dog and baby photographer

Tips on how to handle a newborn and a toddler

 Tips on how to handle a newborn and a toddler - by guest blogger Vicki Cockerill 2018

We all know that babies don't follow the textbooks and parenting manuals. They don't just slip into the Gina Ford sleep routine and now you have an extra factor to consider.... the first small human you created!

So, here are some of our real and honest tips on handling a newborn and a toddler.

No visitors, please!

In those first couple of weeks, each member of the family will be adjusting to the new dynamic. Spend some time on your own and go with the flow of baby and toddler you may be surprised that you develop some sort of loose routine by the end. With some much change, the last thing you need is lots off visitor traffic.

Let it go

As much as you want to shower your firstborn with love to make them still feel special, you also have the constant demands of your baby to think about. Welcome to being a parent of two! An ongoing juggle and overwhelming guilt! Let it go! Let family friends take your toddler out, let them go to Nan's or stick the I PAD on while you feed the baby. You may feel like your neglecting them but if people are willing to help let them! It's only temporary and the balance will realign eventually.

Don't expect too much

Try not to have a fixed idea of what you think those first weeks will be like and make loads of plans. Newborns never nap when you want them too and always feed when they should be asleep! Set yourself a small goal each day, for example, getting everyone dressed by 10! It doesn't even matter if you don't go out at least you've achieved it. Don't put lots of pressure on yourself to get out and about. Spend some time transitioning as a bigger family. When you expect to do too much and don't do it there is then a sense of failure. Try to be easy on yourself and don't expect too much. You're now in charge of two humans!

Make it easy

It really will be a savior for those chaotic times where you need to get out of the house, on time! Lay out everyone's clothes and pack bags the night before. Batch cook meals or at least plan what you will have each day. Do the shopping online or go on your own/ get a partner to do it rather than trying to do it with two kids.

One of the most important things to remember when handling a newborn and a toddler is to do what works for you. It won't be like this forever but in the meantime make it as easy as you can for yourself. There are no points for doing it all and you will feel so much better if you relax, be kind to yourself and enjoy it.

 

 

 

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Vicki Cockerill is a NICU/ CHD Mum of two boys, a freelance blogger and social media adviser, Co Founder of #KnackeredandNorwich social club and maternal mental health advocate.

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You can read my other blogs about the studio, pregnancy guest blogger , more top tips here !

Considering booking a newborn shoot? Please check out these oh so cute babies in my newborn gallery,  so you can see simple and natural newborn images really are timeless!

 


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.

baby photoshoot Norfolk baby photoshoot Norfolk simple newborn baby portraits - baby sleeping

simple newborn baby portraits

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

 

Jess Wilkins Photography
www.jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk
07795026925
PRO LEVEL Member of the British Association of Newborn and Baby Photographers

 

 


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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

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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?

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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.

 

booking a newborn baby photographer

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.

 

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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!