Why book a newborn session & why book early?

Why book a newborn session & why book early?

Due in 2025?

Why book a newborn session & why book early?

 

You get the right photographer for your family  – when you choose a photographer for such an important moment in your life, you want to ensure you have time to choose the right person with the right style and fit.

As soon as someone book in with me they are able to contact me with any questions in preparation for their session, follow me on social media and read my info & style guides.

More reasons to book a newborn session

 

Precious details & moments : A newborn session  is a great way to capture those early days of your baby’s life. The first few weeks fly by. A session will help you literally capture these memories for a lifetime.

A lifetime of joy . As your baby grows up, they’ll be able to look back at the pictures and remember how tiny and precious they were. Printing off images and creating albums of photographs are not only for you but for generations to come.

Quality: A professional baby photographer has the training, skills and equipment needed to capture high-quality images, but also ensure your baby is happy and safe.

 

Share the love: New parents are naturally proud of their new child. A newborn photoshoot is a great way,  to not only capture your baby’s beauty  but your portraits will make great thank you cards, presents for grandparents and also Christmas gifts

 

To-do list – Book now and it’s one less thing to think of. I send a guide which means all your questions are answered and outfit inspiration is given. And there is time to shop for a few bits ahead of the shoot.

 

Save money Book now and claim my early bird offer £35 off any newborn package if booked before 1/11/24

Why book a newborn session & why book early?

PHOTOGRAPHY GIFT VOUCHERS

Photography Gift Voucher – Portrait Session Norwich

Photography Gift Voucher – Portrait Session Norwich

Photography gift vouchers make a fantastic present for loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a baby shower present, birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Mother’s Day voucher, a photoshoot session is a great gift!

I often get asked do I sell gift vouchers, the answer is YES!

PHOTOGRAPHY GIFT VOUCHERS NORWICH

My relaxed, friendly approach ensures the recipient will not only have wonderful timeless photographs to cherish,  but enjoy the experience!

My style is simple & relaxed, making the photo session an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Gift vouchers can cover all types of my sessions, from newborn baby photo shoots , maternity, cake smashes & woodland walks for example.

I sell vouchers for the price of any of my packages.

This means the recipient has nothing to pay (unless they wish to upgrade and add extra images). Not every family factors in a photoshoot, gifting a package with digital images included will take the pressure off and make their day!

photography gift vouchers

How do I order a photoshoot gift voucher?

 

Use my contact form below

State what type of session you want to purchase

I’ll advise package options and costs

I will invoice and send the voucher and information via post / and or email

Vouchers are valid for 12 months

 

 

Please ensure you read my terms and conditions before purchasing. Portrait vouchers are for non-commercial use only.



MATERNITY MODEL CALL

WELCOME TO JESS WILKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Interested in MY MATERNITY MODEL CALL?

DATES:

Monday 21st October (evening)

** CLOSED * Wednesday 16th October during the day – this date is now sorted for models

I am looking for 2-  3 women to help me create simple & beautiful maternity images at my home studio NR7 – Norwich.

pregnant

Sessions are to take place– on Wednesday 16th October 2024 during school hours and Monday 21st October (evening)

Please only apply for this model call if you:

  • Are between 30 and 36 weeks pregnant at the time of the shoot
  • Are happy for me to use these images on social media, website, and promotional emails
  • Have not already booked a maternity photoshoot with another photographer

As a thank you for your time, you will receive 3 high-resolution digital images.

I am hoping one mama will have  a dog to bring to the session – please specify if you do

Click on the button below to register your interest.

bump photographer Wymondham

Christmas Mini shoots 2024 in my Norwich home studio

Christmas Mini shoots 2024 in my Norwich home studio

Christmas Mini sessions

These sessions are 20 minutes long the perfect amount of time to capture some festive & timless/ simple portraits.

feel free to come in Christmas outfits/ jumpers/ pjs – you can also borrow my OH SO cute Santa hats & reindeer antlers

Please NOTE that mini sessions are suitable for babies aged 10 weeks old + upwards (not suitable for newborns under 10 weeks due to feeding on demand and short time frame)

Due to the size of my set up/ studio space, these sessions are for one family only

What does my package include?

  • Up to 20 minutes in the studio (studio at Sprowston, Norwich, NR7)
  • 5 digital images via download to print as you wish (approx 20 to select from)
  • siblings only  no extended family members 
  • £75 (£20 deposit, rest due on the day)

When? 

Saturday 2nd November – SOLD OUT

Sunday 3rd November – SOLD OUT

Saturday 16th November – SOLD OUT

NEW DATE ADDED Sunday 1st December

(extra images can be purchased after at £5 each, £20 for 5, or a full upgrade for £45 )

This year’s Christmas setup is simple,  with a cute Christmas tree fluffy blankets, soft snowballs, and a white sleigh – see images below

Please note due to the (very white) light-coloured backdrops I ask all outdoor shoes be removed before we take the photos 

The session can be split 50/50 between festive and normal portraits or if you wish to use the whole time for updated family/ child photos that is fine too 🙂

Book now

Terms and Conditions

  • The session is purely for immediate family and siblings, no cousins or family images will be taken.  If more than one household attends your shoot will be cancelled
  • The number of images is dependent on the little/s one on the day, but you can expect 20 images in your online gallery as a rough guide.
  • Due to the time-limited nature of the session where a child may become shy or unwilling no guarantees are offered to provide a specified number.
  • You can purchase any extra images for £5 each (full upgrade £45). Images include print permission to print as you wish.
  • The images will be sent via a download link / gallery download
  • If your child becomes unwell or upset, we may reschedule at the photographer’s discretion.
  • Due to studio size, I ask that only parents can attend (max of 2 adults per time slot.) and max of 4 children under 16 due to studio size

I can’t wait to see you in the studio

Jess x

*If you would like longer in the studio with no time restraints, more outfit changes, different setups and props, and more images in your gallery to choose from, then you can book a full length shoot off my main pricelist, please get in touch with any questions you have about this.


7 months pregnant

Pregnancy & motherhood blogger - 7 months pregnant blog!

7 months pregnant blog! 

Hello third trimester! Wow I can’t believe I am already saying I am 7 months pregnant in my third trimester! Although I have been extremely lucky to not suffer with any sickness throughout my pregnancy I can’t say it has been a total walk in the park! Especially having a toddler around this time too, it’s definitely been a totally different experience to my first pregnancy but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

 

Amelia’s so excited to have a baby brother or sister and that just makes it all worth it!

7 months pregnant

I’m now at the stage where sleeping comfortably is becoming a real struggle as well as the frequent toilet trips throughout the night! I’m sure it’s your bodies way of preparing you for sleepless nights with a newborn! Although I’ve done it all before I’ve soon forgotten about all the struggles you are faced with during pregnancy and postpartum! So needless to say I’m feeling equally excited and anxious as the date is fast approaching!

I had my 28 week midwife appointment this week which went well, they talked about my birth plan which I find difficult because I have the approach of ‘just go with the flow’ as long as baby arrives safely and healthy that’s all that matters. I had the same approach in my first pregnancy and I was so lucky to have a really positive birth with Amelia. It’s true what people say, you soon forget about the pain! Especially once your baby is in your arms, there really is no feeling like it. As we have kept the gender a surprise it just makes it even more exciting and more reason to keep pushing through that pain (literally!!)

7 months pregnant

We still haven’t fully decided on a name for either gender yet, we have our favourites which we luckily both agree on, I feel like we’ll be picking the name out of a hat at this rate as we’re struggling to pick a particular one out of our favourites! Maybe once baby is here we’ll see which name suits them best!

7 months pregnant

I can’t help but feel a bit unprepared as the due date is quickly creeping up on us, I feel like I’ve done this before I can do it again, but I keep saying to my husband what if I forget everything and obviously I’m very aware every baby is different so it could be a totally different experience this time, in my first pregnancy I read all the books and blogs to try and help myself prepare and I’ve not done any of that this time! My husband keeps reassuring me it will be fine and my motherly instincts will soon kick in, which I know is true, but I think however many times you do it feeling slightly unprepared is very natural!

Maternity photographer Wymondham

I feel like once the baby is here I will cope just like we did the first time, but just knowing how different it will be with having a toddler aswell, I find myself watching others with more than child and try to take on board how they do it, how they make it look so easy! But maybe once I’m in the midst of it it will become like second nature, I think it’s perfectly normal to have all these feelings and worries as the date creeps closer, as well as so much excitement knowing just how special it’s going to be!

pregnant

PLEASE CHECK OUT bECKYS FIRST BLOG HERE 


twin pregnancy

Guest blog - 32 weeks twin pregnancy

32 weeks twin pregnancy
We’ve reached another milestone  at 32 weeks! At times, the pregnancy has felt like it’s taken forever to get past the 32 week mark. I have been quite anxious to get to this date after our consultant said that if our twins decide to arrive early, the survival rate is much higher after 32 weeks! I can’t believe we only have 5 weeks until our twins will be here!
We recently had a visit from our assigned health visitor who came to our house,  I was initially apprehensive as I wasn’t sure what to expect.  She actually made my doubts and worries feel completely normal at this stage and  explained what support she will offer once the twins are here.
I declined a baby shower as I just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of celebrating before they were here safe and well. Instead, my best friend surprised me with a low key afternoon tea with a beautiful setting at the Norfolk Mead 🙂 and the twins were spoilt with loving gifts too. I couldn’t have got through the last few years without my best friends, I’m forever thankful for them.
32 week Consultant appointment
 
We sat in the waiting room and my nerves kicked in! This was now our final scan before our planned delivery date!
 
We had our scan to check that the placentas and cords were still doing their jobs and to check the position of both babies.
The Sonographer was surprised at how the twins were laying. Somehow, they both had their heads touching and were kind of curled up laying on top of one another, there was very limited space for movement now (This explained the discomfort I was getting). The twins both measured a whopping weight at 4lb each. Our appointment with the consultant went well. We discussed the birth plan and that a C-Section was the safest delivery method as the twins’ heads were interlocked and Twin 1 was still in a breech position, with very little room for this to change. I was relieved that the decision between a vaginal birth or a C-Section was decided for me as both options came with heightened risks being a twin pregnancy.
 
 
Preparing for our new arrivals
 
Everyone keeps asking whether I’ve packed my hospital bag! Well.. I’ve made a start on my own bag and the twins’ bag. It still hasn’t sunken in that our twins could arrive earlier than our planned date ( in my mind, I believe I still have plenty of time). It’s been tricky to know how much to pack for two babies and whether to pack tiny baby clothes or newborn. I now know I’ll be in hospital for a minimum of 2 nights, so I have packed with this in mind. I just used the NHS guidance on what to pack for myself, along with friends’ recommendations too. Ear plugs and an extra-long phone charger lead are at the top of the list!
The husband spent his much-needed week off work painting the nursery and putting together the cots and our flat-packed IKEA drawers that we personalised with little wooden cloud drawer handles. The nursery is finally coming together and it’s just perfect.
We have also come to the realisation that our hatchback car is too small for our soon-to-be family of six (including our two beloved dogs) so we have begun the search for a larger vehicle. We took our cumbersome pram and our car seats with us to check out the size of different SUV car boots. I didn’t realise this would become a mammoth task! We finally settled on a Toyota RAV4 as we felt the boot was a good size for both our pram and some room left for the shopping!
Our two dogs are totally oblivious to the huge life changes that are about to happen. We have begun to move our whole living room around to make some room for our changing table and travel cot. We have also added stair gates to ensure the dogs are not left unattended around the twins. So far, they’ve taken to the new living room layout well.
Physical symptoms
As I’m writing this, my twins are having a disco inside of me and it’s so clear that there is very little space left for them both. My bump has dropped somewhat and the weight is now affecting my aching lower limbs. I’ve been told the lack of sleep is preparing me for motherhood so I’m embracing it. I am so ready for our twins to arrive! I can’t wait to meet you both <3

32 weeks twin pregnancy

Keepsake photo session package

Keepsake photo session package

Keepsake photo session package

I have a new keepsake package for returning families – been in before?  This package is perfect for getting some updated family images.

This package is for those who know me, and have been in before and know the drill.

Families can still book the longer session if you feel you need an hour in the studio , and perhaps want time for more outfit changes and a larger gallery.

This new keepsake package is a great chance to get some updated images with a photograph you know and trust.

A short and sweet package to get some updated photos of your family without the pressure of a longer session.

(not applicable for 1st 2nd birthday cake smashes/ maternity/ woodland/newborn sessions these require longer studio time)

Perfect for annual photos, Christmas photos, school photos, and family images, you can even bring your dog.

 

Keepsake mini studio package

  • 20 minutes of studio time
  • 1 outfit change
  • family, sibling, and individual images taken
  • 5 images = £75 , all images = £125 (approx. 25 images)

If you want a little bit longer you can book a keepsake package of 30-minute studio time and 5 images = £85


Maternity photographer Costessey

Guest blog - twin pregnancy 28 weeks update

28weeks consultant appointment

 

Time is going so quickly! We have now entered the ‘third trimester’. The twins are growing well, both over 2lbs! Twin one has changed position and is now in a breech position and Twin two is still in a transverse position. There was quite a wait for the appointment with the consultant due to Junior Drs and a consultant strikes. I remember sitting in the antenatal waiting room thinking I’d been forgotten but we did get seen. I can’t fault the attitude and care the consultants show in the appointments. We are never rushed and they like us to ask questions. We discussed the future birth plan and a planned C-Section delivery was discussed. I have no strong feelings at this point about a vaginal delivery or a C-Section, I just want the twins to arrive safe and well.

Maternity photographer Costessey

Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

I am feeling so grateful that I’m going to be a twin Mum but I have been in some discomfort the last few weeks. I’ve been told that it’s common for symptoms to be stronger earlier as I am carrying two babies , sacs and two placentas! (I am so proud of my body and amazed at how a woman’s body can change to support the growing babies) I discussed with the midwife about the discomfort and sharp pains I’m getting when walking around and laying on my side in my pelvic area and she was really empathetic and signposted me to the Physiotherapist. I found the whole process of self- referring to the Physiotherapy team at the hospital well organised. The physiotherapist called me the same day my self-referral went in. She was lovely and instantly reassured me that it’s very common to have Pelvic Girdle Pain and it will be relieved once the babies are here. I was sent some physio exercises to strengthen my pelvic and hips and a face to face appointment to fit a support band. I have tried to wear the support band when I’m standing for prolonged times or when I go for a short walk. I am not sure it is reducing my discomfort at this stage.

Maternity photographer Costessey

Nesting

 

I had this constant urge to get our house organised and ready for what was to come, our house was definitely not ‘baby proof’! I nagged the husband for us to rip out the bathroom and change the layout to give us more floor space. We changed our vanity units to smaller wall hung units which have given us some floor back and the illusion of more space. I totally underestimated the mess and how much labour work was involved when the husband spent two days ripping out wall tiles, plaster board, tiled flooring etc. What was meant to take a week took over four weeks due to allowing the fresh plaster to dry, a delay of shower panels and some poor workmanship. I am so relieved to say the bathroom has now been finished!

 

We also made a start on the nursery room, decluttering our spare rooms and painting the room ready for furniture. (I can’t believe I’m even getting to write this! I never thought I’d get to plan and decorate a nursery after so many years of infertility, it’s really helping me heal and putting the past events behind me). I also spent some of my Summer holidays clearing out unwanted clothes and all our kitchen cupboards to make room for all our baby equipment.

Maternity photographer Costessey

Car seat and pram shopping

 

We made a Nursery appointment at our local
John Lewis and took advantage of some discount. I totally recommend this as an option for any expectant parents. It completely took the stress away from researching too much and I would just get overwhelmed. The advisor was so patient, never pushed a sale and took the whole 90minutes to go through our own thoughts and options and gave us expert safety advice. Due to having twins, there was only a few pram options which helped narrow down our choices. However, there were many car seat model options, which was overwhelming. We were kindly gifted a free tea and cake voucher in their cafe to go away and think about things before we made a decision. Once we had clarity, we got to try the chosen car seats and pram in our car. We soon found out that we need a larger car! (Another job added to our list for later this year). We decided on the Twin Bugaboo Donkey 5, we liked the side by side option over the tandem and it was effortless to push around John Lewis store and the car park (it was amusing to say the least, i only bumped into a couple of clothing rails and breathed in as I pushed it through the sliding doors). We

Also settled on the new Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro I-size car seat. It was a difficult decision to make due to being a more costly option to others. However, we decided that the safety of them was important for us, the ease of the 360 swivel and slide as there is two to get in and out of the car regularly. We also felt so fortunate to be in this position that we weren’t going go worry about the cost and affordability at this point. We got a good discount on other baby essentials too and delivery was by courier and very quick. We had a 5 star overall experience!

It wont be long before I’m photographing the twins eeek

 

you can read Annabel’s other guest blogs;

First one here.

Gender scan reveal.

20 week half way milestone.


IVF TWINS NORFOLK

New pregnancy blogger - Fertility journey & first trimester

 Fertility journey & first trimester

I have a new pregnancy blogger.

Please have a read of her first blog, all about their Fertility journey & first trimester

First trimester.

About me
I always had a plan in the future to have a large family to replicate what I had growing up. I was one of four and a twin myself. Our family holidays were always adventurous.
I wanted to travel and get into teaching before I embarked on motherhood. I turned 30 and me and my husband got married after 10 years together. We knew then it was the right time to have a family. However, my ideal future plans didn’t turn out the way I had hoped.
Fertility journey
A couple of years passed of marriage bliss and long haul holidays and we knew it was time to see a Doctor as we couldn’t seem to fall pregnant. The GP was very understanding and immediately referred us to our local ivf clinic. The months turned into years but we are forever grateful for the amazing team we had around us.
A Positive pregnancy test 
We had our last two embryos transferred after our previous losses. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw another positive pregnancy test. This time, I have found it hard to get excited and plan family dreams for the future. I am forever much protecting my heart and taking each week and appointment as it comes. I have been experiencing extreme episodes of thirst, nausea and exhaustion but I am so grateful to be pregnant.
Scan day 
The time finally arrived for us to attend our ivf clinic for a vitality scan. With tears rolling down our faces, we were so shocked to hear that both our babies had heart beats and everything was going so well at just over 7 weeks. This was a special moment we will never forget.
Booking appointment 
At my 10 week booking appointment, I felt totally out of place. It didn’t feel real, like it was too early to plan the future of our twin pregnancy and I wasn’t far enough along to feel like I required a midwife. Thankfully, I had a lovely midwife who made me feel at ease straight away and it was clear that from here on, I was going to be well looked after with future scans and many health checks.

IVF TWINS NORFOLK

Sharing our precious news
Now we have passed those important first 12 weeks (after what felt like an eternity), we shared our news with close family and friends who are so excited for us. I do wish I could be as excited as them and at times feel guilty that I am so detached from my feelings right now.
I am told that’s completely normal after our previous experiences and the beginning of physical changes to my body will help me to relax. I am so grateful for the nausea, it reassures me that I’m still pregnant.
I am now looking forward to the next scan and meeting our consultant to hear more about a multiple pregnancy.

I have lots of guest bloggers from lots of mamas and businesses you can find them on my blog page


motherhood

Magnificently Messy - motherhood guest blog

Magnificently Messy - motherhood guest blog

Magnificently Messy – motherhood guest blog

Magnificently Messy- That was a phrase that was mentioned in a motherhood writing class I took recently and whilst the course has ended, the phrase has stuck with me. Magnificently messy, the ultimate oxymoron. Still, it’s an oxymoron that perfectly sums up the past 9 months. So much mess. Laundry, nappy bins, living in what feels like a toy store, mountains of bottles to wash, a rug made of food under their high chair that ended anywhere other than their mouth…. so messy…. but so magnificent.

Arlo is now over 9 months old, the big 1 year birthday of our rainbow baby is within sight and I’m in disbelief. Another phrase which has come up is, the days are long but the months are short. I’m so thankful to be able to have Jess’s milestone photos of Arlo marking this first year, as it’s true when I say it feels like the past 9 months have felt like 9 minutes. Whilst I try and soak it all in; every morning smile, every goodnight kiss, every little laugh or sorrowful bottom lip… it’s hard to recall everything in such detail. Despite this, when I look at the photos of Arlo that Jess has taken, all that detail is there perfectly captured. The playful grin, the cheeky bottom lip, the warmth of our hugs; I cannot wait to look at these photos for years to come to remember those tiny but beautiful moments.

motherhood

Now Arlo is 9 months, since my last blog we have started to wean him. This process was made slightly more difficult by finding out he had a Cow’s Milk Allergy but now we’re used to scanning ingredients and trying different recipes so it doesn’t seem that different to other babies weaning anymore. If Arlo could write a review of his weaning I feel it would go something like this:
Love (please feed me more):
  • Sweet Potato
  • Lentil Dahl’s
  • Grandad’s Toast
  • Banana
  • Anything with Blueberries in (but not the ones daddy makes – sorry daddy!)
Hate (Never feed me these or I will unleash my inner hulk):
  • Pears (I once mistook them for an Apple, I will never make that mistake again!)
  • Plums
  • Anything sour (why do people put themselves through that)

motherhood

There are a lot of different approaches and ways you’ll hear people talk about weaning. What’s right, what’s wrong, what their baby took too and what they never wanted to do. Apart from medical advice (check NHS website they have advice on weaning), it’s important to remember each baby is different. What works for one baby won’t neccesarily work for another. We found a mixed approach of puree and baby led weaning worked for Arlo. We began weaning when Arlo was able to sit up by himself, then one by one began to introduce allergens, giving enough time in between each one to see if there is a reaction. During these past few months, the most beneficial items to Arlo’s weaning journey we’ve found have been:
  • Full upper body bibs (we prefer long sleeves; it makes the clean up much easier)
  • Having two spoons for each meal. Having two spoons, allows Arlo to hold a spoon and feed himself while we could fill the other with food ready to swap.
  • Food steamer & processer, we use Tommee Tippee one to make our own food at home for Arlo.
  • Feeding spoons that change colour when the food is too hot. (This just gives a bit of extra reassurance, especially during those initial tries where you may be nervous).
Another important milestone we’ve reached in the past few months since the last blog is – crawling! Arlo’s world just got a little bigger (or a lot bigger depending on how much energy he has that day). I’d be being dishonest If I didn’t discuss the concerns I had with milestones, that new mum worry of ‘when do they start doing this?’ and ‘Am i doing enough to help them?’. There’s been many google searches, videos watched and reassurance asked and they all come to the same conclusion – every baby is different. One may talk before they crawl, another may crawl before they talk. If every baby was the same, where’s the magnificent messiness in that?
I look forward to blogging the rest of Arlo’s first year and what it’s like to have a one year old!
You can read Charmaines other motherhood blogs here