Congratulations! your new baby has arrived!
A much awaited arrival after patiently waiting to meet him and her. 
You have been so busy with prepping for your new arrival, deciding on which pram to purchase, what colour to paint the nursery, not to mention stocking up boxes upon boxes of nappies - that you forgot to book your little one in for their professional newborn photo shoot.

So after searching the internet you are finding that Newborn photo shoots have been booked in advance so there is no sessions available, or you may be even told that a 3 weeks your newborn is too 'old' to be photographed for a 4 hour bespoke photography session.

You only want a few keepsake pictures of your baby at this fleeting time, and every day your baby is growing and changing.
​

​Don't fret! here at Sarah McLean Photography, we have designed a new all inclusive package for busy mums in mind. 
Our shortened down Newborn session is 'Pure & Simple' - just focusing on the most important part of - Recording your newborn baby as a set of timeless portraits before they grow and change any more.

These sessions also do not require advanced booking unlike our bespoke session, and can be booked when you have a spare hour one afternoon (subject to availability).

This session is suitable for babies up to 12 weeks - perfect for those who missed the initial fleeting two week newborn phase.

The Pure & Simple package also includes your favourite Five images as Hi resolution digital files, which are perfect for printing ans sharing your new images with family & friends, and this complete package makes an ideal Gift for someone who is expecting a new arrival or just had a baby.

All of the sessions take place in our baby friendly studio in Longridge, near Preston where you can sit and relax whilst we capture your babies first portraits.

With over 7 years experience in the speciality of Newborn Photography you can be guaranteed your baby is in the best hands for having their baby pictures taken.

For further information on our Newborn Baby Photo sessions, please call Sarah at the studio on: 01772784499

Or feel free to pop in for a chat over a coffee and have a look around.

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sarah McLean 
Your Newborn Baby Portrait Photographer

Studio: 14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​​Guest Blogger – Maureen Burton
The Benefits of Baby Massage

I am delighted to have Maureen Burton as our guest blogger to share her hints & tips of the benefits of her baby massage sessions.
 
Maureen Burton is the founder of Maureen Burton’s Baby Massage and Support Group based in Preston Lancashire.

​​Introducing Maureen,
Maureen is 62, and a mother to two adult boys, and has worked alongside the Health Visiting Team for 16 years, using baby massage as part of the post natal after care to new mums.
Over the years her passion for Infant Health grew and I focused on providing mums with a Baby Massage & Support centre at two local venues in the community – Grimsargh Village Hall, and Ribchester Club in Preston, Lancashire.
Maureen’s sole aim was to not only help mums bond with their babies, but to also create a meeting place for mums and parents to meet and have a network of friends and extra support. The need for support is greater after the NHS services were reduced.
 
Adjusting to life as a new mum can be a daunting yet such an enjoyable time with your new baby.
Maureen’s Baby Massage classes not only give you that crucial bonding time with your new baby, Maureen also shares tips on other popular topics such as weaning and sleep routines, and can signpost Mum’s to G.P’s for any medical advise.

​A little more about Baby Massage
 
What is baby massage?
Baby Massage originates from old Indian Culture and evidence has found that baby massage has been practised dating back over 3000 years, as routine part of childcare from the moment of birth until the baby is weaned and walking.
Since the late to mid 1900s baby massage has become popular here in the U.K and more emphasis on the physical bonding between the parents and baby that more and more professionals are encouraging parents to make baby massage a part of your daily routine.
 
Your baby has spent 9 month’s growing inside your womb with constant touch and contact on their skin, even during their birth your baby is still experiencing contact, and touch therapy has benefits to both parent & baby.
 
What are the Benefits for me and my baby?
There are many additional benefits from practising baby massage – such as;

• Eye to Eye contact – bonding with your baby
• Enhances bonding & attachment
• Stimulates, strengthens and regulates the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, musculature and nervous systems
• Helps relive Colic, wind and constipation
• Relax and Calms your baby
• Helps baby feel secure

• Support group with other mums & parents
• Make new friends
• Relives Tension - You time to relax with your baby

 
Maureen’s Baby Massage class teaches parent’s how to massage their baby – Here you learn essential massage strokes which soothe colicky babies and help relieve that stubborn trapped wind & constipation.
 
Babies from as early as birth start her classes, and attend up until they start crawling.
 
Her massage moves and strokes are sequenced with popular Nursery Rhymes which your baby will come to recognise the more they develop and one of Maureen’s moves which is set to the Rhyme ‘Pat-a-cake’ brings your babies arms out and opens the chest which helps your baby’s respiratory system.
 

Maureen’s excellent support group is an added benefit of attending her classes where mums can come and socialise with other mums, and make lots of new friends.
 
“Even when their babies have grown up and start nursery or even school, its lovely seeing the mums still keeping in touch, they have created lasting friendships”
 
After attending one of Maureen’s classes I got a first look on how beneficial her classes and her friendly advice given to the new mums who attend.
 
Maureen’s group also enjoy organising evening’s out, and meet ups so mums/parents can enjoy getting dressed up and socialise with their new friends – it’s such a friendly network of new parents. 

Find more information on Maureen's Baby Massage here on her facebook page below.

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

Following on from Maureen’s Baby Massage classes, are her “Learn through play” classes.
These classes differ from your general playgroup and toddler groups – they focus more on early learning development, using interactive toys to develop your toddler’s co-ordination and social skills with other children.  

https://www.facebook.com/Maureen-Burtons-Learn-Through-Play-1683566071907497/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
 
 
Using sensory objects that are sticky, tactile or varied textures helps in your toddler’s next stage development.
 
The Baby Massage classes start Mondays at 10am – 12 noon at Grimsargh Village hall, Grimsargh. Lancashire
and Wednesday’s 10am – 12 noon at Ribchester club. Ribchester, Lancashire

Contact: 07702826051
email: maureenburton1955@hotmail.com

There is no pre-booking system, Maureen likes parents to be able turn up as she understands that appointments and family life can sometimes clash with class days, all up-to-date class information can be found on her facebook page. 

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

​It's that time of year again, and you want to update your family portrait.
Just in time for Father's Day
 
You may be thinking of booking a professional photographer to capture your portrait, or you may take it yourself with a selfie stick – however you decide to capture your family and memories, check out our quick tip guide on what to wear, so you can look your very best for your artwork.

• Wear solid coloured clothing. Loud colours and patterns will draw attention to your clothing, and not the subject. Remember darker colours are more slimming too! Try and avoid logo and slogan t-shirts, these will date and go out of fashion.
• Which colours shall I wear? If there is more than one person being photographed together, pick three colours that complement each other from similar and complimenting colour palettes.
• Choose sleeved tops, or at least sleeves to the elbows. No sleeves or short sleeve tops draws attention to arms.
• Plain dark socks. Inside the studio I do suggest going barefoot, or at least matching dark socks with everyone being photographed.
• Hairstyles. Style your hair as you normally would. Why? Often clients will try a ‘new do’ on the day of the photo shoot, and when they see their pictures – they are not happy with their hair. If you do fancy a new style for your photo shoot, try it out before or have a professional stylist appointment before your session.
• Jewellery. Keep jewellery minimalist so it doesn’t distract from the subject in the photo. Simple jewellery will remain timeless for generations.

​

Looking for something special for his desk at work?

Our popular Father's Day Session's will be held on

Friday 12th May & Saturday 13th May
LIMITED slots available
£ 35

• Studio Photo shoot (up to 4 people)
• Framed Desk Print (Perfect for Dad's Desk)

EARLY BIRD BOOKINGS
For Bookings Booked on or before the 1st of May, you will receive an extra copy as a Mounted 8x6" print too! (perfect for Grand Parents)

Additional packages & gifts available

​click here to
BOOK NOW

Sarah McLean Photography
Newborn Baby & Family Photography Studio
14a Berry Lane (Above Christopher Moss)
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499
​website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​What to Expect When I’m Expecting You.......
The diary of a newborn and baby photographer is a complicated place!
Nobody told your baby that they are expected to turn up for their portrait session and while some can’t wait to get here, some are fashionably late. This makes my diary a wonderfully fluid place!

When you first book your session you will be required to pay the session booking fee to reserve your place in my diary.
I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I can ensure I can fit everybody in and work around midwife and health visitor appointments once your baby is here.
Once your baby arrives and you have settled back in at home just give me a call/email me and we can then confirm the best date and time for your session.

Your portrait session will take place in my comfortable purpose designed studio.
Newborn studios are not like traditional photography studios - they are designed to be warm and comfortable.
I want you and your baby to feel relaxed and comfortable so you are able to feed on demand and put your feet up with plenty of refreshments and a magazine (I even have some new dads who take a quick nap on the sofa!)
​Our studio has two separate shooting areas, one is fully dedicated to the newborn sessions which has a comfy sofa to relax on whilst I work my magic. Bottle warming facilities are available should you require to warm your baby's milk, and we are also breast feeding friendly. We also boast a bathroom/changing room should you wish to change outfits, or freshen up. 

The studio 

​So that I can capture your baby perfectly while they are still so brand new, for most of the session your baby will be in their birthday suit. Newborn clothes never fit correctly so we don’t get to see all those beautiful details that say ‘hey I’m brand new!’

​
However, one of the downsides of this, is your baby is guaranteed to poop and/or pee on props, blankets, perhaps even me or you! This is just par for the course, something I’m used to dealing with on a daily basis and something I allow for.
All of my blankets and props are washed after each session and I have plenty of cloths and towels to hand. You might want to pop a change of clothes for yourself into your changing bag, just in case the worse happens.

Your newborn portrait session can take up to 4 hours and the reason for this is your newborn will need feeding, cuddles and cleaning throughout the session which is baby led rather than photographer led.
​
I hope this article answers the many common questions but if you would like to book or discuss a session please contact me; CONTACT ME LINK

​Studio Tel: 01772 784499
website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Here at Sarah McLean Photography, we like to create a bespoke images which include your new little bundle of joy, and your past times. 

Little Peggy came into the studio at just 9 days to have her newborn pictures captured.

Her mummy has grown up around horses and I am pretty sure little Peggy will follow suit once she is old enough to ride in a saddle. 

So instead of waiting years to capture Peggy in the saddle - I captured her on it!

Carefully positioning her onto the sheepskin cover, fast asleep I posed her safely on there with mum and dad spotting her at all times. 

I could not wait to start editing this session once it was finished, knowing that I had created something spectacular and extra special for mum. As eager as I was to post a sneak peek, I didn't want to ruin the surprise and waited until their next appointment in the studio to come and see their beautiful images for the first time. 

After the slide show finished, Mum & Dad were thrilled! if not a tad emotional with happy tears streaming down their cheeks, mum couldn't begin to explain how happy she was with her custom image and how well it turned out her little newborn girl, sleepy and posed upon her saddle.

It's moments like this when my clients are extremely happy with their precious images, and their emotions like this show this, I get that warming feeling inside knowing my work has made them this happy. 

This is little Peggy upon her mum's riding saddle. 

​This portrait will look stunnning on one of our high end acrylics across any living room wall - for maxium visual impact. 


Call Sarah, and see what bespoke piece she can create you for your own newborn photo's.

Tel: 01772784499 or mobile: 07580128801

website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​Facebook: www.facebook.com/smcleanphotography

I have had lots of fun in the studio over the last couple of weeks with all the little ones turning one!

Lots of cakes were destroyed in the process too! 

Have a quick read about our Cake Smash sessions.  TIPS for booking your perfect Cake Smash

Tips for booking your Cake Smash session.

1. Book nice and early, especially if you require a weekend session as these fill rather fast
2. Choose your photographer based on their work, and style and recommendations! 
3. Choose or bake a cake that has lots & lots of sticky frosting - the messier the better.
4. Choose a cake your child will enjoy, there is no point of bringing a huge chocolate cake if your little one is not a huge chocolate fan.
5. Bring along anything you want to include in your session to make it more unique, if you have an idea, share it with me so I can plan ahead.
6. Sometimes Mummy's & Daddy's may need to get involved, please wear old clothing - just incase

​

Your little one WILL get rather sticky and messy, but don't panic. Our studio is fully equipped with a bathroom to make clean up easy and hassle free. 

Once your little one is nice and clean, we can then start the splash session, 15 mins bath time fun with bubbles infront of the camera! 

After all of the fun is over, you are invited back to our studio around 2-3 weeks after to see your images for the first time, this is where you choose your favourite images and your favourite products. 

Book your smash session now: 01772784499

​or visit: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Studio: 14a Berry Lane (Above Christopher Moss)
Longridge PR3 3JA

It's that time of year again to start planning family Christmas photo's, either for gifts, Christmas decor or just because. 

Why not take advantage of our Christmas Mini Sessions? Held exclusively on the 28th, 29th & 30th of October 2016 at our studio, on our beautiful Christmas Set.

All of the packages available include prints or images - so don't miss out! There are limited slots available and Slots are being taken - so booking is essential.  BOOK NOW:- 01772784499 or email me at: sarahmcleanphotography@live.co.uk

Mini sessions are ideal for giving the perfect gift to a loved one this year, or updating your holiday family portrait, sending personal Christmas cards out to friends and family. 

Don't miss out! secure your spot today with just a £20 non-refundable deposit (this is then discounted off your package, and the remainder due on the day).

Sarah McLean Photography
Studio:14a Berry Lane
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499

www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Over the last few months I have been getting this exciting new collection ready for reveal.

Belly Beautiful is a combined Maternity & Newborn Session which also includes a keepsake belly cast of your beautiful bump.

The casting is taken care of in my studio, so there is no need to make a mess in your home with a home kit, everything is provided here at Sarah McLean Photography. 

It's magical how this little one used to grow inside your tummy. 

For more information on Belly Beautiful, contact Sarah at the studio on: 01772784499
or visit: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk
​

I was lucky enough to bag myself a spot with Aspire Photography at the beginning of this month.
Not only did we learn about internet blogging at Aspire, they also set up a location shoot with real models.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Aspire and what they have to offer, I can only describe it as a huge photographer's playground - located in Carnforth, Aspire is hidden away amongst the trees and country foiliage. As i twisted and turned around the drive I pulled up to the courtyard - a photographer's shooting paradise! 

Aspire offer lots of different courses from wedding training, marketing and even food photography.

So after the welcomes and teas & amazing yummy cookies we grabbed our gear and headed to the 'Photographer's Paradise'.

Now being a studio photographer, I mainly use studio lighting in a dimly lit room and control the lights to acheive my vision in camera, so it was fantastic to venture outdoors and re-kindle my love for location portraits.

It was great to learn even more about photography, and even more valuable - finding the gorgeous light.

When I shoot portraits outdoors, wether it is a family or a wedding, I always have my flash gun firing away, and today I was taken out of my comfort zone and using NO flash at all! 

I was in my element! I loved the results of finding the perfect light, and how stunning these portraits turned out. 

One thing I love is learning more, and more, and I NEVER stop learning.

Always be the better photographer than the one you were yesterday :-)

​

I loved photographing this trio of siblings, they were fantastic to shoot, and took direction really well. even the little one who was dying to escape to run around. 

I hope to get out from the studio once in a while to have some 'play time' with my new skills. 

Sarah McLean Photography
Studio: 14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
Tel: 01772 784499

​www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

As a portrait photographer, this question pops up quite a lot prior to sessions on the phone consultation.

And with more and more maternity sessions becoming more popular, ladies want to look their best with their beautiful baby bumps. 

During pregnancy, ladies tend to feel, bloated and swollen and a great way to boost their self confidence and self esteem is to book a Pregnancy photo shoot, as well as stunning imagery of their changing body, a memory keepsake, or even just a record of how large their bumps were, it is my job to make 'YOU' feel amazing.

So you take the plunge, pick up the phone and book your session.........EEEEKKKK 'what do I wear?
If you were any thing like me during pregnancy, then nothing fitted, and if it fitted it was horrible and frumpy :-( 

What I suggest to ladies, wear just your skin, or underwear. If you feel a little insecure bring along a pair of jeans and your hubby's shirt, by the end of the shoot you are confident to show of your new beautiful shape.

Maternity Photoshoot - must have props

"ok I have every thing on your list, but I have stretch marks"

If you are self conscious of your 'Tigeress Stripes' these can be taken care of in the editing room after the shoot - if required. 

Now I have gone a little off topic now as I should be advising you of what to wear during your session - well we have already covered it, just check these ladies out who kept it simple during their session, Jeans, Shirt, Underwear. I will let you look at the images and decide.

​