What happens at a Birthday shoot?
What happens at a Birthday shoot at my Norwich Baby Studio? 2016
A birthday shoot is a great way to mark your child's birthday with some adorable and timeless images, these are taken at my home studio. I can also hold the shoot outdoors which I recommend for on the go 2& 3-year-olds.
If you do not like the idea of a Cake Smash, book a studio session at packages start from £200 and mention it's your child's birthday soon and we can add some extra fun for him/her.
The packages are either 30 minutes or 1 hour and include time for sibling and family images. Although the majority of the session is focused on the birthday girl or boy.
I advise parents on what outfit choices work best, and what to bring via email before the photoshoot and my full address studio is in Nr7 Norwich. Many parents already have outfits in mind or use my website to get ideas. I find simple colours like navy, pastel colours, creams and ivory work well for a lot of the setups.
If parents have a fun birthday outfit such as tutu dress, cap and braces they can bring them along too. I have even had a Gruffalo costume brought along - this gives parents a lovely and varied gallery of images. We often have time for 2-3 outfit changes.
I am not heavily focused on props as you may have noticed. My style is very much simple, timeless and focused on the baby/child. But I have some lovely little props, chairs, and stall. Which compliment the birthday shoot, and are not too distracting from the birthday boy/girl.
Babies and Toddlers love my little wooden blocks below, made by a local business. Some parents bring bunting and balloons - it's up to you! We can also use my little bathtub if you would like some fun bubble images - see below.
A birthday shoot at my home studio Norwich can be booked via email info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or my contact form, ideally, get in touch 6-8 weeks before your child's birthday as I can get busy and booked up ahead.
If you would love some timeless images with an experienced child photographer please do get in touch, I'd love to capture your little one and family.
Jess x
Newborn Photographer based in Norwich - My latest images
Newborn Photographer based in Norwich -my latest images 2016
I am Jess a Newborn Photographer based in Norwich, and a lucky photographer. I have been busy with lots of new babies. Before I show some newborn images I wanted to tell you I have signed up to do The Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler show. This time India has added an extra show this October - I hope to see you there.
Amber was a little cutie (below) and her brother was photographed by me around 2 years ago. When he was a newborn , it was awesome to see these guys again. This family image is my favourite family portrait of the year so far!
Next up twin girls Arabella and Grace, they took it turns to be alert and feed. This meant I captured them individually as well as together. We included sibling images with super proud big sister Layla awwww.
I am ending this blog with baby Ruby. Her Mummy Emily, used to work with me before I was self-employed. I often dragged her out at lunchtime to take photos and she always did it willingly. It's safe to say, Ruby was also a good model for me hardly waking at all!
If you wish to book a newborn shoot please contact me here or email me at info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk
I advise people to book in after your 20 week scan, I have a set amount of newborn slots each month to accommodate early and late arrivals. I can sometimes squeeze in babies once arrived but it depends if booked in babies have been born.
Why book me ?
- My style - if you like natural poses, simplicity and timeless imagery
- I have photographed over 100's of babies
- I am trained in newborn posing
- I am full insured with first aid training - your baby is safe hands
- I have a cozy home studio in Sprowston Norwich - with plenty of tea & biscuits making your trip out relaxed and a special experience!
- I fit into your budget , newborn photography is luxury my price list can be viewed here
Jess x
New baby portraits
New baby portraits 2016
Wow it's been baby boom and I have loved capturing lots of new babies at my home studio in Norwich! I have also seen 2 previous newborn clients come back with their new addition.
Andy's Mummy got in contact with me after a few friends and previous clients had recommend me which is ace - thank you ! He was such a chilled dude and we got some yummy awake portraits he followed me around. 
Here is baby Jacob, he too was awake for a lot of his session and made great eye contact . But when he slept i could place his hands so we can see all his little fingers, the best of both worlds.
Another baby boy, with loads of hair and the best expressions ! Henley was just over 3 weeks old & super chilled in the arms of his sisters!
More siblings - they are one of my favourite portraits to capture !
Daisy also had lots of hair and a look at her lashes - just beautiful!
Little Charlie stole my heart - he smiled lots as he drifted off to sleep. I could watch babies dream all day long. i love the flaky skin he had on his wrists it shows how brand new he is to the world.
If you have stumbled across this blog, you may not know much about 'newborn photography' or me . The newborn portraits are ideally taken in the first 2 weeks. Why ? Babies are still very sleepy and curled up , after 2 weeks newborns become vert alert and stretch out . This is still a lovely age to photograph but newborn photography focuses on those early days . I like to photograph their little button noses, flaky feet, milk spots & curled up legs.
My style is simple and natural, i have a flow of poses i work through ensuring we capture every detail but of a baby, but if a baby doesnt like being on their front / back etc we move on . Often i wait, while babies gradually wake up and stretch, to get those more natural images , and i love a good swaddle to get those close ups of a baby's cheeks.
If you have missed the first few weeks to book a photo-shoot, or would prefer a short and sweet session. With more focus on awake baby portraits then my Newborn Mini Package could be perfect for your family read more here please.
If you want to find out more about me please click here, I have written a helpful blog on choosing the right newborn photographer for you and have written some frequently asked questions.
Watch me Grow - Leo's first year in photographs
Watch me Grow - Leo's first year in photographs 2016
Leo's first year in photographs, he came to me first as a newborn and was super chilled and a little dream to photograph. I fell in love with his little features and head full of hair!
His parents booked onto my Watch me grow package - which is all about capturing your baby first year in photographs and milestones at 4 months, 8 and 12 months. I now offer the same 3 session package at 6 , 12 and 18 months . These 3 sessions are discounted to returning parents.
Leo came back at 4months old and mum brought along his christening gown - i love it when parents bring sentimental items .
Leo was proud & happy to show off his tummy time skills!
I saw Leo again at 8 months old, I adore smiley images but I also love capturing more serious and thoughtful expressions like this first one. By 8 months he was crawling backward and sitting up beautifully.
I feel very lucky to have captured Leo's first year, it's very special to capture his first year in photographs. And see these newborn babies grow and change. I just love his little cheeky face, he became such a little chatterbox . It still amazes how much happens in a baby's first year. It really is full of milestones.
For the Watch me Grow Package, you can opt-in for a cake smash to be added onto the birthday session. Read all about a Cake Smash here.
Leo adored the cake, some babies eat it very delicately, some prefer to hit and smash it. Either way, we don't rush and we let the babies explore their birthday cake - made by a local baker and Mum Vanilla Cloud Bakery.
What did Leo's parents make of the experience ?
" We have absolutely loved having Jess photograph Leo's first year. He has grown so fast and having the Baby's first year Plan (now called the Watch Me Grow Package) has meant we have a record of this significant period.
At each of the 4 sessions, Jess would put us all at our ease immediately and always managed to capture his personality, including little traits he had at each stage.
Jess created a relaxed atmosphere and would offer brilliant ideas, whilst capturing anything we particularly wanted.
The 4 sessions enabled us to build a strong relationship with Jess and the pictures prove this with a little boy acting so naturally. We are so thrilled with these memories of Leo's first year and are looking forward to Jess continuing to capture Leo's journey in the years to come."
For me , seeing families time and time again is a real privilege and very special. I adored capturing Leo, and many other babies I have seen on this package over the last couple of years !
If you have had a newborn shoot with me you can book this special package use the 'Contact tab' or my form here to book in.
Jess x
Pure and simple newborn baby portraits
Pure and simple newborn baby portraits - Norwich Photographer.
This blog includes some recent newborn images I have taken at my home studio in Norwich, and it shows my style of simple newborn baby portraits. I have been really busy and neglected this blog once again . I have now planned lots of fun blogs and also getting some more fab guest bloggers on board.
I have seen lots of families with their second babies already this year - I get so excited to see these families again, and the face they have chosen once again to photograph their precious new baby is awesome!
I also tried something a bit different with parent shots this month. Emma volunteered to model for me with Reuben and Willow so that I could show what I would like to incorporate in any newborn or baby shoot. These images had a huge response on Facebook.
Below are recent newborn images taken in the last couple of months. I have invested in some little rompers, more delicate hats these are proving so popular with parents and match my style. I love the fact they look very cute but also keep the images pure and simple.
At the beginning of April, I had a stall at the Norfolk Bump, Baby, and Toddler event for the fourth time running. It was really busy and we meet so many parents to be and families. India who ran/owns the event was overdue with her baby girl and i had the pleasure of meeting her - and here she is!
Meet Nova she was 8 days old - she kept her mummy waiting 14 days! I love keeping little baby flakes in photos this will remind mum and dad how she was in the first few days.
Parents have been feeding back that they booked me for my natural and simple images. When I first started out I wasn't sure what style I wanted as a newborn photographer. I have totally fallen in love with the flow of poses I do and capturing awake images of new babies too.
If you are looking for a newborn baby photographer who focuses on your baby, creating simple yet stunning imagery then get in touch. I am based in Norwich, Norfolk. I have photographed over 100s of babies, watch a shoot here its best to book in after your 20-week scan!
Jess
www.jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk
PRO LEVEL Member of the British Association of Newborn and Baby Photographers
Marsham Holistic Therapy Guest blog : Story Massage
Marsham Holistic Therapy Guest blog : Story Massage 2016
Hi I'm Leanne from Marsham Holistic Therapy and I am a Story Massage instructor here in Norfolk.
Story massage is a blend of 10 simple but effective massage moves blended with favourite stories and rhymes to promote creativity, fun, relaxation and family time. Suitable for all ages and abilities Story massage is extremely adaptable and there is no right or wrong way to blend the moves once you have learned them.
Story massage can bring the stories alive and aide with concentration while relaxing and promoting respect. It is a great calming tool that can be used with the whole family. Siblings and even grandparents love to get involved in sharing the massage and writing stories.
I trained in story massage to help my daughter who has ADD. Some of the many symptoms include lack of concentration, sleeplessness and anxiety. For us Story massage has created a way for us to help our daughter focus better and enable her to concentrate for longer periods of time. It has also strengthened her self confidence by giving her tools to express her self and learn about the world around her using stories that she has written herself or that we have written together. It's also a great tool when we are out and about for battling boredom and anxiety which otherwise would have led to tantrums and upset. You can use Story Massage anywhere in the car, supermarket or at the park and it does not have to be confined to the back.
Top Tips
- You can use the Massage anywhere why not try it waiting in line at the supermarket or while in the doctors surgery keeps children of all ages engaged and calm.
- If your on the bus or in the car and can not get to your child's back try Incy Wincy spider up their arm using the massage moves.
Marsham Holistic Therapy is all about promoting relaxation and family time. Another treatment that is suitable for the whole family is Indian Head Massage. A seated holistic treatment that is suitable for adults and children of all abilities and ages. There are many benefits including stress relief, relaxation,sinus problems, aches and pains, sleeplessness. Indian Head Massage promotes a feeling of well being
Leanne can be found over at Facebook and her website here.
To book a shoot with me contact me here.
Baby and Newborn Photography Association - Pro Member level
Baby and Newborn Photography Association - Pro Member level: 2016
A while back I joined the organisation Baby and Newborn Photography Association, or for short BANPAS . Some of you that follow my page will know that BANPAS promotes safe working practices amongst newborn and baby photography.
Their regulars blog explain issues to parents. These include topics such as safety, why book professional and other areas. They help educate and guide parents into getting those adorable images of newborns but also in a safe environment. If you are looking for a newborn photographer please head over to their website here or over to their Facebook page to read up.
For me as a photographer, I joined as it was a place to watch webinars, receive discounts and join their great community. I had access to their private forum and get to chat with other newborn baby photographers.
This year they launched their new levels of membership, and if you are starting out the friend level is a great place to start. I wanted to go for their Pro level, and not stay on their standard membership level which is also awesome. I wanted my work to go through the judging process, by their panel of ambassadors.
I put together 12 images, then I sent them off to be assessed, and within a week I had heard I had passed !!!!!! and have been given Pro Level membership! Along with some amazingly talented ladies, my profile on their website now displays the pro level logo on my listing. The listing section is a great place to find local baby photographers.
With lots of people starting up in the newborn photography business there are lots of photographers to choose from, it can get very confusing. That's why I wrote a blog about how to choose the right photographer for you.
I've heard people say 'baby photos they all look the same' ahh they do not. Photographers have very different styles and visions. My style is very much natural, timeless, I love pure and simple images, teeny tiny baby details, whilst using a few delicate props.
Please look at the photographers' style, do the babies look safe and comfy? (this is where BANPAS and its mission is great, they give examples of how photographers work safely) are they insured ? have a professional website? All these things and more can help guide you into booking the right photographer.
When you love your job as much as I do, you always look to improve and that's why I invest in training, watch webinars, videos and went on first aid all in the last 6 months. My job is a privilege and my clients come to a safe & warm environment. BANPAS has helped my journey and I would recommend them any baby photographers!
Jess xx
The Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler show 2016 - win tickets
The Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler show 2016 - win tickets:
India is the lady behind The Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler show 2016 - please read her guest blog below, and find out how you can win a pair of tickets to this years show!
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Hello There!
For those who are not aware, I run the Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler show. This year will see the show going into its fifth year and it’s looking set to be bigger and better than before!
How did I get into Event Planning? Well, it turned out to be a wonderful accident! I’m little obsessed with organising other people and being a bossy older sister probably also helped! I started out by working with the lovely Lucy who previously ran The Norfolk Bump, Baby and Toddler Show as it was going into its third year. She decided to sell it and how could I refuse, it was such a fantastic opportunity!
Now after my baptism of fire last year and running such a successful event, I couldn’t wait to get started on this year’s show. With so many fantastic businesses and services in Norfolk, here are a few of this year’s show highlights
- The Harmummies, a local singing group will be opening the show with their beautiful vocals.
- Fantastic FREE taster areas where children can take part in activities on the day, including Tinytalk, Baby sensory and Toddler Sense, all showcasing the best of their business.
- A FREE of charge Disco dome!! (I know, so exciting!!) Supplied by the lovely people at Cribs and Bibs, children will be able to have a bounce on this wonderful new addition to the show.
- The super duper Dave Doughnut will also be in attendance, entertaining your little ones with fantastic balloon creations. He is a very popular, so be sure to make time to find him throughout show day.
- Information and advice sessions are back for the second year after a very successful launch last year. The timetable for these includes a wide range of experts from local businesses talking about what they know best. These include the Orange Grove Clinic and also the Norwich Sling Library, a must visit for any parent. Best of all, these sessions are FREE of charge to enter, just make sure you show a valid ticket upon entry.
- A large soft play area with FREE sessions run by Mini Monkey Gym, limited spaces so please get there early!
- A performance from everyone’s favourite princess in the afternoon, including a meet and greet! Imagine the face on your little one when they get to meet her!
- There is also a dedicated feeding and changing room.
- And of course lots of wonderful local businesses showcasing their products and services all aimed at those expectant parents or those with under fives!
So just a few reasons to attend Norfolk’s Largest and Longest running baby and parenting show and I know that as a mother to a 19 month old I will be certainly trying my best to take a look around!!
For more information on all the fantastic exhibitors and how to purchase tickets please visit www.norfolkbump.co.uk
India :)
If you fancy winning a pair of tickets all you have to do is tag a friend who you think would also like to enter this giveaway, on the pinned status on Jess Wilkins Photography page here , if you are not on Facebook please comment your name below.
I will pick a winner at random on Sunday 28th February you have until 7 pm that night to enter- please get sharing and tagging this is going to be a great show with lots of local businesses. Please check out the Show's page for updates to information.
Jess xx book a shoot with me here!
Newborn Mini Package
Newborn Mini Package by Norwich Photographer. 2016
This package has since been updated to become a Simplicity Newborn package
I am now offering a special Newborn Mini Package at my home studio NR7, Norwich. It is for those that have missed the typical, 'ideal time' to photograph a newborn baby (5days - 3 weeks old).
It is for babies aged over 3 weeks old -and up to 12 weeks old, unlike the newborn session, this package is focused on the awake images as babies really start to enjoy awake time and start smiling.
If the baby is sleepy than great, we will take a few sleepy images, but this is a short and sweet session of up to one hour of studio time. This package is an ideal opportunity to take sibling and family images as well 2 simple setups on the beanbag and flokati.
Babies 'uncurl' a week or so after birth and become more aware of their surroundings, at 4-12 weeks old the images will not be very posed. It is unlikely baby will sleep and fall naturally into the typical poses I do for little newborns. But that means we get some cracking awake images as your baby's little personality will start to shine through, and we get babbles and smiles.
If for any reason your baby is very unsettled babies can be rescheduled for 4 months onwards. You will be presented with a choice of approx 15 images to choose your favourite 10 from an online gallery. I also offer products such as mounted prints, albums and luxury wall art to showcase your images
To book your baby in for the Newborn Mini package email me or click here to send me a message and I will reply with my availability and booking information.
Jess
Norwich Newborn baby studio- a sneak peek
Norwich Newborn baby studio - a sneak peek 2016
For those that do not know my newborn studio is at my home in Norwich, Norfolk. It is not the biggest but it has everything you need when bringing your baby here for his/her very first photo shoot. I have nappies, wipes and provide hot tea and coffee and biscuits (when covid restrictions allowed)
I have everything on hand my favourite blankets and wraps. I wrote a blog on 'What to look for when booking a baby newborn photographer' in the blog I write about my style. As you can see below the colours I use are soft and natural. A lot of photographers rock bright colours & large props and setups. If this is what you would like then I would not book me, and that's okay! I use a little colour as you can see white and neutrals are so so timeless!
I adore texture, and use wraps to snugly curl your baby, tuck them in and if they are a little unsettled a wrap can help them feel secure !
I love delicate headbands and tiebacks, these do not distract away from the baby but add a little cuteness to newborn girls.
I follow lots of prop pages but tend to use 4 or 5 sellers regularly I know the hats & outfits fit snugly and are very well made. These little rompers are a favourite with parents.
I hope this blog gives you a little peek into my home studio , after being mobile for 2 years when i first started out. I am proud of my studio and love my small collection of vests, wraps etc they compliment my style which is the main reason people book me - if you are pregnant and wish to discuss booking a newborn shoot please email me at info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or use the contact me page!
Jess xxx
