Each of my clients' families is very important to me. It really is an honour for me that you have taken the time to go through my work, liked what you have seen and have made a choice to spend an hour (or more) with me and my camera :) Today, all our lives are very busy, fast paced and screen driven. My endeavor is to make sure that you slow down just for these few minutes with me. I think I've succeeded when the families looked back upon this session with me as a fun, relaxed time - as moments filled with smiles, laughter and more memories. 

Please take a look at the info below. I have included all information that I think will be useful for you, as you prepare for your session with me. Do reach out in case you have any questions that I have not addressed.

What to expect from your family session

Once you have booked your session, the preparation for the session can be an exciting time! I love the enthusiasm of my families leading up to their session! :)

Over email/whatsapp/texts, we will discuss location, wardrobe choices and any other questions you might have.

My style is natural, free, relaxed, candid. I want you to have fun, be yourself and not think about the camera in front of you! I will guide and direct you at times. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me -

Location : Together we will finalise the location for your shoot. I have a number of suggestions in case you are drawing a blank :) I got your back here! 

Time : I typically like to shoot 1-2 hours before sunset. The light is gorgeous at the time (provided its not raining! ) and makes for some great photos. It is generally a good idea to let the children have a nap and some down time before the session.

What to wear : I always say be comfortable and let your clothes reflect who you are. Feel beautiful! I do recommend coordinating (not necessarily matching) your clothes. For children and men, I recommend using shirt/tshirts without big logos or writings on them. However, if their favourite shirts/tshirts have logos or writings, please do not hesitate to wear them! Remember, I want you to look and feel good. You can visit my pinterest board for more ideas. Please ask me for the link if I haven't already sent it to you.

Props : I usually do not use props during my sessions. However, in case you have something in mind, lets discuss!

Your Children : I try my best to just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural self. Please do not worry if your child is running about and active - those are the things that bring about a child's personality and allow me to capture their true selves. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child, or hold the child and we go from there. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session.  Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them. 

Please arrive on time: Your session is scheduled according to light.  It is important that we start on time.  Please plan for traffic or parking constraints.  It's best to arrive a little early.  

I can't wait to capture your family!  Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have.  See you soon! 

What to expect from your newborn session

I am so excited to capture timeless pictures of the newest member of your family! This session will be done in the comfort of your home. My style is lifestyle, which means I will try and capture genuine emotions that will be running so high at this special time! 

Day of the session : Once I arrive at our scheduled time, I will walk around your house and look for areas of best lights. Remember that I am a natural light photographer. Therefore, I will not carry any big and bulky studio equipment with me. I mainly carry my camera, lenses and maybe a reflector to these sessions. I usually like to use the master bed, baby's room or the couch for this session. Pretty much any area with nice light will do.

It wasn't too long back that I had my own son. I know what its like to have a newborn in the house. That little being takes over us in seconds! :) So, please do not feel the pressure to clean the house or anything. I can easily tidy up an area that I want to use for photos. 

Your Baby : Your newborn is perfect just the way he/she is. I don't try to make the baby sleep or place them in unnatural poses. Awake or asleep, we can capture your newborn's beauty in both scenarios :) 

I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words.  This usually means you will need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well.  Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants, about fifteen minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, that is totally fine. I would rather you enjoy this time, than feel rushed. I will let the baby guide this session and help me capture this precious time in your lives :)

Siblings : Having a newborn in the house, is a time of great change for the older sibling. We are 4 brothers and sisters and if I'm honest, my feelings are still raw from all the attention that shifted from me, once my younger sister was born! lol :) But truly, the older sibling is dealing with and processing a lot at this time. 

I usually like to start with the sibling and family photos. I will not push the sibling into any poses that they might not be interested in. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family.  It is always best not to surprise them. 

Mom & Dad : You are going to be so excited! and just a little tired too :) You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows.  Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time - at least that is how it was for me and my husband. My job as a photographer is to capture this heady time and show you just how beautiful, magical, precious, timeless this moment in your lives is. Please do not worry about anything else. Just be relaxed, be yourselves and enjoy your newborn.

Wardrobe : I prefer neutral colours and comfortable clothing. Please visit my Pinterest board in case you need any ideas as to what to wear. I am happy to discuss this further and help you make a choice if you need me to.

Feel  free  to  email me with  any  questions  you  might  have.  Thank  you  and  I  look  forward  to  capturing you soon!

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in our lives. Its so many feelings all bundled in one - joyful, expectant, exciting on the good side, but honestly, it also can be hard at times. You will not regret capturing this time in your lives. Right now it might seem like you are counting the days, weeks and months. But in the long run, it goes by so fast. I am so glad that you have made the decision to capture it and given me this honour.

As you have seen in my portfolio, I like to capture my people, just as they are. I will not ask you to wear anything like high heels or long gowns - anything that makes you uncomfortable is out - be it clothing or poses. I really want you to be comfortable during your shoot, else you won't enjoy it and that defeats the purpose for me. My goal as your photographer is to capture the beautiful you, as you are right now. I also like to capture the connections between your family, in these last days as a family of two, three or whatever size your family is right now. I think it is very special to have a glimpse into what your family looked like before the grand arrival of the new one :)

Location : Together, we will select the best location for your shoot. Most women like to have this session in the comfort of their own homes or they take advantage of the glorious open spaces Birmingham has to offer. However, if you have any other ideas, lets discuss!

Who is included in the session : This session is for you, your partner and your child/ren, if this is not your first pregnancy.

Wardrobe : I would love for you to feel your best. Depending on the weather, I find long dresses are the most comfortable and allow for easy movement. However, the choice of wardrobe is entirely up to you. You can see my pinterest board for more ideas. Please ask me to send you the link if I haven't shared it already. We can of course discuss it further. I can help you choose outfits if you are stuck between two or more choices. The idea is for you to feel beautiful.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to capturing you during this very special time.