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.

Inside the Studio

When I began Lottie Bone Photography, I remember one of the first things I thought about was- well where am I going to set up? When I was practising, learning and creating I used my daughters bedroom. She has the biggest windows in the house (no joke they are over 10ft) and the natural light is amazing. And being a natural light photographer, this is an important factor to consider. The room itself is beautiful. I was just worried that people would prefer or perhaps not take me serious if I didn't have a 'proper' studio. I use the term 'proper' very lightly. All you want to do as a business owner is make a good first impression and to make sure people to have an amazing experience.

My first experience of bringing people into my home studio was around Christmas time- when I did my first Christmas Minis. These went on all weekend and it was a suripisenly busy time. It was a really eye opening experience because as families came and left they seemed to comment vocally (or after in their review) that they loved the location and how welcoming it felt and that they preferred it to a separate commercial studio as there children seemed to respond better to a home from home surroundings. WINNER! So the self-doubt was quickly booted out the front door. I realised that this was a positive and an incentive to my families. So it was time to embrace the space and create something special.

I kind of look at this way- it was either start the business at my home or not start it at all. As long as my clients/families are happy with their end results, then that is all that matters really. After all, the first thing people see when booking are your photos from previous shoots. Don't get me wrong. My dream is to have my own space and studio EVENTUALLY.

Step Inside..

So if you weren't aware, I live in a converted Mental Asylum, called High Royds, with my two daughters, husband and cocker spaniel - ever since we moved in back in August 2020 (covid summer!) I remember the original hospital back when I was a teen and then the older I got I started to appreciate the history, the historic buildings and the spectaular grounds (which are particularly useful for outdoor photoshoots!) The hospital opened in 1888 as the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum - it housed male and female patients with conditions ranging from schizophrenia to post-natal depression. It then closed and was renovated into homes back in 2003. The part of the building we are in wasn't completed until 2020 which is when we visited it as a building site and then moved in. I could go on but it's actually all over the internet and even the BBC made a documentary on it.

Look at it this way- when you enter my home you will be walking into history (or should I say the old kitchens). It isn't spooky and it isn't haunted - I promise. Once you enter my home you will be welcomed by a very smiley Lottie. We will swiftly climb my flight of stairs and enter my studio. I have ample amounts of space for families to come, relax and enjoy the experience. You can expect to have fun- truthfully.

It shouldn't be a stressful experience. I never book more than one photoshoot in a day (unless it's Christmas) so it doesn't matter if your baby needs to feed or have a change of nappy for example - I always allow slightly longer for the photoshoot for settling in. Making sure your children are happy and comfortable is my priority. I have lots of props to keep them occupied, happy and entertained. If my singing, silly faces and games don't do it then the props surely will.

I have tonnes of props and backdrops to suit your photoshoot. Whether you are booking a family photoshoot, cake smash or a sit & smile session, I have plenty of chairs, blankets, seats, props to help your photos look diverse & effective. You shouldn't need to bring anything with you unless of course you want to! I am always investing in the studio with backdrops and props so when you book we can always discuss what it is you're visioning. Some like me to take the reins which I'm also happy to do.

Pro's & No cons-

• Home from home

• Free Parking

• Comfortable

• Warm

• Versatile

• Light & Airy

• A more personalised experience.

• Relaxed

• No time restrictions

So just because I don't own an independent commercial studio please don't let that put you off. Sometimes it's the little things that have a big impact. And to finish my Blog as always with a Lottie Bone quote of the day.

"Wherever there is light, one can photograph"

Alfred Stieglitz

Lottie x

Step Inside

Our Chilliest Adventure Yet

I'm not sure you can class this as a blog per se, but I feel the snowfall that we had so unexpectedly in Yorkshire last week, was just magical. I know so many people don't like the snow. Yes, it can be annoying and for some professions it’s an absolute nightmare. However for a photographer it’s a picturesque panorama of beauty.

As a child I loved the snow. The idea of a snow day would keep me up at night. I'll never forget waking up super early because my bedroom would be filled with light- only to pull back the curtains and it had snowed! So much fun, excitement and joy. There’s something about waking up and knowing it has snowed in the night simply by the way the light is reflected into a room through the window blinds and everything that you see is so pristine. Admit it.. you get it.

Snow is an adventure. Snow is fun. Snow is a way for families to slow down. Snow is an extension of Christmas so what a great excuse to get cosy with a hot chocolate, a movie and relax.

Our Snowy Adventure

Adeline has always enjoyed having her photos taken- I can't say the same for Camilla, but it's probably an age thing. So when I asked Adeline if she wanted to go for a snowy adventure and I'd take some photos she was more than enthusiastic- ok I admit she knows I'll give her some chocolates afterwards for co-operating and being so good.

I stepped into the forest (which is just minutes from our house) with Adeline and I managed to capture her running free and wild and enjoying the snow.

These photos are now up in my home and they do actually make me feel quite emotional. Not just because my nearly 5 year old looks like an 11 year old. But I always remember snow days being such a big deal in my house. My Dad who I've mentioned before, was and is still a Photography enthusiast and he used to do exactly the same thing with me, when I was a child. Snowy adventures with a camera. So take a moment and enjoy my serene snowy afternoon.

Camila did of course enjoy the snow as well, if you were wondering, I wasn't mean enough to not have adventures with my littlest but it didn't last that long and it was very hard to capture her when she couldn't even walk without difficulty as it was so deep. The proof below-

Ending as always with a Lottie Bone Quote of the day.

Lottie x

"Children of Winter never grow old".