Baby Leo (not a skateboard in sight!)

posted in: film, Lifestyle, little ones, Maternity, New born | 0

 A few months ago I was invited to photograph baby Leo at his home. It was a gorgeous sunny day as I drove along the coastal road to Anna and Bob’s home; a light filled house with seaside coloured décor and views overlooking the River Teign estuary.

Perfect.

And it really was.

I frequently look on Pinterest and other sites for ideas for my photography as I sometimes feel that I’m not being creative enough. There is so much competition in this industry and I started to doubt myself.

This photographer is doing this, that photographer is doing that…..

Am I being creative enough? Should I buy some props to take on shoots?

The other day I found a photo online of a new born baby on a skateboard.

Yes you read that right. A SKATEBOARD! And another was on a motorbike (apparently the dad was supporting the bike)

It just baffles me how people feel the need to introduce all sorts of bizarre props when right there in front of you is the most BEAUTIFUL baby, their legs curled up, their tiny little fingers and toes. Their perfectly soft hair. And complete overwhelming LOVE that is right before your eyes. And I decided that is enough for me.

And it was more than enough that day. It was amazing; the light flooded into the house, perfect for shooting with film. We didn’t need any baskets, watering cans, skateboards or motorbikes(!) to make this shoot an absolute pleasure to be part of. Thank you so much Anna, Bob, big sister Sophie and baby Leo for reaffirming my belief that all you need is LOVE xxxx

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Preparing for a New born Photo Shoot

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You spend months preparing for the arrival of your little one. Choosing a pram, furniture for the nursery, deciding which of the million suggested buys you actually need and which you can do without. You speak to other parents for advice, read books, read more books, wash all the baby grows and muslins, pack your hospital bag, stock up on nappies and wipes…… the list goes on and on. Having the baby is the easy part! So when that moment finally arrives, and you bring your precious little baby (or babies in my case) home it is such an amazing time (if a little over whelming too!). You spend hours upon hours just staring at their little screwed up faces, their legs still curled up to their tummies as they were inside your tummy and their tiny little fingers and toes, taking in every single breathe. You want the time to be as calming as possible for you and your baby, but more often than not you have family and friends queuing up to visit, health visitors popping around and a mountain of washing to do! Which is why my aim as your photographer is to keep things as stress free as possible for you.

I absolutely love new born shoots. There is something about a peaceful sleeping baby that I find so calming and capturing the special bond between baby and parents is such an amazing feeling. My style of photography is very relaxed; in your own home with lots of natural light and baby’s familiar surroundings and smells so that they remain peaceful and content.

If you have booked a new born shoot with me here are my top 5 tips for preparing for your shoot:

1) Feed baby! A baby who has recently had a feed and is full up is more likely to sleep throughout the shoot. If you are breast feeding then feel free to do this as and when needed. Capturing the closeness between mum and baby during a feed makes a beautiful image (if you are happy and comfortable with doing so)

 new born photography by Renata Fry

2) Clothes: Keep colours neutral and have a couple of outfit options for your baby but keep things simple; nothing too bright or with distracting patterns. Just a clean white baby grow can look beautiful. It’s also a good idea to have something foot-less so that I can photograph those tiny toes. For your outfit- wear something comfortable and neutral. A simple vest top can look lovely as it allows skin to skin with baby on mums shoulder. In terms of hair/ makeup I think that natural always looks best for these shoots and lets be honest, saves a lot of time too!

new born photography by Renata Fry

3) Have a few blankets to hand as they make great props and can also be used as a backdrop to lay baby on. Also little teddies/ cuddly toys can look cute. I love capturing details too such as the nursery, any keepsakes/ cards that you have been given so have these to hand.

new born photography by Renata Fry

4) Involve dad and other siblings. This shoot isn’t just about the baby but about you all as a family.

new born photography by Renata Fry

5) Relax. Do not spend hours tidying beforehand. I don’t care if you have piles of washing/ ironing/ dishes in the kitchen. All I care about is creating beautiful images with you and baby and to do this I ideally need a bright room with natural light, that is all!

I hope my tips have helped you! Please feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch here if you would like to book your own shoot.

Renata x

Dakota

posted in: Uncategorized | 0

In early October I was lucky enough to photograph little 5 week old Dakota. Back in August I photographed Rachel in the final few weeks of her pregnancy before Dakota arrived. This week that shoot was featured on b.loved blog, if you missed it you can see it here. Now I want to share this newborn shoot with you all.

Any parents reading this I’m sure you will remember how precious those first few weeks are. That new baby smell. The super soft silky skin. The teeny tiny vests and baby grows. Newborn shoots are such an honour to photograph. I love them.

If you are pregnant and considering a new born shoot please do get in touch here. In the mean time enjoy little Dakota…..

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Photos shot on Canon 1V using Portra 400

Developed and Scanned by UK Film Lab.

Thanks for reading. See you soon

Renata x