Got a question? There’s a blog for that…
(and if there isn’t, please tell me, I’ll write one!)
After something specific, try a searching for key terms (session types are a good place to start)
ALMOST 10 YEARS IN... A BIT ABOUT ME, SARA, YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
A bit more about Sara, your East London family photographer.
CHRISTMAS MINI SESSIONS - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING
Everything you ever wanted to know about Xmas mini sessions whether in the studio, or Covent Garden featuring the seasonal decorations and lights.
Your Family Photographer's Guide to Easter Fun in East-London
Fun Easter activities in East London. As a photographer, I've curated a list of beautiful locations and activities that will make for amazing family snaps.
WHAT IS A CAKE SMASH SESSION ANYWAY? IF YOUR BABY IS TURNING ONE, YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW...
Everything you need to know about a cake smash session before booking one… how the process goes, how long it lasts, what kinds of photos we get, what’s provided…
WHAT TO WEAR FOR AN OUTDOORS FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT - FOCUS ON WINTERY WEATHER AND FOOTWEAR
The clothing you wear during a family photoshoot can have a big impact on the look and feel of your finished portraits, so it's important to choose them with care. Especially written for this website, by Rachel Clinkard of Charles Clinkard Shoes; take these tips on board when putting your outfits together, particularly when thinking about how you coordinate everyone’s shoes with your overall outfits; and you and your family will be sure to shine in your photos.
WHY LEAVING MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK IS SO IMPORTANT TO PHOTOGRAPHERS (and other small businesses) & HOW TO WRITE ONE
Why leaving a review is so important for small businesses and some tips for helping you when writing reviews. Plus don’t forget, for every 30 reviews I receive across Facebook and Google, I do a draw to gift one family a fine art print from one of our sessions together, as a thank you for your time.
STUDIO PHOTOSHOOTS - KEEPING SAFE AND HEALTHY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
In addition to the precautions and new studio policies I put in place some time before the UK COVID-19 lockdown - my policies for studio sessions have now been updated again - and will continue to evolve in line with government guideline changes. Read on to find out what you can expect from me, and to understand how we all contribute to studio sessions proceeding safely upon reopening of the studio in June 2020.
OUTDOORS PHOTOSHOOTS - KEEPING SAFE AND HEALTHY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Come June 2020, portrait photographers across the UK will slowly be re-opening their businesses; starting mostly with outdoors sessions. Read on for my policies and procedures on minimising the risk of transmitting Coronavirus during our outdoors sessions.
10s OF HOME MADE GIFTS IDEAS FOR GRANDPARENTS
A bank of 10s of creative ideas to make and send to grandparents, to show them how much we love them.
OUTDOORS PLACES TO EXPLORE IN AND AROUND EAST LONDON (and SE and NE London)
Looking for outdoors fun to be had with the family? Here’s a variety of woodlands, forests, beaches, parklands and urban walking spaces within easy reach of East London for family days out in the fresh air.
5 FUN PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS
If you're looking for photography activities to do with the kids, then take a look at these 4 novel photography project ideas, suitable for ages 2+ including how to create a stop-motion movie. Each activity details what you need to do it, how to do it, what age it is suitable for and what the kids may learn from it. If you’re looking for more ideas, there’s links to other super blogs and ideas you’ve sent me too :-)
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - MANY WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU
This coming week, marks Teacher Appreciation Week in the US. Although we don’t have the same in the UK, in recent weeks I have been thinking a LOT about just how vital a role our teachers play, not just everyday, but also right now in lockdown by enabling so may of our key workers with children, to continue to go to work and support us. Read on for a multitude of ways we can say thank you to our teachers, without ever leaving the house!
HOW TO HOST A SUPER BIRTHDAY PARTY ON ZOOM
If your child is having a birthday during lockdown, all is not lost! Try hosting a birthday party on Zoom (or similar). I did exactly this a few weeks ago, for my son’s 6th birthday. Check out all the steps I took to keep the kids entertained for over an hour (!!!!). I’ve given you all my prep, invitation details & instructions, game ideas inc downloads and music links, and prize / gift bags you can get delivered direct from Amazon.
COVID-19 BUSINESS UPDATE
A few practical updates on studio policies and how I will be reintroducing portrait sessions once the lock down is over.
7 NEW-BABY, MUST-HAVE, GIFT IDEAS
Having had the benefit of handling hundreds and hundreds of newborn babies, as well as having had my own, here’s my recommendations on practical, but somewhat unusual “must-haves” for a new baby, based on my experiences of what new babies seem to like and dislike. I haven’t included the more usual obvious items, unless there’s a good reason to call them out or unless I’ve got a specific brand / model recommendation.
11 TIPS FOR HOSTING A VIRTUAL BABY SHOWER
Expecting a baby? Want to host a baby shower, but don’t know how, with the COVID-19 lockdown? Don’t let social isolation stop you! Host your baby shower online. Read on for 11 ways make the online experience awesome. Plus loads of great video call party games, “refreshments” for your guests and non-traditional gift ideas.
LOCKDOWN TIPS FOR NEW PARENTS: 7 SIMPLE POSES FOR DIY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
I love nothing more than posing & photographing your new babies in my East London studio. I know how important it is to have these photos and I don't want these social distancing days to stop you getting beautiful photos of your new baby. Because of this I've pulled together 7 really simple & safe poses you can recreate at home with your new baby and capture on even a camera phone.
FOR NEW LOCKDOWN PARENTS: 6 TIPS TO HELP CAPTURE BETTER PHOTOS OF YOUR NEWBORN BABY AT HOME
I love nothing more than posing a brand new baby and photographing them in my East London studio, for you. But, in these social distancing and lock down days; I know how important it is to have photos, regardless of how or where they are taken. Read on for tips on how to capture your baby at home with your own camera.
9 SELF-ISOLATION ACTIVITIES FOR BABIES AND TOTS
9 free and paid for online resources and activities specifically for babies and tots to help you entertain and fill the day. Specifically chosen for their engaging content, and for the most part featuring East London businesses, so that when we go back to life as “normal” you may even get to meet some of your new online friends in real life, and go to some of the featured classes, in person!
DIY SENSORY PLAY IDEAS (BY AGE GROUP)
Easy DIY home sensory play idea for your baby, toddler or young child.
There are 8 ideas per age group, using many things you will probably already have at home. Engaging your children with their different senses, in an age appropriate way.