WELCOME GUIDE
All you need to prepare for your session
Thank you so much for choosing me !
I can’t wait to meet your family and your little ones.
I know getting in front of the camera can be daunting for most of us, but I truly assure you that I have seen it all and you can’t do anything wrong.
Imagine that I am not in the room if you would like ( it’s even easier for outdoor sessions!). Your only job during the session will be to RELAX and enjoy this moment with your kids.
Motherhood is a lot and the mum brain and gigantic to-do list never ends. There is no off-button most of the time. I am giving you a little window to pause, breathe in, cuddle and enjoy your little ones.
So enjoy it Mum and I will be there to capture it all for you ( because most of us are never in the photos neither, right ?!)
"A Mama, a storyteller, a believer in capturing the moments you never want to forget."
HOW TO FIND ME
130 Hamsey Green Gardens
CR6 9RR
WARLINGHAM
By car : You can park in the driveway
By bus : 403 , stop “Hamsey Green”
Any issues ? Call me 07824 362735
WHAT TO BRING
FOR YOU
Your outfits - feel free to arrive in comfy clothes and change at the studio. We can have 2 to 3 outfits change during a session (except Smash cake, only 1 outfit change possible). You are welcome to use my client wardrobe.
Some white, nude or black bra & underwear (strapless bra even better to wear off-shoulders dresses).
Maternity session - On the morning of your shoot, please try not to wear anything over your bump that will leave marks on your skin
Post-partum Mums - Anything to make you comfortable e.g your cushion, ice packs, heat packs, nipple cream, any medication.
FOR CHILDREN
Their outfits - unless you want to use something from my client wardrobe ( up to roughly 3 yo)
Something to make them laugh or favourite teddy / toy, if they are toddlers
Post-photo entertainment - iPad, book, toys etc., but please keep it hidden until the end
Non-messy treats for bribery purposes! - raisins, crisps
Helium balloon - for First birthday & Smash cake sessions - if you want one
FOR NEWBORN
Extra nappies & wet wipes
A dummy (if you're happy to use one, even if they haven't had it before as they're useful for soothing)
Bottles of expressed milk or formula
Dress baby in something easy to remove (zip or front buttons)
“I couldn’t recommend Claire enough, we booked both our maternity shoot and new born shoot with Claire and we are so pleased with the photos! She made us feel so relaxed and captured each moment perfectly. She was amazing with our new born, from the moment we walked through her door we knew we were in safe hands! “
— Sophia
Choosing the right outfit is the difference between a GOOD shoot and a GREAT one! Here are a few guidelines to help you :
Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable in and that fits well. I always advise to bring more than one outfit with you.
Don't wear neon bright colours, stripes, patterns or logos
Wear neutral tones : white, cream, beige, ecru, light brown or pastel colours
Remove everything in your pockets & chunky watch
Keep accessories to a very minimum
Keep make-up & nail polish natural and if possible, avoid fake tan*
Pack both nude & white underwear & bras.
The studio will be warm & comfortable for baby, so Dad can wear shorts.
Have a look at my Styling guide to get some inspiration. I also have a client wardrobe at your disposal.
Most importantly, Be yourself !
*If wearing fake tan, please apply it at least 1 week before. I can't guarantee the final images will reflect my usual style, if the tan is too orange.
WHAT TO WEAR
CLIENT WARDROBE
If you don’t know what to wear, I have a Client wardrobe for Mums and Babies up to 3 years old. Most of my dresses are from small brands, all over the world, celebrating motherhood and driven by emotions.
With romantic designs and boho vibes , there is a dress for you on my clothes rack. She will make you feel beautiful, strong and empowered.
GOT ANY INSPIRATIONS ?
Have you got a photo idea in mind? Let me know! I love to see your ideas before a session.
You can send any inspirational ideas through the pre-shoot questionnaire. You will receive it before your session. Take some time to fill it in and tell me more about your vision for the day.
For newborn shoots, remember that I'm a natural photographer who uses simple baby-led posing. Some positions require your baby to be sound asleep and I will be led by them as to whether they feel comfortable to do this.
TODAY IS YOUR SESSION !
A few things about the session :
If baby needs a feed, we can do it at the beginning of the session so they can fall asleep deeply right after.
If there are older siblings, get them changed into their photoshoot outfit when you arrive at my studio, so they can relax, get used to the space and play with the toys.
When I pose you, I might move you and touch your hair if I need to do even some slight adjustments. I want the light to be perfect so you have the most beautiful photos.
Each session are baby-led, which means I will go at baby’s pace and not force anything they don’t want to do.
For newborn sessions, I might use a little heater to warm-up the studio. Keep that in mind when choosing your outfit as it will be warm and cosy ! Dads can wear shorts ( most of the photos are framed from waist to head)
We will have plenty of breaks as we need - for newborn sessions, we can change nappy, feed baby, cuddle baby, it’s all part of the experience and we have plenty of time, so no need to stress
TIPS FOR TODDLERS OR OLDER SIBLINGS
If there are siblings, try not to get frustrated with your children. Let them be little. Let them relax, feel safe and see how fun the experience is.
I find that it works better if you don't ask them to join in if they don't want to.
Please don't tell them to smile or say "cheese". They will join in their own time and I have a few tricks up my sleeve (some requiring the help of your partner)!
It’s actually better if you let me lead the way with them. If I need your help, I will let you know, because if we all talk and give them direction at the same time, it will be overwhelming for them.
If they are a bit shy, I might start with baby first and let them join in when they feel like it. Don’t force them please, let them get comfortable with this new environment first.
HOW TO PREP LITTLE ONES FOR OUTDOOR SESSION
Take it easy
I recommend beginning around 90 minutes before sunset. On the day of the shoot, keeping the activities low-key is a good idea to avoid over-tiredness. This ensures your children are well-rested and in good spirits for the session.
Adjust nap time during the day
If possible, adjust nap times to allow for a later night than usual. If you’re driving to your session, try leaving earlier than necessary to squeeze in a power nap. A well-rested child is likelier to be happy during the session.
Have dinner before
No one likes being hungry, and a hangry toddler is definitely not the one! So be sure everyone has eaten before you arrive. A full tummy will help keep your little ones content. Feel free to bring snacks along.
Zero expectations
Go with the flow, relax, and trust that I will capture some gorgeous memories for you, no matter your toddler’s mood. Sometimes, the most candid and genuine moments come from unexpected situations.
Bring their pyjamas in the car
After the session, you can put them straight into their pj’s so it’s an easier transition when you are back home.
One late night won’t significantly disrupt your child’s routine, but it will provide you with beautiful, lasting memories. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let the magic of the golden hour unfold.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ?
1. GALLERY DELIVERY
You will get your gallery with your most beautiful photos edited around 2-3 weeks after your session
2. SELECT YOUR FAVOURITES
You have 14 days to select your favourites photos with the little heart icon in your gallery (fee of £50 to re-open the gallery for an extra 30 days after expiry). You have 10 digitals included in your package.
3. UPGRADE FOR MORE
If you love more than just 10, you can upgrade. I have made it easy for you, you will automatically receive a quote in your mailbox with my different collections. Choose the one you want to upgrade to and pay online.
4. INVEST IN PRINTS
Fine art prints, Fine art Albums, Acrylic blocks, accordion albums, Folios, Mounted prints, have a look at your gallery store and buy directly there. If you saw a sample in my studio that isn’t in the store, contact me and we will design it for you.
5. RECEIVE YOUR PRINTS
All prints and products (albums, frames…etc) can take up to 3-4 weeks to arrive.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Did you know ?
When your friends, family or colleagues book a session with me, you will receive 1 FREE digital image from your gallery.
Let’s get this word-of-mouth working and help other families capture their precious memories too!
A REMINDER TO PRINT YOUR PHOTOS
IN THIS DIGITAL AGE, WE OFTEN FORGET ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF PRINTS.
Your photographs aren’t intended to live on your screen; they’re meant to be held and enjoyed every day. But choosing which to print, how to display them, and finally hanging them on the walls takes time—something we never seem to have enough of. I’m here to simplify the process and help you display your photos as they deserve to be so you have reminders of the love you share.
Feel free to look at all my samples in my studio during your session. You will receive a link to my Product guide again after your session. You can buy them either through your gallery’s store either directly via me. If you want to have a peak already, here is the guide ( I am in the middle of changing my Albums offers - so watch the space on these).
Some helpful Blog articles
What to do with the photos from your gallery
Why you should book a Baby Milestone photoshoot ?
Things to do with your family after your photoshoot
Outfits for Dads and inspiration for your photoshoot
