I believe that simple is best, therefore shots aren't too contrived or posed. I don't touch your newborn at all, and provide gentle guidance where necessary. I like to use daylight wherever possible. There is no better light to show off their tiny features in intricate detail. Many of the shots will be candid in style and my approach is friendly and relaxed. I will very much run with how your baby is feeling and behaving. I allow up to 3 hours because there will be the need for nappy changes, feeds and breaks.
Newborns are ideally photographed when they are under 2 weeks old and your home is most likely the best place for the session when they are this young. Familiar surroundings and home comforts will put both you and your little one at ease. Please don't worry if your house is a tip - I know what it's like with a new baby!
Partners, husbands, brothers and sisters are all encouraged to get involved too! Capturing the excitement of a new addition through other family members is just as important in my eyes.
Why invest in maternity and newborn photos?
One of the most annoying things people told me when I was pregnant, was that 'I looked radiant'; 'I should be loving this time before the baby comes' and 'embrace your changing body'.
Some mothers-to-be love being pregnant, others, well not so much. It's hard to 'embrace your body' when your ankles are swollen, you've got aching boobs and aggravating hip pain. Are you reading this now, thinking, 'yup, that's me'? Maybe you've taken some selfies of your bump for your own private record strictly for your eyes only, but is this the way it should be?
SEE YOURSELF THROUGH THE EYES OF SOMEONE ELSE
A professional maternity shoot is a whole different game compared to photographing the bump yourself. See yourself the way others see you. Instead of taking a snapshot of your bump reflected in the mirror at home, wearing your baggiest jumper and leggings, get captured in the outdoors with the one you love, dressed in something that should make you feel fabulous, not frumpy.
IT'S EASY TO FORGET YOUR PREGNANCY EXPERIENCE
YES, REALLY. How can you forget something so major in your life? Very easily. 9 months is such a small snippet of your life when you think about it. Remember, this is just the very beginning of your parenthood journey. Chapter 1. Step 1. 18 years on and you'll have a very hazy memory of this time so how wonderful would it be to have something enjoyable and memorable to reflect on.
CAPTURE THE ANTICIPATION
Yes there are lots of niggles and adjustments to accommodate when your waist is disappearing rapidly and you can't tie your shoe laces any more. But oh the excitement, particularly if this is your first baby. Or maybe you're already mum to other little beings so how amazing for them to share the anticipation and excitement with you? Belly hugs and all.
SHARE THE MEMORIES WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Fast forward 2 or 3 years and you will find great enjoyment in sharing that time when 'mummy had a big tummy' with them. They will be fascinated to learn that it was them keeping all warm and toastie in there!
IT'S THE PERFECT REFLECTION ON BECOMING A MUM
When your bundle of joy enters the world it is like nothing else. The emotion, the exhaustion, the overwhelm, the delight! You are now a mother to a new life and you will do everything you can in your power to ensure they are safe and loved. All these feelings and that instant bond with your baby is so worth the investment of a professional photographer. Choose a candid style of photography, and you'll get the nitty gritty of life with your newborn. The daddy feeds, the rocking, the comforting. It's all part of the next chapter in your family story.
A BEAUTIFUL RECORD OF YOUR NEWBORN'S FEATURES TO CHERISH
As with pregnancy it is hard to remember so much of the early days as a new mum. Hiring the right photographer means you won't need to burden yourself about forgetting the little details of their face when they were so small, worrying how they will change so quickly. That record will be there for you to reflect on whenever you want - on your wall, in an album, in a frame.
PASS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SOMEONE ELSE AND FOCUS ON YOUR FAMILY
Unless you have a partner who is fantastic at taking photos, it's hard to motivate yourself to act as photographer, thus another thing on your to do list because you are in the throws of a new baby, up to your knees in nappies and just too darn tired! Plus, you will quickly learn that being a mum (to one or more) is such an incredibly hard job, so don't put pressure on yourself. Getting someone to do the job properly is so rewarding and instead of getting stressed out that your i-phone ran out of juice just at the wrong moment, you can relax and enjoy some valuable bonding time.
She captured our little girl so beautifully and we absolutely loved our photos. So glad that we requested her to be our photographer.
Gul Noor