It is understandable that your appearance will change in response to the new hormones surging through your body along with the physical changes it will experience.

However, do you really glow during pregnancy, and what is the cause of this sudden radiant appearance? There are a few reasons why a pregnant woman may appear to glow which we will discover below.

Pregnancy Glow: #1 Additional Blood Flow

Within the first few weeks of pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases dramatically. During those initial weeks of gestation, your body can produce between 30 – 50% more blood and plasma, and it is this additional blood flow that contributes to that radiant appearance.

This additional blood can make your cheeks and face plumper and look more flushed and the extra blood will increase your circulation making your skin look brighter.

Your lips can also look plumper and your overall appearance can start to look healthier thanks to the extra blood flow.

#2 Rounder figure

Thanks to the increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, you will see an increase in your breast size during the course of your pregnancy.

For some women, this is a welcome pregnancy symptom, while for others it can cause discomfort and back issues.

As you get closer to the end of your pregnancy your breasts will swell up as they prepare to produce milk for your newborn and in some cases, women’s breasts can double in size. To avoid any discomfort invest in a maternity bra that is not underwired but offers plenty of support to your growing chest.

Many maternity bras also double up as breastfeeding bras so they are useful if you intend to breastfeed.

#3 Thick and Shiny Hair

Another reason that you may be noticing a positive change in your appearance may be due to your hair looking thicker and shinier than before, and again it is your pregnancy hormones that you have to thank for this.

The pregnancy hormone progesterone increases the amount of oil your skin produces and this additional oil in your hair follicles can make your hair look more glossy and shiny.

Your body also sheds less hair while you are pregnant and you retain hair your body would have naturally shed. This can make your hair look more voluminous and thicker and contribute to that glowing effect.

Pregnancy Glow: #4 Stronger nails

You may also notice that your nails become stronger and grow faster during your pregnancy which is also down to your hormones. As many doctors advise pregnant women to eat healthily and to take prenatal vitamins, the results of these diet changes and supplements can contribute to healthier, stronger, and longer nails. Although not all women experience this, and some women can experience the opposite with weaker nails that are more brittle. If you do notice a negative change to your body, always check with a healthcare provider and check if there is anything you can change in your diet to improve this. If you are lucky enough to have beautiful nails during pregnancy, enjoy it as long as possible.

Pregnancy Glow: #5 Skin Conditions Improve

As before your pregnancy hormones control many of the changes you see in your body during pregnancy. Additional levels of the progesterone hormone create an increase in the amount of oil your skin produces, and depending on your skin type before pregnancy this can either be great for your skin or it can cause breakouts. If your skin does break out during pregnancy, know that your skin will calm down as your pregnancy progresses as your hormone levels fluctuate.

For women with dry skin, however, additional oil can create that envious glowing effect as your skin becomes more hydrated. Dry skin conditions such as eczema can appear to improve due to the excess oil secreted from your skin and you may start to receive compliments on your complexion.

How long does the pregnancy glow last?

Every person is different and whether a woman glows or not during her pregnancy is dependent on her hormone levels and how they affect her body.

Some women experience a radiant glow throughout the entire duration of their pregnancy, while others may only see a noticeable change to their looks in their first and second trimesters.

As described above, many of the symptoms of having a pregnancy glow are controlled by the hormones released during pregnancy in order to develop a healthy baby.

Once your baby is born your hormones will return to their pre-pregnancy levels and your blood volume will decrease. The positive side-effects of pregnancy such as thick hair and strong nails may also reverse and you may notice some hair loss after giving birth, which is perfectly normal and your hair will grow back.

Do all pregnant women glow?

Although all women will experience hormone surges and increased blood flow, not all women will experience a pregnancy glow in the same way.

Depending on your skin type, and complexion you may only notice subtle changes to the way you look or unfortunately the pregnancy hormones may unbalance your skin and cause breakouts.

It is not expected for women to glow during pregnancy, so if you are not noticing any changes to your skin or hair don’t be disheartened. For those women who do experience a glow, it is unlikely to last beyond the pregnancy, as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

Pregnancy Glow: Final thoughts

Whether you experience a glow or not during your pregnancy, making sure you are taking good care of yourself and your body is vital when you are expecting.

Many women take prenatal vitamins such as folic acid and dietary supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to sustain a healthy pregnancy and so that their baby gets everything they need to develop.

Glowing during pregnancy is just one perk that will quickly be forgotten when your beautiful baby arrives.

Estelle Thomson Photography – based in Fawkham Green – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Sevenoaks, Kent.

Counting down the weeks to baby’s arrival? Discover more about my specialist Newborn Sessions and Maternity Photoshoots!

The post Pregnancy Glow: 5 things to expect appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

Fantastic, right?

However, especially if you are a first-time mum, you might have lots of questions about your breastfeeding diet.

Which foods work best and which ones not so much… and what about drinks? While you should always refer to a professional for guidance, if you are looking for a few tips for your breastfeeding diet… here is our top 10!

TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR BREASTFEEDING DIET

1) ENERGY AND CALORIES

Feeding your little one requires energy (if you are already doing it, you know exactly how it feels!).

That is why it is recommended that while breastfeeding one child who is exclusively on breast milk, you should consume between 2200 and 2800 calories each day.

Time for a party in our mouths!

2) WHERE ARE YOUR EXTRA CALORIES COMING FROM? BREASTFEEDING DIET TIPS

Unfortunately, I also have bad “breastfeeding diet” news – These additional calories needed during breastfeeding shouldn’t come from cake, crisps, chocolate or sweets.

Rubbish! the one time we have a free pass to consume more calories and we can’t use them to gorge on unlimited pastries or bowls of ice-cream.

While you can obviously have the odd treat, it’s best not to use your extra calorie allowance to fill up on sugary or processed food.

3) AVOID CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

What? No caffeine? I hear you say!

But I’m so tired!

Well, sadly caffeine can pass from you to your baby so it’s best to avoid it completely or stick to a small cup, and only drink it just after a feed so it’s out of your system by the time the next feed is due. According to NHS:

“It’s a good idea for pregnant and breastfeeding women to restrict their caffeine intake to less than 200mg a day:

1 mug of filter coffee: 140mg
1 mug of instant coffee: 100mg
1 250ml can of energy drink: 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
1 mug of tea: 75mg
1 50g plain chocolate bar: up to 50mg
1 cola drink (354mls): 40mg

Try decaffeinated tea and coffee, herbal teas, 100% fruit juice (but no more than one 150ml glass per day) or mineral water. Avoid energy drinks, which can be very high in caffeine.”

Goes without saying that boozing while breastfeeding isn’t a good idea – save your favourite tipple for once you’ve weaned your little one.

4) AVOID SOME SEAFOOD

Seafood contains mercury, which you will have needed to avoid while you were pregnant, but also during your breastfeeding journey too.

For this reason, try to avoid Swordfish and Marlin. This NHS guide www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid gives you additional help to understand what fish (and other foods) you should try to avoid while breastfeeding.

5) THE GOOD NEWS: THERE ARE SAFE SEAFOOD OPTIONS TOO!

Salmon, tilapia, sardines, shrimp, scallops, crab, clams, squid and lobster are all safe to eat… The trick is to keep it varied and not just eat one type of seafood.

Try to limit it to no more than 2 portions a week.

6) BULK UP YOUR MEALS WITH HEALTHY, NUTRIENT-HIGH OPTIONS

Eggs, meats, beans, peas, fruit and lentils are all great options to bulk up your meals and contain great nutrients too.

As well as plenty of fibre from pasta, nuts, wholegrain bread, fruit and veg.

7) BREASTFEEDING DIET TIPS: KEEP AN EYE ON VITAMIN D AND B12

As most adults, Vitamin D is something you should keep a close eye on.

According to NHS:
“Everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D.
From late March/April to the end of September, the majority of people aged 5 years and above will probably get enough vitamin D from sunlight when they are outdoors. So you might choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months
You can get all the other vitamins and minerals you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.“

Especially if you are vegan and breastfeeding it’s vital you get enough Vitamin B12 for both you and your child

A supplement may be necessary, to ensure you are both getting as much as you need to stay healthy. As always, contact your GP for more guidance.

8) SPICY… TIPS FOR YOUR BREASTFEEDING DIET

You may love a good spicy curry, but these can affect your milk supply and your newborns digestion – so keep it mild, or wait until they are a little older!

Abstaining might be hard, but just think how good that Rogan Josh is going to taste when you can finally enjoy one again.

[H3] 9) MORE CHEESE GROMIT?

Yes! Cheese is a fantastic addition to the breastfeeding diet. As are milk and yoghurt. Packed with protein and calcium they will aid your milk production.

10) KEEP HYDRATED

Breastfeeding is thirsty work!

Make sure you drink plenty throughout the day, and have a glass of water on hand during feeds. According to NHS, water and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk are all good choices.

And finally… I think it probably is the law or something though to have at least one piece of cake a week, right?

After all, you are doing such an excellent job of feeding yourself and your new baby.

Go on, you deserve it!

Estelle Thomson Photography – based in Fawkham Green – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Sevenoaks, Kent.

Counting down the weeks to baby’s arrival? Discover more about my specialist Newborn Sessions and Maternity Photoshoots!

The post TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR BREASTFEEDING DIET appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

No manly versions of the same things you would get mom here, only genuinely thoughtful, and useful Christmas gift ideas for any dad-to-be!

#1 A Helpful Guide of Tips and Tricks: The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Our list of Christmas gift ideas for a dad-to-be begins with a manual.

With so many new dads being much more active in parenting than their fathers were themselves, good advice can be scarce.

The Expectant Father is a great source of killer advice for a soon-to-be dad looking to play a more supportive and active role in parenting.

From steps for preparing the house for a new baby to taking care of and understanding a partner’s physical and mental state while getting ready to welcome a new little one, this guide has everything an expecting dad could need.

#2 Letting Dad Get in on Memory Making: Big Dot of Happiness: Daddy’s First Milestones

Being a part of and nurturing the emotional bond between parent and child is crucial for any child’s upbringing.

This is also very needed for this next generation of dads.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with it!

Big Dot of Happiness is a crafting kit to help a new father or dad-to-be to celebrate all the exciting firsts in their child’s journey with a nice cold one: sentimental reward or pavlovian tactic, who’s to say.

Either way, this is a great gift for a new dad to look forward to!

#3 Helpful Tools of the Trade: ThisWorx for TWC-01 Car Vacuum

An unmissable in our list of Christmas gift ideas for a dad-to-be: a useful device can go a long way to ensuring that the first years of raising a child go smoothly.

There may be no device more useful than a portable vacuum cleaner.

Full-sized vacuums can be a hassle to get set up and even more of a headache getting them to the car.

With a portable vacuum, you get the ability to quickly and easily clean up after that new bundle of joy.

This is a gift with real longevity and is sure to be appreciated by both partners.

#4 A Physical Bonding Aid and Practical Gift: A Good Carrying Pack

Maintaining a physically close relationship is essential for both parents, but especially so with dads since historically, that has not been the case.

A good carrying pack allows for dads to participate in transportation in bonding in such an easy way.

Styles for Carrying packs are more or less the same, no matter of gender, but if you wish to get one that has less of a feminine touch, there are plenty of good options, like the one linked above.

Comfortable and sturdy, this gift is sure to be a hit.

#5 Something for Everyone to Enjoy: A Coffee Subscription Plan

Finally, the best gift option is one that all can enjoy.

Coffee is a godsend for fathers during those crucial months of pregnancy. That extra boost of energy can be a game-changer between supporting a partner and prepping the house for a new arrival.

Good coffee, however, can be such a nice change to the usual k-cup.

Set them up with a monthly delivery of that sweet black goodness.

Plus, mothers will appreciate this gift during the first month of a child’s life as well.

Estelle Thomson Photography – based in Fawkham Green – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Sevenoaks, Kent.

Counting down the weeks to baby’s arrival? Discover more about my specialist Newborn Sessions!

The post CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR A DAD TO BE appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

I’ve always suffered from what I like to call “stress belly” (and if you are wondering what’s this got to do with hypnobirthing and shorter labour… keep reading!)

My stomach is a really obvious indicator of when I’m feeling anxious… worried… pressured about something.

And without putting you off your dinner (!) it usually means I spend a lot more time in the toilet! About 10 years ago I started a new job. One I really wanted but which felt like a big stretch – and I had 2 weeks of “stress belly”.

This is just one example of how the mind impacts the body – and there are so many examples! Other obvious examples are how you feel physically when you wake up from a nightmare… or how stress can stop you from sleeping.

A CALMER, SHORTER LABOUR STARTS IN YOUR… MIND

When it comes to labour and birth, we all come to it with preconceived ideas of what it will be like – whether that is because of what we’ve seen on the telly, what we’ve heard from other people or our own experiences.

Inevitably, there is always an element of fear and anxiety – because we rarely hear positives about birth! It’s all about how painful it is… how you have no control over it… and of course, we want our baby to be born safe and well.

And have you noticed that the pain of childbirth has somehow become the barometer for everything awful?!

“I’ll manage – I’ve survived childbirth!” or “Come on, you should be fine with this – you’ve birthed two babies!”

Of course, all this is said in jest – but it sticks with us. It affects the way we feel when we think about giving birth, and then when our labour actually starts.
My “stress belly” is a sign of my body going into freeze, fight or flight mode. It is in that emergency response to protect me from whatever is causing me to feel anxious – because the body doesn’t know the difference between what is real and what is not. Adrenaline has been released and my bowels have been emptied (sorry!) so that I can literally fight or flight more easily.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR LABOUR?

That fear, anxiety or worry that we feel puts us into the emergency response – which is completely unhelpful for birth!

The body focuses on self-defence and escape and actively delays or stalls labour – until it’s safe again. It makes complete sense that our body would pause labour when under threat, until that threat has passed! It protects both mum and baby. But this results in a longer, slower labour and more pain because the uterus has restricted blood and oxygen supply and the muscles are tense and unable to move freely.

This is where hypnobirthing comes in.

LABOUR AND HYPNOBIRTHING

Yes, it has a silly name, but it gives you the tools to reduce the fear that you feel about birth, to calm your mind and relax your body. All of which tells your body that its safe to give birth to your baby – and so everything can work at its best. Your uterus has a good supply of blood and oxygen, and your muscles can move easily and with less energy.

In practical terms, this means a shorter, easier labour with less pain.

It is of course too simplistic to say to somebody “chill out! don’t worry!’ If you were about to jump out of a plane and someone said that to you it wouldn’t make an ounce of difference!

The key is in a combination of a) really understanding how birth works, so that you can trust your body and support it to work more easily, and b) practicing the relaxation and mindset techniques over a sustained period of time so that they come naturally and you are able to stay out of that emergency response when you are actually in labour.

Hypnobirthing gives you the tools to reduce the fear that you feel about birth, to calm your mind and relax your body

So, if you thought that hypnobirthing sounded wishy-washy… a bit weird… like hippy mumbo-jumbo… I get it! It does!

But it’s really all about the science of how the mind impacts the body, and how to utilise that connection during labour and birth.

A calmer, shorter, more comfortable birth?

Sounds pretty good doesn’t it!

————

Rachel (Strong Like Mama) helps expectant and new parents to dial down the noise, pressure and anxiety as they move from pregnancy into parenthood… so they can trust their bodies and feel confident to do things their way.

Rachel is trained in hypnobirthing and antenatal education (with KGHypnobirthing, a course accredited by the Royal College of Midwives) and as a Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner with the Mindful Breastfeeding School.

The post HYPNOBIRTHING: THE KEY TO A CALMER, SHORTER LABOUR appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

In this blog post we have put together 5 ideas that will help you create beautiful memories that your little one (and the rest of the family) can treasure for the rest of their lives.  

Ready? Here are 5 first birthday ideas for you!

#1 FAMILY PARTY (NO, REALLY…)

“Well, thanks” – You might be thinking. However, there is a way to make the party even more special and to create something special for your baby.  For the big day, make sure there is a “guestbook” ready and ask your family to write something that your little one can read when they are not that little anymore.  If you prefer giving your guests a bit of extra time (not everyone finds it easy to write), you can ask them to bring the party a letter to baby and have a memory box ready to collect the envelopes.

Also make sure to take pictures of family members with baby, so you can print all of them and add them to the memory box!

#2 ADOPT A STAR

 Continuing with our first birthday ideas, how about giving your little one a little piece of… magic by adopting a star?  You can get some awesome versions of this now, where you get a lovely print with your child’s star, alongside their constellation, marked with your baby’s birth date. 

 Buy a Star and World Star Register are only two of the many websites offering this service.

This idea is extremely important but still super simple. Your baby’s first birthday will only be a disaster if the guest of honor isn’t given the proper consideration. Keeping plans interesting while still flexible is a great way to ensure that if your baby isn’t in the mood for something, it doesn’t complicate your plans.

#3 CREATE A MEMORY BOX 

If you have not done this yet, don’t miss the last opportunity to create a box with special keepsakes from baby’s first year!

You could include:

• Photos of them at each monthly milestone (need help with this? Get in touch!) 
• Their favourite mini toys
• A letter from you and your partner
• A newspaper from the day they were born or their first birthday
• A pair of their tiny socks or shoes
• Cards that family and friends have sent you for baby

You can also use your memory box as a lovely way to include family members who aren’t able to celebrate with you. Just ask them to send you a special letter!

#4 THE KEEP-IT-TO-YOURSELF OPTION

There is no shame in wanting to spend the day just with baby and your partner, with lots of snuggle time and (hopefully) some pampering.

With the way things are currently, it is a-ok to want a private celebration for your child’s health or even just your peace of mind.  A nice picnic (even indoor!), opening a few gifts and spending time together with your little one-year-old can be just as memorable as that big, themed gathering.

#5 A CAKE SMASH PHOTOSHOOT

This is unmissable, and possibly the most popular photoshoot at my studio after my newborn sessions!  There is nothing that screams birthday like a nice, frosted birthday cake, and… there is also nothing more fun to destroy!

Cake Smash & Splash photoshoots are unlike any other milestone session, because they include three mini sessions:

• The “clean”, simple portraits – before bringing the cake in
• Cake fun! While baby dives into the frosting (or fruit, if you prefer a fruit smash)
• Splash portraits while baby relaxes in a dedicated miniature tub

Cake or Fruit smash sessions are also unique as they can be styled with your favourite theme and decorations.

Estelle Thomson Photography – based in Fawkham Green – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Sevenoaks, Kent.

Want to know more about Cake Smash Photoshoots? Visit this dedicated page or get in touch!

The post 5 FIRST BIRTHDAY IDEAS FOR YOUR BABY appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

That being said, through careful planning and keeping in mind a few real possibilities, it is possible to make sure that this month goes as smoothly as possible.  That’s why we have put together a little list of what to expect during your last month of pregnancy to prepare you.

The last month of pregnancy: Your Body

It’s been a long process of forming an entire living being inside you, you have probably already started to feel the effects of this on your body, but the last month of pregnancy is when it is most apparent.  The sheer weight of the baby is more than enough to wipe out any remaining energy and this last month are when your baby is at its heaviest.  Your uterus will also be growing more and can be felt under your ribs, which may strain your breathing.

Exhaustion can make all of the above seem much more impactful so getting tons of rest is always a good idea. Additionally, getting even more support from your partner during this time is vital. Pass off the overly strenuous emotional or physical tasks. You’ve well earned it.

Changes With Your Baby

Like we mentioned before, at this point, the baby is, for the most part, grown. That doesn’t mean that the changes stop. As you get closer to your due date, your baby will start being much more mobile. They will be turning and kicking more and more as they get ready for their grand entrance. Because of this, stability may also be at its most challenging at this point, so keeping an eye on that is extremely important. It can be easy to forget just how much your baby’s weight and how they move can impact you.

The last month of pregnancy: The Nesting Effect

Emotionally this last month can be a rollercoaster. Mood swings will be plentiful and coupled with very real intense emotions stemming from the changes you’re going through. Be easy on yourself. An understanding partner will be as well.  One thing that may seem like it’s coming out of the left field is the strong urge to clean and reorganize. This is normal and described as The Nesting Effect; primal instincts push you to clean and prepare the newborn’s environment. This can feel like anxiety which can be very stressful but acknowledging it can make a world of difference.

Doctor, Doctor

Apart from that, you will be going to the doctor every week at this point to keep an increased eye on the baby’s health. Honest communication is key in guaranteeing a smooth transition.  Having a game plan at this point is a must. You should be prepared for the arrival of your new bundle of joy any day now. Making sure your partner is equally as important at this point.  Together you will be able to greet this new life safely and healthily!

Estelle Thomson Photography – based in Fawkham Green – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Sevenoaks, Kent.

Counting down the weeks to baby’s arrival? Discover more about my specialist Newborn Sessions and Maternity Photoshoots!

The post WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE LAST MONTH OF PREGNANCY appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

Newborn photography. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s not for someone with no patience. And it’s DEFINITELY not for someone who has not been extensively trained in newborn safety posing. I had a conversation today about my training and about the fact that our industry is not regulated. Any newborn photographer worth their salt will agree with me (I hope!) that we absolutely should be regulated. I don’t think it’s long and it will happen. Your baby needs to be safe and in the hands of a fully trained, competent individual for the entirety of your newborn shoot.

Many of the shots we do are composites – meaning they are two or more images photographed separately and put together in the editing process. Many of the shots we take are done with extensive consideration to how the baby is positioned and how long we leave the baby in that position. It is simply not enough to be great with kids, to be a mum, or be a great photographer in other areas. It is NOT enough.

I first trained in newborn safety posing in 2018. Every year since I have trained again. This year I have two lots of newborn safety-specific training booked and I am trained in baby first aid. This is non-negotiable for me. I adore photographing newborns – but I will only do so knowing I am 100% safe and that I have all the relevant training AND that I renew that training at the bare minimum once a year.

There are photographers for all budgets, that much is true. I often see posts asking for a photographer that “doesn’t cost an arm and a leg” (incidentally how much does an arm and a leg cost, I’ve never worked this out??), but the reason people cost what they do is due to so many factors. Their training, their experience, their business costs, their equipment, their insurance to name but a few. I am proud of my training, I keep my costs as low as I can for you and I can put my hand on my heart and know that I have had all the training necessary to keep your baby safe whilst delivering a beautiful gallery of photographs for you.

Don’t be frightened to ask your photographer what training they’ve had. Don’t be frightened to research yourself who they have trained with and most importantly do not be concerned with walking away if they can’t give you that information. Safety first. Always.

Please message me with any questions on this! I am always happy to answer.

The post Safety in Newborn Photography appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

I love being a newborn photographer in Sevenoaks. And I love being a cake smash photographer in Sevenoaks…..but what about in between?  There is SO much more that we can photograph for you and give you wonderful memories to hang on the wall.  Sitter sessions are often overlooked, but they absolutely shouldn’t be – they are equally as important as your newborn photoshoot and your cake smash photoshoot.  Sitter sessions are done either at my studio in Sevenoaks or – if the Great British Weather allows – outdoors.  In fact, I love them so much that when you purchase Collection Three at your newborn photography shoot I gift you a sitter session for free!  Yep, that’s right, absolutely free, you just pay for how many images you want.

At your newborn photoshoot, we will discuss the options for your baby’s sitter session.  I usually recommend that you contact me as soon as baby is sitting unaided, but before they are crawling.  You will know as well as I do, once baby is on the move little or nothing can keep them still!  I want to photograph your baby’s gorgeous smile, their gorgeous giggle and their personality as it unfolds before us.  One thing that I love to do is use one prop for all your baby’s photoshoots.  So – for example, we may use a prop you’ve bough in (a ball, a special bear or family blanket) or we may just use a prop from my studio here is Sevenoaks, a bed or a bowl or basket.  When we book your sitter session we make sure we use the prop again so you have a then and now and remind yourself how tiny they were any how they grow.  If you come back to me for a cake smash I encourage you to bring the prop again so we have three photos of the baby with the same thing.  It is a great thing to look back on in years to come.

When coming to my Sevenoaks studio for these photoshoots, you can choose from a range of outfits I have here suitable for this age group.  It is actually a bit of an obsession and I am constantly adding to my collection and buying new outfits.  I have outfits for boys and girls and gender-neutral outfits too,  so you will have plenty to choose from.  Equally, there may be a certain outfit you love your baby in so you should definitely bring that too! I encourage a few outfit changes to ensure you have a lovely mix of photographs to treasure.

One question I am ALWAYS asked is if brothers and sisters can join the photoshoot.  The answer is always yes.  I actively encourage Mum, Dad, brothers, and sisters to be involved in every photoshoot we book for your baby.  These are moments to treasure as your baby grows and the photoshoots are an investment in your family’s memories.  You shouldn’t leave anyone out.

As well as buying new outfits, I am also a bit addicted to buying new props too!  My recent addition was a beautiful macrame swing that I just love!  This is a great addition to your sitter session and I love photographing babies enjoying it.  Why not request it at your sitter session?

So please, don’t forget the sitter session – we have some beautiful wall art samples in the Sevenoaks studio and you will see some of them are beautiful multi aperature frames just screaming out to have a newborn photo, sitter photo and cake smash photo all together.  Ask me for more details for my “Watch Me Grow” package or contact me to book!

Estelle

x

The post Don’t forget the Sitter Session! appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

Normally in a half term I would be booked up for gorgeous family photoshoots in Kent.  Sadly, lockdown has put a stop to any family photography at all for now. So, how do you plan to fill the week?  Need some helpful ideas of things to do?  Look no further – here are five great ideas to fill some rainy day time this half term…….

TREASURE HUNT

Why not hide some treats around the house and garden (if rain allows) for the kids to find. Write out some clue cards to help them find their treasure.  This could be sweet treats, little toys, books or comics, anything really.  The treasure can be an activity to do which keeps them occupied for longer.  This is a great fun thing to do for all the family.  I would love you to share some photos of them exploring and figuring out the clues!

TIME CAPSULE

How about making a family time capsule – you could make this about your family in lockdown by writing stories about how your family have managed and spent their time during the pandemic. Other ideas could be to take cuttings from the newspapers and draw pictures of your family.  Why not include a family photograph too? Then place all the items in a tin or an old thermos flask works too and either bury it in the garden where possible or hide it in the house.

MAKE A DEN

There is nothing better than making a den.  Get the duvets down, grab the pillow and sheets and create a tent in the living room.  Add in a picnic for lunch and a family film on a tablet and that is a whole afternoon sorted.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Why not put on the puddle suits, the wellies and the coats and go out for a scavenger hunt.  Write a list of things that the children need to see and/or find and get out for a walk.  There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing so get those waterproofs out if its raining and see what you can find.

MAKE A CALM BOTTLE

Get a plastic bottle and fill it three quarters full with water.  Add some washing up liquid or liquid soap and then add different colours of glitter (you can order this online).  Turn the bottle to watch the glitter make super patterns.

I would love to see your photos of your half term adventures.  Why not share them on my FACEBOOK PAGE

(Images for this blog are not mine, all are sourced from google)

The post Half Term Lockdown Ideas appeared first on Estelle Thompson.

January 2020.  My new sparkly diary said boastingly on the cover “2020 – THE BEST YEAR EVER”.  I am amused to tell you that I burned that diary mid-way through the year.  I hadn’t had a chance to fill it. My working year started full of promise on Saturday 11^th January when I happily went off to do a venue visit with Zoe and Paul ahead of their June wedding.  We had a lovely afternoon looking at the venue and talking through all their plans.  Sadly, that wedding – along with many many others – had to be postponed.  Little did we know……. I, like the rest of the country, had been hearing about this deadly virus to take hold in China.  But China is far far away, right?  It won’t affect us in the UK.  So off I went to a day of amazing off-camera flash training and then to The Societies of Photographers annual convention.  It was here that my itching to change from Canon to Sony started. An itch I would scratch by the summer.

On the 31^st January I was honoured to be asked back by Facilicom to photograph their annual awards ceremony and celebrations.  I love working with this company – their company ethos is amazing and the team are great to work with.  Every member of the team had head shots done first (over 80 of them!) and it was great to spend the day seeing the nominees win and then covering their amazing champagne reception at The Selsdon Park Hotel.

Next up was one of my best friends maternity shoot.  Jade and I have been friends for more than 10 years and I was so excited to capture this time for her.  Katie came to do her makeup and curl her hair and I encourage her to wear some of my maternity gowns for the shoot.  Jade had never liked the attention being on her and this was way out of her comfort zone but she ROCKED it – she looked amazing and afterwards and since she had said how glad she was that she had the opportunity to have the shoot.  Mama’s – have a maternity shoot.  You won’t regret it.  Capture the special time and have those memories to share with your little one in years to come.  It’s a time just for you – to feel a million dollars and to celebrate how awesome you are.

Cake Smashes started in earnest with Amy absolutely going to town on her cake.  She is just the most smiley, happiest girl ever and we had so much fun on her cake smash.  We chatted about the virus that was dominating the news but decided it really was only like the flu, only affected old people and wouldn’t really affect the UK at all.  Oh how wrong we were!

I first photographed Isabella as a bump and then as a newborn.  Her wonderful Mummy, Katie, and I became friends and I was so excited to photograph her sitting up and giggling away.  She is a beautiful baby and the cutest little soul. Her shoot was wonderful and really captured her at a precious time.  The sitter sessions can be overlooked so easily but they should be embraced.  To capture the little ones from newborn to first birthday is one of my favourite things to do. I love to photograph them in one of the same props as they were in as a newborn for continuity and to see how they have grown as it happens in the blink of an eye!

Mothers Day was approaching, and so was Easter.  My plans for both these times included Mummy and Me sessions and I invested in a set up for Easter mini shoots……best laid plans and all that!  While she was here for her sitter shoot, Isabella was my model for my Easter sessions for 2020.  Ah well – there is always next year!  But didn’t she look cute?

It is now March. At this point, we are all starting now to talk more and more about Covid19.  The talk of the spread around the world is rife and it feels like it is closing in.  I had so much booked and started to get my head around whether or not we would close down, similar to what was seemingly happening in Spain and Italy. The topic was a hot one whenever someone came to the studio.  But all the shoots were so important  These babies make my heart happy and I love photographing them so much.

You will have heard me talk about The Frying Squad before.  They are an AWESOME fish and chip caterer that I met at a wedding in Essex in 2018.  We kept in touch and I have been over to their headquarters in Sutton a few times to photograph the team and their food.  They were launching a new menu in 2020 ahead of what should have been an exceptionally busy year for them, so I went over to photograph the food.  Tough gig as they insist I try it all too!  I love working with this team and when the world starts turning again, if you need catering for an event, a party, a wedding or just because, give these guys a call.  You really won’t be disappointed!

And then that was that.  The UK government enforced a lockdown.  It was devastating to cancel all the shoots that were booked and to have to consider how to spend my time effectively.  I took some time out and collected my thoughts.  I booked on to as many online training courses as I could and I made plans for my business.  Clearly, at the start we had no idea how long it would last.  I invested in UV wands, hand sanitiser, air purifiers, masks, shoe covers and gloves for a studio that would remain closed until the beginning of July. I photographed the birds in the garden and found it quite addictive to establish the different types that visited ( we even get a woodpecker fairly regularly!).  My village parish council started a rock painting and hunt project – rocks were painted and hidden around the village for the children (and adults!) to find on their daily walks.  I photographed them as I found them and much of the village too, for the new Parish Council website. We clapped for carers and I started a lockdown family lockdown doorstep photo project and people donated to charity if I took a family photo for them.  I got to know neighbours I hadn’t yet met and I am delighted to say those neighbours have become friends.

I decided to re-brand my business and I was grateful of the gift of time to be able to do it.  My website was rebuilt and relaunched and I sat and worked through lots of online training courses.  Whilst I never would actually have chosen lockdown and I most certainly wouldn’t have chosen for such a travesty to happen to the country, I was strangely grateful for the time and the fact that we all just stopped for a moment.  My husband was furloughed and the sun shone.  He made me a gin bar out of pallets (it is brilliant), we cut a hole in our fence and had a hatch “bar” for afternoon G&T’s with our friends next door and we walked our dogs every day in the woods behind our house.  We had breakfast together in the garden and talked more than we ever normally have time to.  I did the only thing I could do and embraced it.  Sadly, I didn’t qualify for any government financial help so I desperately wanted to work again but for now I was enjoying time with my husband and gearing my business up to be ready for when the world started to turn again.

March led in to April, then May and June.  At the end of June I was allowed to start photographing people outdoors again.  It felt great to have a purpose.  I embraced the local fields and abundance of flowers the sunshine had given us and met some more beautiful families. It felt great.

The studio was still yet to open, so I made the most of it and gave my own baby a cake smash of her very own!  My furbaby turned one on 2^nd July so I ordered a special dog friendly cake and let her loose!  She was incredibly tame considering the chaos she normally unleashes on us!

On 2^nd July my beloved little studio reopened.  I was SO happy.  Finally I could welcome back the babies, the families and the cake smashers!  Some babies that were born in lockdown potentially missed their newborn shoots.  But whilst the ideal age for a newborn shoot is 7-21 days, we were quickly learning that older babies can be posed for newborn too.  Tallulah and Baby John were the first through the doors and at six weeks I was absolutely delighted with their shoots!  And the hair- OH THE HAIR!!!!!

Corona Virus hadn’t gone away – and many people were (rightly) still concerned so Dani and Chris asked me to go to their house for baby Raffety’s newborn shoot. We decided to do a lifestyle shoot instead of posed newborn, including Dani, Chris, big brother Teddy and baby Raffety. Everything was sprayed down before taking it in to the house and I was able to stay 2m away and photograph them from a distance.  It actually ended up being one of my favourite shoots.  Chris is otherwise known as The Daddy Sleep Consultant – find him here https://www.thedaddysleepconsultant.com/ and we have formed a great working relationship this year that I hope will continue on and into 2021.

The babies kept coming as did the family shoots and June rolled in to July which turned to August and I was busier than ever….. Here is a small selection of the newborns post lockdown v1

Harry bought his frown A game!

And the cakes that got smashed…… so many wonderful themes this year, from rainbows to Peter Rabbit. I love making cake smashes personal and they really are a lot of fun.

Lavender sessions are something I look forward to every year.  This year was no exception and I am so glad that the wonderful team at The Hop Shop at Castle Farm let us go ahead.  People came from as far as Oxfordshire and South West London for their stunning family shoot in the beautiful lavender fields.  We had maternity shoot, puppies, babies (the youngest being just three days old!) and families.  I loved it.

I was so pleased to be chosen by so many amazing couples this year for maternity shoots when they were allowed.  All of them embraced the outdoors too – was this because we had been stuck indoors for months?  I don’t know but I do know that I love capturing this amazing time in a woman’s life.

As September approached, many little ones were thinking about starting school and were super excited about their shiny shoes and new uniform.  Many schools weren’t doing school photos this year due to everything going on, so I was really happy to be able to offer my own spin on them.

And before we knew it, Autumn was here.  I have always loved Autumn  –  the light, the colours, the rosy cheeks and golden glows.  I was delighted to be able to photograph some wonderful families and children and also my amazing cousin, Emma, in the Autumn colours this year.

And then we were on the brink of another lockdown.  It was devastating as I knew I would have to close my studio again, so it was massively important to me to make sure I could run my Christmas shoots safely and in time before I was forced to close again.  They were so much fun, we all had a ball and I am happy that everyone got their Christmas photos, cards and keyrings in time for the big day.

And although most weddings got cancelled this year – one couple went full steam ahead.  Joel and Natalie said “I do” witnessed by 15 close family and friends and their dog – more were watching as they cleverly live-streamed their wedding to all their friends and family watching at home.   I was honoured to be able to capture it for them and cannot tell you what a wonderful day it was!

And that’s a wrap!  Overall 2020 was challenging but it was positive in so many ways.  I have loved photographing you all and I am excited to see what 2021 brings.  Here is to a happy, healthy and safe new year.  Thank you to each and every one of you that has supported my business in 2020.

Estelle x

The post What did 2020 bring? appeared first on Estelle Thompson.