From Bump to Baby

Taking a well deserved break from my editing for 5 minutes to try (!) to catch up with my blogging. So many wonderful sessions that I want to share - some can't be shown as they are surprises and others are queued up ready to be posted. Yes ... I know I've let it slip ... just a bit.

In an attempt to regain your trust and a little of my own self respect here is a session I have wanted to share FOREVER. I first met up with this wonderful couple back when the leaves were still magical in one of my favourite venues - Aberdare Park. I don't do too many maternity sessions so this was a real treat.

There's something truly beautiful about a pregnant woman. There really is a glow. You never see it in yourself at the time but it's there. I only wish that I looked half this spectacular when I was expecting. A couple of my favourites and a little slideshow for your viewing pleasure. If I'd posted all of my favourite images I fear I would have clogged up tinternet.

Play me ...

A few months on and ... ta da! Bump becomes baby - who'd have figured. And he is just perfect (I told you he'd be a boy mum!). A chance to use the vintage 50's pram that I discovered in an antique shop and has been sitting in my office waiting for the perfect opportunity to be used - this was it (yay!).

Thank you so much to mum and dad for allowing me the privilege of capturing this special time. Can't wait to deliver your big art block -it's going to make such a statement in your lovely home.

Newborn Safety Week

This week was the first Newborn Safety Week. Led at the forefront by Stateside Photographers; the aim of the week is to really highlight the safety required when photographing a newborn baby. This is something very close to my heart. I always take the upmost care with my little ones during their sessions. The trend nowadays seems to pose babies in the most awkward positions. Seemingly impossible poses that (although cute) if not constructed in the correct way WILL cause the baby harm. I use the word constructed as that is what these images are. Photoshop is a very clever application - the camera never lies?? Yes ... yes it does. These photos are composites. Please, please don't try this at home.

I tend to avoid such drastic poses as I find my customers prefer something a little more subtle but it scares me that some newbie photographers are out there actually trying these crazy images ... for REAL.

There is a real art to newborn photography. Patience is number one (I have often been called the baby whisperer). You must work slowly and be mindful of the baby at all times. If baby doesn't like being in a certain position then you need to be flexible enough to adapt. I've been doing this a while now and it takes practice - no two babies are ever the same.

On that note ... I have the pleasure of introducing this little fella, one of my most recent newborns. Love his hair ... love his eyes (I'm a sucker for eyes!). He was just brilliant although not at all sleepy - far too much going on.





If you are expecting or know someone who is then I strongly recommend booking your session when in mid to late pregnancy. Sessions slots fill up quickly and ideally your little one should be captured within the first 10 days (preferably earlier) of their new life. Yes I know babies rarely come on time (both of mine kept me waiting over 10 days!) so I offer flexibility around your due date to ensure we get that perfect moment.

Now taking bookings for 2012 newborns. Give me a call on 07852 255 766 or drop me an email for more details.

I Challenge You Not To Smile!

Yes, I seriously and throwing up this challenge to you all. I challenge you to look at the next set of images and not smile - it's impossible. I've tried. Look at the expressions ... check out that eye contact. He's a flippin' marvel!

This session was a delight or should I say two sessions as this little chap was a little unimpressed on our first attempt. On the rare occasion that this happens (and lets face it, babies are anything but predictable), I always offer to return for another go. Sometimes all it takes is another week for them to settle into their routine and I am more than happy to add this to my service. I want all new parents to feel comfortable and enjoy their newborn session. After all these are important, once in a life time images that I am capturing. Anyway ... on with the show. Ready? Go on just try not smiling ...





Always a sheer pleasure to visit my customer's for their viewing session. A fantastic opportunity to narrow down those favourites and design artwork that is 100% what my customers want. We look at decor, available spaces, product and interior design. I totally love wandering around with my tape measure and putting together presentation ideas.

So, what did this lovely family decide to do with their images? I'd love to show you these up in the actual home they will be gracing and I will ask ever so nicely if I can take some images as I am SO EXCITED to deliver these tomorrow. This a mock up of how some of the displays will look. Something I show all of my customers in their viewing sessions - it helps them visualise their images in a proper setting. Simple but it works.


Finally, I would just like to say a BIG thank you to the Mum and Dad of this little chap. You made me smile ... frequently with your gangsta raps and tales of Snoop Dog. I am confident that your beautiful son will actually grow up to be a well rounded individual, however hard you try ;) xx

Cheeky Little Chappy

This week I've mainly been ill ... yep, feeling very sorry for myself. I think I should in fact have been a man as I felt incapable of doing anything this week but press on I must. Any other mums reading this will know that there are no days off - no sickies - no duvet days. Couple this with running a busy business from home then there's no wonder it's taken me almost 2 weeks to shift this darn thing but there's no rest for the wicked! Moan over ... all better now :)

Obviously sessions this week have had to be postponed. I am always very conscious of passing bugs onto little ones and would rather stay away until it's cleared. Gutted as I am not ill very often but I am blessed with very understanding customers. So, this week I have been concentrating on editing, filling up the 2011 diary (only 5 weekend slots left before Christmas!) taking orders and packaging up lots of lovely art blocks and frames. One of the trips to the post office this week contained a disc full of lovely images for the mum and dad of this amazingly cheeky little chappy.


We took a stroll along the canal just outside of their beautiful home one sunny Sunday morning a few weeks back. Although initially a little gobsmacked at the strange lady poking a camera in his face, he soon got into the swing of things and we got some amazing smiles.



This was taken just before dad took a tumble into the canal - joke! Although we had a couple of hairy moments!!


Such a lovely family and a pleasure to work with you. I really look forward to seeing how your little man grows and blossoms.

Now ... where did I put that Lemsip? Have a great weekend everyone ...

A Dream of Possibilities

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things ~ wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."

~ Eda J. Le Shan

Design for Life

When I started out in this industry I had no confidence - yep, I'll admit it ... I was scared. Scared that people wouldn't like my work. Scared that I'd make mistakes.

So what did I do? Well, I ventured out (excuse the pun), producing images that I thought people wanted. Back then it was the white and black backdrops - the contemporary studio look which was so 'in vogue'. I do think I still gave it my 'take' but was it totally original? Did it show off what I love most about my work ... the kids, their personalities and unique characters? Hmm, maybe not as much as I would have liked.

As my confidence built it soon dawned on me that parents were opting for this look because they didn't realise there were other options - that's what there is so that's what they'll have. I set out to show parents that you could get creative and natural shots that were still funky and fresh whilst at the same time getting service and not having to take out a second mortgage in the process. I spend a long time building up my portfolio which is an ongoing organic process - it has to be. I find most people are visual animals ... well they kinds of people who book me tend to be. They need to see ideas. they need visual inspiration.

Today, I am delighted when my customers are not only creative and open to my suggestions but those who know exactly what they want me to achieve down to pre-planning the rooms for display and co-ordinating their clothing choices with their decor. Many of my customers come to me with cuttings from publications such as Junior magazine - full of excitement and inspiration.

How things have moved on and how I look forward to being challenged to come up with fresh new ideas for the future. My head is spinning ... it's all very exciting.

It was this very session that prompted this post.

I love this family, they were one of my first customers back in the day when I did shoot against very plain backdrops in customers homes. I don't do that (apart from with newborns) anymore but this customer had very specific ideas about what she wanted. Now with their second child (who I wanted to eat by the way!) they wanted to match the style of images that I captured for their first son. They knew exactly what they wanted to do with the images, they knew how they wanted them to look and where they were going to put it etc. etc. etc. How could I say no?

Yep ... you guessed it ... this was the one they decided to go big with and it looks amazing. This was the first session I did with my new camera, the Nikon D700 and I'm totally delighted with the results.

Although I love getting out and about and rolling on the grass ... there is something about these images that I love. I think it's the graphic and simple style but it just could be his twinkly eyes ... I'm a sucker for twinkly eyes.

Simply Love

I often wonder whether holidays are a little counter productive. Yes, a break is good but the mountains of work that you often return to leave you longing for yet another break. Well at least I've returned to glorious weather and my tan isn't fading into obscurity ... not!

Anyway, much blogging to catch up on and I thought I would start with some images of pure love. I was privileged to visit this wonderful family in a beautiful small town close to Abergavenny a few weeks back. Their beautiful home was the perfect backdrop for some intimate images of their precious new arrival.

What I totally love about these images is the pure love that is so evident - natural, un-staged emotion.

I am so looking forward to seeing how this little one grows and simply can not wait for her 6 month and 1 year session which are already scheduled. Such an honour to be a small part in the history of this lovely family ...

A Gift of Love

Have I told you lately that I love what I do? It fills me with so much joy ... don't get me wrong, it can be tough. You have to have the patience of a saint at times and if you're squeamish about bogies, dribble or other unmentionables then it's just not the job for you. You have to wear lots of hats ... I have learnt over the years how to sing the Wheels on the Bus very well (almost in tune) whilst simultaneously checking my camera settings and keeping an eye out for that perfect shot.

Sometimes, something comes along which really pops the icing on the cake and makes my job even more enjoyable. Like when a very loyal customer decides that one of my vouchers would make the perfect gift for one of her oldest friends. Such a kind thought and a truly unique gift. That friend turned out to be such a lovely person who I clicked with almost immediately. She also had THE most terrific baby ... I mean totally lush in every way ... I wanted to eat him up but that would have just been a bit wrong really.





Do you see what I mean? Isn't he the most adorable little man? Broody? Me? Nooooo. Well maybe just a little bit ... shhhhh, don't tell anyone.

I just know that you're new canvases will look totally perfect in your stunning home and I am privileged to have been able to produce images worthy of the gift of love from such a wonderful friend.

A Father's Love { Cardiff Family Photography }

I'm not sure I need to add any words to this blog post. I am just so totally obsessed with these images captured at a recent baby session. For me it's the total love and devotion in the eyes of Dad. What a beautiful family, thank you for letting me share these magical moments.



I have 2 sessions available for Father's Day weekend - a great gift for the man of your life. These are the last session slots available until August so contact me on 07852 255 766 if you'd like to secure a slot.

When Simplicity is Best { South Wales Newborn Photography }

I never tire of newborn sessions. Being able to capture all of those beautiful baby details, the sparkly eyes and the sleepy essence of a newborn baby never fails to get me excited. It's such a special time and so lovely to be invited into my customer's homes to share such a special moment in those hectic first few weeks.

I totally loved this session. I adore the simplicity of the images that we produced on the day. Baby was totally marvelous and her big sister was full of so many stories and just wanted to help and ask questions - a girl after my own heart. Here are just a few of my favourites ...

Don't forget, newborn sessions are best held within the first 2 weeks following birth whilst they are still nice and sleepy and curly and before the dreaded milk rash sets in! Most sessions are booked in late pregnancy and dates adjusted to accommodate late and early arrivals. If you are interested in booking a session or finding out more about prices etc. just give me a call on 07852 255 766.

South Wales Baby Photography { just PERFECT }

There is SO much happening at SJTP HQ at the moment. it's all very exciting and will have a big announcement very soon!! In the meantime I wanted to share some images with you from a recent newborn session ...

I was very excited to visit this little chap. He was the beautiful bump in one of my recent maternity sessions and he's just as beautiful in the flesh!!! We had to wait a little longer than the usual 2 weeks to do the session but it was well worth the wait.

Because we waited a little longer to do this session, this little fella had broken out in a nasty milk rash. This is one of the many reason to do a newborn session earlier rather than later. These things can be fixed with the wonder of photoshop, if necessary and with all of the recent press about airbrushing, I thought that this might be a perfect opportunity to show you a before and after.

Yes, I correct blemishes! I like to make EVERY picture that I show my customers perfect. This doesn't mean that I take away the natural beauty of the child but the camera has a nasty habit of showing up any imperfections that might not be as apparent to the human eye. Toddlers often have dark circles under their eyes and don't even get me started on spots, scrams and (my favourite) the runny nose!!! Do I have to do this? The answer is NO and many photographers would not invest the time. I am (I'm afraid) a perfectionist. I invest a great deal of time giving each and every one of my images that extra special touch so your children look the way that you see them - PERFECT! This is one of the differences of booking a custom photographer over a high street chain - it's the little extra attention to detail that they can not offer.

So, after checking with Mum, here's an example ...



And the finished image ...





Thanks to Mum & Dad for inviting me into their home to capture the arrival of their perfect little man x