When I was contacted by my Client to book her maternity photography session at her home in Bermondsey London. We had a lovely conversation about her daughter who she wanted to include in the photoshoot.

I knew her daughter was very young still, only 20 months I think at the time of our maternity photoshoot. With this in mind we discussed how to best format the photoshoot in her home. I discussed her daughters nap schedule with her so that I could arrive at the best time of day. We also made arrangements for her Mum to be there to help on the day.

These arrangements and discussions before each photoshoot I do are always key to helping everything to run smoothly and effortlessly on the day.

Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – What to expect on the day

When I arrived her daughter was still having her nap in her pushchair in the front room. This allowed me to time to set up and get to know her Mum. We chatted more about the types of portraits that she wanted and I looked through the outfits she had prepared ready for her session.

We also looked through a moodboard of ideas. All of this is so helpful for me to get a sense of exactly what she was hoping to achieve.

Hair & Make-up

My wonderful make-up artist and dear friend Keti had arrived before our photoshoot as arranged to help Mum feel glamorous. Keti is incredible and did such a beautiful job with her hair and make-up. She looked absolutely stunning. I love how Keti will also come to the home before my photoshoots to help my Client’s feel at ease and to prepare their hair and makeup as they would like.

Some of my Client’s prefer to do their own which is also lovely but if you are able to then a little pampering before your photoshoot is definitely worth it. I’m always relaxed with Keti as I know she can connect to new Mums. She has two beautiful children of her own and we’ve worked together for years.

Whilst the finishing touches of make up were being done I transformed her lounge into a studio. I always love the gasps of surprise when My Client’s enter the room. Seeing their lounge transformed into a full photographic studio. For my maternity photoshoots I even bring a wind machine to add that wonderful movement to my portraits.

With every photoshoot I bring a selection of silks, chiffons and a selection of bandeau tops. If you don’t have items in your own wardrobe I have more than enough to use. However some of my Client’s like to add their own style to the portraits.

Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – Working with toddlers

For this pose I always check with Mum if she is still able to pick her little one up comfortably. If so this is such a beautiful way to photograph them together, especially for younger children.

I like to engage quickly with young children and to make sure they feel the session is fun and a mostly about them. I don’t ask them to participate but prefer to encourage them into the room. They often like to touch the backdrop and reflector, which are all exciting new additions to their home. I show them how to do this to ensure the environment is safe.

Being held by Mum for the first portraits helps them to feel safe and to see how the session works. I often find that even when I tell them that they can go and play whilst I take portraits just of Mum that they keep bouncing back in. I love it when this happens as it shows they are feeling free and enjoying the photoshoot.

Once we’ve established a connection, I’m able to get beautiful, natural portraits like these:

Outfit Changes

Incorporating outfit changes, using fabrics and also working on some beautiful artistic nudes. Helps to create a gallery of images with different looks.

Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – The unexpected shots

Moments like these are magic, completely unplanned and bring the biggest smile when you look back on your images.

To book your maternity photography session

I recommend booking your session as soon as possible after your 20 week scan.

The date of your photoshoot will be booked for when you are between 32-36 weeks. If you are expecting twins or this sin’t your first pregnancy you may like to book your photoshoot for around 30-31 weeks. It depends on how you are carrying and what you would prefer. I am always happy to discuss this with you when booking to ensure we choose the right time.

If you are beyond 36 weeks and booking last minute then don’t panic. I do sometimes have last minute availability and will always try to accomodate you when I can.

To book your maternity photoshoot please contact me here