Jess Wilkins Photographer - Baby Photographer
Jess Wilkins Photographer - Baby Photographer
It is time to make you go all broody with some images from just a few of my newborn sessions in April.
May is set to be very busy - is it another baby boom? Either way i am getting my weekly fix of babies - yeah !
First up little Lottie with her 2 big brothers and they were very smitten and proud. Sibling images are becoming a firm favourite as i know how much they mean to parents .
Isla came to see me last year as a baby , she is now 10 months and soooo smiley ! She whizzed through her session and showed off her toothy pegs !
Below is baby Flynn he was 8 weeks old at the shoot, born 10 weeks early . He melted my heart , he was still squishy and sleepy and we breezed though his session. He is coming back for my baby plan , this time i might steal him !
Another little dude i could have happily kept, was Leo ! I loved his cool little head of hair , grandma came along too and had her photo taken with him. Many of us reluctant to be photographed but i always say , its more for your child.
I am loving all my new blankets and fabrics, I had to replace some that had been well washed from baby poop and wees, its also an excuse I use to go on a prop spending spree. I feel the neutral and natural colours will work so well with a fresh new baby.
I will end this blog with a few FAQs I often get asked:
When should i book the session? Ideally before the baby is here as I work part time I get booked up quite quickly, but after your 20 week, scan or sooner is fine.
Why does a newborn shoot take 2-3 hours? I do not rush, it can take time to get sibling shoots and to then settle a baby into a deep sleep. Along with blankets changes, feeds and nappy changes time soon whizzes by!
How much does the session cost? The newborn session packages start from £275 ,
What training have you had? I have trained with one of the UK’s leading newborn photographers and have been approved by the British Association of Newborn Photographers. I am also fully insured.
My baby is 3 weeks old am I too late to have a newborn session? No not at all, ideally we photograph newborns in the first 14 days because they are still very sleepy and curled up from being in the womb. However, I book newborn shoots up to 4 weeks old. If the baby was premature than the baby can be older, we aim for under 4 weeks as babies are usually still sleepy but also they do change quickly.
Do i need to bring anything like hats etc ? Not really, unless you have anything special to have photographed with your baby. I have hats, headbands here at my studio in Sprowston Norwich. , I will also send you an info pack when you book which covers what you need to bring.
Are siblings allowed to the shoot? YES! I love capturing families and the love between siblings. I do ask that if possible one parent can take the older siblings out to the park so they do not disturb the sleeping baby. There is no extra cost, although the majority of the session is dedicated to the newborn baby.
How long do I have to wait to view my gallery / images ? Usually, your gallery link will be sent within a week but no more than 2 weeks. Please see my full price-list .
for more information or to book a newborn shoot email me at info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or you can use my contact form.
What to look for when booking a newborn baby photographer
What to look for when booking a newborn baby photographer, am I the photographer for you?
2015
I hope this blog gives you the key areas to consider when booking a newborn baby photographer. With so many photographers in Norfolk, it can be a little overwhelming when choosing who will photograph your new baby. I have read some great blogs recently explaining about newborn photography, pricing and the importance of hiring a professional, such as those written by The Baby and Newborn Photographers Association (which I am an PRO Level member of).
This blog will only briefly touch on some of these pointers, it's really about seeing if I am the photographer for you, and to help guide you to booking the right photographer whether that is me or someone else.
Style: One of the first things I advise people is to really look at my work and my galleries, I do not want people to book me as I am the closest photographer to them in Norwich. I want people to book me because they love my style, which is natural, simple, and neutral. I am not a highly posed or prop photographer.
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! Photography is personal & must suit the family taste. So parents think of the images you would like on your wall and frame on the mantlepiece, this gives you a great starting point.
Recommendations: Well over half of my clients come from word of mouth and recommendations. Ask your friends and family to see who they have previously hired to photograph their baby newborn. Not all photographers find newborn photography is for them. While a photographer might be great at weddings, photographing a baby is very different.
Also please read the photographers testimonials page, mine can be found by clicking here. Please look at the newborn baby images on the photographers' website. And ask yourself does the baby look comfortable and settled? They should be, and this is a good indication that the photographer handles babies safely and calmly.
Training and safety: Has the photographer had specific newborn training? Newborn photography is a speciality, ideally, the photographer would have invested in training because handling a newborn baby with confidence and care is soooo important. Although I am a Mum of 2 , I felt this did not make me an expert. Nor should anyone else claims they can photograph a newborn baby just by being a parent. It looks easy but actually, it is not, it is an art.
How many years of experience do they have? I still regularly undertake training, newborn posing is an art and soothing them is another skill set. Posing them takes time, training and practice. Many people offer free shoots when starting out for their portfolio, I did. We all start somewhere. Another consideration is whether you want a free shoot, or to invest in a shoot and hire someone who has been doing this for some time. Who has years of experience and has themselves invested in training and works safely. This is my 9th year now, and I feel very confident in handling babies and soothing them to sleep. I no longer do prop poses like below but it shows you what goes on behind an image.
I no longer use props like this one above i prefer it to be all about your family
Pricing: This is the most confusing part for parents with so many photographers to choose from, and such vast differences in pricing. I know having a baby is expensive, and people have varying budgets. But saving for the right photographer will be worth it.
You will have the images for years and years to come, the saying "you get what you pay for " is very true. I have had one mum go to a local studio for a 'free newborn session' she said it was cold, stressful, rushed and her baby cried the whole time. After the shoot, they got in contact with me. They booked with me and found the session the exact opposite. It was relaxing and a joy for them to watch me work at their baby's pace. I am very experienced at handling newborns and photograph on average three a week while I am part-time. This is reflected in my price.
Am I the right photographer for you? Watch a video of me at work at my youtube channel, check out my images and style do you like the colours and styling I use? Do you like the poses I do, all snug and simple? Am in your price range? if so feel free to email me at info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or use my contact form with any questions.
Those early days whizz by book someone you feel a connection with their style and trust they are safe and experienced.
Jess
Newborn Photographer - posing babies safely
Newborn Photographer – posing babies safely
I have invested in one-to-one training for my newborn photography, I feel it really has been vital to the business to learn about posing babies safely. Not only does training give you confidence and lots of guidance. It really teaches the skills you to pose babies safely. Although I keep my images simple and natural, a few poses I set up need a spotter (usually mum or dad) usually when siblings are involved. I do not do poses that are composites which are two images are edited together, for me I only offer poses babies can gentle be moved into.
This image was safely taken with Dad holding the baby just slightly above a beanbag.
As parents always feel able to ask photographers if they’ve had hands-on training. This is a good indicator that the photographer is trained, safety aware and invested in the work they do. I have undertaken at least four 1-2-1’s with the leading trainers, watched hours and hours of training videos and undertaken first aid. Through mentoring and years of working with babies, you learn their cues and how to settle them.
Although I baby-led and move babies gentle I do not leave them unattended, the studio is warm but it’s not too hot. When we do sibling images a parent is often just out of the shoot being a spotter. I listen and watch babies cues and check the circulation keeping them snug and comfy!
Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be
Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be 2014
There is no better time to be pregnant! Norfolk has lots of pregnancy classes on offer, for pregnant Mums-to-be ladies to go along too.
Both times I went to pregnancy yoga with Jackie she now runs Yoga Bumps . It was very relaxing and my 'me' time. Her website lists locations and times, after that you can sign up to Yogabubs too and spend some relaxing time with your baby.
I was helping a friend look at Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be and here is what we found.
- Babyfit: Pregnancy Aqua Fit held Norwich. I love swimming and wish this class was around when I was pregnant.
- Childbirth Preparation workshops
- other yoga courses which look great are with Bliss Yoga and Sally Yoga. In fact there are quite a few yoga classes available at different locations across Norfolk.
- One-to-One pregnancy Pilates if available from Emma of Stay Active Physiotherapy . Read her guest blog here .
NCT is very good for providing antenatal courses and making friends. They also now run a Bumps and Babes group. They meet on the first and third Friday of every month, 1:30-3pm at Harford Community Centre, Peterkin Road NR4 6LQ.
If you are in the early stages of pregnancy check out All about Birth and Babies FREE antenatal classes for early pregnancy! They run classes for later stages of pregnancy too, these ladies are very knowledgeable and friendly, check out Ann's guest blog here.
If you are interested in using slings the Norwich Sling Library can help! They can provide consultations and also have a group that meets regularly.
When you are a bit further on in pregnancy you may like to sign up to hypo-birthing classes at the Orange Grove Clinic, lots of my clients found these classes great for confidence and making friends.
It is always worth seeing what your local sure start center is doing too!
If you provide any Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be, or groups not listed please drop me a line, also I will be putting together a list of local classes for once baby is here and as they get older!
Jess x
Why not book a bump shoot to find out how to book in contact me!
Loosing the baby weight - Guest blog
Loosing the baby weight - Guest blogger Anna from Buggy Buddies shares her top tips 2014
Getting pregnant, pregnancy, childbirth and parenting aside, loosing weight is one of biggest challenges we can undertake. The task becomes even trickier while endeavouring to nurture a newborn, keep on top of the washing, the housework and daily chores. It seems that feeding ourselves something remotely healthy and exercising suddenly sinks to the bottom of the priority list and as for drinking the recommended 2 litres of water a day, who needs water – its coffee we want and make it a strong one!
We have all heard the ‘Calories in v Calories out’ theory of losing weight and to a certain extent this is still true. We no longer need the extra calories required during pregnancy unless of course, you are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding you do need to consume an extra 300-500 calories to maintain milk supply.
Reducing calories too much will only result in your metabolism plummeting and after a few days of ‘starvation’ your shrinking fat cells will send out chemical messengers which send you rummaging in the cupboards and fridge for piles and piles of naughty foods.
Not all calories are created equal. There are good and bad calories, healthy and unhealthy calories. Choosing the right calories is simply a matter of choice with an added bit of will power.
Top Tips:
1: Reduce simple carbs (ie sweets, chocolate, white pasta, bread, potatoes) replace with complex carbs and protein (sweet potatoes, nuts, lots of leafy green veg). Aim to eat berries as a fruit choice as their energy is released slower.
2: Eat good fats (avocado, olives, oily fish, nuts/seeds, coconut oil, nut butters), reduce bad fats (transfats/margerines, processed foods, hydrogenated oils, veg oil, sunflower oils)
3. Drink water. Bottled is better but realistically who can afford that. Fill a litre bottle and aim to consume that by lunchtime, refill it and drink the next lot by tea time.
4. Eat 5 times a day. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Aim to get a good portion of lean protein in each meal (fish, chicken, turkey, quorn, tofu, nuts). Try to reduce the carb load at breakfast time – eggs and bacon is a better start than carbohydrate packed cereals/breads.
5. EXERCISE: Try and ‘do a bit’ every day, it will not only help raise the metabolism and burn off the body fat but it will enhance mood, raise energy levels, and boost your self esteem.
6. Wait until 6 weeks post natal or 8 wks if you had a c section, before joining a suitable postnatal exercise class and starting a formal exercise routine. Prior to that build up with steady walking and of course do not neglect the pelvic floor exercises. Ensure your class instructor holds a postnatal exercise certificate, checks your tummy for diastasis recti (gap in the tummy muscles) and asks you relevant health questions including any recent births. All of this is covered in my BuggyBuddy Workout Classes where it is my aim to look after all my mums post natal needs.
7. Plan everything in advance. Plan your meals, your snacks, and your workouts. Write it down, put it in your diary, make if you fail to plan you may as well plan to fail!
8. Try to fit activity into your day – walks with your buggy, digging in the garden, playing footy with your kids etc. Be realistic as to when you can fit in your gym sessions and or classes – not many mums can formerly exercise every day.
9. Recruit an exercise buddy. Committing to exercise with a friend means you’ll be less likely to ‘bail’! I renamed my classes Buggy Buddies as that is exactly what we are ‘exercise buddies with buggies’ – we have a great giggle in classes.
10. The best exercise for you is the one you enjoy the most – as long as it raises your heart rate, makes you hot and sweaty and makes you smile it should do the trick. Aim to start your exercise regime where you left off during pregnancy.
Of course failing all of the above you could employ an experienced Personal trainer who can help you set achievable goals and motivate you towards them.
Anna Jakob
Personal Trainer with over 20 years experience in all areas of Fitness and well being. Since having my little boy 3 ½ years ago and setting up Norwich’s Buggy Buddy Workouts I have developed a strong interest in helping postnatal mums regain and improve their pre pregnancy figures.
My classes are held at Bannatynes Health Club in Thorpe St Andrews on Wednesdays and Fridays at 145-245 and are open to everyone – for more information on these classes or any other personal training info please contact me at buggybuddies@hotmail.com.
Best pick your own fruit farm in Norwich
Best pick your own fruit farm in Norwich 2014
This morning we ventured to White House Farm in Sprowston , Norwich. We went fruit picking there a lot last year. They now have a big cafe selling cold drinks, hot drinks oh and cake! but more on that later. My family love going, Lila got to run abut this time, and we saw lots of young children about today, it the best pick your own fruit farm in Norwich very family and child-friendly!
We checked their fruit meter online and although the strawberries were low we stocked up on raspberries to make smoothies and lollies with. I have recently brought a nutribullet (ITS AMAZING ) to make lots of fruit and veg smoothies. My two kiddies are loving them, and I can hide all sorts of stuff like kale and kiwi which they are not usually keen on.
I try and support local businesses as much as possible, that's why I am a member of Buy Local Norfolk, i also much prefer the taste of local fruit and veg. The farm sells eggs, jams, local popcorn it recently had a local farmers market which I sadly missed but they have plans to hold some more!
It's a great place to pop too and stock up on fruit and vegetables as they sell stuff already picked if you do not have time too. You can go and meet friends for a cuppa and cake which was delicious, they have changing facilities and toilets.
Today there was a choice of chocolate brownies, Victoria sponge cake, and scones which came with fresh cream and jam. My two children gulped theirs down and my nephew had some local ice-cream Ronaldo's, I had some and it was lovely. White House Farm has a great relaxed atmosphere, the children enjoyed picking the fruit and running about. As soon as the strawberries appear we will be going back again.
I was amazed by how many photos we got of all three cousins especially with my two, but with a belly full of cake and fruit they were quite happy to let me snap away!
The farm is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) it's always good to check their website and see what their fruitmeter is like just in case there is little fruit to pick! If you go let me know what you think, and if you know of any other 'hidden gems' as I call them in Norfolk, we love getting outdoors and visiting new places!
Fancy a family shoot outdoors if your children prefer being outdoors? Then check please out my new outdoor shoot package or email me to book in.
Jess
Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby
Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby
Are you Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby, Guess Blog by Jan from Motherlylove
Over forty years I have helped thousands of mums and their partners to have a very happy positive childbirth & pregnancy experience. Working in a hospital and in the community and on two continents, I found that the benefits of massage and traditional ways were so beneficial for when you are pregnant & labour. Being a medical person I wanted to know the science behind these techniques for pregnancy & labour, so obtained a BSc.(Hons) complementary therapy/aromatherapy. To share my knowledge as a midwife and aromatherapist, I have created this range of 100% pure natural oils for pregnancy, labour and babies please click here to view my website.
Many Dads-to-be want to be more involved with their partners in pregnancy and birth to give loving encouragement:-
1) Massage is very relaxing and comforting in pregnancy.
2) Using a foot and leg massage can ease many pregnancy discomforts, such as tired overheated feet, leg cramps and promotes sleep in pregnancy when you ease those aches and pains.
3) A hand massage can ease tension after a hectic day carrying heavy bags.
4) A back massage when you are pregnant can help with lower back pain, especially as you advance in pregnancy.
5) From pregnancy to labour massage the benefits are huge, as in labour, massage soothes tired muscles and comforts the emotions when you are coping with pregnancy or labour.
6) When you are less anxious in pregnancy, your stress hormones are reduced and studies have shown that your baby will benefit enormously in their foetal development.
Practising massage in pregnancy is a great help for labour, as you will feel confident to massage your partner in labour. Use a simple hand massage if she has an epidural or caesarean section, as researchers have demonstrated that a hand massage helps for anxiety and pain relief. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15297952)
Importantly, don’t forget that when the baby is born, capture those very precious magical moments of your newborn baby with photographs by a trusted experienced photographer.
By Jan Bastard
Can I book my photography shoot outdoors?
Can I book my photography shoot outdoors?
Yes, I love my studio but once your toddler is walking, or if you have older children I would suggest a photography shoot outdoors is best! These are held on location in Norwich (various places) From June up too October the perfect time to get outside. my outdoor gallery can be viewed here.
If your child has a favourite toy or teddy they wish to bring along that's great. I feel its important to capture these childhood friends too!
I believe the outdoors is the best backdrop for family portraits, and when children are on the move. Bookings for on-location shoots get snapped up quickly especially at the weekend.
I love to capture natural smiles, I do this by making the photo session informal and fun. I give a little direction, but work with what the children want to do and make it more of an adventure.
Please note most family sessions on location take place early morning or late evening. This is to ensure we capture your family using the lovely soft sunlight. It also means most places are fairly quiet. I have spoken with a local farm and have secured some dates to photograph families at their farm -these spots are very limited as its an awesome location.
Often parents worry that they are investing in a photoshoot that it may be canceled. But if the weather is really poor we will reschedule. This is another reason I do not overbook outdoor family sessions. I want to ensure we can rebook quickly. You do not have to worry we will work around the British weather.
I keep family sessions simple, I do not set up themes or use props. I want to capture your child/ children as they are and bring out their personalities. These two below got very messy running about and looking for frogs - I like to keep outdoor shoots pure and fun!
How do I book an outdoor shoot with you in Norwich? If you are looking for a photographer to put your family at ease and make the session fun and informal then pop me an email today or complete my contact form, I will then email or ring you discuss your requirements and let you know my availability.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Jess
How Life Coaching Can Help Busy Mums (and Dads)
Jess asked me to share a little bit about the life coaching that I offer to mums and a few tips to help with the juggling act of parenthood.
My name is Sam James and I am a Life Coach here in Norwich. I am passionate about helping mums to thrive and flourish as a woman and whatever roles that involves. I work with you to understand what makes you tick, what is important to you, and how to start designing your life to be the perfect fit for you and your family!
My Top Life Coaching Tips for Tired Parents:
Find time to be Grateful
Take some time every day to think of something that you are grateful for or that makes you happy (especially important when you haven’t had much sleep or have had a bad day!). It can help to have a physical object as a reminder – I have a butterfly shaped stone to remind me (but it can be anything that you will see or touch every day)
Work out what your family priorities are
You can use these to ground you, and use as a benchmark when making tough decisions. This will help you make the decision that is right for you and not the decision everyone else thinks is the right one for you!
Have some regular ‘me’ time
To do something that is about you and not about being mummy, to look after yourself
Be realistic
What ‘jobs’ can you really achieve with a young baby / toddler in tow all day? If you're realistic, then you can enjoy your day without feeling guilty about everything else you ‘should’ be doing.
Write a Quick List
Have a ‘Quick’ list of jobs that you can do if you get the odd few minutes spare (e.g. an email or phone call). These jobs are not urgent things though, so it doesn’t matter if you get to the end of the day and they aren’t done. But when you do tick them off you can count that as an achievement for the day!
Forget about Should
If the reason you are doing something is because you ‘should’, question if it is something that you need to do or want to do?
I hope these tips help you as a busy parent !
Sam
About Sam James Coaching
I found life coaching was just what I needed when I was pregnant with my son and throughout those early years, enabling me to be confident in the choices I made (and there are so many choices as a parent!). That is why I love to offer life coaching in an affordable package, both individually and in small groups, in Norwich and surrounding areas.
Follow Sam James Coaching: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Main Image: Family Photoshoot by me Jess Wilkins Photography Find out how to book a photoshoot here.
Pilates in pregnancy and following birth
Pilates in pregnancy and following birth - guest blog by Emma Harris
Pilates in pregnancy and exercise. An exhausting word when you are pregnant or you are suffering from sleepless nights following the birth of your baby. It is difficult to find the motivation to go for a jog, bike ride or fast walk let along commit to a gym membership or weekly class at the same time each week (nearly impossible with a new baby)!
Whilst I was pregnant with my first daughter I wanted to stay active to maintain my fitness, make sure I was strong for labour and have a reasonable level of stamina to help me adjust to life with a newborn. Having the motivation to do exercise during my first and third trimesters and postpartum period was difficult. Even for me. Fortunately, I am a trained ante and postnatal clinical Pilates teacher, I, therefore, created myself a programme to see me through my pregnancy and I continued and progressed this after having my little girl. My experience inspired me to set up a home-based service for other pregnant ladies and new Mums in Norfolk, which involves exactly what I did for myself. Have a short Physiotherapy assessment and a chat to see what areas of the body need to be addressed alongside what each lady wishes to target. I combine these two and create a Pilates routine that is progressed over 4, 1 hour sessions. Many ladies choose to spread these sessions over a few weeks, whilst others like them on a weekly basis. I am flexible and there are pros and cons to doing both, which we can run through after your first session.
I set up Stay Active in Pregnancy (based in Norwich) after my own experiences and therefore feel very passionate about what I do. I treat every lady individually and have experience not only in Pilates during pregnancy and after birth but also in treating pregnant ladies with pelvic girdle pain (formerly SPD), lower back pain, sciatica, and other pregnancy-related conditions. I love my job and feel very lucky that I am able to use my extra skills to work in an area of Physiotherapy that I truly love.
Guest blog by Emma Harris
Tel: 07912 665545
E-mail: physioem@hotmail.com
Web: www.stayactivephysiotherapy.com
Please head over to Emma's page and give her a like if you are pregnant and interested in pregnancy Pilates in Norfolk .
https://www.facebook.com/StayActivePhysiotherapy
And to book a pregnancy shoot contact me to chat!