Category: Bump to Baby

Reasons For a Maternity Photo Shoot

REASONS FOR A MATERNITY PHOTO SHOOT

You are counting down the days until the arrival of your little one which is a truly magical experience and you might be considering having a maternity photo shoot. However you may feel unsure about this because of the changes to your body and even possibly the cost.

In this blog I will go through the seven reasons for a maternity photo shoot….there are of course more than seven! But these are the one I feel are the most important.

DOCUMENTS YOUR JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD

A maternity photo shoot is about documenting the incredible journey that pregnancy is and allows you to focus on the new life your body is creating. This is a moment you won’t get back whether you’ve been pregnant before or plan to have more. Each pregnancy can be different and bring its own set of challenges. This photoshoot is about your own journey into motherhood and will remind you of the excitement and joy that comes with pregnancy.

TIME FOR YOU TO FEEL FABULOUS

Often during pregnancy you might not feel your best. The changes to your body and hormones can really have an effect on how you feel about yourself. Maternity photoshoots are the perfect reason to do your hair and makeup and spend some time for you to revel in the beauty of your body and all the amazing work it’s been doing! So many ladies come in and tell me they don’t feel beautiful, but by the time we are finished the shoot every single one has left feeling fabulous!

QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER

Another reason for a maternity photo shoot is that it’s a great opportunity to spend time with your partner and to reflect on the life you have created together. So much will change once your baby arrives so getting a photograph of your family before, is a beautiful memory to capture. A maternity photo shoot with your partner is a real bonding experience and gives you time to focus on each other.

REVEAL THE GENDER

A maternity photo shoot can be a fun way to reveal the gender of your baby. There are so many fun ways to announce your little ones gender and it’s become increasingly popular. You can be as creative as you like with the photos. You could even use the images as a way to reveal the baby’s name or your due date.

CAPTURE THE JOY AND ANTICIPATION

Having a maternity photo shoot is a never ending reminder of those feelings of excitement, joy and anticipation of waiting for the arrival of your little one. Once baby is here we can easily forget how we looked or how we felt during pregnancy (well we always remember the hard parts, like nausea, back pain etc!) son maternity shoot capture you as a reminder of all the amazing things your body did. You will never regret having a photograph of this moment. After all most women only experience pregnancy a few times.

YOU CAN SHOW THEM TO YOUR CHILD IN THE FUTURE

In a few years your child will ask you about where they came from. This is a great reason to have a maternity photo shoot because it gives you beautiful images to show your child of them growing inside you. They will be able to see the love and excitement that you felt when you were expecting them and gives them a connection to that time in your life. The couple in the images below are Harry Potter fans and used this as a theme at their wedding and they wanted to continue with this at their maternity shoot.

IMAGES WORTH DISPLAYING

I am a firm believer that getting your photos printed is so important. It is an everlasting tangible moment and memory captured in time to be treasured forever. Having a professional maternity photo shoot when you are pregnant will give you images worth hanging on your walls or printing in an album as a legacy to pass down to future generations.

I really hope that this has helped you with reasons to have a maternity photo shoot. I would love to be part of your pregnancy journey so if you have any questions or would like to book a photo shoot get in touch.

xX Fiona Xx

Family Photographer Chichester | The Youngs

I’m very fortunate in my line of work. I get to meet some awesome people, and when I’m really lucky, these awesome people become my friends! Take the Youngs family for instance… Despite having many mutual friends, we met properly on their Engagement shoot. This led to shooting their wedding (and even doing some solid marriage prep with them in the interim, cause, you know… I’m a guru 😉 LOL!!)

Fast forward a little, along came their first bump to baby shoot with Amos, to whom I’m now a proud Godmother! Here’s a little throwback to those sessions with a peek at their totally bespoke Graphistudio Album to preserve that moment:

My friendship with the Youngs has continued to grow stronger, we even managed a cheeky Caribbean Cruise together last year where they announced their pregnancy with Baby no.2! My family photographer Chichester brain kicks in so we’re already planning the next shoot whilst sipping a mojito (me) and ice water (Jess) in the presence of the turquoise Caribbean waters!

Jess’ first experience with childbirth was traumatic which led to some adjusting as she prepared for the next one. In my mind, I wanted her to reclaim her power as a woman, to feel like a strong Queen who was in charge of her body and this beautiful change that was happening. Photography for me isn’t just about capturing a moment in time, it’s psychological. I want my subjects to feel empowered and stronger by the journey we take together to create these photographs.

The first part of this was to get Jess on her own, I wanted the first session to be ALL about her. The buzz words in my head were: Queen; Warrior; Strong; Gentle; Sensual; Feminine; Maternal; Expectant… I wanted her to claim these words as hers and own them. So, with that in mind, off to West Wittering we went…

The weather was just perfect! A cool sea breeze, warm sun on our faces. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The next session was in the studio… we wanted to just quickly capture a moment with Amos and his parents before little one arrived! This was quite a funny session as my girls and Amos adore each other, so the concept that this was a photoshoot came with its challenges haha… who wants their photo taken when you could just play instead!!

The day of Josiah’s birth came! This was brilliant news! Jess felt empowered, in control and superbly happy to have had a more positive experience second time around. It also came with a brand new Godson for me!! As with all things babies, you can’t really control when they come or when you’re going to feel up for visitors, so with careful (ish) planning around my holiday plans, I was able to swing by to see Josiah and capture a quick newborn portrait on the way to the airport. What a cute and cheeky looking chappy he is (and I wasn’t late for my flight either!!)

Capturing your life and those that are important to you within it is high on my list of things to do within my work, be it a standard family shoot, something more creative, considered and empowering, or just something totally on the fly to create that legacy of memories to look back on in years to come. What’s on your list to capture that you haven’t yet? Give me a shout, we can make it happen!

xX Fiona Xx

Family Photographer Chichester | The Youngs

Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Sabrina & Family

Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Maternity Session

When I first got a message from Sabrina about her pregnancy and ideas for her bump to baby shoot I was most excited! Sabrina wanted to engage in a soft, woodland theme for both sessions, tying in nature as the studio whilst including her partner Olly and their daughter, Winter.

Our first stop was to research the location and discuss what props we would be using. We decided on Brandyhole Copse in Chichester. It was still in bloom with bluebells and had a variety of other foliage spots within a small area, making walking with a small child and a variety of props not too challenging!

Whilst taking a moment with Sabrina and Olly, I chanced a look behind me at Winter who was making herself very comfortable on our luggage of props and photographic equipment! I couldn’t resist the behind the scenes shot!

As a Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer I find myself looking around at shapes…. Natural or man made, abstract or symmetrical it doesn’t matter. I find the beauty of life around us fascinating! Brandyhole Copse is no exception. Nature is it’s own artist.

One of the reasons for planning a shoot in advance is to get an idea for what the client wants from their pictures. Sabrina was very open to me unleashing my creativity with her to capture the memory of her with her blossoming bump. While Winter had a cheeky chocolate break, Sabrina kindly braved the fragrant pond while I sought reflections and symmetry!

I think we may also have invented “Extreme Maternity Photography”. On walking around a log bridge, we all walked under, around and past this log, our conversation going from: “we shouldn’t”, “should we”, “oh no, I can’t ask a pregnant woman to do that” to “maybe, though, it could work” and “let’s do it”. No pregnant women were harmed in the making of this shot!!

Another prop that was included for this shoot was a small teepee, bought with the intention of being used on both shoots. Settling Winter into her new den we embarked on the final stage of this maternity session, with the last of the bluebells and homemade bunting decorating the scene.

Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Newborn Session

After what seemed like a few short weeks, I was reunited with Sabrina, Olly and Winter. This time, they had Baby Sky in arms and an extra name on the bunting! In keeping with the theme and styling of the maternity session, we embraced the changing textures of Brandyhole Copse and set about creating some newborn images of Sky, as well as some natural, lifestyle portraits of the four of them.

Giving Winter some time to introduce me to her baby sister was lovely. She was incredibly in to her sister, then as young children often are, easily distracted by treats and snacks in the next moment! We worked with the mood of the little ones as ultimately it needs to be fun for them. Snuggles and cuddles while Sky was awake. Hunting for Fairies when Winter was playful. Baskets and textures when Sky was asleep.

Going back to the theme of using nature as the studio, while Sky was being changed and fed I set up a basket ready to hold her. We soon discovered that Sky wasn’t a swaddler… Not in the woods on a warm day anyway!

Within my role as a Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer, when working with babies, it is always my objective to work in a safe and secure manner, ensuring baby is safe from harm, comfortable and has it’s needs met. This may mean that the shoot takes longer than a normal portrait session, it may also mean that some planned shots don’t happen. It’s baby first throughout. We were very lucky that Sky was comfortable in the fresh air and snuggled into the the natural basket as planned.

Bringing in the teepee again, we took a few moments to capture some images within it’s folds once Winter had a little nose to see what her sister was up to in her basket!

Sabrina, it was most lovely meeting you and your family and engaging in a Bump to Baby shoot out in the fresh air surrounded by beautiful nature. I hope your family is growing well and that we shall see each other soon for the next portrait session

Big Love,

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Sabrina & Family | Brandyhole Copse

Sussex Newborn Photographer | Baby Evie

You may remember a post from a couple of years ago featuring Rose Lorena? Here’s a reminder of that shoot. Now, Rose has welcomed a baby sister, Evie, and how cute is she! Here’s some images from our session as a Sussex Newborn Photographer…

It’s incredible how much like her bigger sister, Evie is visually. Although, where Rose loved to be swaddled, Evie loves to spread, as seen in the image above! I brought some props back for this shoot that I had used with Rose to create some images that linked back to that time…although, this time I couldn’t help but include the cutest elephant that Rose had gifted her baby sister…on this occasion it appeared that Evie just wasn’t interested in her sibling’s snuggles!! It was great to catch Rose too, who was zooming about at high speed during our morning together!! What a great little character she is developing, full of curiosity and energy! It’s a real honour to see families grow and develop over time.

As a Sussex Newborn Photographer, I endeavour to include all those little details that grow and change so quickly… The button nose, wrinkled hands and feet, and tose lovely, fleshy rolls that make a baby so squidgeable (is that even a word?!)!!

To complete the collection following our Newborn Shoot, those precious memories are placed into a Baby Book, made by Graphistudio. These details of our gorgeous babies change so so fast it is so important to create a tangible memory for parents to look back on for years to come. Here’s a peek at the album received by Laura & Rob…

I’m looking forward to capturing the next chapter of Laura & Rob’s lives… whatever that is and when ever it happens 😉 😉

xX Fiona Xx

FionaMillsArt | Sussex Newborn Photographer | Baby Evie

Chichester Newborn Photographer | Baby Alexander

You may remember my previous blog following Vanya and Chris’ bump shoot as part of their Bump to Baby collection? Here’s a reminder if you missed it. Baby Alexander was born in February to the proudest parents I have seen. We met when he was just 6 days old for his first photoshoot.

As a Chichester Newborn Photographer I have to be prepared for anything, and thankfully I was prepared for his size! Weighing in at a cool 8.5lbs already, I knew I wouldn’t need my small baskets!

Setting up the studio at their home near Arundel, West Sussex, I set about capturing his sleeping form in a selection of props. Alexander is a spreader, very keen to use the space he is settled in, while staying snuggly and sleepy at the same time!

When shooting a newborn session, the aim is to keep calm, relaxed and warm! We take our time, working with baby. Stopping for feed breaks as and when necessary. I also like to use props and accessories of my own as well as mixing it up with personal items. Chris and Vanya had a giant tiger which couldn’t not take part!

Capturing moments between the family is also high on my list of priorities as a Chichester Newborn Photographer, especially as these times are often spent with close friends and family. Having a memory to look back on is so precious as we can easily forget these quiet, early days. Vanya had lovingly painted an A.A.Milne mural on the wall with Tigger,Piglet and Pooh looking on at their joy.

I also spend time capturing those tiny details, the nose, the lips, the hand and feet etc. Babies grow so fast, we blink and we miss it!

As with all my Bump to Baby collections, the shoot was completed with a Baby Book. A handmade photo album made in Italy by Graphistudio.

Congratulations Chris, Vanya and Baby Alexander. I look forward to the next milestone!

Fiona

FionaMillsArt | Chichester Newborn Photographer | Baby Alexander

Rustington Newborn Photographer | West Sussex | Baby Flora

Rustington Newborn Photographer | Baby Flora

You may remember Matt and Jen from my recent blog about their September wedding in Pulborough, or even their LIve Proposal? Those with eagle eyes may have also clocked a very graceful bump that Jen was sporting under that Grecian wedding dress? Here’s a quick reminder….

Well, Baby Flora was born a few weeks early just before Christmas. It was lovely to go back to see Matt, Jen and Stanley as they welcomed the new baby and set up her very first photoshoot at 14 days old!

Most babies are still very sleepy at this age and as a Rustington Newborn Photographer, I often find them easily (but slowly and gently) manipulated into comfortable curled up and cutesy sleeping positions in baskets and wraps… Flora however was mostly raring to go. Awake for much of the session, she seemed to want to know what was happening around her! She was also a “stretcher”…. after the confines of the womb, some babies just love to stretch out! The suitcases worked well for this as she had room to move!

Matt and Jen have an awesome feature wall, so understandably I was eager to work this into the shots. Stanley and Flora snuggled nicely while the cat looked on… whether interested in the new family member or the smell of treats placed nearby, who knows, but I loved him featuring in the fold. Stanley’s ever changing expressions I just adored too 🙂

I love both colour and black and white when planning my newborn photography sessions, and as you can see here, they both work very well.

To finish their collection, Matt and Jen received a lovely Baby Book by Graphistudio. Handmade in Italy, with soft to touch box and book covers in a colour theme chosen by them, the images are printed on Tintoretto paper which complements the soft feel of a newborn session.

What an honour to have captured so many poignant memories in the last year with them. I’m really looking forward to seeing this family grow (and maybe even finish their house?!!)

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Rustington Newborn Photographer

Worthing Bump to Baby Photography | Baby Charles

Come on trip with me on my Worthing Bump to Baby Photography journey…. Becky and I met at a Wedding Fair last year where she confided in me that she was in the early stages of pregnancy so we set about planning her Bump to Baby Photography sessions. As a Beauty Therapist and Make-up-Artist (and a very talented one at that, check her out here) Becky had a great visual ideas of what she liked… the watermelon shot was high up on her list!! They were also excited to be led during their Worthing Bump to Baby Photography sessions.

I just loved the fun couple that Becky and Darryll were, embracing the bump shoot with aplomb, have a look at what we got up to here. I love a bit of recreation, so we reused the mirror here in tribute to one of their favourite shots from their Worthing Maternity Photography session.

I was so excited when I got the message through that Baby Charles was born last year. I’m sure you would agree that he is just gorgeous. Babies are all a little different when they are born, and during these early days they often sleep a lot during these shoots (not always, mind!) and Charles at 4 days old was no exception. We were able to get a wide variety of shots, including a Christmassy one ready for their cards they were planning to send and ones that incorporated their two great loves… Make Up and Golf!

Of course, the shoot would not have been complete without an Album. I use the Baby Book by Graphistudio. Handmade in Italy, we went for simple choices to highlight the images, but take a look here if you want to delve further into the options available.

I can’t wait to see the Minton Family grow over the years!

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Worthing Bump to Baby Photography

Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Arundel

Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer | Arundel, Swanbourne Lake

After a false start or two with heavy rain, Chris, Vanya and I managed to find a dry day to embark on their maternity shoot. As a Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer I feel most lucky with our local surroundings. Arundel being one. Off we headed with our scarves and hats to trek around Swanbourne Lake on a sunny, Autumn morning.

Vanya, like me, is Bulgarian (well, half really. Scotland claims the other half of me), but as I’m out of practise with my lingo it was great to dust off the mother-tongue for a couple of hours during our session… but not all the time, that wouldn’t have been fair on Chris! Swanbourne Lake in Autumn was looking so photogenic. As a West Sussex Photographer, I should use it far more than I do. The colours as we walked around the lake were just breathtaking!

As you can see, Vanya carries her pregnancy beautifully. It is clear from the adoration in Chris’ eyes that they are very much in love. I loved the bareness of the trees as we walked round Swanbourne Lake. I found myself reminded of old film black and whites photos that I used to take before we all went digital mad! The images below really lent themselves to a vintage-film-look.

After one lap we detoured back to theirs to finish off the shoot in a slightly warmer environment. Being a Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer means I’m always on the lookout for interesting backgrounds, alternative shots and humorous moments (Chris certainly didn’t fail to disappoint with the humour!) The striking red wood panelling was incredible (I love those lines!) The simplicity of bare walls and clear space was a perfect contrast to the twisting chaos of the woodland shots from earlier.

I’m looking forward to hearing the news of a new baby soon so we can embark on the next stage…. the newborn shoot, where I get to cuddle a teeny one!!

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Chichester Bump to Baby Photographer

Worthing Maternity Photography | Becky & Darryll | Bump to Baby

A fine, warm Sunday afternoon proved to be a fabulous setting for a Worthing Maternity Photography shoot. Becky is a brilliant make up artist & beauty therapist so while chatting via a mutual wedding client we touched on her then secret pregnancy, and her desire to have a Bump to Baby shoot. Becky didn’t have a hard time convincing her partner, Darryll, that pregnancy photography was a necessary rite of passage for an expecting mum! We chose a lifestyle maternity photography session as it enabled us to get more creative and touch on who they are as a couple in their familiar environment, which in this case was Worthing, right on the seafront.

Becky had set up a Pinterest board full of her likes and dislikes for her Bump to Baby shoot, and as always, we use that as a starting point from which we brainstorm ideas and get down to the nitty gritty of the Worthing Maternity Photography session. Using their home first we were able to take some beautiful shots (and some more fun ones) in what will be the baby room.

As the lovely golden hour was setting in we took a stroll towards Worthing seafront passing a putting green on the way. As Darryl is a keen golfer (and Becky a golf widow) it was befitting to use this as a backdrop!

Worthing seafront was pretty quiet, a perfect time for those warm light pregnancy portraits. I fell in love with the symmetry of the sun shelter, a great frame to personalise their images.

A quick dip in the wet sand before we headed back to their home for one last picture!

Becky looks absolutely stunning at 31 weeks pregnant, they are going to be such lovely parents! I cannot wait for the end of November to meet their newborn and continue with the baby photography session.