[Question] Why are Newborn Sessions in a Morning?

Almost 99% of my newborn sessions are held on a morning - and many people ask me why - afterall babies sleep "all the time" or so we are led to believe.

In my experience I find that babies tend to fall into a deeper sleep in a morning session rather than in afternoon sessions, and to get all those cute squishy shots – we need baby as sleepy as we can get them!

It is likely that your little one has had you up and down during the night – so this is their time to ‘catch-up’. I do advise to try and keep your baby awake prior to your session, and then this teamed with a feed and a settle it should make for a happy sleepy baby.

I personally, can do sessions on an afternoon, however if this is a request then I do advise you that we may have to do more awake shots than I would normally do.

[Newborn] Gorgeous little Aaron

I just had to share with you Gorgeous little Aaron's Newborn Session.

Aaron was born in January, approximately 6 weeks early and came to me for his session in early Feb. 

I first met Aaron's family, when his big brother Isaac came in for his Newborn Session - and Isaac too couldn't wait to make an impression on the world, as he was born 8 weeks early!

Just look how squishy, and cute he is - and how much hair he has! (Naturally styled too!)

One of the reasons I only pencil in people via their due dates, is people can have their babies early - or late - and they just have a habit of turning up when they want. But I will always make sure I can get them in as early as possible when you are out of the hospital.

And of course we had to let big brother Isaac in on some pictures too! 

Thank you to Isaac & Aaron's Mummy & Daddy, for bringing both of their precious little bundles to me for their photographs taking x

[#WOW] Meet Claire from Chillipeeps!

Chillipeeps is the brainchild of Claire Mitchell a wife to Rob and mummy to Mimi - living in rural North Yorkshire. Claire is a #WOW Winner and is here to tell you all about her business!

Can you tell us a little about yourself as a person?
I was a Mitchell, that married a Mitchell. Had baby after 19 years together, what a brilliant surprise! Small, ball of energy and bursting with passion and belief. Want to be a foster mum when I grow up and learn how to sew beautifully. LOVE random acts of kindness.

How did you first set up the business? 
It all began with a real EUREKA moment. My husband Rob and I had just set off late to a family party to show off our beautiful baby daughter Mimi. I asked Rob if he’d picked up the clean sterilised bottle I’d prepared, as I couldn’t remember and knew I had a carton of ready-made formula in the car. As Rob clambered off the seat to rummage through the baby bag, I ranted, ‘why hasn’t anyone invented a teat that directly attach to the carton!’ Eureka!

How old is the business? 
Set up in 2007, 4 years in R&D and trading 3 years.

Did you ever think you’d be running your own business? 
Didn’t have any plans at the time, but love it now. HUGE highs and incredible lows, but great fun!

Where are you based? Do you have a shop or are you just online? 
Based in rural North Yorkshire. Our products are sold on www.chillipeeps.com and kids stores including JoJo Maman Bebe stores.

What is the most popular product sales wise?
Chillipeeps 3in1 Teats that attach directly to Aptamil, Cow&Gate, Fortini and Infatrini mini ready-made formula bottles, all ready-made formula cartons including SMA and HIPP and Evian and Volvic water bottles, perfect for feeding and rehydrating baby when you are out and about.

Everyone has a favourite product - what is yours? 
Chillipeeps 3in1 Teats and Spouts

What is your newest item / product?
Chillipeeps 3in1 Spouts

What is the one thing people must know about your business? 
Mum Invented from a real Eureka moment

What is your proudest business achievement? 
Chillipeeps Adapter made in Britain

What do you do when you aren’t working on the business? 
Spend time with my best buddy, my daughter Mimi

What five words describe your business? 
Genius! British. Multi-award winning

Any big plans for 2015 you can share? 
Creating our next ‘secret’ innovation ;)

How can we find out more about you:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chillipeepsteats
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chillipeeps
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/chillipeeps
Website: www.chillipeeps.com
Email: hello@chillipeeps.com
Blog: www.chillipeeps.com
Telephone: 01765 650117


Thank you for reading and finding more out about Claire's business! Will you be purchasing one to pop into your bags so you know you'll always have one to hand?

[#WOW] My #WOW Story

On Wednesday 28th January, I received the news that I had been named as one of Jacqueline Gold's #WOW Winners. 

Jacqueline, the CEO of Ann Summers and Knickerbox, is a passionate supporter of women in business and each Wednesday she invites female business owners to tweet her using the #WOW hashtag along with a short overview of their business. She then chooses her favourite three to become #WOW (Women on Wednesday) winners.

I entered #WOW but didn't think anything of it until I started getting lots of twitter notifications and wondered what had happened!

I tweeted and included a picture “@Jacqueline_Gold I’m a newborn specialist photographer creating lasting memories for those tiny precious bundles #wow” and then a few hours later came Jacqueline’s tweet came.

“Congratulations and celebrations for today’s #WOW winners: @BlueLightsPhoto, @dazzleandfizz and @BridesandBeauty”

I was crazily in shock. I had only recently started re-using twitter and this was the first time I had entered #WOW and next I'm being chosen as a #WOW Winner!

Jacqueline Gold also tweeted to her 46,000 followers “@BlueLightsPhoto is run by Adele who is a specialist in photography for new born babies and weddings”

Since then, a facebook group has been set up for all the #WOW winners, and I have invited the Child & Wedding related #WOW winners to guest on my Blog.

There is such an amount of amazing inspiration in these women that have been chosen, all of which have passion for their business' but realise what it is like to be a small business and that this is a massive achievement for each and every one of us.

Jacqueline selects her business' based on their strong brand values and potential to succeed in their industry. 

If you are a women in business then take part in #WOW every Wednesday 1-3pm make sure you tweet to @Jacqueline_Gold!

I look forward to showcasing some of the fabulous business' and fellow #WOW winners.

[Question] Why am I told to book my Newborn Session before baby arrives?

Most Newborn Photographers ask for you to book your session before your baby arrives - but why is this?

A lot of photographers, myself included only take a limited number of sessions per week / month. We all know that babies can come early, or late, but how things are planned within diaries - and especially the photographers that have children and childcare restraints.

Some parents do not like having thought of "chancing" or "tempting fate" by booking in too early, but as long as you book in before baby arrives then we can accommodate you hopefully. This is especially true for "busy" baby months - such as September!

Booking in early, just guarantees you a session with the photographer of your choice - you wouldn't leave booking your Wedding Photographer until the last minute.

[Wedding] Tale as Old as Time, Mr & Mrs White's Valentines Wedding at Waterton Park Hotel

When I arrived at Waterton Park, Wakefield on Saturday Morning, 14th February - there was definately no mistaking that there was a wedding here.

With the hearts, signage and pastel ribbons adorning the railings, it was time to go and find Charlotte & her maids getting ready.

Hair and make-up were already underway when I arrived - which meant they were set up and I could work around them. Lucy, Lynzi, Nicola & Heather along with Charlotte's Mum Angela were also in the room before Ava, Charlotte & Mark's daughter arrived a little later.

Charlotte's shoes were No 1 by Jenny Packham lace with gorgeous bow detail. And the beautiful pastel pink and peach bouquet was done by Kelly, at Enchanted Florist, Barnsley - who also did the table decorations & button holes too.

Charlotte's Dress was by Justin Alexander and she looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL - teaming it with a short Veil. 

Charlotte was walked down the aisle and given away by her Dad, Dave. The bridesmaids walked down first before Charlotte headed down the aisle to meet Mark.

Charlotte & Mark's Wedding was the first (and maybe only) Wedding to be held in the Waterton Suite in Walton Hall, whilst work is currently being undertaken at Waterton Park Hotel where the ceremonies normally are.

A string duet played whilst Charlotte walked down to Mark, and again on the way out. Playing beautiful instrumental music. Mark wore a Navy Suit - with a pink Cravat and Handkerchief - whilst the groomsmen matched the Bridesmaids.

Lots of smiles were had, and although a few tears and croaky voices it was totally clear to see how much these two were in love - and relishing in the fact that they were just becoming husband and wife.

After the Ceremony we headed out to the Vintage Bus which had delivered Mark, the Groomsmen and some guests, for some shots as unfortunately the February weather had started to rain a little outside.

Even the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen joined in with the fun on the bus!

The rain didn't and I don't think anything would have dampened Charlotte's smile!

Back inside was where we had to do some of the more formal group shots inside. Silly Rain!

Before, we managed to head out to keep Mark & Charlotte dry, whilst I was the one who got rained on! Part of the job!

Back inside and the Waterton Suite was turned around, the beautiful Cake was from Amandas Cakes - just lovely! I joke with Amanda, that everyone who books me, should book her for their cakes, because I know she will NOT let them down! 

Speeches were delivered by Charlotte's Dad, Dave - Mark and then Paul Mark's Brother and Best Man.

When everyone was chilling after the Wedding Breakfast, I managed to grab a couple of lovely shots of Ava, who was a bit overwhelmed with all the people there - but when there was only a few she was fine. I find that it is typical child behaviour at Weddings - theres a lot going on you know! 

Waterton provides some beautiful area's for "after dark" shots also which can look beautiful and give a different feel to your images.

With the Evening reception starting, the photobooth arriving, it was then time for Mr & Mrs White to take to the dancefloor for their first dance as Husband and Wife. Before we headed outside to play with some sparklers.

Massive Thank You to Mr & Mrs White, for allowing me to be part of their Wedding day!

[Tips] Buying an Engagement Ring

February - the month of LOVE and of course Valentine's day is around the corner too.

So I thought that I would look around at what Engagement Rings are available for all budgets under £1000.

Women if you are looking at hinting, then send your other half this blog.

Men if you are thinking of buying - then take note!

Diamonds work in Carats, the bigger the Carat generally the more expensive the ring - a 0.25ct Single Stone will also be more expensive than a 0.25ct Cluster Ring.

Budget Under £300

Not everyone has a big budget to buy an engagement ring, whatever the reason.
Gone are the days where it is a couple of weeks (and months) pay packet. 

Top Left: Ernest Jones - Silver & Rose Gold Diamond Set Ring £150
Bottom Left: Ernest Jones - Silver & Diamond 0.12pt Ring £199
Top Right: Ernest Jones - Silver Love's Embrace 0.10pt Ring £250
Bottom Right: Ernest Jones - Silver 0.20pt Diamond Framed Square Ring £299

Having worked in Jewellery many moons ago, my decision for these rings were based on a couple of different things. I was surprised, when looking, that there was less yellow gold than there used to be - but it is just a sign of the times.

Classic Solitaire rings seem to be moving a little bit further away and replaced more with the cluster style and vintage inspired rings.

Budget Under £500

A little bit more of a healthier budget, depending on what you or your other half likes. You will more than likely find that Silver, is now replaced with White Gold (not in all instances) and normally a higher diamond carat weight.

Left: Ernest Jones Silver Multi Stone 0.20pt Ring £350
Middle Top: Ernest Jones 9ct White Gold Illusion Set Diamond Ring £399
Middle: Bottom: Ernest Jones White Gold 0.15pt Flower Solitaire Ring £399
Right: H Samuel White Gold 0.17pt Illusion Set Solitaire Ring £399

A couple of the rings mention "Illusion Set" these diamonds are set within a ring of diamond cut white-gold. This helps bounce the light around from the stone - and makes the diamond appear bigger than it actually is.

Budget Under £1000

A budget between £500-£1000 is a popular budget for engagement rings, unless you can afford to stretch even further. Here is some of the different styles out there.

Top Left: Ernest Jones 0.17pt Illusion Solitaire Twist £599
Bottom Left: Ernest Jones 9ct Yellow Gold 0.19pt Illusion Set Trilogy Ring £650
Right: Ernest Jones 9ct White Gold Solitaire Cushion Halo Ring 0.50pt £999

Left: H Samuel 9ct White Gold 0.25pt Princess Cut £599
Middle: H Samuel 9ct Rose Gold 0.25pt Solitaire Twist £650
Right: H Samuel 18ct White Gold 0.25pt Classic Solitaire £899

And there we have a collection of different rings no matter what the budget. I have used Ernest Jones, and H Samuel for the ring choices as I know their stock as I used to work in their stocks. However, you are not limited to these Jewellers, and this is not a sponsored post and is only my views.

So...if I was to receive one - which is my favourite? These are my picks for each budget.

Under £300 - Ernest Jones Diamond Framed Square Ring £299
Under £500 - H Samuel Illusion Set Solitaire £399
Under £1000 - Ernest Jones Cushion Halo Ring £999

And if you are a man reading this and have absolutely no idea about the different shape of diamonds, here is a little bit for you for the more popular cuts you will see in the high street shops.

Brilliant Cut - Round Diamond normally found in a solitaire.

Princess Cut - Square Diamond
Emerald Cut - Rectangular Diamond
Oval Cut - Oval shaped Diamond

I hope you find this helpful! Happy Ring Shopping!