How to choose a newborn photographer

How to choose a newborn photographer

HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

How to choose a newborn photographer?!

I imagine this question has crossed your mind at least once. After all, this is such a precious and wonderful time. You want to make sure you have chosen the right photographer to capture your beautiful memories. 

The first days and weeks are filled with many emotions, sleepless but beautiful nights and many adjustments. Knowing that you have chosen that photographer, takes away the worries you might have and gets you feeling all excited for the day. 

Photographing your new family should always be a beautiful experience. 

Not only do you need to feel comfortable during your photo session but you also want to achieve the results you were looking for.

It can certainly feel daunting when you first start looking. 

Therefore I have put together some steps to help you get started:

 

1. ALLOW YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME

 

I always recommend to start planning and looking for a photographer at around 20 week mark.

Although, any time after 12 weeks is even better.

This gives you plenty of time to plan ahead and properly do your research, look at different photographers, their styles and what they offer.

Once you have found your photographer and booked, all you need to do is let them know your baby is here and you can confirm your photo session date. 

However, as a busy mum myself I know doing anything ahead of time can be challenging. So, if you haven’t managed to do it in time. I would always suggest to enquire anyway. Chances are you might still get in, as babies are hardly born on time. 

 

how to choose a newborn photographer, in home session

2. CHOOSE A STYLE YOU LOVE

This is probably one of the most important tips. 

Don’t just pick any photographer with any style.

They are creating your memories, choose someone with the style that really speaks to you.

Take your time in making this decision. And also consider where and how you want to display your photographs and what will look good in your space. 

There are various newborn photography styles out there, here is a short list:

Posed – usually created in a studio space or by a mobile photographer, using a number of props, different fun poses and various colours that you might love. 

Lifestyle – usually created in the comfort of your own home, mainly photographing the authenticity of you and your bundle of joy. Keeping posing to a minimum and focusing on genuine moments and interactions in your own loving environment. 

Natural – a natural styled shoot, is what you will find on this website. There is still an element of posing your baby and guiding you into beautiful lighting. However the posing is natural, with the focus remaining on your baby and all their little details. These kind of shoots can be created in both studio space and your own home. 

Documentary – very similar to a lifestyle shoot, but the emphasis is more on capturing you and your family in your environment, doing your thing, just the way you are. 

 The above are just short descriptions. 

Take a look and research each one and see what resonates with you the most.

Consider your emotional connection to the style. Some styles may resonate with you on a deeper level, evoking certain emotions or capturing the essence of your newborn in a way that feels authentic to you.

Maybe even create a Pinterest board, add everything that you like to that board.

You will soon see exactly which style is your favourite. 

 

 

close up of baby in parents arms, how to choose a newborn Photographer

3. READ THROUGH REVIEWS 

 

Reviews & testimonials create trust.

Finding a trustworthy, professional photographer to work with should also be at the top of the list. After all, you have to know you’re in safe hands. 

Although there are no qualifications required to be a professional photographer. Asking the right questions and doing your research will help you in making your decision. 

Personal referrals are always the best when it comes to looking for a photographer. Ask your friends and relatives first. But if you don’t know anyone who has had an experience with a photographer, make sure you check out reviews and testimonials.

Take your time in reading them to get a good idea of the experience previous clients have had. 

This feedback can help you gauge the photographer’s reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

how to choose a newborn photographer, baby curled up

4. PREPARE QUESTIONS 

 

When first looking for a photographer, you most likely have many questions. These could include, posing style, safety, time it takes, can parents or siblings be included, prices and packaging, etc. 

Some of these questions will already be covered on the photographers website. But I would always encourage writing some down anyway. 

Then, I would recommend to schedule a consultation or a call with your shortlisted photographers.

It allows you to discuss your expectations, ask the questions, and get a sense of their personality. It’s important to build a relationship with the photographer, as they will be handling your newborn and capturing intimate moments. You will feel much more relaxed during your photo session, having already built a relationship with them. 

However if for any reason you can’t speak to them, always send everything you want across on an email. 

how to choose a newborn photographer, candid family shot

NOT SURE WHAT TO ASK?

5. GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Why do I need to get to know them and build a relationship? 

I would always recommend to build a little bit of a relationship and trust before your session. Book in a call, a virtual meeting or even face to face if it’s possible. 

It’s important to do so, as they will be handling your newborn and capturing intimate moments. 

It also allows you to discuss your expectations, ask the questions, and get a sense of their personality.

I know this may seem like an extra task, but trust me, you will feel much better having got to know them!

Chances are you might feel tired or even a little emotional on the day, not long after giving birth. Having someone you know a little and trust, makes all the difference. 

 

 

how to choose a newborn photographer, baby sleeping on tummy
PREFER VIDEO CONTENT?
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I hope this blog “how to choose a newborn photographer” has been helpful in getting you started with your search. If a natural or a lifestyle newborn shoot is what you are after, just get in touch here, I would love to hear from you.

And if you have any extra suggestions or questions that you might like me to answer. Please pop a comment below. 

Anna x

 

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5 reasons to photograph an older newborn

5 reasons to photograph an older newborn

In the world of photography, the rule of thumb is that you have to have your newborn baby photographed in the first 3 weeks of their life. And of course newborns do change during those weeks faster than they will ever change. So, if you want to preserve the details from this time; all the wrinkles, dry skin, the puffiness around their eyes. I would 100% recommend doing the shoot during those first few weeks.

But, life happens and it’s not always possible to do that. And you shouldn’t feel missed out or miss out on a newborn shoot, just because they are older than 3 weeks.

So here’s my 5 reasons as to why you should still book a newborn shoot if you have passed the 3 week mark.

 

1. PERSONALITY

Of course I had to start with the most obvious one.

Although babies show their personality from the start, in many different ways. It really does start shining through about a month in. Some of those little extra quirks and funny faces they pull. The way they observe the room and the eye contact. It’s amazing to see and capture.

 

 

older newborn, in home session

2. VARIETY

With an older newborn there’s a whole new set of variety of memories that can be captured.

Although I briefly mentioned this above, but it’s worth noting again. Wide awake babies, give your gallery more variety.

The way they are all of a sudden able to interact with you a little more.

Smile – yes sometimes if we are lucky we can even catch a little smile.

And if baby is fed and kept to their usual routine, they will still fall to sleep and you will get those beautiful sleepy shots too.

 

2. VARIETY

With an older newborn there’s a whole new set of variety of memories that can be captured.

Although I briefly mentioned this above, but it’s worth noting again. Wide awake babies, give your gallery more variety.

The way they are all of a sudden able to interact with you a little more.

Smile – yes sometimes if we are lucky we can even catch a little smile.

And if baby is fed and kept to their usual routine, they will still fall to sleep and you will get those beautiful sleepy shots too.

 

3. DETAILS

Just because your baby is that little bit bigger, it doesn’t mean you can’t capture all those wonderful little details.

Their little hands are still small enough to only wrap around your finger.

Their little toes are just as small and scrumptious.

And the eyelashes may be even longer.

 

3. DETAILS

Just because your baby is that little bit bigger, it doesn’t mean you can’t capture all those wonderful little details.

Their little hands are still small enough to only wrap around your finger.

Their little toes are just as small and scrumptious.

And the eyelashes may be even longer.

 

4. RELAXING & SHORTER SESSION

If you are a first time mum, the first few weeks can be overwhelming. After all, you now have the responsibility of a tiny human being. Not to mention, the hormones.

If you opt for an older newborn session. Chances are, you have established a routine and feel a little more yourself. Resulting in feeling that little more relaxed during your session.

The big difference between photographing your baby in the first few weeks and an older newborn. Is that with an older newborn, your session is more baby led and less posed. Therefore, chances are your session will be much shorter.

4. RELAXING & SHORTER SESSION

If you are a first time mum, the first few weeks can be overwhelming. After all, you now have the responsibility of a tiny human being. Not to mention, the hormones.

If you opt for an older newborn session. Chances are, you have established a routine and feel a little more yourself. Resulting in feeling that little more relaxed during your session.

The big difference between photographing your baby in the first few weeks and an older newborn. Is that with an older newborn, your session is more baby led and less posed. Therefore, chances are your session will be much shorter.

5. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

I am a big believer that no baby and no parent should have to miss out on those precious memories. During any stage or any week of their life, there is always some wonderful and beautiful memories to be captured.

5. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

I am a big believer that no baby and no parent should have to miss out on those precious memories. During any stage or any week of their life, there is always some wonderful and beautiful memories to be captured.

So, these are my 5 simple reasons about why you shouldn’t miss out on a newborn shoot. Even if your baby is that little bit older. I hope this has been a nice and helpful read. And, if you like a natural simple style and want to enquire about photographing your baby just drop me a message here

Anna x

 

Cake Smash Photography Sheffield

Cake Smash Photography Sheffield

If you’ve come across this “Cake Smash Photography Sheffield” blog, you must be looking for a fun way to mark your baby’s first birthday, around the area. Although I am actually based just outside Barnsley, I often have clients from Sheffield and Rotherham.

What an exciting time it is, turning one! And a cake smash can be the perfect way to celebrate and create some really fun memories.

 

ABOUT MY STYLE

Although traditionally cake smashes are bright, jazzy, themed and colourful. I, on the other hand adore a more natural approach. And it makes me so happy that my clients love the idea too.

I do this by keeping everything simple. Eliminating all the unnecessary distractions such as, lots of decorations, colourful outfits and jazzy cakes. Not that there is anything wrong with them, but it’s just not for me. 

Instead, I provide beautiful neutral and pastel outfits for your little ones to wear. Some gorgeous wooden toys that they can play with. And a simply decorated cake, that is super delicious.

I adore capturing your baby’s personalities and all their little details, whilst they are playing and tooking into the cake. From portrait photos, to capturing them playing, their tiny fingers and toes, real laughs and interactions.

It’s so much fun to watch. Some babies love to stuff their little faces whilst others pick at it with their little fingers. You will see both examples from these gorgeous twins below.

Once they’ve demolished the cake, the bath tub comes out. We splash around, play with bubbles and rubber ducks.

This style allows me to completely focus on your baby and create timeless memories, which will not go out of fashion.

If you would like more information, simply click here. Or just drop me a message and I would be happy to help.

Anna x

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Cake Smash Photography Sheffield, twin session
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Cake Smash Photography Sheffield, natural light, twin session
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Cake Smash Photography Sheffield, luther eating cake
Cake Smash Photography Sheffield, natural light, close up

First Birthday Photo Shoot Barnsley

First Birthday Photo Shoot Barnsley

Firstly, before I start talking about birthday celebrations, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I can’t quite believe January is almost over, but I am looking forward to some longer and warmer days now. In this blog “First Birthday Photo Shoot Barnsley”, I really want to share with you my love for more simple first birthday sessions.

With so many birthday sessions coming up, I thought it’s a great time to write a little more about my sessions.  

Why a simpler photo shoot?  

Well, that’s quite a simple answer.

I want your baby to be the total focus in the photograph.

When I first started photography, I thought that I had to use lots of props and backdrops to create a beautiful photo. I quickly learnt that, it just wasn’t for me.

You see, usually cake smashes are colourful and themed. Which is beautiful but I wanted something different.

My favourite photographs are not just photos but memories. I love capturing the little details of your baby, their real laughs and smiles, the way they play and interact. And of course how inquisitive they are of the camera in front of them. 

Although I use a flash light, I aim to create a natural light look. I love how soft, pure and airy natural light is, and it’s just perfect for baby photography.

Using beautiful, neutral or light in colour clothing, some gorgeous wooden toys, balloons and a simple white/pastel cake. Keeping it minimal allows me to truly capture your baby as they are. Giving you first birthday memories, that will never date.

We keep it really relaxed and simple, allowing your baby to just play while I snap away, then we bring out the cake and finish off with some splashing around.

There is very little posing involved if any at all, again allowing me to capture photographs that truly reflect your little ones personality.

If your little one is turning 1 and you are looking for a way to celebrate that you can always look back on, please get in touch. I have some more information on my cake smash page or just drop me a message.

Anna x

Photographer Barnsley – Photos of 2019

Photographer Barnsley – Photos of 2019

If you’ve come across this blog “Photographer Barnsley – photos of 2019” you must be looking for a photographer around this area.

As I am sat here looking through all the photos of 2019 with my hot chocolate. I am quickly realising how much of a hard job it is to choose, because they are all beautiful. After all, I adore every baby, child and family that I’ve had the pleasure to work with this year. Not to mention, there would be way too many to add to one blog. I have split the blog up into sections so it’s easier to read and look through all the photos.

This year my main focus was newborn, baby and outdoor photography with a small number of first birthday photo shoots. However next year, I am really excited to be a part of many first birthday celebrations. I can’t wait to share them with you.   

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported me and trusted me in capturing beautiful memories.

NEWBORN PHOTO SESSIONS

 

Newborn sessions here at Anna Kireeva Photography are pretty relaxed. With plenty of tea and biscuits for you to enjoy while I photograph your little bundle of joy.

I concentrate on a more natural approach to newborn photography. This allows me to capture your babies just as they are. With your baby leading the session, I am able to capture more of their personality. Their tiny toes and fingers and how they snuggle into your arms, and all of their natural beauty.

If you would like more information on my newborn sessions click here, or don’t hesitate to contact me.

BABY PHOTO SESSIONS

I can’t express enough how much I adore baby sessions. There are so many laughs to be had during baby and cake smash shoots. Watching funny faces they pull, their laughs and their personalities shining through is amazing. And all the playing, chasing them around the room is a lot of fun. But I’m not going to lie it can also be a fun workout. 

I have the same approach to baby sessions as I do to newborn sessions. So, a simple set up, all white studio but with added toys, balloons. And of course cake for first birthday photo shoots.

I will concentrate on capturing your baby playing, exploring, having fun. As well as beautiful portrait photographs that everyone loves, where I capture them looking curiously into the camera.

For more information or if you’re looking to book a baby or first birthday photo shoot please drop me a message, I will be happy to help.

FAMILY PHOTO SESSIONS

Again my outdoor family sessions are quite relaxed, laid back and natural. Using the beautiful backdrops of nature and your family, each photo shoot is unique. All you need to do is choose the time of the year you would like to be photographed. You will see from examples above, the different feel you get from each season.

Outdoor family sessions are perfect for families with children of 2 years and above. They love exploring and running around. So that’s exactly what I encourage throughout the session.

You don’t need to worry about what to wear and how to prepare for your photo shoot. I will guide you from the beginning. With wardrobe choices that work together, what to bring and what to expect.

For more information click here.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and looking forward to meeting many more babies and families next year.

Anna x

Autumn Wardrobe – What to Wear to Your Photo Shoot

Autumn Wardrobe – What to Wear to Your Photo Shoot

AUTUMN WARDROBE

TOP 3 TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

In this “Autumn Wardrobe – What To Wear To Your Photo Shoot” blog, my aim is to help you understand how to choose what to wear that is comfortable, practical and still looks great. This question does arise all year round and I will be doing a separate blog post for different seasons.

As we head into the second half of September, the nights are getting longer and the leaves will soon be turning beautifully golden, this is my favourite time of the year. Especially now, with the kids, we love pumpkin picking, halloween, as well as all the outings and activities that come with it.

I get even more excited about photographing families in autumn. There are just so many beautiful and colourful locations around. With the addition of a stunning autumnly light, you can achieve some gorgeous family photographs. Not to mention, all the fun the kids have, searching for conkers, finding crunchy leaves to jump in and take home for some fun craft activities.

Below are some tips to help you out when searching for an autumn wardrobe with the family photo shoot in mind. 

 

WHY CHOOSING A COLOUR PALETTE IS IMPORTANT?

 

The first thing I always recommend is start off with a colour palette. You can choose from 2-4 different colours, they must compliment one another.

The colours that always work well are cream, blue, mustard yellow, brown and burgandy.

You could also use a more neutral colour palette. I have created a Pinterest board here with some great palette examples and autumn wardrobe ideas.

autumn wardrobe what to wear to a photoshoot - family in a field
LAYERING UP

During all my shoots, being comfortable and dressed for the weather is essential. No one wants to be outside either freezing or sweating.

With the British weather being so unpredictable, planning what you are going to wear and layering up is an essential part of putting together an outfit. Plus it can be so much fun trying out what you already have with something new. As long as your colour palette works together across all the layers, you’re on the right track. You can then be sure if its too warm you could take your coat off and maybe just have a chunky sweater or a drench coat with a nice top/dress.

Don’t forget you can also layer up using scarfs and hats if its too warm for a winter coat but cold for just wearing a jumper or a drench coat. 

autumn wardrobe - what tow ear to a photoshoot - 2 children at Newmillerdam
WHAT DO I NEED TO AVOID?

Your family is the main focus in all the photographs we create, therefore its important to ensure there is nothing there that would take the attention away from that.

There are two things you need to avoid when looking at what to wear to your photo shoot, in autumn and all year round.

Any clothing with big prints, texts and logos. They are hugely distracting.

Secondly, any miss matching colours or bright/neon type colours, particularly during autumn shoots.

Although the image below or at the side (depending what you are viewing this blog on) was done on a warm day early September. I wanted to show you how simple neutral colours work well together for both a warm evening shoot and a cooler Autumn day, all you need is just a few extra layers.

Autumn Wardrobe - what to wear to a family photoshoot - mum kissing toddler

I hope this blog has been helpful to you. Further down I have put together some clothing inspiration for children three different retailers as an idea from this year. And I can certainly tell so far that this autumns colours are very neutral. 

For any more information or if you would like to book an autumn mini photo shoot just leave a comment or drop me a message I would be very happy to help.

H&M girls autumn clothing collage
H&M boys autumn clothing collage
vertbaudet girls clothing collage - autumn wardrobe what to wear to a photoshoot
vertbaudet boys - what to wear to an autumn photoshoot
girls marks and Spencers clothing collage for autumn wardrobe - what to wear to your photoshoot
boys marks and Spencers clothing collage for autumn wardrobe - what to wear to your photoshoot

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