Let's Celebrate the beauty of Motherhood.

Heyyyyy, welcome, welcome to another blog of mine. This time I am going to be talking about the beauty of motherhood and basically why you should book a Maternity Photoshoot with myself! This is a new session that I am offering and I'm very excited to be doing so! I literally have no idea why I haven't done it sooner because.. well, look at the pictures I've taken- ta da!

Bringing a new life into the world is a magical journey filled with joy, anticipation, and profound beauty- and let's be real for a moment hard-work. It can feel scary and at times completely over-whelming but personally I feel it's the best most rewarding kind of hard-work.

Maternity photography is a wonderful way to capture and cherish the precious moments of this transformative time in a family's life. Once the baby is here, you wonder what your life was ever like without them. Everything changes. Your relationship with your partner will change. Your views on certain things will change, friendships change- for better or for worse. Things that perhaps once were a big deal seem tiny in comparison to now. It is hard, but completely worth it. Trust me there are times when I'm weary, warn out and craving me- time. It's actually funny because my daughter out of nowhere asked me this morning "Mummy, is parenting hard". I have no idea where it even came from but my response was- "..at times it's really hard but it's the best thing in the world. A lot of the time we are worried that we aren't doing the right thing and sometimes it's just a guessing game..". So there we go!

Why Maternity Photography?

Something I didn't do when I was pregnant was have a maternity shoot. I actually never even thought about doing it at the time. Perhaps because I had a really difficult pregnancy.

However, If I was able, it is something I would have 100% done and I look back now and wished I had because I love looking back at my bump pictures and actually loved having one. I loved taking my weekly photos of my ever growing bump. The picture below is in-fact one of the last pictures I took before Adeline made an appearance in 2018.

I love showing my girlies photos of myself pregnant and explaining that it's them in there. I mean the blank expressions on their faces at that moment, is a picture when I explain it to them. It's pretty mind-blowing though.

Maternity photography celebrates the beauty, strength, and love that surrounds the journey into motherhood. It is something that HAS to be celebrated. For some, it's not an easy ride. For some, it isn't as straight forward. Hence why we should celebrate and mark the moment when you are pregnant. I truly believe that capturing your bump is the best way to do this. PLUS once it's gone, it's gone!

I remember throughout my pregnancy you tend to hold your bump and touch it and once it was gone I remember automatically going to do this then realising it was no longer there. Some mothers-to-be really do miss the bump and it can be the saddest part to let go of your pregnancy. Imagine being able to look back and always remember it. Even if it was a difficult one. The outcome is hopefully worth it.

Get the family & paws involved!

Come on, you can picture it now. The siblings cuddling the bump, beautifully captured images of you all together, excited for what's to come. Getting the partner, older siblings & pets involved in the maternity photography sessions can beautifully depict the love, connection, and anticipation for the growing family. I like to encourage natural interactions, gentle embraces, and playful moments to create authentic and heartwarming images. They make for the sweetest images. Trust me. I know you hear me say trust me a lot but it's true! Trust is what you need, to be able to let go and enjoy the moment with your team and myself.

Trust me..

I know what you are thinking, why should you trust me, you don't know me. Well recently I had an outdoor maternity shoot with the sweetest couple and the Mama-to-be 'pre warned me' that she was 'awkward' in-front of the camera. I hear it a lot. But honestly, once you've met me, then will you only understand that there is no reason to feel awkward. I never ever judge. I only see the beauty inside and out. I also want you to see what I see. I love my job and want to make everyone feel comfortable and mainly make sure that you are enjoying yourself. Once you trust me, relax and let go, that is when the true beauty is shown. Honestly, it makes such a difference when you just let go and enjoy yourself. I'm the same - I'm only human too! I get so nervous before every shoot, right up until I meet you guys I always have butterflies.

Where shall we do it?

The location and setting is so important! Choosing the right location and setting can greatly enhance the impact of maternity photographs, believe me. Outdoor shoots in natural surroundings, such as a picturesque field or a riverside- yes and yes! This provides a scenic backdrop and evokes a sense of serenity and connection to nature. I have found some perfect locations now, that I know work really well.

Alternatively, an indoor shoot in a cozy and intimate setting, such as the family home or a natural light studio, can create a personal & timeless atmosphere. The choice however, is yours.

The panic- What do I wear?

Don't panic. I am here to help. Even if it means you sending me images of your wardrobe or even going shopping for you. I'm here to make sure you pick the right outfit for your shoot. After-all, maternity photography allows mothers-to-be to showcase their changing bodies. Choosing the right wardrobe and styling is essential for capturing the essence of this special time. If you were anything like me I was really self-conscious about particular parts of my body during pregnancy, so it's all about dressing comfortably and right for you and your body.

Flowing dresses which allow soft and beautiful movement are great, fitted dresses that accentuate the baby bump work really well, as well as delicate fabrics like lace can all contribute to creating elegant and timeless images. Off the shoulder dresses are also super flattering. If it's a chilled, natural, casual look you want to go for. Keep it simple with open buttoned jeans, crop top or a shirt work really well.

When should I book it for?

Get your maternity photoshoot booked in asap. Let's get excited, let's plan it!

Timing is Key: The ideal time for a maternity photo session is usually between 30 and 36 weeks into the pregnancy when the baby bump is beautifully rounded but the expectant mother still feels comfortable. So make sure you leave enough time to get booked in with me and don't forget all new Mamas booking a maternity photoshoot receive a discount & extra pics if they book their newborn photoshoot with me!

Almost done..

So in summary, if you were in doubt about booking a maternity photoshoot, hopefully this has helped you make that decision. You will only regret not doing it. Get out of your head. Live in the moment. Relax and let's do It (literally my motto in life). If you are tempted then drop me a message. Let's chat.

Ending as always with a quote from recent clients who booked their maternity photoshoot with me and did not regret it.

This is the best thing we have done during our pregnancy and it's something that we will never forget. We both had such a great time during the shoot and you made it feel so easy and natural. I have been so excited to see the photos. I quite literally never show photos to anyone, but I have been showing these to everyone! You have captured such a special moment in our lives perfectly and we will forever cherish these photos. I cannot thank you enough for being part of our journey.

We are so grateful Lottie! You've done such a good job and made us feel very comfortable. I'm so glad we captured the bump- we will treasure these forever!

I am so unbelievably happy with the photos from my maternity session with Lottie. She has managed to capture such elegant moments for me and I’m so grateful I have such wonderful photographs of my family and my baby bump to look at forever. Her kind and relaxed nature made the whole experience so positive and exciting. We will without a doubt be booking in for a family shoot once the baby has arrived. Thank you so much Lottie!

Short But Oh So Sweet..

Wedding Season is here so i thought that it was a good chance to write a short and sweet blog all about my Short and Sweet Wedding Portrait Sessions.

Some people don't like the idea of spending a lot of money on a wedding photographer. Some people can't think of anything worse than having a photographer at all and feel uneasy about the whole thing.

I for one think it's the best kind of money you can spend. Because let's face it, those memories get the chance to live on forever. Your photos will be cherished for a lifetime and trust me, from my experience and talking to so many brides & grooms. Your wedding day really does go so fast, you miss so much and you never get around to seeing everybody. So really the photos are almost a chance for you and your partner and even your loved ones, to relive and savour it all over again. I personally love showing both of my daughters our photos from our wedding day as they weren't even born then. It's really very special.

Tell me more...

I first came up with the idea of doing these short but sweet sessions because a friend of mine asked me if I would just take their wedding portraits before their wedding party arrived. They didn't have a photographer for their actual wedding (it was during covid times so it was a very small and intimate wedding) but they really wanted photos to cherish of them both.

I took them out on location for two hours, we relived their wedding day and captured some stunning portraits of them to always enjoy. This was when I realised maybe there are more couples wanting this kind of intimate experience.

Since then I have had the opportunity to capture several other couples wanting a different format to the norm. I have even been a surprise/ gift to a bride and groom who didn't see themselves having a photographer on their day (but trust me they were glad that I turned up).

Hence now why I have decided to create some different packages to suit you all. I have created several packages, each one offering something a little different. If you also have something else in mind I am also happy to tailor a package specific to your wedding needs.

These sessions are perfect for couples who don't want their whole day documenting but are still wanting intimate, relaxed and natural photos together.

Short But Sweet packages.

1. Short But Sweet- Portrait session at your location or other (I allow 1-1.5hours)

2. Short But A Little Extra- 3 hours to cover the Ceremony, Guest candid + Portraits

3. Short But Let's Go For It- Engagement shoot, Ceremony, Guest candids + Portraits

Every session has the option to add an engagement shoot for just £150 which includes 10 edited images, there are also options to upgrade to all images.

Engagement Shoot Deets

Whilst engagement shoots can be anything you want them to be, they are always fun (with me anyway!) I recommend them to anyone. I also think Engagement shoots are a great idea if you are a little nervous or find you aren't as relaxed/ natural in-font of the camera it's a good warm up and a great way to get to know each other before the big day- plus you can always bob them on your wedding website, use them for your invites or post them on your socials as an exciting lead up to your day! My aim is always to capture the two of you in the most natural way that I possibly can. Sessions are laid back, relaxed and never stressful!

Below are some of the portraits I have captured over the past year of beginning my Wedding Journey. It's been an amazing journey so far. Who knew I would fall in love with this side of photography. I blame the amazing couples I have had the chance to capture.

As always I would like to end with a quote to sum up.

True love stories, never have endings.

Something for you..

Hey guys,

Today's post is all about YOU! What I can do for my wonderful clients. New and returning! Lately I have been so busy and I am feeling so extremely lucky for that.

Still, to this day I pinch myself that I am doing this as a job. There is no cooler job. I dare ya. Personally I'm living my best life. I meet new people everyday. My hobby is my job. I get to have the best time getting to know each little individual and their family and no word of a lie, I've said it before and it's true- I love it. One of the best parts for me is that I always feel like at the end of a session I have gained new friends. I'm sorry but it doesn't just stop at our session, once you let me in, I don't go away- In a none, weird, threatening way- I promise!

Anyway, I was thinking the other day about how I could extend my thanks and also how I could make my brand and experience even more special and personal. I want to be able to make sure that those who book with me, know how excited I am to meet you and also how grateful I am that you are welcoming me into your lives. I wanted to do something that would stand out, different from the rest and not for it to be something you would simply put in a draw or worse throw away.

Here come's the good part..

So here it is. From 1st June 2023, if you book any main photoshoot with me, you will be receiving something very close to my heart in the post. It will come gift wrapped, packaged safely and with a little note from me. The best thing is it can be simply posted through your letter box so no missed delivery dramas!

So what is it you ask.. it's a perfectly wrapped, delicious, custom made shortbread biscuit. Now I'm not joking when I say this- I'm biscuit mad. I love biscuits, I basically survived on them throughout both of my pregnancies. So they really are something close to my heart.

Who better to serve you up this deluxe shortbread biscuit than my dear friend Bleu- I have actually known Bleu since secondary school and she like myself took the leap of faith and created her own small business- 'Out of the Bleu'. Check her out on insta @outofthebleuest2021. She is actually amazing. Not only ridiculously talented but her personality sells it for me too. She creates amazing personalised biscuits, brownies, blondies, flapjack you name it!

If you came to my Christmas Mini Sessions I gave each family one of these biscuits as a thank you gift after each session. They went down a storm. They are seriously delicious. Ask the kids who ate them. Some of them didn't even make it out of the door with a whole one- no word of a lie. They are made from shortbread and these ones have been designed completely by me- (on brand- obviously). I am so excited to be able to offer this to you guys and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do. I find the best way to people's heart is through their stomachs.

Something else..

I also want to extend my thank you even more by offering you guys a 10% discount for any returning bookings on all main photoshoots (minis not included). I love sharing your motherhood journey more than once, it is so special and it's always like seeing a friend the second time. So this needs to be acknowledged with a cheeky discount for you when you come see me again.

I also want to extend my discounts to those who book two sessions at the same time. For example I get a lot of families who book a Newborn Shoot and then a Cake Smash once their baby turns one. If you book your two sessions together with me I will give you a complimentary upgrade to all photos on one of the sessions.

I hope you are as excited as I am. I am always seeking to improve my client experience so I'm sure this won't be the last you will hear from me. Until the next time.

Lottie x

Ending with a quote- as always.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.