Coming up with new naughty elf ideas every year is hard! And if you are anything like me you remember you forgot to move the Elf just as your head hits the pillow. Hopefully this HUGE list will help when the mad panic ensues. Elf on the Shelf is Back! A letter from Santa to start off the magic. Naughty Minty Elfster! He is always a trickster. Swap the Oreo filling for minty toothpaste. Perfect way to show kids they need to keep up with the flossing over Christmas. Jingle Bells, your poop smells! Toilet rolls always need to get involved when the Elf comes to town. Whether he has written naughty messages on them or unwound one down the stairs… It’s Party Time! Dress up all their favourite toys in a bit of tinsel. The Elf had a big party while your kiddies were asleep! Melted snowman friend! For…
Where to go Pumpkin picking with the kids | Devon 2023
With the autumnal weather drawing in it is time to start thinking about the best places to go Pumpkin picking with the kids! In Devon we are so lucky to be surrounded by some amazing farms. I have picked my top 5 in South Devon for 2023. Pennywell Pumpkin Festival 2023 Where? Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh Voted Devons best family attraction in 2022 and 2023 this farm offers the perfect family day out. In October they are opening their Pumpkin Festival which includes the Pumpkin Patch, a pumpkin trail, live music, a marshmallow toasting experience and loads more! Pips Pick your Own Where? Pips pick your Own, Kilter Farm, Yealmpton They are open for Pumpkin picking from 1st October 2023. This year they are also offering a huge trick or treat shop. They also have a Bens Farm shop and Growers Organic Plant Centre all on site. Free parking and free…
Weird photography lingo explained | Plymouth baby photographer
Photography lingo can be so complicated but it is even worse when it is all abbreviated! I am going to summarise some weird photography lingo that I have picked up over the years. I am very guilty of using the lingo and assuming that my clients know what I am talking about. Don’t worry – I won’t test you in your session! A Tog! Now I hate this expression so much and I doubt you will ever hear me say it. A tog is short for a photographer. For me it reminds me of annoying toggles I struggled with as a kid on a jumper! A Drop – no this isn’t where you drop the baby! Drop is the slang word for backdrop. I will often talking about drops in your newborn session. This means the backdrop fabric that I place on my beanbag for your baby. Glass – If…
Lights! Camera! Poo!
Poo is probably my girls favourite word. I say probably because the word bum is also very high on the list! It is a word they often say in anger. (Thank goodness they don’t know any worse words, right?!)It is a word whispered when my girls are being cheeky. And the phrase ‘Mum I done a poo’ is too often shouted loudly in public bathrooms. (mortifying!) As parents we all have some incredible and hilarious poo stories. It is one of the many signs of an experienced parent. The days of going for a cheeky cocktail and having a gossip are gone. Instead parenthood is all about strong coffee and swapping worst poo stories. Why am I talking about poo? During your newborn session your baby will poo. It is inevitable. As soon as that nappy comes off and they get into the perfect pose on my beanbag the poo…
“I need to loose weight first” (And other excuses!)
“I need to loose weight first” is a sentence which appears far too often in my emails from you. And let me tell you that it breaks my heart! So I thought it about time that I address it. “But I need to loose weight first” Being a parent is HARD. I know. I have 2 children myself! We spend 9 months creating this fabulous new life and then throw ourselves into parenthood when they arrive. If you are anything like me you spent most of your maternity leave drinking too much caffeine, eating snack food instead of proper meals and never getting quite enough sleep. Sound familiar? Before I go any further I should just say that Dads this post is aimed at you too. In fact Dad’s are the worst for getting in front of the camera! So if you are a Dad who is a bit camera…
How old is TOO old for Baby Photos?
“How old is too old for Baby Photos?” is something I am asked ALL the time. Literally ALL the time. In fact I can guarantee that I have an email currently sat unopened in my inbox which has this exact question. With lockdown coming to an end in the UK I am aware that many of you have missed out on precious newborn photos. I am so sorry. I know how special this time in life is. In the blink of an eye they grow up. I still can’t quite believe that I have an almost 5 year old! I always advise that baby photos are best in the first few weeks. Your baby will still be super sleepy from birth. They still have the tiny wrinkly skin and are happy to curl up in fabulous positions. But if we have missed those first few weeks please do not panic!…
Looking back over 2020 | The year of COVID
Wow what a year this has been! Looking back over 2020 it has been a year filled with so many different challenges for us all. For me closing my business several times this year was disheartening but I am incredibly grateful to you all for supporting me. I have been surrounded by love and loyal clients throughout the whole year. I have been able to continue photographing newborns and cake smash sessions in my COVID secure studio. Thank you all for your overwhelming support! This year I also gained the title ‘award winning photographer‘ after winning multiple gold and highly commended awards. This is such a huge honour and was such an encouragement after the year we have had. Many sessions have had to be cancelled and rescheduled as well as weddings postponed this year. Despite this I am constantly reminded how much I love my job and how fortunate…
What should I pack in my hospital bag when I have a baby?
Knowing what to pack in the hospital bag when having a baby can seem like such a daunting task! I have listed below some ideas to help you start packing your hospital bag. My TOP TIP: You will need an overnight bag for yourself, a bag for baby and your birthing partner might want to pack a bag too! Hospital Bag for MUM Your BIRTH PLAN and MIDWIFE NOTES. These are really important as your midwife will need to check your history and record details of your labour and birth. Ask your midwife for advice if you need help writing a birth plan. If you have been prescribed any MEDICATION during pregnancy make sure you bring that too. CLOTHING – You will need at least one baggy outfit to wear during your labour. You will also want two or three extra outfits. Pack lots of underwear including a nursing bra…
How I am keeping you safe in June | Plymouth family photos
Keeping you safe is my top priority. I have spent the past few weeks and months carefully following the government updates. I am so excited to announce that as of Monday 1st June I will be able to start family sessions. What changes am I making going forward? Our sickness policy has been updated for 2020 I have always had a strict 48 hour sickness policy in place. This is to keep my other clients safe as well as my family. For the remainder of 2020 I am extending this to a 1 week sickness policy. If you or your children feel unwell up to one week before your session I ask that you get in touch so we can reschedule. There will be no additional fee to reschedule in 2020. The Studio is to remain closed. The government guidelines are very clear. Social distancing is to remain in place…
10 ways to soothe a new baby | Top Tips from a Plymouth photographer
An important question all new parents ask is ‘How do we soothe a new baby?’ I should start by saying that ALL babies are different. Something that might work for one child may not work for your newborn. I have collated my top 10 tips on how to soothe your new baby here in the hope that this blog might be helpful. There is nothing worse than struggling to get your newborn to sleep at 3am! Get rid of any obvious reasons your baby might be upset. Are they hungry? Do they need a change? Are they too hot/cold? Are they a bit windy? Rock your baby! They were moving for 9 months while in the womb so love the sense of motion. This could mean putting them in the buggy and going for a little walk. Or maybe a little ride in the car. Sometimes just a cuddle and…