I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my clients and supporters in 2014.

It’s not easy setting up your own business. Who knew a photography business was 90% marketing, studying, researching, communications, networking, social media and editing and 10% taking photos!

Here are some of the highlights…

• I invested in my Canon 5DIII and some seriously cool pro lenses.
• I attended a wedding course with award winning and Nikon ambassador Kate Hopewell-Smith (she’s like a celeb in my world!).
• I focused on Newborn photography as my specialism, invested in a lot of props (sorry Andy – they’ve taken over the house!) and have strived to perfect the art form.
• I became a member of the Baby and Newborn Photographers Association.
• I donated 3 framed fine art prints for the Luton Dunstable Maternity Unit.
• I became a member of the Guild of Photographers.
• Oh and I photographed this beautiful bunch….

So what do I have planned for 2015?

• Create a shiny new website (ooh, looks like I’ve done that one now!) and work on my SEO (search engine optimisation).
• Attend a studio lighting course with Gary Hill of GDH Photography.
• Submit my portfolio to the Guild of Photographers and become Qualified, which indicates professional ‘competence’ to a level where the Guild is willing to recognise the photographer as an ambassador of the association.
• Design and create a beautiful new studio on the side of my house for newborn and baby photography sessions (I’ve written it so I have to follow it through now, haha! Again, sorry Andy!).
• Continue my learning with more experienced and admired Newborn photographers and continue to perfect my art form.

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Back in July 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Sunny Fardell whose first child, Isla was born 6 days prior to our meeting.

Who knew that at such a young age, she’d be such an inspirational super star!

She was all like – hey, I’m ready for you! How would you like me? Such a natural. She slept through most of the session and posed beautifully for the camera.

The work I produced from this model call, went on to be displayed on business cards, in newborn prop shops and is currently adorning the wall of a birthing room in Luton Dunstable Hospital’s maternity unit.

As you can imagine, I was very excited to see my beautiful muse 6 months on, at her sitter session. I bought an antique lace dress and hand-knitted mohair outfit for the special occasion and I couldn’t wait to see her.

And she did not fail to perform.

Here a few images from the day, alongside one from her newborn session. It’s striking to see how much she has changed and how precious it is to capture these stages in their life.

The post My little poster girl Isla, 6 months on. appeared first on Bex Pidgeon Photography.

In recent months, I have been made acutely aware of how precious life is and how a photo can mean so much to those whose loved ones have been taken too soon.

Which is why I want to raise awareness of these charities and the amazing photographers who give up their time and services for free, to do something priceless for the families who need them most.

If you know someone who would benefit from such a gift, please pass on the details of these charities –

The Butterfly Wishes Network is a not-for-profit organisation made up of UK-based professional photographers who would like to offer their services free of charge to families of children with life-shortening conditions.

Remember My Baby is a UK based registered charity who have professional photographers volunteering their photography services for the benefit of UK parents losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Due to other current commitments, I am unable to volunteer my services but I hope to apply soon.

And if you’re anything like me and struggle to find the words to support people in their hour of need, I found this article useful –

The most powerful thing you can say to another mum

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On Valentines Day I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Samantha and Damian from Milton Keynes and their little boy, Teddy when they had their newborn photography session. And boy, did Teddy capture my heart! Only 10 days old and so chilled out.

Samantha had followed my newborn photography preparation guide to a T and Teddy had been bathed and was fed as I arrived and set up. He fell into a lovely deep sleep and barely stirred during the 3 hour session.

We chose three set ups. And I also managed to capture all those teeny tiny details that change or fade over time. From his adorable mullet hair cut to his beautiful cupid’s bow lips <3  What a handsome little boy <3

Newborn photography session in Milton Keynes by Bex Pidgeon Photography

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I am a bit of a perfectionist and I will keep going until something’s just right. And that is never more true than when it comes to my photography! So when the opportunity came up to be mentored on newborn photography poses by Katy of Amor-Amor Photography, I grabbed it! She has such a lovely light airy style that I admire and I knew I could learn at lot from her.

Katy’s style is also reflected in her lovely light bright studio and what surprised me was how simple and uncluttered it was. A calm space for her customers to relax in while she worked away on making perfect pictures of their little ones.

We had three newborn babies to work with and we focused on some of the poses I hadn’t quite got the hang of yet. I also learnt a couple of editing tricks and to complete our day she dragged me kicking and screaming to the local fabric and prop stores, where she made me spend lots of money ;o)

Bex Pidgeon newborn photography Bedfordshire Milton Keynes

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I am a pro. Believe me. And not just as a newborn photographer. I had my hospital bag packed by the time I was 28 weeks (hey, a girl likes to be prepared for any situation!) and I was educating all my new nct friends of Bedfordshire to do the same (yeh, I got a few looks).  I prepped, I researched, I took advice and I prepared a spreadsheet with three tabs (yep, I’m one of those).

So when it comes to your hospital bag, this is the only guide you’ll need. And then you too can sit back, relax and wait for that baby to come, safe in the knowledge that you are the girl-guide nerd of your NCT group too. Yep, it makes you sooo popular to be a know it all!

So here it is. I’ve broken it down into 3 areas (or 3 bags!) –

For mum-to-be

Essentials

Birth plan and maternity notes
1 not-so-good nightie that you’re prepared to throw away
1 good nightie, along with a dressing gown (if you fancy a treat, Mamas and Papas have a beautiful range)
Gym ball (if you’re planning an active labour)
Tens machine (you can hire these if you don’t want to buy one)
Your natal hypnotherapy download or CDs (if you’ve been practising hypnobirthing like me!)
Bottled water, face water spray bottle and lip salve (hospital air can be quite dry)
Headband or hair bobbles
Phone and phone charger (also helpful because I timed my contractions on an app – who knew there’d be an app for that! … Well to be fair, I was surprised in 2012. Not so much now)
Maternity bra and breast pads
2 plastic carrier bags, to put messy clothes in
Large and small towel
Washbag
Paracetamol
An outfit to go home in (or the same clothes you came in – sorry but it will still fit you!)
And finally, the oh so glamourous disposable or big pants (good old marks and spencer are GREAT for big pants!) and a pack of big fat maternity pads

Not-so essentials

Slippers
Flip flops (for the shower room)
Ear plugs (you may need them if you stay overnight!)
Arnica tablets, Witch hazel and an Aromatherapy set (if you’re a hippy at heart like me)

For your newborn

Sleep suits x 3
Baby vests (body suits) x 3
1 hat and 1 pair of scratch mittens
Outfit for taking baby home including snowsuit (if seasonally appropriate!)
A few muslins
Pack of nappies and nappy sacks
Cotton wool balls
Vaseline
Blanket
An approved car seat (even for those of you who don’t drive – you’ll need it for the taxi ride home)

For your birthing partner

Spare outfit
Deodorant
Camera (keep an eye out as I’ll be blogging about what photos to take, along with some top tips!)
Camcorder (if mum agrees!)
Docking station for music (let them play DJ and prep your playlist in advance)
List of who to phone (yes I had a spreadsheet for that too!)
Paper and pen
Phone charger
Money – lots of change for parking, tv, snacks and drinks (for both of you!)

Of course, you must take this list with a pinch of salt. Not everything will be used. I was lucky enough to be discharged rather soon after giving birth so half of this collection wasn’t used. But at least I was prepared!

DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? Hit like on my page and select GET NOTIFICATIONS (up at the top of the page) to read more pregnancy articles as I post them.

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Have you ever wondered how newborn photographers get those really cute shots of newborn babies who pose so perfectly for them? Maybe you haven’t! Maybe you think newborn photography images are the result of really well trained babies and equally talented photographers!

The real truth is that there are a number of ‘tricks of the trade’ and I’m going to share with you a few secrets…

1. How do they get the baby to sleep?

Well that’s all in the timing. Most newborn photographers prefer to photograph a baby when it’s between 5 and 14 days new. So after mum’s milk has come in and baby is well practised in feeding; but before 14 days so they’re at their sleepiest and still well able to curl up as they did in their mother’s womb.

This is why we all encourage mums to book in during pregnancy and avoid disappointment when they find there are no available slots at such short notice.

2. How on earth do they get the baby to pose in those positions?

This is probably the most enlightening and arguably the most important of all our secrets. All those tricky poses are what we call ‘composite images’ and a professional newborn photographer will have taken newborn photography training before they attempt these poses for themselves.

So what is a composite image?

“the froggy pose”

The picture above is actually two images, one where the baby’s head was supported and one where the arms were supported; ensuring their little bundle was completely safe, fully supported at all times and quite comfortable in that position for the short amount of time it takes to take the photos. I then put the two images together in Photoshop, do my magic, add a bit of my own flair … et voila!

“the two original photos for the froggy pose”

Here is another example of a pose that looks like the baby is raised up in the air but in fact the baby never left the beanbag and was lying on their side.

 “baby in parent’s hands”

 “original photo of baby in parent’s hands”

Not all images require the baby to be supported and sometimes the baby will be perfectly comfortable and secure in a pose, however the photographer will always be really close by and may ask for a parent or an assistant to sit close by as and when the extra support is needed.

“Newborn in a bucket prop”

“Newborn lying on their front”

As we are not able to regulate the industry, The Baby and Newborn Photography Association (BANPAS) exists to promote safe working practices and are dedicated to raising awareness for photographers and parents alike; ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety takes priority whilst its members create beautiful images for you to treasure. Its members are amongst the UK’s leading baby and newborn photographers.

OK so how do I find BANPAS members?

You can search the BANPAS photographer database, to find fantastic newborn photographers who all adhere to the BANPAS code of conduct working in your area. Use your postcode to find a member local to you –

http://www.banpas.co.uk/findanewbornphotographer

If you’ve already found a photographer you like and they aren’t a member, it does not mean they aren’t practicing safely! So it’s always worth asking when you do your research, whether they have had appropriate training and if they use composite images where necessary.

3. The baby’s naked! Doesn’t it get cold?

Before I start a session, I make sure the room temperature is a balmy 28 degrees. Yes that’s hot for us. Yes it’s not easy to work in – but I’ve got used to it! And parents can sit back, relax and even fall asleep if they like – it’s been known! This is the optimum temperature for your baby to send them into a comfortable sleep without any layers of clothing or swaddling blankets around them.

4. Yes but the baby’s naked! Don’t you get wee and poo everywhere?

Well yes, sometimes! I’ve been known to get wee and poo on me – heck a newborn can have as many as eight to ten bowel movements a day so it’s bound to happen – but we are professionals and it’s all perfectly normal and pretty much expected during a session! Some of us use waterproof layers under blankets and I also have several terry towels and wipes on hand. And I ALWAYS wash soiled blankets and wraps after each session (who knew that was all part of the service we provide!).

5. So what happens if the baby wakes up or wants to feed?

The session is completely centred around your baby and his or her own schedule. If the baby wakes and wants a feed, mum gives her baby a feed and we resettle them. This is why we allow so much time for a newborn session. Unless you’ve bought a ‘mini session’ with someone (I’m still astounded how anyone can do mini sessions for newborns and more often than not, pro newborn photographers will not do them!), expect a session to take an average of 3 hours. But every photographer is different and they will be able to advise you.

We all have our own techniques to resettle babies but many of us also carry white noise apps or Baby Shushers to help soothe the baby back into a deep sleep.

6. How do you capture all those teeny tiny details?

I typically use two lenses for newborn photography; One to capture poses and one to capture the teeniest, tiniest details; this lens is called a Macro lens. Traditionally used for capturing the smallest details on creepy crawlies and flowers, us newborn photographers use them to capture all those creases and hairs and tiny quirks that are soon lost or fade as your baby grows (my own little werewolf had hairy ears when she was born. I love hairy ears!).

I hope you liked my article!

If you would like to know more about composite images, over to the banpas site.

If you’re local to me and you’re interested in booking a newborn session, you can read more about newborn sessions here. If you’d like to go ahead and book, or you have some questions for me, you can contact me via my facebook page or press the Contact button on my website www.bexpidgeon.co.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you!

The post Six newborn photography secrets revealed… appeared first on Bex Pidgeon Photography.

Childhood dreams of blochs

When I was a child, I dreamed of being a ballerina. But I think I was more suited to collecting snails and climbing trees and running with horses…  (yes I did that and yes I got kicked, fond memories….).

But it didn’t stop me dreaming of being a ballerina, all that grace and floatiness and pink fluffy stuff and oh my, those satin blochs.

So when my friend’s daughter became (actually quite) good at being one herself, those dreams resurfaced and slowly the pieces of this project started to come together.

So here it is. Welcome to my childhood dream. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Thank you Isobel for being my model xx
Stunning tutu made by Netties Tutus

If you like what you see and you would like a similar session for your own daughter, get in contact!

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So you think January isn’t a fabulous month for a birthday? Think again…

Having a baby in January?

The maternity wards will be quiet.

According to the Office of National Statistics, January is the quietest month for births so it shouldn’t be a case of ‘no room at the inn’ when you arrive in labour at the hospital! You’ll get the most attention and an extra helping of tea and toast after birth too

You’ll brighten the dark days with your happy news!

People need something to look forward to after Christmas. Hey, it’s a pretty quiet month (if you think Feb is Valentines, March is Mother’s Day, April is Easter, etc. etc.) so if your baby is born in the month of January, expect your newborn baby to have lots of visitors and gifts!

Your baby’s character

Winter babies behave better.

Have you got a little terror on your hands? Maybe it’s because they were born during the summer? Queensland University researchers assessed everything from consideration of others to fidgeting among 4 and 5 year olds and found the winter-born children were much better behaved. Score!

They’re smarter than their peers.

American and Australian scientists monitored the development of 21,000 boys and girls, and their research indicates winter-born children had higher scores in a series of intelligence exercises than their peers!

They’re funnier than their peers.

People born in January are the wittiest of all. It comes naturally to them!

January babies have the perfect combination of characteristics – tough, sarcastic, funny and ambitious. There are few of these people around, so if you are lucky enough to have one or more in your life, cherish their presence and enjoy their company!

Birthday benefits

Not only are people looking to you to brighten up the month of January with a fabulous birthday party, there are some additional benefits too…

You get the biggest presents.

Whether you’re being bought a present or you get a voucher for your birthday, January is the biggest time for sales so you in turn, get the biggest presents!

You are most likely to have a snow day on your birthday.

Snow or sleet falls on average 7.6 days in January, compared to 5 days in December, 6.8 days in February and 6 days in March. This means you’re more likely than anyone else to be hitting the snowy hills with a sledge on your birthday, than anyone else!

Celebrities born in January

Stephen Hawking 8 January 1942

Duchess of Cambridge 9 January 1982

Michelle Obama 17 January 1964

Jim Carey 17 January 1962

Dolly Parton 19 January 1946

Gary Barlow 20 January 1971

Oprah Winfrey 29 January 1954

Justin Timberlake 31 January 1981

If you know someone having a baby in January, why not SHARE this page with them! Also check out my BIG JANUARY SALE! Up to 50% off sessions and products for photography sessions booked in January 2016!

The post 7 fabulous reasons to have a baby in January appeared first on Bex Pidgeon Photography.

Special memories

It’s my birthday! And according to a 30+ (ahem) year long tradition, that can only mean one thing. I must take a trip to go see some bluebells!

As a child my mum used to take me bluebell picking for my birthday (during a time when this wasn’t frowned upon!). We’d spend an afternoon in the local woods, choose our favourites, wrap them up in tin foil (not sure why!) and pop them in a tall, chipped, only-good-for-the-back-of-the-cupboard glass when we got home. They didn’t last too long but that smell. Oh what a beautiful smell. The smell to start my summer…

Creating new memories

These days it is frowned upon to pick bluebells but I make sure I visit and appreciate them every year. Now that I’m a professional photographer, you’d think it would be the first place I’d choose for family and children’s photography sessions. But I’ve actually avoided bluebell woods for photoshoots. Amongst several other reasons, the green and purple colour casting on skin put me right off!

But with a greater understanding of light, the right lens to create the look I desired (Canon 135L f2.0), some amazing photoshop tips from Nina Mace and willing subjects, I set off to capture the bluebells. It was quite tricky to find ‘the perfect spot’, but once we found it, everything fell into place. I really enjoyed the session and the edit and I’m thinking they are PERFECT for printing on wooden photoblocks for my home.

I enjoyed it that much that I’ve decided to offer bluebell wood mini sessions for my clients next year. So watch this space and maybe it will become a tradition for your family too!

So without further ado, I hope you enjoy this year’s images…

Family session in bluebell woods, Bex Pidgeon Photography, Bedfordshire

Family session in bluebell woods, Bex Pidgeon Photography, Bedfordshire

If you’re interested in booking your family summer session, click here for more info.

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