This months Guest Post Charlotte Gale Photography

 Parenthood can be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding with each day bringing new experiences and memories to treasure.

The increasing popularity of smartphones and social media has meant that we are photographing and sharing pictures of our children more than ever before. Whilst camera phones are a convenient way of capturing opportune moments, many of you will have discovered that results can be mixed, especially when photographing your children indoors. In this case thoughts turn to hiring a professional. However, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Locating a local studio is often the first port of call; a good option for anyone looking for staged portraits against a white background. Many of the less traditional studios also offer a range of setups using props, which are particularly popular for newborn and toddler photography.

You may have noticed adverts for free or discounted studio shoots, or perhaps you have won one in a competition. These often sound like an opportunity too good to be missed, but make sure you do your research beforehand. Always check that you have an idea of print options and costs prior to booking your session. A few of the larger studios make up lost revenue by selling parents expensive photo packages after the event, sometimes using aggressive sales techniques. If in doubt, speak to friends about their own experiences or ask for recommendations on parenting forums and stick to companies with transparent pricing structures.

Alternatively, if you are looking for more natural shots it is worth considering commissioning an independent bump or baby photographer. Most will offer natural light photo shoots in your home or at a location of your choice. These sessions can be a great way of capturing relaxed and informal images in familiar surroundings.

Whatever your final decision, the key to a successful shoot is preparation:

• Make sure your baby or toddler has a sleep and feed before the shoot

• Avoid clothes with brand names or cartoons on them, as these will date quickly

• Don’t be afraid to highlight other photos you like. Pinterest is a great resource for this

Charlotte Gale is a natural light photographer from Knaresborough. For more information about her baby and toddler photography visit www.charlottegalephotography.com.