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

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

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

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.

​It’s nearing your baby’s first big milestone – their first birthday, it’s been a busy first year and you have done it! So why not celebrate this special occasion with a first birthday cake smash photo shoot.

What is a Cake smash?
 
It’s a fun filled celebration portrait package, with cake, balloons, bunting, and party decorations – to mark this first big milestone, turning one.
 
It involves a professional portrait session in my photography studio based in Preston, Lancashire. I create a bespoke set to your chosen theme, colours and source the decorations to make a unique set for your baby’s birthday. We start off capturing those important milestone birthday pictures, and then we bring out the cake.
Your baby has fun, touching, tasting and playing with the cake whilst creating beautiful memories of this once in a life time occasion.
Clean up is just as fun with a splash session, with lots of bubbles and ruby ducks and lots of giggles – little ones, love bath time!
 
So you have booked your Cake Smash session, here are some handy tips on getting the most from your portrait shoot in the studio. 

Preparation
In the weeks leading up to your cake smash, let your baby play with finger foods. Introduce new tastes and textures and encourage messy play. Move away from the high chair to the floor so your baby is introduced to the idea of eating on the floor with finger foods. This helps to build up their confidence.
 
NEVER force your baby to eat or touch food, or stick their hands into the food or cake.
Some babies prefer to try new things, and others prefer a little more time.
Encourage play, and get involved too – this helps them to become more confident with experiencing  new textures and flavours prior to their cake smash.
Finally Introduce a cup cake with frosting. Some babies haven’t experienced such sweet and sticky foods before, so doing this won’t be such a shock on the day, gradually build them up with different textures and flavours and find their favourite type of cake.

​Cake Smash Day
Relax and take it easy and try not to over stimulate your baby with lots of activities on the day of their cake smash, and try and encourage a nap so they are not over tired and grumpy when they arrive to the studio.
 
Give your baby a healthy protein filled breakfast on the morning of their cake smash.
 
Remember the studio and me; the photographer are new to your baby and like trying new foods, some little ones need time to adjust and feel comfortable in a new place, with new people and their new surroundings.

What to bring
Bring your cake, Pack a bag with, a change of clothes (for you and your baby), Cake smash outfit, towel, baby bath, drinks, snacks (savoury ones work best as we use these to get the most of the cake smash when your baby doesn’t want any more cake), favourite toy.
 
This is a celebration session, please enjoy the experience and be in a happy mood, even if the session is moving slower than you expected – your baby can sense tension, and may need a little more time to ‘perform’ on the day. We sing songs and play games, so please have your babies favourite songs saved on your mobile phone ready.
 
Smile and enjoy the fun - let me create you those beautiful memories for you and your family.

For more information on Cake smash & celebration packages click the link > ​www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk/cakesmash.html

Sarah McLean Photography
14a Berry Lane
Longridge
PR3 3JA

01772784499

​Website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

What is a Cake Smash?
Cake smash is a portrait photo shoot to celebrate a big milestone such as a first or second birthday, or even a 30th or 40th.

The Cake smash experience I provide here at my Preston, Lancashire based studio is a custom smash experience whilst capturing those adorable milestone pictures, and expressions whilst your little one explores their cake.

Each session is custom designed with your choice of decorations & balloons to make your smash look different from the last. 
I am also excited to announce that we now offer bespoke cakes by (click here to visit Sophie's Page>) Sophie's Cupcakes. 
​You can add these to any of our Cake Smash packages, Sophie will create your custom cake to fit your perfect smash theme, and taste. 

With choices from Giant Cupcakes, Drip Cakes, Naked Cakes, and Decadent Luxury Cakes, Sophie will bake the most delicious cake for you.

When should I book a Cake Smash?
Most client's will get in touch with me a couple of month's before their son or daughter's first birthday. Booking your cake smash photo shoot early will give you better options of dates (especially Saturday slot's) around the time you wish to organise their smash session. 
Make their birthday one to remember and book their photo's on their birthday, or schedule it a month before so you can share their beautiful images at their birthday party. 

I love to shoot with lots of colour for Cake Smash, colours make your smash look so much more fun and like a celebration, a lot like a party with lots of balloons, confetti, decorations and streamers to customise it to fit in with their birthday party theme. 

What happens after the smash? where can I clean up ?
My studio boasts a bathroom for easy clean up, but don't worry we also provide a Splash part to your session at no extra cost!
With a bubble bath filled with soapy water & bubbles, your little one can clean up and have some gorgeous photo's captured at the same time, catching bubbles or just action shots having fun splashing whilst removing the cake from them so they leave the studio squeaky clean....... PERFECT!

If your son or daughter have already turned one, then don't worry - Cake smash can be arranged at any time, there's alway's  a reason for cake! 

What do I bring to my Cake Smash?
All you need to bring is your choice of yummy cake if you don't opt for one of Sophie's yummy cakes.
And a smash out fit if you would like to provide your own. If you wish to bring along your own props to make your smash more personal please share your ideas - I would love to create your perfect smash set with your vision in mind.

My studio is based in Longridge, which is near Preston in Lancashire.
and is fully equipped with everything you need for your perfect birthday cake smash photo's.


Sarah McLean Photography
14A Berry Lane, 
Longridge
Preston
PR3 3JA

01772784499

​Website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

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As a newborn photographer I get asked this question quite often by client's who are looking to book in their newborn photo's.

"what happen's if my baby doesn't behave?", or "My baby is always awake!"

To be honest babies & children are unpredictable, from one day to the next.
​As a newborn specialist I do have an idea of when to expect babies to have their growth spurts and cluster feeds, although this does vary from newborn to newborn as they develop at different rates, so I plan my sessions accordingly. 

I have many babies in my studio for their newborn photo's and some will arrive asleep, and stay asleep, and some will take a little longer to settle as they require more milk & cuddles - no baby is the same.

I have a variety of poses which help settle babies, and you may be surprised on how many photo's I can achieve with your baby in those poses. 
I have lots of fabric wraps available to keep your baby nice an snug whilst they are awake or asleep, I can place them inside one of our baskets for those adorable above baby shots. 
Our adorable rompers are nice and snug, for your baby to be photographed in too, like this one below.

Our Bespoke sessions allow plenty of time for your baby to settle, our studio is super comfy and relaxing which helps your baby settle so much easier.

To find out more information about our Newborn Sessions, CLICK HERE
For our Newborn Session FAQs CLICK HERE

Sarah McLean
Newborn Baby Specialist Photographer
Based in Longridge, Near Preston, Lancashire, 10 minutes from the M6

Studio: 14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
01772784499

Website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​Clitheroe, Blackburn, Longridge, Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Lancashire

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

​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