Why do I love a sitter session? I get to meet so many of your gorgeous newborns in the first few days of their life which is such a magical time that its easy to forget that some of the best memories are yet to come. 

​Sitter sessions are usually done around 6 months, your little one can sit up independently but isn't quite the crawling escape artist they will soon become. Its such an amazing age to capture on camera, their personalities are developing and they are full of smiles and funny faces that make for amazing pictures to look back on. It is a great chance to capture the incredible changes that happen in such a short space of time.

​Before each session I speak with the you and get a feel for what colours and props you'd like included in your shoot. Each one is as unique are your little one, just take a look at these recent sitter sessions to see what sort of thing you can expect. Sessions are around 45 minutes long in my Sidcup studio, giving up the perfect session to capture your little one showing off their new sitting skills, on their tummy and chewing toes!

If you'd like to find out more about my sitter sessions click here or contact me on clare@clarelongphotography.com

This clock change has my toddler up SUPER early, I was looking at some photographer friend's blogs and thought I would share Derbyshire baby photographer Kathryn Hill's link for tips on settling newborn babies!

So some of you might have noticed that I published a post the other day about an award that I won that was a pretty big deal for me. I've been entering the Guild Of Photographers monthly awards for a while now and I've been consistently scoring "Bronze" in the newborn category which is an amazing compliment to my work (and your beautiful babies). 

I wouldn't be me though if I didn't always want to push to improve and this month after an impromptu model call for an Autumn themed newborn shoot I managed to set up this image which finally scored me hopefully the first of many Silver Awards - which The Guild of Photograph's describe as: "A Silver Bar .. Images that are very well crafted (difficult to achieve)."

​I always want offer my clients something new and be at the top of my game so to have my work recognised like this just pushes me to try harder. The Newborn Photography category must is such a difficult one to judge, I'm not sure I could do it so I'm incredibly happy one of mine scored so highly, alongside some truly incredible photographers.

All of these images are set up in my studio, you get to see your baby in all the set ups and poses. I don't use digital backgrounds as a general rule which means you get something handcrafted for you. You also get to coo over your tiny baby surrounded by seasonal props or as per the image below, the mum's wedding sari.

​My newborn sessions are booking up fast with almost all my spaces for January already taken so if you're expecting or know someone who is that would like a newborn shoot make sure you get in touch with me soon. 

It really doesn't seem like its been two minutes since my eldest went back to school in September and yet here we are already at the October half term. With sunny days a distant memory the October holidays can be a tricky one for keeping restless little ones entertained.

I've made a handy little list for you all of some fun things to do in the area over the coming weeks. I can't wait to try out Gruffalo Pot Painting and I know that youngest is going to have so much fun at the Halloween party!

Gruffalo Pot Painting https://hoop.co.uk/e/8KnbdL/

Code Creators (Scratch Jr:3-5's) https://hoop.co.uk/e/kxfJLH/

Ice Tickles Children's Halloween Party https://hoop.co.uk/e/zue45R/

Kids October Technology Camp https://hoop.co.uk/e/6VHC95/

Light Party https://hoop.co.uk/e/U8fd9a/

Story makers Half Time Special https://hoop.co.uk/e/DrNRMg/

Pumpkin Carving https://www.mudchute.org/news/october-half-term-activities-2019

https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/west-kent/whats-on/gruffalo-spotters-jeskyns-community-woodlands

If you don't fancy venturing out of the house (and who could blame you with the rain lately) this link is great for ideas of crafty things to do at home when normal crayons and stickers just aren't cutting it anymore.

https://whereimaginationgrows.com/october-crafts-activities-calendar/

Or take a look at my instagram stories today to see a cute little halloween spider craft!

​
I'm looking forward to seeing some of you for family shoots over the coming weeks and of course Christmas Minis are almost here too. There's still a few sessions free on Sunday the 10th if you've not booked yet. Whatever you choose to do make sure you take lots of pictures and have fun! 

I love checking out other photographer's work, I have a couple of maternity shoots soon, and love Brooke's work over at Sandpiper Photography, she is a Sunshine Coast Maternity Photographer x

​The countdown is on and I couldn't be more excited! The response to them this year was completely overwhelming, so much so that we I had to add another date as they sold out so quickly. If you missed out I've still got a few spaces left but grab one quickly if you want it!

https://clarelongphotography.bigcartel.com/category/photography-session

Every year I get a little carried away with my Pinterest obsession and create an ideas board for you to look at and this year is no different! I know that some of you are keen to get shopping (me too after making this board) so wanted to get the suggestions out to you all ASAP.

This year I'm recommending soft neutral colours so think blush pinks and pale turquoise for the girls and gorgeous pale grey tailoring and cream knitwear for the little men. As usual try to avoid anything with busy patterns or logos that will take the attention away from the cheeky smiles and laughing faces I know that we are going to get.

http://pin.it/ygpxavo6kupjfu 

I'm totally in love with the pale blue faux-fur collar jacket from Monsoon so if anyone else feels the same way you'd make me a very happy Photographer at your session ;-) I can't wait to see you all soon. If you have any questions about our session let me know.

Whilst on the hunt for outfits I came across Hannah Willis, a newborn photographer from Willaston, she has a fabulous list of suppliers for me to have a look through for my newborn work! This is super helpful for newborn photographers when they are searching for new props!
​https://www.cherishforeverphotography.com/blog/where-do-i-buy-my-props-from

I love new parents arriving at my home studio in Sidcup for their newborn session. The love, excitement....exhaustion is always so clear and brings a rush of memories for me every time. Those first few weeks meeting and getting to know your new baby is filled with so many emotions.

I am super lucky, I get to cuddle and capture your brand new, most important aspect of your life. I get to freeze them as a 7(ish)lb ball of utter cuteness before they grow so very, very quickly. You get to chill out, catch up on messages, some (dads usually!) have a little nap, whilst I create beautiful images for you to display at home, share with friends and family and pass down when your little tiny person is not so tiny anymore.

Lately, I have had a lot of enquiries for newborn sessions, for babies that are already a week or so old. I hate to turn people away, I don't like to disappoint or to let people down, however I can only take on a certain number of shoots a week/month. Most of these slots are booked well in advance, and so trying to squeeze people in around existing bookings and my two munchkins is quite tricky.

I would hate for you to be disappointed, so please, please do let me know your due date and get booked in. 

When booking with me I never set a firm date, so when baby arrives all you have to do is let me know and we can move things around to suit - whether baby has come early or late I adjust to fit you - so you don't need to worry about exact dates when booking early.

I am currently taking bookings for February...As soon as you feel comfortable, whether that be after your 20 week scan,  or as you enter your 3rd trimester, add 'Find photographer' to your baby list - or even better 'Book Clare for photos' ;)

In December my studio will have a slight change of use for one day as I play host to the fabulous Emma Sohl - a newborn photographer in Milton Keynes who is going to be running a workshop for photographers - I am so excited to have her here, meet some other photographers and learn new things!
https://capturethelightphoto.co.uk/babies-and-dogs-sure-why-not/