Why I booked Jess three times to be my newborn photographer for my family
Why I booked Jess three times to be my newborn photographer for my family – guest blog
Kirsteen kindly answered some questions for me for this blog, as to why she booked for the third time this year, to be her newborn photographer for her family. They are the first family I have captured 3 babies for and it was lovely to do so!
What was important to you when choosing your photographer?
The style of the images was first in my mind. Jess had just started when I found her. I’d met a lady at a birthing class and befriended her on Facebook – she posted a photo Jess had taken. It was stunning and I wanted the same for my baby! I hadn’t thought about getting professional photos done until I saw that image. But it is Jess’ calm nature with the children and clear passion for what she does that is the reason we go back time and time again. Since meeting Jess I’ve also realised how important it is that a photographer is trained in how to handle and pose tiny babies.
What stands out for you about your experience with me?
Your calmness. Getting 2/3 children dressed up, stopping them from getting filthy, in the car and all in a happy good mood is hard work! We’ve had a couple of trips where our eldest didn’t want to play ball but something about the way you interact with the children brings calm and means you always get great shots. Of course that is so important with a sleeping newborn too!
Was there anything that surprised you?
There was one Christmas shoot which for me was a disaster. The kids were unruly and rude and I was so embarrassed. Jess was amazing. She wasn’t fazed at all and even offered for us to come back even though it wasn’t her fault at all and we’d used up our allotted time. But actually somehow, I’d say by a miracle but actually that’s an injustice as it’s due to her skill, she managed to get done amazing photos. I was pretty speechless when I saw them
What was your favourite pose & why?
On a newborn shoot the naked curled up photos are my favs. They are adorable, simple and natural. Very often on the family shoots though my favourite are natural ones Jess has caught when we are laughing or looking at each other.
how do you feel when you look at the photos ?
Oh I just adore them. I treasure photos. They are my memories and I pore over them to see how the children have grown and changed from year to year. I feel proud of my family and very lucky to have such beautiful images of them.
What’s your favourite memory from each session?
I loved at the last shoot the little welcome bored with our names on. It was one of the first times I’d seen the three boys names together and also just helped the elder too feel included as it was mostly about the baby really.
why did you choose me again with so much choice?
Am I too late to book my baby in for a newborn shoot ?
Am I too late to book my baby in for a newborn shoot ?
This blog is from Mum Hannah, who thought she may have been too late to book her baby in for a newborn shoot and her review of her newborn mini shoot.
As soon as Isabella was born I knew I wanted to have some newborn photos taken of her. I had seen Jess’ Facebook page pop up and liked her natural style and the fact she specialised and had trained in baby photography so decided to book in with her.
But as I’m sure lots of new mums can relate, weeks went by in a newborn haze and I had forgotten to book in. I also felt very anxious about taking my daughter out when she was so little.
I was (I now realise irrationally!) worried about what I would do if I couldn’t stop her crying/ if she needed to be fed/ if she needed to be changed.
So I ended up waiting until Isabella was 11 weeks old before I messaged Jess. Thankfully she had a convenient free slot a week later and we popped along to her studio for a newborn mini shoot.
I needn’t have worried! As soon as we arrived Isabella needed feeding so we snuggled up on Jess’ comfy sofa in her beautiful studio and fed, whilst Jess got me a drink and discussed what sort of photos we wanted taken.
The whole session felt incredibly relaxed and I felt completely comfortable with Jess handling my daughter. In fact Isabella loved her and we have several beautiful photos that Jess managed to take of her smiling!
Before the shoot I was definitely worried that we had missed the boat for newborn photography,
but having her photos taken when she was a little older enabled us to capture her growing personality, facial expressions and us as a family in a more relaxed state.
Jess even got some photos of me breastfeeding which I will really treasure.
For anyone who feels like they’ve missed the opportunity to capture their babies when they are tiny I would definitely recommend booking in with Jess.
I’m now really glad we waited and am so grateful to Jess for making the session so laid back, and for the amazing set of photos she captured. (I had to have them all!!)
Thanks so much Jess for the care and attention you put into your work. We will be back!
If you are wantig to discus a booking your baby it really isnt too late i’d love to hear from you!Contact Me
Jess
How to choose your newborn photographer?
How to choose your newborn photographer?
There are many newborn photographers in Norwich, and when choosing how on earth do you pick a photographer when every one of us has different pricing packages, different offers, locations, styles and more?
Well if you are looking for a natural baby photoshoot ensuring the capture of candid family moments in a safe and serene environment then I hope you would consider me as your family photographer.
While price remains an important decision maker, I would also stress that the main factor you should be looking for is specialism and safety. Someone who has been working with newborns (ideally for years, but everyone has to start somewhere! In this instance look for training) and who offers transparency and publicly shows their training and insurance (You can read more here about my experience). Your newborn is the most precious thing in your world and you need to ensure that you have a photographer who respects that and someone who knows how to soothe and comfort in a shoot.
Safety must come first and is paramount to a newborn shoot. A great price may sound like a reason to book, but are they experienced enough for that price? I ensure I have ongoing specialised training and experience (plus I’m a mum to two myself) and they don’t call me a baby whisperer for nothing!
I’ve talked about posing on this blog but I’ll recap here that sometimes images may require composite images. Now whilst my style is much more natural and relaxed, a composite image is one that requires two images to be photoshopped together to make one. This way your baby has hands on safely at all times. This requires knowledge of safety, temperature, circulation and how to adjust properly – does the photographer you are considering have that?
Quality. I believe quality cannot be gained overnight, it has to be earned with hard work and experience. Now, the quality varies in Norwich – from new starters to old timers like myself! When I look back, I can see how far I have come in the last 7 years. So, if you want quality look for lighting, style, baby comfort, parents’ comfort and so on, check out the photographers gallery and if you think those poses would make you comfortable then that’s really positive.
Props, I’m not a prop user and that’s just because my unique approach is that babies should be captured just as they are in all their wonderfulness. Personally, for me I don’t need tutus and pearls, just a pair of wrinkled new feet, a gummy smile and a curled up ball of perfect!
I always encourage anyone looking to book a natural baby shoot to get in touch first and ask all the questions you need to ensure I’m the right person for you!
To book your newborn photography shoot, please email me via my contact form.
Guest Blogger - Being pregnant with a toddler
Guest Blogger – Being pregnant with a toddler 2019
Being pregnant with a toddler – So, I am standing on the front driveway, wearing men’s over sized jogging bottoms, a large hoody and flip-flops shouting to my partner who is cleaning the car: “Oh, wow.. I’m actually 24 weeks pregnant! Not 21 weeks as I have been telling everyone!”…
The realisation came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I had been writing down the antenatal appointments on our calendar (if I don’t write them down I miss them – thank you baby brain) and on the left hand column I had neatly written out all the weeks of my pregnancy to track each trimester.
Having temporarily skipped by almost 3 weeks of my pregnancy made me feel a little sad. With my first pregnancy I had downloaded every baby/pregnancy APP available.. I read about each trimester with interest and we were excitedly planning the nursery, shopping for clothes/buggy/cot/bedding/baby toys/teddies and a Moses basket.
It is different as being pregnant with a toddler, pregancy with baby no.2 has been a very different experience. The obvious difference is that we don’t really “need” anything. We kept Edens Moses basket, buggy, cot, teddies and toys. I’ve not downloaded the weekly tracking Apps and indeed I have quite forgotten how many weeks pregnant I am. But I don’t believe this is necessary a negative thing. As a newly pregnant mama I was very naive, completely overwhelmed and overjoyed and very inexperienced. My body had never been through pregnancy before… we were learning together – week by week. With baby no.2 I feel a powerful trust in my body, it knows what it is doing and I’m used to the subtle cues (the cute little kicks reminding me I’m doing a good job, my breasts feeling fuller as my body prepares to nourish my baby and lets not forget the restless legs at night).
Being pregnant with a toddler is also a whole new world! During my first pregnancy I could take a long bath when I wanted, lay down and watch a boxset if I fancied, book a massage or even sleep in the day if needed to. There are no such luxuries with a 2 year old who depends on you for everything. The days are long and my feet and legs are beginning to feel the increased weight gain, yet my little human wants to go outside, to the park or on an adventure, to get paints out, play hide and seek or go for a bike ride. I don’t want the pregnancy to change our daily life, although some adaptations have been made to help ease ‘life’s little stresses’ (thank you grocery home delivery!)
But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although the days are certainly more tiring, the look on Edens face when she feels her baby brother kicking is priceless. And I love nothing more than cuddling her to sleep and feeling the baby kick as we all lay together. It’s a magical feeling and I can’t wait for her to meet him.
Although this pregnancy is different to my first, I am definitely MAKING THE MOST OF IT! I feel like I wished my first pregnancy away, desperate to meet her and feeling fed up with the aches and pains (boy do I wish I made the most of those long days alone on the sofa!) Yet this pregnancy is already speeding by and I find myself clinging on to each day, each memory as it will most likely be my last pregnancy and I will never get to experience these moments again. Having a lively toddler AND being 6 months pregnant is one wild ride! I’m embracing each day and enjoying it as I know it will all be over too soon.
If you wish to read more blogs you can find them here , or wish to discuss a shoot you can look at my galleries or chat to me.
The dangers of an untrained newborn photographer - the importance of looking for a trained newborn photographer
The dangers of an untrained newborn photographer -the importance of looking for a trained newborn photographer 2019
Becoming a photographer is a journey and mine started in Norwich 7 years ago (now 12 years ago 2024), from the start I knew I wanted to be a highly trained newborn photographer. Through my own pregnancies I discovered newborn photography was one of my callings . I decided early on that I would be investing money to ensure that not only did I become highly skilled in my field, but also that I became the safest.
Newborn photography calls for new parents to put their trust in you and many aren’t even aware that this field is sadly not regulated; meaning photographers are posing babies with little, or even no training.
I have invested £1,000s into my training, working with a mentor, and ensuring I did hands on training. Not only to ensure that my posing was safe and gentle, but also to ensure I could soothe and settle a baby coming into a new environment. Whilst of course I had my own two babies at the start of my career. It was important I was able to have the skills to recognise cues of an unsettled newborn from any family and not just my own.
Doesn’t it look easy!?
Newborns all curled up, fast asleep, relaxed and calm, it looks like it’s a doddle, but it’s not! The gentle moulding of a baby into a pose takes patience and care (even the most relaxed styles) There are lots of ‘standard’ poses and many are what the industry call ‘composites’
I don’t offer the complex composites, that’s just not my style. My style is simple and relaxed, so everyone gets the most natural of shoots but if you do like the style then its important you find out about the photographers training to ensure the safest of shoots for your little one.
What is a composite pose?
A composite pose is one that requires a lot of manoeuvring and more than one image merged to create one single image. For example, the ‘froggy’ pose (you can Google this) not only does it take an experienced photographer, but also involves the parents. The photographer will ask a parent to hold the baby’s head first, then the baby arms and after in edit, will merge the two images together.
There is a fear from myself and many others that new photographers will attempt this without the necessary training, so always make sure you ask the questions I have provided below when you are choosing a photographer.
What poses do I offer?
I never promise a pose, the two below are as ‘posed’ as I get. I only do these if the baby easily moves into it. I focus on more natural poses and stretches.
Most posing requires some training and hands on experience because the strength these little babies come out with is amazing. My main rule of thumb is I never leave a baby when on the bean bag, they can push themselves forward, some almost roll. (See my examples below)
Head on hands – most babies can gently go into this pose, with experience and being aware of their cues it ensures they are happy and relaxed. If a baby has a good set of cheeks, they can rest their heads like they would on your chest. Awake babies are to alert & moving for this to be safe.
Tummy / bum up pose – another pose that looks quite simple and with gentle manoeuvring it is. However, going in with no training you could easily lay baby on their arm and cause distress which is the last thing any new parent needs when they are meant to be enjoying their time with you.
Who is policing newborn photography?
While not regulated, organisations like the Baby and Newborn Photography Association BANPAS are helping to spread the word to parents and I would always encourage you to do and ask the following:
- Research the photographer, would you be comfortable with your baby in their signature poses?
- Do you believe your baby would be comfy?
- Would you be happy to work with them?
- Have they any evidence of insurance and training?
- Can you see what their studio looks like?
- Get in touch and discuss any concerns
I am all for new people embarking on this as career, it’s an amazing and fulfilling job, however, the industry must be respected by newcomers and it’s important for them to build up skills for posing babies and making parents aware of their training.
See my work
You can see all of my background infomation here . I am a trained newborn photographer and welcome anyone thinking of booking with me to check out my gallery and to contact me.
Jess x
Ulcerative Colitis in Pregnancy Norwich
Ulcerative Colitis in Pregnancy Norwich
Welcome to my new guest blogger Cristi, she will be chatting all things pregnancy related and letting us know what is like to have Ulcerative Colitis in Pregnancy.
‘We have a problem’… those were the exact words the nurse whispered to me whilst I was laying in a hospital bed waiting for possible stomach surgery.
‘Your test came back positive, congratulations you’re pregnant’. Almost 3 years ago I was admitted to hospital for a flare-up of Ulcerative Colitis (a condition I suffer with). I was waiting to see if I needed stomach surgery when they asked the question “is there any chance you could be pregnant?” I struggled to remember when my last period was, so tests were done and to our (happy) surprise we were diagnosed with Colitis and pregnancy all in one day!
Fast forward 3 years and I’m still breastfeeding my now 2-year-old daughter, Eden. Whilst we were not “actively” taking precautions to prevent pregnancy – we were certainly not trying as my periods never returned following my first pregnancy and 2.5 years of breastfeeding, we just assumed “hey, no period, no ovulation, no problem… right?”
In March I started to become quite unwell again, another flare-up of Ulcerative Colitis had my consultants talking about chemotherapy treatment and further hospitalisation. I was sad, reluctant and anxious about starting the treatment and I was beginning to feel really sick… almost like morning sickness… but it couldn’t be. Could it?
One evening I almost threw up looking at my dinner, the next morning I had to tip my coffee down the sink because I was revolted by the smell. I jokingly said to my partner, I feel like I have “morning sickness”, we laughed about how impossible that might be and I carried on my day feeling nauseous and dizzy.
A few days later my Ulcerative Colitis had become so uncontrollable that I had to work from home. I decided that the morning sickness feeling was getting worse, so to ease my mind I would take a test. Within seconds of peeing artfully on that tiny strip, it came back POSITIVE. I was so happy, excited, surprised, shocked and slightly worried about how my illness would impact the pregnancy.
I was approximately 8 weeks pregnant when we found out our happy news. The first trimester was a real whirlwind blur, I definitely felt more unwell with baby no.2 than I did with Eden. I didn’t fancy any food, even the thought of eating or the smell of cooking made me nauseous. I actually lost weight and felt really worried – but the midwives reassured me that whatever I could manage was better than nothing. Crackers, toast, and Weetabix became my staples, my poor nipples were so sore and tender, I was dizzy and tired (all the time)… then suddenly 14 weeks of pregnancy appeared from nowhere and all of the symptoms stopped, I felt like a human again.
Sadly during week 15, my milk dried up and my toddler self weaned with ease and happiness. I had been hoping she would gently wean when she was ready, the timing just felt right. She now strokes my rounding tummy and says she will feed the baby when it “pops out”.
At our 12 week scan, the sonographer told us we had a wiggly little baby who simply didn’t want to keep still. Our estimated due date is the 2nd of November and as I am a high-risk pregnancy I will be monitored closely and need a consultant led birth. I am pleased I am being cared for but slightly disappointed that I might not be able to have a midwife-led birth as I had hoped to have a water birth in the maternity unit at NNUH. I am keeping a very positive mindset and have started to read Ina Mays book on childbirth and am researching hypnobirthing for a calm, positive, joyful birth experience… I shall keep you all updated on my journey so far. PS. I am 20 weeks now and we just had our gender scan… ITS A BOY!
Thanks, Cristi for your blog and congratulations on your pregnancy. For more information about my shoots or book a pregnancy shoot please contact me on info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or you can see more on all my packages HERE. I can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Jess X
Newborn & Newborn Mini Shoots: How they are different
Newborn and Newborn Mini Shoots: How they are different, Norwich Photographer. 2019
see my latest blog on my new revamped packages instead.
Maternity, newborn and child photography is a celebration of life. Allowing you to celebrate your body as it grows your tiny human and to preserve time as it ticks, and they grow. Its why I’m so proud to see so many returning babies in Norwich as they reach vital milestones.
In this blog, I want to demonstrate the differences between my two popular packages: The newborn photography shoot (a baby under 3 weeks old) and a new-born ‘mini’ photography shoot (a baby of 3-12 weeks old)
Time plays a vital role in this and you would be amazed at how 3 weeks can make such a difference to how much time you need at a studio.
Newborn photography Shoot (0-3 weeks old)
Firstly, it’s always important to take your time with a new baby, it can take longer for them to fall asleep, many are feeding on demand and it’s important to allow that time for the whole family. It’s a daunting, as well as an incredible period of your life, and I don’t want to put any strain on that. It’s why my sessions are always baby led. This ensures the environment and the time you spend with me is relaxing for everyone involved. I support new families and I’ll always have everything you could need to hand (including a warm drink!)
Every year brings new trends for newborn photography and if you hit Google, you’ll see every photographer has their own style: from rustic backdrops and props to parent and baby shots, to swaddling.
If I had to describe my baby photography style it would always be this: calm and gentle posing in blankets or au naturel (my studio is warm and always the perfect temperature for this) to ensure a calm, womb-like feeling. Babies at 3 weeks are naturally curly beings as they are still adjusting to a world on the outside of mum! These poses will always be natural and minimal ensuring your baby’s features are captured just as they are.
A few examples of those snuggled curled up images are below …
I personally don’t feel that after 3 weeks a longer time length shoot is necessary (unless baby was early by at least 2 weeks + then we can chat what suits) …. and this is why…
Newborn ‘Mini’ Shoot (3-12 weeks old)
As a baby gets older (3 weeks and onwards) they are already more adjusted to the outside world, uncurling those teeny bodies as they enjoy space and freedom.
They are, I find, more alert, curious and already developing wonderful personalities. Frequently they have fallen into a type of routine as everyone becomes confident with one another and therefore the time can be spent capturing them awake, asleep, in mum/dad’s arms and poses can be kept light and simple – there’s less need for longer breaks and as many are more wakeful and alert it feels right to keep their time in front of a camera to a minimum. I’ve added a couple of examples of how babies stretch out and make ADORABLE baby portraits.
Capturing your memories is art for me and if you choose either package you will receive a set of work that will be cherished forever in your home, for your family to treasure and for generations to come.
For more information please contact me on info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or you can see more on my packages HERE. I can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Jess X
Pregnant Guest blogger Norwich Mumbler
2019
Pregnant Guest Blogger Norwich Mumbler - 29 weeks update
When they say each pregnancy feels like it goes faster, they’re not lying.
I am 29 weeks pregnant now, which means only a mere 11 weeks to go. At the beginning, 11 weeks feels like it the last forrrrrrrever, but now it feels like time is running away and B-Day (Birth Day) will be here before I know it.
I think one of the main problems is I’m trying to organise a rather large Norwich Mumbler children’s activities event at the beginning of June…and I’m due on 29th June. My husband was unimpressed when I told him my plan and said he would refuse to help me. Of course, he will help, he was just saying it out of protest that I was going to attempt this event at 37 weeks pregnant, but having an event deadline before the baby deadline is definitely making time feel like it is going even faster.
DELEGATION will be my word of the day for the event on 9th June – if only I could delegate on the 29th June too, ha!
Even though time is FLYING, I’ve been pretty good at taking regular bump pics and I’ve posted a few bump photos on my Instagram stories (for some reason it feels less public than posting them to the Mumbler FB page?). Quite a few people have commented on what a neat bump it is and I do always seem to grow a good bumpy type bump, but as ‘neat’ as the bump looks, it is now 85% stretchmarks.
They radiate from my belly button to around the diameter of a football. I know body positivity and ‘loving the stripes’ is very popular at the moment, and when the bump is full of the baby it is way easier to accept them, but it is the aftermath that I am slightly dreading.
I am trying to feel ok about them though and remind myself that my body has stretched itself to its limit not once, not twice, but THREE times and so far grown two incredibly hilarious, stubborn, kind and noisy humans. Hopefully, number 3 will be just as hilarious and kind, and a little bit less stubborn and noisy, but that it will still remind me it’s ok not to be ok with my post-baby body…it’s still damn amazing.
Website
Mumbler FB
Mumbler Chat Group
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To book a maternity shoot or newborn feel free to contact me for a chat![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Guest blog 20 week scan Norwich Mumbler
20 Week Scan Norwich Mumbler 2019
What is the question you’ve been asked most when pregnant?
I honestly thought, having two girls, that the question I would get asked most would be, ‘So, you’re trying for a boy then?’ but instead, when we’ve told people we’re having a third, most people have gone with something along the lines of, ‘Are you mental?’ – ha!
If I’m completely honest, one of the reasons I REALLY wanted a third was because my mum’s friend is one of 3 girls and I loved the idea of my two being part of a trio of sisters when they grow up. Obviously, I can’t guarantee that they’ll all get on and want to be friends, but that’s what I’m going to aim for…we just have to get through the teenage years!
The second question we’ve been asked most is, ‘Are you going to find out what you’re having?’. We waited the full 40+8 weeks and 39+5 weeks to find out what the girls were and there was nothing quite like having my husband tell me they were girls when they ‘popped’ out - in fact, these are some of my favourite memories from their birthdays.
But this time around, I thought maybe we should find out and have a different experience by knowing what flavour the little bun in the oven is. Friends that I’ve spoken to have said the moment of birth wasn’t any less special because they already knew what they were having, it was still a surprise when they found out at the 20-week scan…and I was SO TEMPTED when the scan came. We still weren’t sure whether we would find out as the sonographer was checking the little bun over, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to say those words, ‘Tell us!’.
And then it was done, scan complete, gender still a mystery. I have no idea what I’m looking for those scans…was that a gender part? Why does my unborn baby resemble a turkey? Is that a foot or an arm?
All will be revealed at the end of June and one thing is for sure, whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’ll be part of our very own trio.
Kartin aka Norwich Mumbler
If you considering some maternity photos please email me today or use my contact form ^^ contact me tab above to chat and book in - Jess.
Seven years, Seven tips & Seven offers. Its lucky number 7.
Seven years, Seven tips & Seven offers. Its lucky number 7. 2019
This month my Norwich based, baby and child photography business turns seven years old. I consider it my other child, my life passion and a source of great joy and pride.
To celebrate, I wanted to share how I got here; my seven tips for making what you love work and a very special lucky number 7 offer!
Something I am frequently asked; how did you start your business?
College was the catalyst for taking photography up as a hobby; where many an hour was spent working away in the darkroom (the smell!!! If you know, you know! I LOVED it!)
Fast forward a few years and whilst enjoying an adult education course in photography, I found out I was pregnant! As for so many, evening sickness took its toll so badly, I had to give up the classes, but if anything, it spurred me to follow my dreams another way. I had a bump shoot and the wonderful photographer, who made me feel so at ease, inspired me when the arrival of my own baby provided the perfect model. Cass, my photographer came back and mentored me… so I took the plunge that so many of us mamas do when we want to work around having a baby – I started my own business.
I have never stopped pursuing my dream and pushing myself. I never assumed I was at the zenith of my learning or knowledge and have over the years continued with 1-2-1 training with other new-born photographers. I have always learnt by absorbing and asking questions and it was no different from my own business. 20 months after the arrival of Lucas and the birth of my business, our little dreamboat - Lilah burst into our world. I won’t lie, keeping everything afloat with 2 under 2 was hard and without the support and love of my hubby, I wouldn’t have come out of the other side with everyone and the business intact!
Any business goes on a journey, working out what’s best, what’s popular, what makes you happy and some years into baby and child photography I made my own mark… I decided that what I loved best was the simple, neutral images. Showcasing the little ones for all that they are so I stripped it back, limited colour, limited props and it’s the same ethos I carry through into 2019 and beyond.
So, this blog is also a dedication; seven years of thanks and gratitude. To my husband, my children, my fur baby, my family and friends. The support from everyone is never ending and to this day it amazes me that I continue to make friends on this journey. Most of all thank you to my clients and their beautiful models that made this business possible. Not only are you my bread and butter but you have created a support system I could never have dreamed of through the light and the recent heartbreak of losing my dad. You have made it easier - so thank you all!!!
My 7 lessons so far
1. Start as you mean to go on. In hindsight, I think I started too soon. I was so eager (which isn’t a bad thing) I should have built up my portfolio and trained some more. Then marketed myself when I was more experienced and confident. I started off too cheap and had to market myself to a new clientele.
2. You do not need the most expensive equipment, most of my stuff is second-hand or not the top brand. You simply need to learn how to use it!
3. Trust your way. I ignored a lot of advice: I was told to use props, use lots of colour, to sell via in-person sales and so on, the more I followed my heart and did things my way, the more it worked.
4. Ignore what your competitors do and say, I know people say to keep an eye on them but I’ve found the more I stay focused on my work the less I worry or stress. (Also, it’s fine to be angry if you get someone copying your style or ideas. I have ranted to close friends, but every area of business gets it and it is wasted energy. Unless someone directly steals your clients, in the words of Elsa, LET IT GO)
5. This is a hugely saturated market and some people will not value your work/your prices, it is not personal, it is business. The lesson? - not everyone is the right client for you.
6. People will assume all you do is take photos! Family and friends will not always understand the full process behind photography and the final presented images, that’s ok because again its best to let it go (or educate them, whatever works for you!)
7. It’s a wonderful job but a hugely competitive field and can often lonely on your own – I have found networking with other freelancers and parent businesses to be a really positive experience. Find like-minded people in different fields so you can support and lift one another up. I’m very lucky that there are a lot of these events and individuals in Norwich!
So, there you have it, how I got here and seven years of tips. So now for a seven-year offer for seven lucky mummies to be!
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Are you pregnant? If so then I am offering the first 7 mums a maternity shoot!
- A 25-minute shoot with 7 images via an email link for £75
- Email to book in, and be quick! Once the 7 slots have gone, they are gone!