There is nothing that I love more than cuddling a precious newborn baby during their Newborn Portrait Session... apart from when I get to meet that little baby before they are even earth side!

Starting my journey with my clients at their Maternity Portrait Session and being able to document their journey into parenthood from the start is so very special. As I get to meet, get to know and photograph this sweet pair whilst they are still just two people, before they become parents, or before they welcome another life into this world, and it's just such an exciting, transitional time for them and I LOVE being able to document that. There is just something so precious about sharing these moments with my clients, knowing that their worlds are about to change so very much and their hearts are about to grow fuller than they could ever imagine. 

​When you're expecting a baby, you may well find that all of your thoughts, emotions, plans and finances are based entirely around that little bundle, which is why booking a Maternity Session can sometimes get a little forgotten about or not necessarily prioritised. As parents and parents to-be you are already putting your unborn child's needs before your own, and of course you are! Focusing on yourself and carving out the time to do so can seem difficult when you have so much going on and all of your baby's needs are at the forefront of your minds.

When you start thinking about booking your photographer you'll, no doubt, be scrolling through social media cooing over those adorable newborn portraits, beautiful sleeping babies with those stinking cute back rolls and tiniest of toes, and we will get to that, in time.

​But right now, it's time for you.

It's time to celebrate you! Your love for each other and that fact that your incredible bodies made and are growing the next generation of your family. You guys are making another human! I will never get over how insanely wonderful and mind blowing that is!  

​​This is another reason why it is so important to book your Baby Photographer nice and early! It's not just so I have enough notice to get your due date booked into my busy schedule and to start planning the beautiful sets for your new baby's session, but also so we can make sure to get your Maternity Session booked in too! (Usually for when you are around 32+ weeks, by the way).

So when the sweet couple that feature in this blog contacted me to book in their Newborn Portrait Session one of the first things we chatted about was the option of creating a beautiful set of Maternity portraits too.

At first it was a fairly similar story, they hadn't really thought about documenting their pregnancy and were just thinking about their beautiful baby and capturing those adorable tiny baby portraits. And after chatting with this Mumma-to-be some more, she mentioned that she didn't feel very confident in front of the camera and was a little nervous about the idea of booking a Maternity Shoot. So, I gave her a little insight into what a beautiful pregnancy portrait session looks and feels like and also some of the reasons why I feel they are so very important.​

I explained that these portraits will become even more poignant after her 9 months are up and her nurturing body has completed it's task of creating life, and the memories of her bump have become, just that, a memory. And that these images will not only be an important documentation of this chapter in their family history, and a visual record of the start of their little girl's life, but they will also be so treasured by that little girl, once she is old enough to really appreciate and admire them.   

We discussed that their session could either take place in my cosy studio or at one of my many beautiful outdoors location and that she would have full use of the gorgeous items in my Maternity Wardrobe to wear for her portraits. And you know what, after discussing some ideas and totally putting her mind at ease about it all, this sweet pair ended up booking two sessions, one at the studio and one at one of my favourite outdoor locations! And the portraits we created together are just magic. 

Her first session took place in a beautiful Daisy Meadow with the most stunning late afternoon sunlight, along with her lovely man and doting Daddy-to-be. And the second session was a Bohemian inspired studio session, just for Mumma, which ended with some incredible and intimate nude portraits.

I am so so thankful that they trusted me to go ahead with the sessions and that she felt safe enough to let me capture such beautiful portraits of her incredible body and that precious baby bump.   

When I told this lovely lady that I was writing a blog about booking a Maternity Session with me which was going to feature portraits from their sessions, I asked if she would mind adding a few words about their experience. And this is what she had to say:

"When I first approached Nicola, I was expecting my first baby and was interested in booking a Newborn Photoshoot. However, she convinced me in to doing not only one but two Maternity Shoots, one in the studio and one in the Daisy Meadows. As somebody who didn't feel very confident pregnant and hid my bump a lot, this was something that was very out of my comfort zone, yet, on the day, Nicola made me feel so comfortable and confident. She captured some beautiful pictures of both me and my partner that I will treasure forever. Now that my baby girl is here, I look back on my Maternity photos in absolute awe of my pregnant body and what it achieved and I am so grateful to have them."

​When I photograph Mums to be and brand new parents, I totally get that you may not be feeling yourselves, that you are probably in some discomfort, not to mention no doubt sleep deprived, plus you may be feeling completely unfamiliar and self conscious with the changes going on with your bodies, so the thought of getting in front of the camera, and posing can be quite daunting. But, please be rest assured, whether you are in my lovely photography studio or at one of my gorgeous outdoor locations, whenever you are with me and in front of my camera, you are in safe hands. It is a safe space, full of support, kindness and with your own little cheerleader!

I am completely in awe of my amazing clients and the journeys they and their bodies have been on in the lead up to our meeting and there is nothing I want to do more than capture the pure joy and love you both have for that precious life that you have created. And as far as 'posing' goes, all you have to do is love on your sweet baby, and you are already nailing that! 

More information about my Maternity Portrait Sessions can be found right here!
Ready to book?? Pop over to the Contact page and let's chat!

​When this little chap's Mummy contacted me to book in his Newborn Portrait Session I was so super excited to meet him and to welcome a brand new family to the studio. Mummy Emily had been desperately searching for the perfect Newborn Portrait Specialist to capture these most fleeting, first family moments with their sweet boy and just so happened to see my name pop up on her Facebook feed after one of her friends visited my studio for her little one's newborn session. 

​​​The adorable Hugo was born towards the end of the last lockdown, so by the time we were able to book his session in, he was already 7 weeks old. Newbies usually visit the studio when they are around 2 weeks old, as this is when they are so wonderfully brand new and tend to be most sleepy and curly as they cosy up into those womb-like poses.  This is not to say that there is a cut off point for a newborn session, as all babies are different and sometimes little ones and their parents need a little more time to adjust to their new lives, so visit me slightly later on. 

​A slightly older newborn will likely be more alert, wanting to keep an eye on what's going on and they may want to freestyle with the posing, relaxing in to their own comfy, little poses, whilst flashing their sweet expressions and gurgles.

In order to create my beautiful, varied galleries of awake, sleepy, posed and relaxed portraits, it may mean that the session takes a little longer with lots of extra Sshhh's and cuddles to soothe them off to sleep. But we will always have all the time that we could need to ensure that you and your baby are super comfy and happy during your session, so we can all just go with your little one's flow. 

Two of my absolute favourite plus points of photographing older newborns includes adorable eye contact and squidge! Back rolls and chunky thighs are just the best!! And Hugo provided both of these by the bucket full!

​It is always so wonderful to be able to include some awake portraits during a Newborn Session, when that babe gazes up at you and fills you with wonder about what might be going through their little mind. When I am able to capture those tiny, micro expressions and the beginning of that little baby's unique character starting to reveal itself, it really is a joy to, not only witness, but be able to preserve that moment and give it back to my clients for them to hold on to forever.  

Hugo has the most beautiful, pale blue eyes and the most captivating gaze as he looked directly at me, as if my camera wasn't even there. His little expression looking so innocent, and yet wise and pensive at the same time. In reality, that connection of beautiful, direct eye contact will have just lasted for the shortest of moments, but I caught it! And now that moment will live on and act as a time capsule taking us right back to the start, to his very first Portrait Session, when he was so tiny and so very new.   

​​The family portraits that we created during the session are just so lovely, with Hugo staring down the camera throughout and there was such a wonderful connecting between them all. And that little laughing shot with his Dad is just the sweetest! I think the family portraits are one of the most important (and potentially overlooked) parts of the Newborn Session experience.

I get it, you are probably feeling like hell right now, absolutely shell shocked, overwhelmed, in pain and exhausted and yet feeling this incredible love for this tiny being and a new love for your partner that you didn't even know existed before. It's a lot to get your head around and I totally understand why the idea of getting in front of a camera may be pretty far down on your to-do list right now.

​But look, look at that tiny baby, look how small they are in your arms, and look how much they have already changed since they were born. And look at you, you're parents now! Your hearts and bodies have created, grown and safely delivered a new human in to the world! That's frickin incredible! You have created life and started (or added to) your family, this really is a life changing moment that must be documented, given credit for and cherished while you can. Because in a pretty short while, your baby wont be that tiny anymore and wont fit in your arms in quite the same way and nothing will ever be quite so new anymore. Its such a delicate and precious time.​   

Honestly, I just loved every single one of Hugo's portraits. I love the colour pallet that Mum chose, focusing on delicate neutral tones with a hint of soft green to compliment the décor in their home and nursery. Plus the selection of personal items that they brought along to be incorporated in to the session were just perfect. I particularly loved the wooden name sign and the rustic rainbow that meant so much to this family and their Rainbow Baby.  And his eyes, those wonderful blue eyes, just absolutely made this session for me!

​Plus, what an absolutely LOVELY family they are! Such a sweet couple who were so very appreciative of the experience they had at the studio and the time I spent creating their portraits for them. We chatted so much and I feel that I've already gotten to know them pretty well. Plus they have an adorable doggie (who has his own Instagram page... @ralphiewoocockapoo ) who will absolutely be making a star appearance at their next Portrait Session, which I am already way too excited for! 

So, without any further ado, I thought I would take this opportunity to share Hugo's full newborn gallery with you. This will give any lovely, new clients who have yet to visit the studio, a little insight in to my beautiful Newborn Portrait Sessions and the magic that is created during your time with me.

Of course, each session is bespoke to each family and is created following lots of planning, and pre session telephone consultations which is so much fun and means that I am able to create a gallery of portraits and stunning pieces of Wall Art for your home that you are going to fall in love with again and again. No two sessions are the same, but I do have a selection of signature poses and a creative style that I love and will always return to, so hopefully this should give you a feel for what you can expect when you bring your sweet babe to the Nicola Muir Photography studio.

(Make sure to click on each image to enlarge it and see the uncropped, high resolution version) 
​

​My Wedding Photography package includes a Pre Wedding Session, or an Engagement Session if you like, so I was super happy to be able to catch up with this lovely couple and their children ahead of their wedding day next Summer. And we were even able to book their session in for exactly a year to the day, before the big day next June. 

When I arrived, I chatted with the couple about their ideas for the sessions, what they hoped to get out of it and what their thoughts about their wedding photography, in general, were.
This is so important! Its so important for me to be able to gauge the vibe of my client's day and the things that are most important to them and also what their vibe is, as a couple. Yes, as a photographer,  I have a certain style and my own little ways of creating beautiful portraits, but also, this is a collaboration between me and my clients, it's not a one size fits all situation!
Everyone is different and every wedding is different, and how wonderful is that!?    

​So, for Laura and David, it was all about super laid back, unposed portraits with a focus on their children and them as a family. And I totally dig that! And the resulting portraits from their session are so beautifully authentic, with so many sweet, candid family moments and a sprinkling of peaceful, intimate portraits amongst the commotion, and I suspect that's pretty much what family life is like for this fivesome!

​Row row, row your boat, gently down the stream, if you see a crocodile, don't forget to....
Yer this entire session was pretty much sponsored by that song, and it was hilarious! 

​And can we please take a moment to appreciate just how adorable this last portrait is... 

To book your Wedding Photography package or your next Family Portrait Session pop over to the Contact page and let's make it happen!

Birth Photography...Wow! Where do I even start!

This is absolutely the most wonderful, awe inspiring and just magical part of my job. It genuinely is such a honour to be asked to capture these most intimate and precious moments for a family. I am in love with every single part of capturing a Birth Story. It is just so frickin exciting! And as it was International Home Birth Day yesterday, I thought I would give you a little insight into this side of my business and tell the story of this sweet family's Home Birth. 

It all starts when Mumma gets in touch and offers me the privilege of being their Birth Photographer. I then skip my way over to meet her and her birth partner(s), to chat about their plans, the environment that they want to create during these moments and the ways in which I can be a part of their experience in a non intrusive, positive and nurturing way.

Mumma's due date goes into my diary and I block out the weeks surrounding that date to be 'On Call'. Being on call means that I need to have my camera kit prepped and with me at all times, that I don't travel too far away from home, my phone remains on loud all day and night, that I have a pet sitter available at short notice and back up photographer friends to cover any bookings that may end up clashing with Mumma's labour, and that I don't do (or consume) anything that would result in me not being able to jump in my car with only a moments notice.

This build up to receiving 'The Call' is such a wonderful, exciting time, checking in with Mumma to see how she's doing, has she had any signs yet, wondering if it will be tonight, how long might her labour last, will the Midwives get there in time, will it be a boy or a girl??? 

When I arrive, I make sure to give Mum and her birth partner as much space as they need. We chat and laugh inbetween contractions, Ill make everyone cups of tea and I'll probably cry at some point (whilst remaining completely professional and 'in the zone' of course)!

I document every little part of your experience, and all of the tiny moments and overwhelming emotions that occur, the back rubs, the hand holding, the pain, the worry, the pile of fresh towels, the playlist, the birth affirmations, the first outfit ready to be worn, the smiles, the tears, the fear and the joy, the strength, the raw and the real.  

So when Charlotte and Stuart contacted me to ask me to capture their Birth Story, I was absolutely thrilled. I had met their lovely family a few times in the past, capturing their (then) youngest's Newborn Portrait Session and various family portraits since then, so it was wonderful to be able to join them to document the next chapter of their family history. 

With three beautiful Daughters already, it was even more exciting to find out that they had kept the gender of their fourth and final baby together, a surprise. 

It was around 4am on the 1st March that I got the call.

Charlotte sounded so incredibly composed, but knowing that she tends to labour very quickly, I knew I had to get there, fast. Within a few minutes I arrived at their home and began taking photographs. Charlotte's lovely Mum was there, along with her husband, Stuart, and their three girls were all tucked up in bed, fast asleep and non the wiser. 

This Mumma showed such incredible strength, remained calm and listened to her body throughout. With Stuart by her side, a complete tower of strength and support to her, which was so very heart warming to witness.

​As she continued to labour in the birthing pool, the room soon filled up with Community Midwives and Paramedics, all to aid the safe arrival of her sweet babe, who was quickly on the way! She laboured for around 2 hours from the time I arrived, before her baby entered this world. And the moment that they were given their baby and saw that he was in fact, A BOY, was a moment that will stay with me. At just over 10lbs, he was a gorgeous, squishy little man, who was to be named Rowhan Eurwyn Williams. 

​After the commotion of his birth, everything calmed down a little. His big sisters woke up and came down to meet him, little man enjoyed some skin to skin and his first feed, Mumma had her tea and toast, selfies were taken and the announcement phone calls were made.

And...I got to have a cuddle!

Photographing a birth is such an incredible experience and moments that I, as a photographer, as a woman, and as a friend, will cherish and could never forget. And memories, that these families and their little babies will be able to treasure forever and relive as often as they like.

Here's a snipit of Rowhan's wonderful Birth Story, along with some words written by his sweet Mumma about her Birth Photography experience. 

A favourite moment from our own Portrait Session in the Lake District by Jo Greenfield Photography 

​We created beautiful, relaxed portraits using my brand new Boho inspired set with its gorgeous bamboo furniture, textured blankets and cushions and house plants galore!

It just goes to show that there really isn't a bad time to book a Baby Portrait Session for your little one.  She was full of smiles and the most gorgeous, glistening eye contact. There were just so many cuddles, giggles and lots of baby chit chat between me and Miss Florence.  

I was also able to create some special Mummy and Me portraits which always makes my heart happy as I am a huge advocate for Mums and Dads getting involved in their sessions and to exist in their photographic family history. Way to go Mumma!  

I can't wait to see these two beautiful ladies again when Florence brings her whole family back to the studio to create their newest family portraits.

The lovely Rachel and James' portraits were taken at their beautiful wedding venue Bury Court Barn. 

Due to my absolute love of newborn photography and my amazing 5 year journey as a mobile photographer, I knew it was finally time to make the jump and open my own specialist studio.  

After always saying that 'in the future I'd love to have an in-home studio' I am so proud that after a lot of hard work, my dream has come true, and it is more perfect than I could have imagined. It has taken a little while to get to this stage after buying and renovating an entire house, just so that I could create this beautiful space, but it has been so worth it and I couldn't be more excited about starting this new creative adventure for my business. 

I look forward to capturing your journey in to parenthood by offering beautiful Maternity Portrait Sessions, Newborn Portrait Sessions and Older Baby Sessions. Situated at my home in Gosport, the studio has been custom designed to be a gorgeous and relaxing space for my expectant and new parent clients, with a rocking nursing chair, baby changing table and additional seating. ​