As a result, I’ve made the decision to NOT offer a studio day this side of Christmas as there simply isn’t time in amongst all my other bookings! I will revisit this idea next year at some point, although I have to say I am enjoying all the outdoor sessions. Autumn is ending, although there are still some leaves on the floor, making for some really special photos.

I’ve also made the decision to shrink my area of coverage as it’s clear I can get enough sessions in my local area to fill my books and I’ll certainly not miss travelling 1-2 hours up the motorway for a session! So my area now covers South East London (no mini sessions outside of this area) and South and most parts of East London and some parts of Kent and Essex for full sessions/newborns. I’ll make an exception for multiple sessions booked on the same day if you’re 1-2 hours away, so if you can find a friend who also wants a session near to you, that could work.

If you want to make a booking, I’d recommend doing so very soon as I have one, maybe two slots left for Christmas delivery.

I can always squeeze in newborns, but can’t guarantee Christmas delivery at this point as they’ll have to take priority behind those I have promised Christmas delivery for, although of course I will do my best. I do have some space for some non-Christmas delivery sessions after the 11th December and of course there is plenty of availability in the new year at this moment in time.

If you’re a previous customer and would like to order any products for Christmas, let me know and I’ll rehost your gallery for you – I may even be able to offer you some special offers! I’ve upgraded and updated the ordering gallery so it is even smarter and easier to use these days.

In other news, I’ve added new posts describing how to book a session, and answering questions about what to wear and other questions. I’ve also made a change to the way I handle sneak peeks. I used to offer them not long after the session but before the full gallery was available to the customer. These days I show them AFTER the client has ordered, so they get the full impact of seeing their photos for the first time all at once.

I’m looking forward to sharing my first post-maternity-leave sneak peek before too long so keep a close eye open! In the meantime, here are a few photos taken this autumn of my own family (plus a few from the obligatory fireworks at this time of year!) to share:

Click on the thumbnails for a bigger view.

Looking forward to hearing from you all, and meeting some of you for your booked sessions!

It was a high risk pregnancy and we weren’t sure how things were going to turn out, so it was kept very low key all round, hence no announcements on here that I was expecting. I started my maternity leave at 29 weeks at the end of February although I stopped doing sessions at the end of January as due to SPD (back and pelvis problems) I felt I was no longer able to give my best for customers. It took forever to get up off the floor after this shot with my children!

End of April, this little man was delivered via c-section:

Here he is at just four days old:

And here are a few more of him at 12 days old – firstly being prodded by his big sisters:

Trying out my new cocoons:

As you might expect, given I won’t really be working now until probably November, there will be a lot of this little fellow and his big sisters to come over the next few months!

I will probably start taking bookings for future work in late November (no guarantees for Christmas) by August/September time.

In the meantime I can do a few urgent sessions here and there in special circumstances and/or subject to quite a high minimum order (payable in advance) as I can only take a few limited days out of my maternity leave by law to work, so I wish to use them carefully which I am sure you can understand.

If any existing customers wish to order prints/products etc from a previous session, they can do so at any time – please contact me to reinstate your gallery.

I am looking forward to getting back to work though, and photographing all your amazing and gorgeous families again!

2 year old C looking thoughtful:

4 year old B posing as usual!

2 year old C tries to copy:

Two girls together!

B with her daddy sharing a moment:

Our two usually get on very well!

And finally – a storyboard:

Keep an eye open for some very special photos hopefully coming in around two weeks..

However, that doesn’t mean I’ve put my camera down. Yesterday I “scheduled” a session with my own children, as the weather forecast had been for sunshine. Alas, it didn’t work out like that and we had rain, but I was determined to go ahead regardless and goodness knows the children needed a good run around outside!

Here’s my youngest in the rain, catching raindrops on her nose:

We went to Avery Hill Park in South East London, which has a nice cafe and a winter garden. The park was pretty deserted in the rain:

The children had fun anyway!

After getting wet, we headed over to a nearby Tarn which was very scenic and somewhere I would recommend for future sessions:

Just as the children got tired and too cold, the weather improved – but we were heading home by that point!

I’m planning on doing some studio shots of the children in the next few weeks too, after I sourced some beautiful dresses recently – so keep an eye open!

Greenwich Park is a wonderful location, and this great family live right next to it – how envious am I..

They’ve recently had their first baby, S, who is just three months old and a complete sweetheart. He was a little grumpy in the middle of the session but it was plain to see he’s normally a very cheerful chap and he gave so many cute smiles!

This was only a mini session, so time was short, but we managed to fit in a good variety of locations in the flower garden.

It was really lovely to meet you all, you were great to work with and I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

They are one of two Holiday Mini Sessions I did this weekend. These are quick sessions (30 minutes shoot time, with time on either side for setting up and taking down) in the customer’s home, and fewer proofs to choose from. I use a black background for these sessions, because it is so much quicker to set up for the session.

Meet the baby! Isn’t he a sweetie?

He had had a busy day, and probably wanted to rest a while but obviously with a mini session there isn’t quite the same amount of time to wait for moods to change but he did a wonderful job considering!

I leave you with a final shot of this brand new family, who are excitedly waiting for their first Christmas with a child!

Happy Christmas, J and Family!

C and B playing games in the park

B is my oldest, and has not long turned four. She has hair that is impossible to brush, but she’d never let us cut it!

My daughter B

C is my youngest, and will shortly be turning two. She has her daddy’s red hair and is very cheeky!

My daughter C

They’re children, so they liked getting as mucky as possible..

B checking out the flowers

And looking grumpy at the camera. Neither of my two are impressed with me photographing them – other people’s children are a LOT easier!

C does not like to be photographed

They both love the outdoors.. in fact B is developing a bit of a tree-hugging problem!

B loves trees

C loves to ride on her daddy’s shoulders.. and steal his hat for good measure!

Stealing daddy's hat

And of course, there’s someone missing. So I handed the photo to my husband and told him what to do with it!! Here’s something you very rarely see:

Daughter C and me

I hope you enjoyed this “sneak peek” of my own family! And now, back to my regular work! Keep watching for more sneak peeks, and don’t forget about my special Holiday/Christmas packages which I am booking towards the end of November.

M is seven months pregnant, so we took the chance to get some maternity shots as well!

I love doing silhouette photographs, and the light was perfect for it on Saturday:

The family has a little boy who is almost four, who was looking VERY cool in his leather jacket. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of me with a big camera at first, but he did a great job posing by the end!

Here’s a final one with his mum:

I really enjoyed photographing this fun family – the location is beautiful, the lighting was perfect and the family were great!

Even if it’s too late for newborn photos, or if you just want more photos later on, this session proves there is still plenty you can do with a slightly older baby! Not fancying driving (or parking!) in Central London, I was fortunately still able to carry my baby poser and blankets in on public transport which meant we had the best chance for some great photos.

Their apartment was blessed with fantastic natural light, which makes my job a lot easier!

I love taking photos of baby feet

We got through plenty of dress changes and poses – including this fabulous fun outfit:

Family shots were important to the family, so finally here’s M and his gorgeous family all together:

It was a very enjoyable shoot with a fun and creative family, and I am looking forward to processing the remaining images!