Newborn photographer, Somerset
Lifestyle newborn photography: new life, caught in the moment
I’m a lifestyle newborn photographer, which means that I capture natural moments and real connections. The sleepy yawn of a baby just fed, the gentle touch of a proud sibling, and the wonder of parenthood, newly bestowed. In the blink of an eye, these memories fade - but, with each click of the shutter, I preserve them forever.
A lifestyle newborn session takes place in the comfort of your home. It is laid back, unhurried, and led by your family’s needs. If hunger strikes, your baby can feed. If a sibling wants to play, they can go right ahead. And if your baby needs a cuddle, so much the better. I’ll be there, camera in hand, to capture as much of it as you’d like.
A tailored experience
The quality of of your images matters to me. And so does the standard of the service I provide.
That's why I spend time getting to know you, and finding out your vision for your newborn photographs. It's why I help you plan how and where you images will be displayed. And it's why I take responsibility for turning your images into something tangible. Something beautiful. Something that you'll treasure.
Read more about what you can expect when you book me for a newborn photo shoot.
Pricing
When booking your newborn photo shoot, you pay a session fee of £99 (weekdays), or £149 (weekends or bank holidays).
Then, after your shoot, you decide how you'd like to display your images. I'll show you product samples and create mock-ups of any wall art you'd like to consider. With your decisions made, you then pay for the products that you've chosen. The starting investment for products is £299.
Find out more about my pricing structure here.
Your artwork
Choosing your artwork is the moment when it all comes together. The moment when your images come to life, your memories are preserved, and you realise your investment.
When it comes to creating your artwork, you can place your trust in me. I've visited trade fairs, built relationships with suppliers, and calibrated my computer screen to ensure colour accuracy. I've also commissioned sample products, so that you can see and feel their quality for yourself.
Product options include wall art, folio boxes, and board-mounted or matted prints. Visit this page for further information.
Kind words
Sarah recently photographed our new born baby boy at just 10 days old. We are absolutely thrilled with the natural shots Sarah captured of both our boys and the love they already have for one another.
Our photos were shot in the comfort of our own home using only natural lighting. This was ideal for us as it meant not having to take our tiny baby out and off to a studio.
The images are very natural which is exactly what we wanted. Sarah was absolutely fantastic and the images she has provided are first class.
Highly highly recommend Sarah.
— Kayleigh M.
If it’s sleepy, snuggly newborn photos that you’d like, the best time to capture these is between 7 and 14 days old. This is also the best age to photograph the tiny details, like eyelashes, lips and toes. But, given my approach to newborn photography, I place no limit on the baby’s age.
Bespoke shoot
A bespoke pet shoot is just that: customised to you. You choose the date, time and location. If I haven't shot at your location before, I'll visit it in advance, and work out the best spots to take your dog's portraits.
I limit the number of bespoke shoots that I book, to ensure flexibility and a first-rate service. Yours will be the only shoot that I book on your scheduled date – enabling us to work around the weather, and make the most of the best natural light. The shoot is lasts for up to 1.5 hours and, if time permits, can be spread across a couple of locations.
After the shoot, you receive a proofing gallery of up to 40 images, from which you choose your favourites. If you would like to purchase wall art, I design mock-ups to help you visualise how your images will look in your home.
Mini shoot
A pet mini shoot takes place on a date, and at a location, chosen by me. It lasts for 25 minutes, and usually takes place against one backdrop. It is suitable for up to two dogs from the same family, and works best if your dog is responsive to basic commands, and comfortable around new people.
After your mini shoot, you receive a proofing gallery of around 10-15 images. Your session fee includes three high-resolution digital downloads and matching 8x6" photographic prints. If you would like to purchase more than your three included images, there is the option to do so.
A pet mini shoot is ideal if you have a smaller budget, or would like a small number of images to update your walls.
I only schedule a maximum of two due dates per week, to ensure that I can accommodate babies around their actual delivery dates. So, I’d recommend booking your shoot after your 20-week scan. This also allows time for us to meet in advance, and for me to familiarise myself with your home.
Pet mini shoots usually take place within 30 minutes’ drive of Ilminster, Somerset – TA19. The general location will be advertised when the sessions are made available for booking, and the precise location confirmed upon booking.
When booking a mini-shoot day, I also pencil in a back-up date in case of bad weather. I will notify you of this date on booking, and if it rains heavily, your booking will transfer to the same slot on the back-up day.
If the forecast is for light rain/showers, it may be possible to proceed on the original date. I will keep an eye on the weather in the run-up to the shoot, and let you know if we are going to proceed.
A couple of weeks before your shoot, I’ll send you a digital guide on how to get ready for it. This will include advice on outfits, preparing your home, and readying your baby for the session.
The benefits of an at-home newborn shoot are numerous. From a practical perspective, it saves you the challenge of leaving the house. You can also ensure that your house is warm enough for any unclothed shots that you may like of your baby. Then there’s the advantage of having toys at hand for young siblings, and snacks and refreshments for anyone who wants them. And, if your baby needs changing or feeding, everything you need will be right there.
At-home shoots are also much more relaxed, which helps me to capture more natural shots of your family’s interactions.
In a word: no! I can (and do) remove leads from images in post production. My session preparation guide will contain more detailed advice on this.
I’ll usually only use one or two rooms (often the master bedroom and living room), so you certainly won’t need to clean the house from top to bottom.
Where possible, I’ll carry out a pre-shoot consultation at your house. Among other things, this will give me a chance to get a feel for the layout of your house, and where the light falls. That way, you should know in advance which rooms I’m likely to use on the day.
A few days after you book your mini shoot, I will send you a guide on what to expect from the session, and how to prepare for it.
Usually, newborn shoots take around two hours. This allows time to feed and settle your baby, change their outfit as required, and drink as many cups of tea as you’d like!
It’s important to me that your shoot feels relaxed and unrushed. That’s why we’ll be led by your baby, without clock-watching.
If your dog is nervous or reactive, please contact me prior to booking and we can discuss whether a mini shoot will be suitable.
Due to the shorter length of these shoots, the sessions are for pets only.
In my experience, mid-morning is the ideal time to carry out a newborn shoot. Babies are often most settled at this time of day, and it allows time for everyone to have breakfast beforehand. Usually, we’ll finish in time for lunch, and you can have the rest of the day to yourselves.
If, when your baby arrives, it would suit you to have the shoot at a different time of day, that’s no problem. Yours will be the only session of the day, so we can move it around as necessary - subject to the availability of natural light.
My photo shoots usually take place in Somerset, Devon and West Dorset. I’m happy to travel further, though – I simply charge mileage at 45p a mile for shoots beyond a 30-mile radius of Ilminster.
I aim to have your images ready to view within two weeks of the shoot date. If you need the images sooner than this, please let me know when booking your shoot.
Most of my family photo shoots take place outdoors. That way, I can make best use of the natural light, and the beautiful locations in the Somerset, Devon and West Dorset area.
If you have a location in mind, we can carry out your shoot there – subject to obtaining the relevant permission if it’s not on public land. Or, if you’d like some ideas, I have plenty up my sleeve.
To help you to get ready for the session, I’ll send you a digital pre-shoot guide. This will contain advice about clothing and, if there are young children involved, tips on how to prepare them.
I allow up to 90 minutes for outdoor family shoots. This allows for a relaxed pace, and enables me to capture a good variety of portraits for your gallery.
This depends on a number of factors. Most importantly, it will need to be a time that suits your family – especially if young children are involved. I’ll also need to consider the location itself, and how I can use the natural light.
We can discuss all of this when you book your shoot and, if necessary, once I’ve visited your location.
I usually work in Somerset, Devon and West Dorset. But I’m happy to travel further, and charge mileage at 45p a mile for shoots that take place beyond a 30-mile radius of Ilminster, Somerset.
All of my pet photo shoots take place outdoors. That way your pet will feel at ease, and your photographs will be natural. I can also make best use of the natural light, and the beautiful locations in the Somerset, Devon and West Dorset area.
If you have a location in mind, we can carry out your shoot there – subject to obtaining the relevant permission if it’s not on public land. Or, if you’d like some ideas, I have plenty up my sleeve.
After your initial consultation, I will provide you with a welcome pack. This will include advice on how to prepare your pet, and guidance about what to expect on the day.
Outdoor pet shoots usually take up to two hours. This allows for a relaxed pace, and time for me to capture a good variety of portraits and candid shots.
Where possible, my pet photo shoots take place during the late afternoon/early evening, when the light is at its softest and most beautiful. But, in the right location, I can shoot at any time of the day.
I usually work in Somerset, Devon and West Dorset. But I’m happy to travel further, and charge mileage at 45p a mile for shoots that take place beyond a 30-mile radius of Ilminster, Somerset.
Wet weather is an occupational hazard of location photography, and something I'm used to managing.
If the rain is light, we can proceed with the shoot if you're happy to do so. But if it's heavy, we may need to reschedule.
I will monitor the weather forecast in the run-up to your session, so that we can decide whether to proceed.
In a word, no.
There are plenty of photographs that it is possible to take with your pet on the lead. I simply give you guidance on how to hold the lead, and edit it out afterwards.
Absolutely. This is a lovely way of showing the bond that exists between you and your dog. I can include you in posed portraits, action shots, or a mixture of both.
My approach suits any preschool or primary school with suitable outdoor grounds. It is also suited to special schools, whose pupils may benefit from a more relaxed and nurturing school portrait experience.
Depending on the size of the school, the shoot takes place over one or two days. I work with office staff to plan the logistics in a way that is minimally disruptive, and meets your school’s requirements.
No. There is no cost to the school – parents simply purchase what they wish, once they have viewed their child’s gallery.
Due to the outdoor nature of my work, I suggest booking photo days for the first half of the autumn term (up to the first week after the half-term break), or alternatively in the spring/summer months.
Yes. I take whole-class photographs outdoors, as well as leavers' photos.
Yes. If two or more siblings attend the school, I photograph them individually and together.
Yes. I have professional indemnity insurance of £1 million, and public and products liability cover of £5 million.
I take great care with the data I acquire, using GDPR-compliant software that is specifically designed for school and nursery photography.
Each child's images will be uploaded to an individual, secure online gallery, accessible only to those with its unique password.
When I book a shoot, I pencil in the same number of back-up days in case of rainy weather. If these aren’t required, they can be used to photograph children who were absent on the original date.
I currently cover Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset.
On photo day, each child will be given an access card to take home. This contains a code to access their gallery of images, which will be ready within around 14 days of the shoot. Parents can enter their details to receive a notification when the portraits are ready, then view the images and place their order online.
Print orders are sent in a batch for distribution at school, but parents also have the option of direct shipping for a small delivery charge. Digital images are available for immediate download.
Yes. I offer the option of 10% commission on profits, or the equivalent value of shooting time for your school
I am very flexible in the way I work, and tailor the shoot to the requirements and routines of your setting.
Typically, I will photograph children in small groups, accompanied by a member of nursery staff. I don't rush, and measure success by the amount of fun we have!
I can carry out nursery photo shoots at any time of the year, but due to the outdoor nature of my work, the spring/early summer months are usually the most popular.
I currently cover Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset.
On photo day, each child will be given an access card to take home. This contains a code to access their gallery of images, which will be ready within around 14 days of the shoot. Parents can enter their details to receive a notification when the portraits are ready, then view the images and place their order online.
Print orders are sent in a batch for distribution at nusery, but parents also have the option of direct shipping for a small delivery charge. Digital images are available for immediate download.
No. There is no cost to the nursery – parents simply purchase what they wish, once they have viewed their child’s gallery.
Yes. I have professional indemnity insurance of £1 million, and public and products liability cover of £5 million.
I take great care with the data I acquire, using GDPR-compliant software that is specifically designed for school and nursery photography.
Each child's images will be uploaded to an individual, secure online gallery, accessible only to those with its unique password.
I usually pencil in back-up days so that we can reschedule if the weather is inclement. Another option is to identify suitable indoor or covered outdoor areas to use for the shoot.
Yes. If two or more siblings attend the school, I photograph them individually and together.
Yes. I offer the option of 10% commission on profits, or the equivalent value of commercial shooting time for your setting.
Bespoke shoot
A bespoke family shoot is just that: customised to you. You choose the date, time and location. I visit your location in advance, and work out the best spots to take your portraits – identifying different backdrops to provide variety in your gallery. I take time to find out about your family: your personalities, interests, and what you enjoy doing together. We discuss your vision for your family photographs, and how you’d like to display them. And I give you advice on styling and shoot preparation, to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
I place a limit on the number of bespoke shoots that I book, to ensure that every family receives first-rate customer service. Yours will be the only shoot that I book on your scheduled date – enabling us to work around the weather, and make the most of the best natural light. The shoot is relaxed and unhurried, and lasts for up to two hours.
After the shoot, you receive a proofing gallery of around 20-40 fully edited images, from which you choose your favourites. If you would like to purchase wall art, I design mock-ups to help you visualise how your images will look in your home.
Mini shoot
A family mini shoot takes place on a date, and at a location, chosen by me. It lasts for 25 minutes, and usually takes place against one backdrop. It is suitable for smaller families, and children who are comfortable in front of the camera.
After your mini shoot, you receive a proofing gallery of around 10-15 images. Your session fee includes three high-resolution digital downloads and matching prints, and you have the option to purchase the full gallery and/or a multi-aperture frame.
A mini shoot is ideal if you would like a small number of images to update your walls, or to gift to family and friends.
Family mini shoots usually take place within 30 minutes’ drive of Ilminster, Somerset – TA19. The precise location depends on the season, and I will confirm this the week before the shoot.
Before the shoot, I will provide you with a guide on what to wear and how to prepare.
I aim to have your images ready to view within two weeks of the shoot date. If you need the images sooner than this, please let me know when booking your shoot.
When booking a mini-shoot day, I also pencil in a back-up date in case of bad weather. I will notify you of this date on booking, and if it rains heavily, your booking will transfer to the same slot on the back-up day.
If the forecast is for light rain/showers, it may be possible to proceed on the original date. I will keep an eye on the weather in the run-up to the shoot, and let you know if we are going to proceed.
Due to the shorter session time, a family mini shoot is suitable for immediate family only – parent(s) and child(ren). It is most suited to smaller families (two children, or three if all are over the age of three).
If you would like to include extended family, consider booking a bespoke family shoot.
If you book a shoot for a single dog, the price includes a 15-minute session and one high-resolution digital download. If you book a shoot for two dogs, the price includes a 25-minute session and three high-resolution digital downloads.
In both cases, the digital downloads come with printing rights for personal use.
If you wish to purchase additional images, there are upgrade options available once you view your gallery.
Due to the short length of these sessions, and the size of the backdrop, these sessions are for pets only.
After your pet's Santa Paws session, I select the best images and edit them all individually. They will available to view within two weeks of the shoot date.
Within two weeks of your pet's shoot, I will email you a link to an online gallery featuring the best images from the session.
For single-dog sessions, I aim to include approximately five images in each gallery, and for two-dog sessions, around 10 images.
In either case, the exact number may vary depending on the personality of each dog that I'm photographing.
As not all dogs will be comfortable with Santa, my assistant will not be wearing a full Santa costume. Instead, she will wear just a Santa sleeve and gloves.
I am keeping these sessions deliberately simple, to keep the focus on your pet and their lovely expressions. As such, I will not have any wearable props - but you are, of course, welcome to bring your own!
If your dog is nervous or reactive, please let me know on your booking form. Your pet will be the only dog in the hall during their session, and I am asking each attendee to wait outside (or in the hall foyer, if raining) until their shoot time.
A few days after you book your shoot, I will send you a guide on how to prepare for your session.
The images will be available as high-resolution digital files that you can use to design your own cards and gifts. Not only does this keep costs down, but it also means that you can choose your own card design (for example, if you have two dogs, you can choose a template that enables you to feature images of both of them). If you would like a recommendation of where to print your Christmas cards, I will provide this after your shoot.
Yes. If you would like to purchase prints in addition to digital files, this option will be available via your online gallery. And if you'd like to turn a portrait into a piece of bespoke festive wall art, I can also help you with this.
The price includes
- A 30-minute shoot
- All post production work
- One high-resolution digital download, including printing rights for personal use
- A matching 9x6" professional photographic print
- All materials used in the session - for example canvases, paints, brushes, rollers and stamps
If you wish to purchase additional images once you have viewed your gallery, there are upgrade options available (as detailed above).
Within two weeks of the shoot date, I will send you a link to a gallery of proofs (usually around 25 images).
You will have access to this gallery for a week - giving you time to decide which images you would like to keep, and the chance to share the proofs with family and friends.
Within two weeks of the shoot date, I will email you a link to an online gallery of the best images from your session (usually around 25 proofs).
Due to space constraints these shoots are for children only (up to a maximum of two children per shoot).
When the shoot is complete, I carry out post-production work on your images. This involves selecting the very best portraits for your gallery, and carrying out an initial edit (white balance, exposure, colour, contrast and cropping).
When you have chosen your favourite image(s) from the shoot, I carry out a more detailed edit on these - for example, cleaning mucky noses, removing unwanted distractions and tidying up the backdrop (if necessary).
No. I can take some portraits of your child before the paints come out - and if you don't wish for your child to get messy, they can spend their session time painting a canvas and/or the white vinyl floor.
You will have the opportunity to specify your preferences when booking your session.
The sessions have been scheduled with 30 minutes in between, allowing you plenty of time to clean up after your child's shoot. We will provide water and soap, but ask that you bring your own sponge/flannel and towels.
A few days after you book your child's shoot, I will send you a guide containing all of the information you need to prepare for it.
If you'd like your child to get messy, white clothing works fantastically. By the end of the shoot, your child will turn into a canvas - providing you with an additional keepsake from the session!
Due to space constraints, it's only possible to include two children in the frame at once (up to a maximum of 5 years of age). However, if you have more than two children/older children, there are other possibilities - please feel free to contact me to discuss.
The upper age limit of 5 is due to space constraints: if one or more of your children is older than this, it may be tricky to fit them both into the frame (especially when it comes to the messier part of the shoot!).
However, I can photograph your children individually, and it may be possible to take some posed shots of them together.
If you would like to discuss this before booking, please do get in touch and I can talk you through the options.
The price includes
A 25-minute shoot
Advice on styling and preparation for your shoot
Post production/image retouching
3 high-resolution digital images
Printing rights for personal use
Advice on printing and archiving your images
If you wish to purchase additional images once you have viewed your gallery, there are upgrade options available.
Christmas mini shoots are suitable for up to 5 people from the same family.
Before the shoot, I will provide you with a guide on what to wear and how to prepare.
The shoot will take place at The Family Hub, Unit 2A, Ashwell Business Park, Ilminster, TA19 9DX.
I aim to have your proofing gallery ready to view within two weeks of your shoot date.
When the shoot is complete, I carry out post-production work on your images. This involves selecting and editing the very best portraits for your gallery (around 10 in total).
The images will be available as high-resolution digital files that you can use to design your own cards and gifts. Not only does this keep costs down, but it also means that you can choose your own card design. If you would like a recommendation of where to print your Christmas cards, I will provide this after your shoot.
If you would like to purchase additional portraits, these are priced at £25 per additional digital image, or £125 for the whole gallery (around 10 images).
If you choose to upgrade to the whole gallery, you will receive a complimentary as detailed above (snow globe or bauble).