FAQs

My beautiful, relaxed, boutique studio is based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (near Coleford GL16 7ER). It’s a rural farm location (perfect with children!) and means it’s easy to create some natural shots in an outdoor setting before or after your studio session.

It’s a real home-from-home because when you instantly sit back and relax, the children follow. Usually, they’re playing with toys on the floor with a few minutes! Which makes everything work beautifully for your shoot.

Once you’re fully booked in, I’ll send detailed instructions of how to find us. I also do lots of 100% outdoor shoots in Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, Chepstow, South Wales and Bristol. We can also do lifestyle shoots at your own home (just get in touch to find out more!)

There are plenty of studio props available, especially in terms of the studio shots for newborn, children and pregnancy. We can go through these on the day to see what your personal preference may be. However, I do always like to add in personal touches - a favourite blanket, toy or hat can make for fantastic finished photographs. So definitely think about these items and have them to hand on the day!

You’ll receive all your photos as high-resolution digital files via a secure login, so you can then print out your photo albums or framed prints. Luxury USB sticks can be purchased as well as prints and albums – we can just talk through your requirements and get it all set up for you!

Within just 3 working days of your shoot, you’ll have access to a secure online gallery for one week (or longer if you need it – I know life can get hectic!). You can then make your decisions on your final photos in the comfort of your own home – your partner or family members can also have their own log in, to select their favourite shots. These images are all protected with a copyright logo and if you want to view the images without a copyright logo, we can arrange a time for me to visit personally (I am unable to remove the copyright logo from the viewing gallery)

All you need to do is get in touch! Either here on the website or you can message me via Facebook or Instagram. Once we’ve chatted through exactly what you’re after, I will email you over the full details & lots of useful information about how to prepare for a shoot. Once the sitting fee (payable via bank transfer) has been taken, your appointment is fully confirmed in the diary. After you’ve seen the photos you then choose your favourites and place your order!

Gift Vouchers are available on all photo shoot packages. It’s completely flexible - you can purchase any type of shoot and the recipient can also adjust this if they’d rather, so they’re not tied in.

They can also choose if they would prefer a studio or outdoor location, or even a mixture of the two which is absolutely fine! The studio is located in the beautiful countryside in the Forest Of Dean so it’s easy to create some natural shots in an outdoor setting before or after their studio session.

Simple outfits work best, especially in terms of family shots and not too many patterns! If in doubt, have some options ready and we can see what works well in each shot on the day.

I also have a great Mummy wardrobe that you can borrow any pieces from, just ask me for details when booking!

Most mummies (& some daddies) breathe a sigh of relief at the mention of airbrushing. I know how I felt in the early days with a newborn baby...tired!

I complete a minimal range of skin smoothing for parents. With children, it's mainly getting rid of the odd bit of dribble here, runny noses, dry skin or bumps and bruises - so nothing major.

A minimal amount gets done before you view the photos and if you want more airbrushing, this can be done once the photos have been purchased and before they get sent out to you.

For make up within family or pregnancy shoots, I would advise going a lot stronger than you may normally wear. Don't panic if this goes against your usual make up - as it won't look as strong in the final photos! Definition around your eyes is ideal and a little foundation/powder with some lip gloss works brilliantly.

We can also chat through this when we get you all booked in during your pre-shoot consultation!

Client photographs are ONLY used on the website or social media once written consent is received. Once purchases are made, your images are deleted approximately one month after the shoot takes place. We would therefore strongly advise you download your photographs as soon as they have been activated in the download link.

Although the packages do not currently include any prints, albums or frames, if you would like these to be included, just let me know & we can find the perfect options for you.

Newborn photos are perfect during the first 5-10 days of babies being born, to get the super cute curled up look! But any time up to three months old is also magical, as they open their eyes. It’s usually best to plan these during pregnancy & get your shoot booked in any time after your 12-week scan.

Props are on hand but it can be great to get some personal blankets and outfits ready to show off your gorgeous newborn beautifully.

We take our time with the newborn shoots, as I gently guide you and baby all the way!

So many of my lovely clients say afterwards “you were so great with my baby” – it makes me so happy, because I work so hard to make sure you feel safe & secure.

I know leaving the house with a newborn can feel daunting, as can trusting someone with these precious pictures. As a mum and having been privileged enough to work with hundreds of newborns during my career, I truly understand. I’m here to support you in every way & make you feel 100% relaxed and at ease.

With covid restrictions in recent times, I have also taken on lots of older babies for shoots with a newborn element. These are just as beautiful, you simply don’t get quite so much of the super curled up shots but we still capture portraits that are stunning!

Maternity shoots can be taken in a boudoir-style at my studio, with a beautiful wardrobe of outfits, material and accessories that you can use during the shoot (so you don’t have to invest in clothes you might never wear again!). We can also combine these with pieces of your own.

Arrive at the studio with your hair and make-up as you like it (we’ll share lots of styling advice beforehand too) and then we’ll chat through the best options & your personal preferences. I will guide you all the way through, so you always feel relaxed and confident. We move slowly as it’s all about making sure you’re comfortable and we can also have lots of breaks! As a female photographer and a mum myself, I totally understand all the worries you may have about your changing body and how uncomfortable you can feel. If you have any questions at all at any point during the process, please ask away!

Maternity sessions can also be taken outdoors on location, which are stunning too. I can bring along the wardrobe with me and we’ll chat through what type of location you’re after and if you’d also like your partner and/or older children to be involved. Airbrushing is included as standard in all my photo shoots - so there is no need to worry about stretch marks, bruises, veins or any other fun pregnancy trait!

Finally, maternity shoots can be booked any time after your 12 week scan & are best taken any time after 30 weeks. But every bump is different so if you’d prefer it earlier or later, that is no problem!

I must admit, I haven't had to completely abandon a shoot because a child really doesn't want to be photographed....but there's always a first time for everything!

As a parent myself, I totally understand that children’s moods can vary wildly. This is why we give so long to the children shoots, as they have got to be comfortable and not feel rushed or have too much pressure put on them. We make it SO much fun that children usually forget there’s a camera there at all (think the polar opposite of school photos!)

We work around the children, the best thing we have on our side is that I'll be a new face with exciting things to look at. We'll play the shoot by ear making sure that they have an absolute ball, with lots of toys and distractions. You'll find that we can definitely capture their unique personality!

And lots of my clients say afterwards that they’ve really enjoy themselves & the whole experience was as lovely as the final results. It’s so nice to enjoy an hour of time to play with the kids & have a cuddle - to be in the moment, without a phone in sight.