OK, so what is the difference between a premium newborn session and a mini newborn session, surely they are the same thing?

I offer two types of newborn photography in the studio, my Premium Newborn session which is by far the most popular option, and I also offer a 'lighter' package with no frills too - but why are they different? surely they are the same?

The biggest difference is time it takes creating your artwork.
My premium session a lot more planning goes into this session right from your very first consultation. We discuss in great detail colour palettes so your session has bespoke styling through out to compliment your home interiors, you are investing your money in the perfect wall art so we want to create that show stopping piece for your living room walls and it needs to be perfect.
Your session is up to 4 hours in the studio to ensure each set, and pose is perfect, and this does take time but at the same time this 4 hours does fly by. You may have a Pinterest full of ideas that have inspired you for a certain look for your home, so specially sourced props, textures or colours may need to be ordered in for your photoshoot. Your baby will require feeding and tops ups during your visit so time is allocated to ensure your baby is happy, and some babies do need extra cuddles too.

The mini session is an hour where we can fit as many poses wrapped, awake or asleep in your hour. Your baby needs to arrive to the studio ready to go to get the most out of your allocated time slot.

Premium sessions have more options and variety with posing & props
With a lot more time available we can create more variety, change up the colours and styling and offer more complex posing and those rustic basket and prop shots. Full body shots, close ups, hands & feet shots. We can add anything in the studio you fancy to create something you will love. Your first family portrait is always a favourite, and your other children and fur babies can be included too. You will be presented a finished gallery of 20 images.

The mini session will be maximum 5 final images of your baby awake or asleep, wrapped in the same colour through out.

​

Professional Retouching
Your Premium session includes full professional retouching on all of the family and this is done to each clients personal requirements. Your baby will have any blemishes or milk spots reduced, and any redness or jaundice corrected to give the creamy skin tones as seen in my portfolio.
This session also includes composite editing where complex poses or props have been used and a parent is supporting the baby safely and needs to be removed from the photo.

The mini session has a light edit and overall image colour correction applied.

Overall Studio Experience
Your premium newborn session is tailored from start to finish. From the moment you enquire. In house ordering makes selecting the best products and images for your walls a fun and exciting experience up until the day you are holding your wall art in your hands ready to take it home.
Every step is bespoke to your exact requirements. 

The mini session is a shorter yet still a lovely experience in the studio, the only difference is your final images are emailed over to you as a downloadable link once they are ready.

I would only be able to offer a limited amount of mini sessions per month, just like the Premium Newborn sessions. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
​

I am often asked; "why does a newborn session take so long?" or "why is a newborn shoot 4 hours?"

There is many reasons why we schedule out 4 hours for a newborn photo shoot, each session is bespoke and tailored to your requirements, from the styling and chosen colour schemes to the props and poses.

Newborn sessions are entirely baby lead, and some babies do get the sleepy memo before their photo shoot and the rest decide it's playtime and they don't want to sleep.

1. Settling your baby 
Settling your baby can take time, some babies require lots of soothing and cuddles to relax them and fall into a deep sleep, some don't. Which ever category your baby falls into this part isn't rushed, your baby may require a feed to help settle or to be rocked to their favourite lullaby. I have had some baby's settle in a few minutes and other in an hour. Each baby is different and different methods work.

2. Accidents
So we have your baby settled and posed on the beautiful cream backdrop which matches your home decor perfectly when bam...... a cascading waterfall of poop and pee happens, lucky for you if it is on the backdrop and unlucky if it is on me or you. 
Accidents always happen in the studio when you have baby's with no nappies on - but we crave for those cutesy naked pictures of our baby, so with nappy free time - expect little accidents on the way.

3. Feeding Time
To keep your baby happy a full tummy is always best (even now I am the same - happy when fed). Once your baby has had a good feed and full tummy and all of the wind burped from them we are always good to go.
Often during their photo's I will sometimes re-position baby which may disturb them but it's nothing a quick suckle on a dummy or a top up milk can't sort. The newborn session is longer than regular sessions to allow plenty of time for baby feeds during their visit to the studio.

4. Family Pictures
Your newborn session has plenty of time for family pictures - your first professional portrait as a family of three, or even four or five! If older siblings are to have their pictures taken with their new baby brother or sister - these do take time. Prepping the baby so younger siblings can hold them safely to getting toddlers dressed into their photo outfits.

5. Props and Posing
You see all of the rustic props available in the studio? well some of these props (especially the swing) these have to be photographed in a special way to ensure baby safety whilst using this certain props. The photo's have to be capture in a way so I can safely composite them together in photo shop, or edit away hands or supporting fingers. 
Some props require baby to be inside it in a certain way, sometimes baby wriggles out of that pose an we have to start again, or they startle and jump out of position as soon as I pick up the camera!

The studio is full of beautiful outfits, headbands and bonnets, and parents can select any of these to use during the session, so it takes time making these changes during their session too. 
Relaxing your baby back into the previous position can take time, uncurling their little fingers again, and posing them. I have Netflix in the studio should you wish to watch a film or box set, or even bring along your favourite book, the time does pass rather quickly even if you sit there watching from start to finish - enjoy the experience of watching your baby have their pictures taken.

I only book in one newborn session per day. This is so we have plenty of time to settle your baby for their pictures and all of the above. 
Please don't plan anything in on the day of your newborn photo shoot, appointments with the midwife, or registering your baby or even a nail appointment, having plenty of time helps for a relaxing environment.
Some babies might not settle 2 - 3 hours into your appointment (and believe me - this does happen), having plenty of time assures us we have enough time, and no pressure on making your baby 'perform' as like you and I, babies can have off days too, they are human and no matter how much time they have, sometimes that day may not be their day and in these instances we choose another date.

If you have any further questions about newborn sessions or you are looking to book yours please do get in touch with me Sarah, at sarahmcleanphotography@live.co.uk

​Meeting lots of expecting mama to be’s, excited about the arrivals of their little bundles of joy in the coming month – put’s everything into perspective just how precious this once in a life time moment such as pregnancy actually are.
At the time your focus is to come to terms with becoming parents, wondering how you are going to look after, provide and teach your baby to learn & grow.
 
Every day your body changes and grows your tiny little human inside of you – feeling every flutter, hiccup and kick. You welcome your body changes knowing the day you finally meet your baby comes closer and closer.
 
As a baby photographer I meet many mums who have had different journey’s and stories to tell about their pregnancy, even if this is their first, second or third baby no pregnancy is ever the same.

​Choosing to have maternity photos shows the very start of your parenting journey – I love it when I look back at maternity photo’s I have taken in the studio, just how much love is there for someone they haven’t yet met, actual evidence of the love they felt, without ever laying eyes on them – it’s a precious moment you can never get back.
Having pregnancy bump portraits preserves those memories for a life time, one day your children will like to see your pictures in the photographic legacy you leave to them.
 
I look back at my photo’s from my pregnancy only to be disappointed I don’t have any flattering pictures where I look nice, or even beautiful – as much as my husband said I was ‘glowing’ I sure wasn’t in my photograph memories.
 
I have no special moments captured of my excitement waiting for the arrival of our daughter, I think I may have one or two bad angled photographs of this once in a lifetime moment carrying my daughter.

​Thank fully professional maternity photography isn’t as cheesy as it once was, and I, myself like to offer a more glamorous style of photo shoot to mama’s. I want ladies to feel beautiful and glamorous and get dressed up.
 
I have an ever growing client maternity wardrobe of luxury designer gowns & accessories – so there is no need to worry about what you are going to wear, or finding something that fits you, these gowns are all hand made especially for maternity photographers.
I recommend for the full luxury experience is to add professional hair & makeup by my recommended Makeup Artist by adding this to your package. 

​To find out more about Maternity Photography CLICK HERE
 
Don’t forget to book your Newborn Baby Photography CLICK HERE

If you enjoyed this post, or would like to book a session please get in touch, or leave comments below.

Sarah Mclean Photography
​14a Berry Lane
Longridge 
Preston 

Lancashire Maternity, Newborn Baby, Cake Smash & Family Photographer

 "What happens if my baby doesn't behave?" is a question I am asked over and over again with newborn photography, and yes it does happen from time to time, your baby isn't bad behaved... it is a baby and doing what babies do.
A skilled baby photographer will have a back up plan in place should your baby arrive to their photography studio unsettled for whatever reason.

A few reasons your baby may not be settled on their photoshoot day:

• Hungry
• Colic
• Growth Spurt
• Not enough sleep (Overt tired)
• Too much sleep (lots of awake time in the studio)
• Too hot/cold

Babies have growth spurts frequently and this can disturb your baby's feeding routine - you may notice they cluster feed quite often and are a lot more alert, this is your baby growing and trying to take more milk for their growth.

These growth spurts can affect the session only by the extra feeds and settling, and each session is totally baby lead just in case this happens.
​

When you book your newborn photography session with me, we have an initial phone consultation (either before or when your baby has arrived). 
With my preparation guide I discuss with parents lots of handy hints & tips on preparing for your appointment, and send you a copy of the guide to you.
Reading and following the guide means we should get the most from your baby at your session on the day.

As an experienced newborn photographer I have a selection of 'go too' poses I do during any newborn session if baby appears to be unsettled or having lots of 'awake time' I will work this into your photography session until your baby is ready for their nap time.
Some babies just prefer a lot more cuddles than others, and they can also pick up on tension and stress so try and relax during your photoshoot, and give off those sleepy vibes.

All newborn sessions are completely baby lead, if your baby isn't happy on their tummy then I won't pose them on their tummy. 
I check temperatures often too, sometimes babies are unsettled if they are too hot or cold and this is monitored during the whole session when baby is in wraps or in just skin.

In the many years I have been a newborn photographer, not all baby sessions go to plan and in the odd occasion I have re-scheduled a couple of sessions, normally when this happens baby comes back to the studio settled the second time after their 'practise' run ;-)
​

For information on availability call: 01772784499
 Visit: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Covering Clitheroe, Longridge, Blackburn, Preston, Chorley and Blackpool

Oren visited me at my studio in Preston, along with his big brother and sister so everyone could be involved, and not miss out on the fun of their first official family portrait together - I couldn't of asked for better models in my studio.
Sometimes it can be challenging managing little people in the studio, so I make it as much fun as possible but - these kids smashed it. The only hard bit was deciding who could hold Oren, they were both equally amazing at it so they both held him for pictures.
​
Oren's parents selected more neutral and rustic colours and tones for their pictures - dad is very handy with wood work so the rustic wooden back drop only seemed perfect to fit in with his interests.
In fact I have tapped him up to hopefully create some bespoke wooden props for my photo shoots..... watch this space.

I was so excited to use some new props I recently acquired in the studio (psssst don't tell my husband) - I am in love with this little bed set up on the rustic backdrop, finished with creams and neutral fabrics, whilst Oren sleeps peacefully, I didn't want to disturb him. This cute little bed was a favourite with both mum & dad.

I also include beautiful, timeless portraits in Black & White - these photo's are created using the parents hands, you will look back on these pictures in years to come wondering how your baby once curled up in your hands when you watch them running around the garden - or when they leave home to venture to university. When people say they grow so fast...... they really do.

How perfect are these three? these pictures are my most favourite once to capture in the studio - my heart melts so much.

Pictures are so precious - they are only this small ONCE.

Thank you for reading, If you enjoyed this post please leave a comment or share to your social media profiles.

If you are expecting a baby or your baby is already here CLICK HERE for more information.

www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

This time of year is awful for sickness & illness with lots of colds and bugs going around.

I know if you have a photo shoot arranged and you are all excited to have your family pictures updated, then your child is under the weather on the day of your shoot or is showing signs of a cold, snotty nose, and very clingy and grouchy - please get in touch to re-schedule your session.

Your child isn't going to be happy or smiley and we are not going to get the results you want form your session - and it's ok to reschedule, I have a family of my own so I do understand.

I also work with a lot of little newborn client's and expecting mamma's too, so I have to ensure I stay away from colds and bugs - these can be harmful or worst case even fatal! to newborn babies and pregnant ladies if passed on.

If I feel unwell my babies are my first priority and I will reschedule your session if I feel unwell or I am poorly - it can be an inconvenience but I do have you and your baby's best interests at heart, and I would hate to make you or them really unwell. 

If you have a photo shoot booked and your baby, child or family member are unwell - please get it touch so we can reschedule your session when they are all better again.

Here are some links from the NHS website which cover passing on illnesses to newborns and which can be fatal - such as cold sores!

NHS - Infections harmful in Pregnancy - READ MORE HERE
​NHS - Neonatal Herpes - READ MORE

So together -  let's create happy memories!


Sarah Mclean Photography
14a Berry Lane, 
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499

www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​Why Printing Your Pictures Is So Important
​
I’ll bet you have used your phone to take a picture of your family this week?  You might have used your phone camera today, you maybe even use your camera every day.  It has never been easier to take photographs – we all carry a camera in our mobile phone.  And yet our children have fewer and fewer physical prints to hold and look at.
When I was a child I used to love looking through an old tin of photographs my Grandma kept.  Mostly there was writing on the back with names I didn’t recognise and dates from long before I was born.  There were very formal black and white photographs mounted on fancy card that were obviously taken in Victorian photography studios – solemn family faces and soldiers in uniform.  It felt like I was looking at a mysterious forgotten time and I loved looking at the clothing, the old vehicles in the background and seeing how my gran looked as a young woman.  It was like I was time travelling. I could spend hours in that tin of photographs and chatting with gran about the people, places and times they pictured.
Imagine if those precious memories were instead sitting on something that needed a machine to let me see them. 
A machine that was around in the 40’s or even the 70’s.  Even if my gran had kept the machines I’d needed, would just seeing them hold the same magic for me.  Definitely not.
So have a think about where you store your own family photographs.  Are they on your mobile phone?  A hard drive?  CD’s?  Mini discs? (remember those!?) Floppy discs?  You get my point – technology is changing so rapidly that it can be difficult to keep up.  The must-have storage of today is archived in favour of something new every few years.
The only way you can be sure to preserve your picture memories for your children and grandchildren is to print them. One of my fondest child hood memory and even to this day, I enjoy flicking through dusty photo albums looking back on those memories that have been long forgotten.


Your Mobile Phone Pictures
For most of us, our mobile phones are where the majority of our ‘snaps’ are kept.  The everyday images of holidays, days out, toothy grins, first foods, and silly selfies.  These are the images your children will cherish when they grow up – you must print them!  And you have loads of options for printing from your mobile phone – here are some of my favourites:
I use an app called Free Prints...... find out more HERE
Free prints is so easy to use and links up with your social media such as your instagram and Facebook pages for easy printing – what would you do if all social media platforms closed? And you lost all of your memories you have shared over the years.


Your Professional Pictures
As well as the everyday snaps, most families choose a professional photographer like me to capture more important milestones.  New additions to your family, birthdays, a new pet, or the annual family portrait all involve a professional portrait photographer who can capture you all in a perfect setting, looking your best.  The portraits I produce at my photography studio in Preston,  Lancashire, are your own personal works of art and are designed to be displayed. 
​There’s lots of evidence to show that it boosts self-esteem, confidence and contentment when your portraits are displayed in your home.
I offer clients beautiful print packages as well as wall art, and although I do sell USB’s which hold the digital copies of your images, I would always recommend purchasing prints and wall art products from me as I use a professional lab so I can guarantee the quality. 
You don’t want to invest in beautiful portraits only to have them printed poorly. You want your photo’s to look their very best.

Time for new family portraits?  Click here to browse my portrait photography services

I had so much fun in Benjamin's newborn photography session. He slept like a dream......

 Mum, dad & Benjamin arrived to the studio for part one of his photoshoot. (I split the shoot into two sessions so his big sister didn't miss school and she joined us another day after school for their precious family & sibling photo's).

Harry Potter was a huge theme at his mummy & daddy's wedding last year, so it was only perfect to include the Magic of Harry Potter into Benjamin's newborn pictures.

The magical sorting hat chose Benjamin to go in to the Gryffindor house at Hogwarts....

Benjamin showed us his close ups and poses and looked so adorable, just look at his baby squish! 

I got to use green in Benjamin's newborn session and I am in love, these beautiful tones look great and adding colour in your bespoke session adds so much vibrancy and variety too, and the green looks so good against his skin tone too.

I understand myself that after having a baby, that getting in front of a camera is sometimes the last thing you want to do, but just look how precious mum and baby photo's are.

I can ensure you will look your very best when you have your mum and baby photo's with me - I know exactly how to position you all for the most beautiful family pictures, just check Vicky out here..... stunning! 

and we don't leave the dads out .......

Welcome to the world............

For more information on our Newborn Baby Photo shoots CLICK HERE

Beautiful photography from Bump, Birth and Beyond...... help a small business & share this post <3 

Sarah Mclean Photography
14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
01772784499

www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

If you are looking at getting away this summer for your family holidays with your new baby, here are some travel hacks before you travel with your baby this summer.
 
Is my newborn baby old enough to travel?

• Your baby needs to be at least two days old to travel via aeroplane
• And hold a valid passport or visa

 

​If your baby is under one years old check out this list of hacks before you head off this summer

1. Baby Carrier or Buggy
Choose a light weight buggy to use around the airport if you do require a buggy /stroller for your baby, you can even purchase a two in one, which is a car seat stroller, which are perfect for your journey from the airport to your hotel in your hire car or taxi. CLICK HERE FOR THE DOONA 
Baby slings or carriers mean you can check your stroller on to the aeroplane at check in and be hands free around the airport.​ CLICK HERE FOR CARRIERS

2. Check in Hand Luggage
If you have children with their own hand luggage, relieve stress at the airport by checking in your hand luggage. Easy Jet offer a fast track check in service with checked hand luggage free or at a small cost called HANDS FREE. This is a life saver with small children in control of bags at the airport plus less time waiting to check in means more free time to have lunch and browse duty free. Some air line allow you to check hand luggage free and voluntary – check with your airline provider. 

3. Meet & Greet Parking
Book early to get the best rates on meet and greet parking, hassle free especially with young children, there is no need to wait in a car park for a crowded airport shuttle there and back from the airport.

4. Baby Formula & Liquid restrictions
There are no restrictions on baby feeds and formula like other liquids. You are allowed to take enough feed for your baby’s journey.

5. Worried about Take off?
Feed your baby when the plane takes off to reduce ear aches and pains.

​Cot. Check your room and reservation has a cot before travelling
 
Cot Bedding. You may wish to bring bedding such as cot sheets that smell like home for your baby to settle better
 
Travel Black out Blind. If your baby wakes up at sunrise a travel blind may help early risers due to the sunlight
 
Sun Canopy. A canopy or umbrella for your stroller to keep your baby in the shade, and don’t forget your sun pod for the pool and beach to protect from the sun and wind
 
Rash Vests. For babies and children, they offer up to factor 50 sun protection against burns
 
Baby Monitor. A plug in baby monitor & nightlight for the night time feeds. Don’t forget your travel adaptors
 
Nappies, swim nappies, wipes and creams
 
Changing mat or disposable mats (Puppy pads work just as well)
 
Sun hat and Sun cream
 
Bibs. Opt for a rubber bib which can be wiped and washed. This will save having bibs to launder
 
Travel steriliser. You can also use steriliser pouches too and are available in most chemists and shops
 
Bottles. and formula milk
 
Food pouches if your baby is on solids, and spoon.
 
Spare clothes

Camera. You need to capture your baby's first holiday memories and snaps
 

Download your FREE printable check list here 

If you enjoyed reading the Tips & Tricks please give it a like and share 

In July we have an exciting special visit from the enchanted fairies!

Explore the secret fairy garden here in the studio, for our third Magical Fairy Experience.

This event SOLD OUT last time, we only have Limited Spaces available for this event
 BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.

I have teamed up with Enchanted Wedding, www.enchanted-wedding.co.uk/
who normally provide Bespoke Venue Styling for weddings & events with a magical fairytale themes.
Sarah Scott provides fairytale pieces to add to the scenery in our magical secret fairy garden.

Make wishes into the magical fairy pond whilst I capture magical fairy photo's - it's every little girl's dream to become a magical fairy, so with a sprinkle of fairy dust and a flutter of tiny wings we let the magic happen here in the studio. 
Your fairy images will be transformed with a sprinkle of fairy dust, and the magic will be added to your fairy pictures to make them even more special.

The Fairies will be here on the 21st & 22nd July 2018

With Packages starting at just £50 
Including: costume hire, fairy garden photo shoot and a selection of prints ready to frame
​......Don't miss out!
​
Reserve your spot today with just a £25 booking fee

Your own little fairy can choose to  wear a custom made fairy dress with 'real' fairy wings, and a beautiful flower garland head piece to complete their final look. 
Then they will step into the magical fairy garden for their Fairy Photo shoot, I will tell the story of the enchanted fairies, whilst posing your daughter and creating beautiful fairy portraits for you all to treasure.

​Each fairy will receive a special gift from the Enchanted Fairies too.

In a world of make believe, make your daughter's dreams come true.