Let me introduce myself  :)

 

My style of shooting is relaxed and all about letting the baby or children lead and take centre stage. I will encourage only gentle posing as I just adore the natural surroundings of a home or park, and the beautifully heartfelt, not forced, interactions of love between children and their parents, or wider family. These interactions make the most beautiful art for your walls. Every family is unique and I love to capture this and make them into lasting memories you can cherish forever - what a privilege!

Relax, have fun and don’t worry about posing…

 

My style when taking photos is very relaxed and baby led. If your little one needs nappy changes, settling or maybe outfit changes, we can work around them and get the photos we need when they are settled and happy. This is a beautiful time that can feel like it’s passing too quickly, so to have beautiful photos taken will make your memories last a lifetime. It is lovely to be able to take photos in the comfort of your home because this is a place where you have all you need at your fingertips and no external forces are rushing you to ‘get the photo’ and move on. It should be a wonderful time of bonding for you all! 

 

There is no right or wrong time to get baby photos as every stage is so precious, if you would like the new ‘crunching up’ stage then I would suggest booking in the first 2 weeks. If you would like your baby to be a little more alert, then closer to 3 months is a great time to get a shoot booked in. 

 

When it comes to being camera shy, or afraid of posing, you don't need to worry about a thing! I know that is easier said than done but my natural style of documenting real-life moments means you won't need to pose or even look at the camera if you don't want to. I want to capture natural and authentic moments so just focus on having fun with your family and I will capture it all as it happens.

 

I like to get a real mix of photos during the shoot, single portraits of the baby and other children, photos of you altogether, baby (and siblings) with Mummy, baby (and siblings) with Daddy, and some separate portraits of the parents. I feel it is particularly important to get photos of the person who is most often behind the camera, Mum! Being a mum myself we can often forget to get photos with us included, so this will be a wonderful time to change that.

 

Photoshoots at home…

 

If your home doesn't look like it belongs in the pages of an interiors magazine, please do not worry! Over the years, I have photographed families in homes of all shapes, sizes and styles of decor. I can craft beautiful stories in any home and lighting condition as I believe there is beauty and light everywhere. Your home is your safe place and the foundation of your children's memories; as such it's the most natural setting for your family photo shoot. All I suggest is to make sure the rooms we will be photographing in are warm enough for your little one to feel sleepy and comfortable, even with fewer clothes. 

 

 

Preparing your home for your in-home session…

 

When I arrive I will take a walk around the main rooms; your bedrooms, kitchen, main living area and garden, to look at the light and backgrounds. If you are happy to photograph the chaos of family life then we can just get going, if you like it really tidy, or a little in the middle (like I would!) Then there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the shoot. 

 

• Try and clear things from your bedroom and living areas that could cause distraction in the photographs, or that could look out of place, e.g. clutter from your bedside tables or kitchen surfaces. (A cupboard will do while the shoot is going on!) 

 

• Please try and hide or put away any plug wires.
     

 

What to wear… 

There is a little advice on my website, but if you are struggling then here are some more ideas, for Mummy, Daddy, baby or child. 

 

Mums...

Be comfortable - Choose a piece of clothing or a colour that you love, and work the rest of the family's wardrobe around that. Relaxed, casual clothing like jeans and a simple tee or blouse, or a long floaty dress work really well. 

 

Coordinate but don't match - A good tip is to try and coordinate what everyone in the family is wearing for a cohesive look. Choose 3 or 4 colours and shades that work well together but don't all match. A photo with everyone wearing blue jeans and white shirts will look flat and dated - let everybody's individual personalities shine through.

 

Go for neutral or natural shades and pastels - I am personally not a big fan of primary colours. Red can cause a colour cast on the skin so bright colours are best avoided. Instead, choose shades like blue-grey, cream, hues of pink or soft green. Like-wise, richer colours and can also have impact depending on the location and the season of the photo shoot: olive or forest green, indigo blue and dark purples are all great colours to consider for your photo shoot.

 

 

Dads...

Please do not feel like you have to dress smart for the photo shoot. Relaxed and casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt, light shirt or a sweater work particularly. Starched shirts and Sunday best will feel too formal and make it harder for you feel relaxed and in the moment. The most important thing is to be yourself and to feel comfortable.

Be careful not to choose pin stripes as these do not photograph well. Softer, neutral colours tend to photograph better than bright colours - especially since bright colours can reflect on your skin.  

 

 

Babies...

• Keep it simple. Let your baby’s natural beauty shine through. Simple baby vests, a romper, or even just a nappy, will show off their soft skin and gorgeous baby rolls.

 

• If your baby has blue eyes - wearing a blue top will really help to bring out the colour.

 

• Avoid brand logos and cartoon characters - cute slogans can add personality and humour to the photographs but should be used sparingly.

 

• Pretty or characterful patterns can add interest and texture, but it is best to avoid large prints or checkered patterns.

• Please avoid shirts with collars as they will cover your baby’s face.

 

Choose blankets and swaddles that work well with the styling of your home and with what the rest of the family are wearing. Colours should harmonise and not clash.

 

We will most likely take photos on one of the larger beds. If the bed has a plainer and lighter bed cover that works well, if not then we can spread over a large plain throw or blanket.

 

Siblings...

All too often, we hope of getting that 'perfect' photo but our young children have a completely different take on what that means - or refuse to comply at all. I see this all the time, so please do not worry if it happens! 

I love the challenge of getting siblings together for a photograph. One minute they are all cuddles and the next, too busy to take any notice of the newborn at their side. For toddlers and babies I've found it’s best not to pressure them into anything they are not happy to do as they will more than likely refuse altogether. A little reverse psychology may be needed or a different focus until they are ready. 

 

 

 

 

Thank-you for choosing me to take your photos!

 

I hope this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your family session! However if there is something I missed, or you need to ask a question, feel free to email 
lucywestimages@gmail.com
or call 07973374055

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Lucy  :)