FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Planning a family, newborn or maternity photoshoot can come with plenty of questions. I’ve answered some of the most common ones below, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

A family of four, including a father, mother, and two young children, sitting outdoors on a white blanket in a grassy, wooded area during daytime. The mother is holding a baby, and the father is leaning close to the children, sharing a tender moment.

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs IN OXFORDSHIRE

  • I always recommend choosing outfits that feel comfortable, timeless and true to you. Soft neutrals, earthy tones and subtle textures tend to photograph beautifully and complement both the landscape and my editing style. Once you’re booked, I’ll send over a styling guide to help you choose outfits that work well together without feeling overly matched.

  • That’s completely normal and expected! My sessions are designed around children being children. There’s no pressure for little ones to sit still, smile on command or look at the camera. Instead, I gently guide your family through prompts and activities that allow genuine moments and connections to unfold naturally.

  • The most beautiful light is usually found during golden hour - the hour before sunset. This soft, flattering light creates the warm, dreamy feel you see throughout my portfolio. During the winter months, sessions can often take place earlier in the day, while summer sessions are usually scheduled later in the evening.

  • I might be biased, but absolutely. Children change so quickly, and family photographs become more valuable with every passing year. My aim is to create images that don’t just show what your family looked like, but remind you how this season of life felt.

  • You are not alone. Almost every client tells me this before their session. My approach is relaxed, natural and focused on connection rather than posing. I’ll gently guide you throughout so you’re never left wondering what to do.

  • Yes and no.

    My style is more prompted than posed. Rather than asking you to hold stiff poses, I’ll give you and your little ones things to do instead.

    Think: “Can you show Mummy the flower?”, “Can you and your big brother race back to Mum and Dad?”, or “Can Daddy have a big bear hug from behind?”

    That said, I’m always looking out for the moments that unfold naturally too. If I spot something beautiful happening, I might gently guide you with a small adjustment – perhaps asking you to cup her cheek, brush his hair from his eyes, or pull everyone a little closer together.

    The goal is never perfection. It’s creating photographs that feel natural, connected and genuinely like your family.

  • This is one of the number one concerns I hear from families. I have a soft spot for the wild kids who have their own agenda for the day!

    Your child doesn’t need to sit still, smile on command or look at the camera for me to create beautiful photographs. My sessions are designed around play, connection and curiosity, giving little ones the freedom to explore, cuddle, run, collect sticks, pick flowers or simply take things at their own pace.

    Some of the most meaningful images come from the moments parents worry about the most. So if your child is shy, energetic, strong-willed or somewhere in between, please know they’re already welcome exactly as they are.

    Even the families with the most wild, head strong kids have never come away disappointed with their photos.

A person holding a sleeping baby dressed in white, with the person's hand and a ring visible, against a blurred background.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs IN OXFORDSHIRE

  • I recommend booking during pregnancy, as soon as you feel comfortable to. We can reserve a provisional space and then adjust if needed once baby arrives.

  • Unlike traditional posed newborn photography, my approach is relaxed and baby-led, which means there is more flexibility. Many families choose to photograph their baby within the first few weeks, but beautiful newborn sessions can be captured with older babies too. If you’re looking to capture those tender first few weeks, I recommend we pencil in a date for around 2 weeks after your EDD and go from there.

  • Yes! In-home newborn sessions are one of my favourite ways to document this season of life. Photographing your family in your own home creates images that feel deeply personal and allows everyone to relax in familiar surroundings.

  • Babies cry. Babies need feeding. Babies need cuddles. That’s all completely normal and built into the pace of the session. There is never any pressure to rush your baby or work to a strict timetable.

  • Simple is usually best. Soft, neutral clothing, sleepsuits, knitted outfits or even just a nappy and blanket can photograph beautifully. The focus is always on your baby’s tiny details and your connection as a family rather than elaborate props or outfits. I also have a small selection of client wardrobe pieces for newborns which you are welcome to use.

A pregnant woman holding a child in her arms, outdoors, with greenery in the background. The child is wearing denim overalls and a white shirt, and is reaching down with one hand. The woman is wearing a white dress and a bracelet.

MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs IN OXFORDSHIRE

  • Most maternity sessions take place between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage your bump is beautifully visible while you’re hopefully still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.

  • Absolutely! Maternity sessions are about celebrating your growing family, so partners and siblings are always welcome to be involved. If you do decide to bring along siblings, your session will be charged at my ‘Family’ session rate.

  • The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Flowing dresses, knitwear, linen and clothing that gently highlights your bump all photograph beautifully. I’ll send over a styling guide after booking to help you choose outfits that suit both your personal style and my photography style. I also have a small selection of client wardrobe pieces for Mamas that you are welcome to use.

  • Not at all. I’ll gently guide you throughout the session so that nothing feels forced or awkward. My focus is always on creating natural images that feel authentic to you and your family. My photography style (especially for maternity sessions) is posed/prompted, but incorporates movement and aims to capture the moments between the moments.

  • Yes! In-home maternity sessions are totally underrated and a stunningly intimate way to document your growing family.

A man and a young boy running through a field of flowers with large trees in the background, black and white photo.

LOCATIONS, BOOKING & PRACTICAL FAQs

  • Most of my family, maternity and motherhood sessions take place outdoors at carefully selected locations across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. I know a variety of beautiful locations, from wildflower meadows and open countryside to woodland paths and long grass fields. If you’d prefer, we can also discuss using a location that is meaningful to your family.

  • Yes. I’m based in Oxfordshire and regularly photograph families across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas.

  • Yes. Many of my clients travel from across the Cotswolds and surrounding counties for sessions. If you have a particular location in mind, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss whether it’s suitable.

  • There are so many beautiful locations across Oxfordshire. The best location depends on the season and the look you’re hoping to achieve. From wildflower meadows and countryside views to woodland paths and open fields, I’m always happy to recommend locations that suit your family and the time of year.

  • A little cloud or light drizzle won’t usually affect a session and can actually create lovely conditions for photographs. If the weather is particularly poor or unsafe, we’ll simply rearrange for another date.

  • Simply get in touch through my enquiry form. Once we’ve agreed a date, I’ll send over your booking portal where you can complete your contract, questionnaire and deposit payment to secure your session.

  • I recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for newborn and autumn family sessions which tend to be the most popular. However, if you’re looking for a last-minute session, it’s always worth getting in touch to check availability.

  • Relaxed, unhurried and completely judgement-free. My sessions are designed to feel more like quality time with your family than a traditional photoshoot. There is no pressure for children to perform, no expectation that everyone looks at the camera, and no need to worry if things don’t go to plan. I’ll gently guide you when needed while leaving plenty of room for genuine moments to unfold naturally.

  • Your full gallery will consist of at least 60+ photos to choose from (but it’s usually closer to 100). Once you receive your gallery link, you’ll be able to pick your 10 favourites and have the opportunity to purchase more should you wish to!

Still have a question?

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.