Timeless newborn photography in your own home

For me, newborn photography should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than a beautifully composed clean striking image. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

New baby sessions held in your home create lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. I use gentle window light and we can include other family members, siblings, parents and even pets. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion. As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. It’s amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy. I do also use a heat pad under my throws which they love.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

Or if you would like to purchase a newborn shoot as a gift I have gorgeous gift cards which would be a perfect baby shower gift.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, 

Valentine’s gift

The best gift in my opinion is the gift of memories, a gift that your loved ones will treasure forever. I now have a range of Love Picture gift vouchers ready to ship out to the lucky recipients.

A photography gift voucher is the perfect present for your husband, wife or partner. A mini shoot gift voucher is something really special.

If you choose one of my £55 mini shoot gift vouchers, the lucky person can choose a family shoot in a stunning bluebell forest, wild flower fields, a golden hour shoot, lavender fields or beautiful woodland locations. It’s a great gift and also includes a 12x8 enlargement.

Another great gift for the parents to be is a Newborn photoshoot gift voucher. This is a really special present to new mummy’s and daddy’s as they really will cherish these memories forever. A lot of mamas wouldn’t have had the chance to have a baby shower this year due to the pandemic so lets really spoil them on valentines day.

Lastly I have Love Picture gift cards where you can select the value of the gift. The gift cards can be used towards any of the services I offer.

Thank you so much for supporting my small business.

Leila x

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London

Timeless newborn photography

For me, newborn photography should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than a beautifully composed clean striking image. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

In these crazy covid-19 times new parents are having so many extra things to worry about. One being is it safe to have a newborn photoshoot? I have made a few changes to how I now do newborn photography sessions. The main one being if coming to your home for the shoot. My set up is a lot more simple and I mainly use natural light, which I think looks the most beautiful anyway. Anything that I bring with me will have been throughly cleaned, my temperature will have been checked and I would wear a mask at all times. So please rest assured my newborn shoots are very safe. None of these changes will have any impact on you receiving stunning photographs.

New baby sessions held in your home create lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. I use gentle window light and we can include other family members, siblings, parents and even pets. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion. As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. Its amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy. I do also use a heat pad under my throws which they love.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

Or if you would like to purchase a newborn shoot as a gift I have gorgeous gift cards which would be a perfect baby shower gift.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, 

The best valentines gift

It’s valentines day next week, we have all been home schooling, trying to work and muddling through our third lockdown. Lets be honest, its been tough!

The best gift in my opinion is the gift of memories, a gift that your loved ones will treasure forever. I now have a range of Love Picture gift vouchers ready to ship out to the lucky recipients.

A photography gift voucher is the perfect present for your husband, wife or partner. A mini shoot gift voucher is something really special.

If you choose one of my £55 mini shoot gift vouchers, the lucky person can choose a family shoot in a stunning bluebell forest, wild flower fields, a golden hour shoot, lavender fields or beautiful woodland locations. It’s a great gift and also includes a 12x8 enlargement.

Another great gift for the parents to be is a Newborn photoshoot gift voucher. This is a really special present to new mummy’s and daddy’s as they really will cherish these memories forever. A lot of mamas wouldn’t have had the chance to have a baby shower this year due to the pandemic so lets really spoil them on valentines day.

Lastly I have Love Picture gift cards where you can select the value of the gift. The gift cards can be used towards any of the services I offer.

Thank you so much for supporting my small business.

Leila x

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London

Bluebell family photoshoot tips

The end of April & the start of May is a very busy time for me! Spring has arrived and now the bluebells are out in their full glory! I live in Chipperfield, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire and all of my photography sessions take place locally. I’d like to share some tips for both budding photographers and future clients.

Finding the right bluebell woods

The National Trust has a number of bluebell woods on their land but these are mainly used for visiting families and not for professional family shoots. Therefore I would begin by scouting for smaller local woods close to the well known larger woods, as bluebells tend to migrate across areas. One of our main stunning bluebell woods is at Asridge, Docky Woods. If you’ve never visited please go as it will take your breath away. Another stunning place to visit is Philipshill wood located between Chorleywood and Chalfont St. Giles, within the Chilterns Area. I started off doing my bluebell shoots in both these places but have since found so many more deserted stunning locations around Chesham, Sarratt & Chipperfield. 

What to wear

Clothing choice is very important when shooting in the bluebells. Your base colour pallete in all your images is going to be quite an acidic green and a very vibrant purple/ blue. Ideally  your clothing needs to fit with this colour scheme and I tend to use neutral tones such as cream, grey, light pink etc.

What time of day

Bluebell photography is especially tricky as these flowers tend to grow where the light is dappled and theres so much contrast. The trees can also be quite bare so you are often be faced with very bright patches of light which can create unevenly lit images. Ideally you want to photograph very early in the morning, or late into the evening when the sun is lower. My perfect day is an overcast cloudy day as the lighting is beautifully balanced. 

Perspective

I always shoot from low down and use the bluebells as foreground so I can create a beautiful purple blur at the front of my image. I love finding paths, patches or fallen trees to sit my families or children on and then I will shot them from quite far away to create a sea of bluebells.  

Props

When I do my mini shoot sessions I used a huge 2 foot round white balloon as a prop. It looks amazing in the photographs and its also a good distraction in so many ways for the children. If they don’t want to be photographed they still always want to hold the balloon so its a good way to build up a relationship and get some amazing natural shots. Its also a great prop for children having a birthday shoot. It also offers a whole other set of photos for the client so they have a bigger variety to choose from after the shoot. Lastly if you want to make the child laugh, you can get the parents to knock you with it, that always gets a giggle. Another good prop is a bunch of artificial bluebells as bluebells are a protected species so you really shoulnt’t pick them.

Be careful

Bluebells are also a protected species so paying attention to where you sit your subjects is very important. Look for patches/areas that have no bluebells or use pathways. If you shoot from very low down it is easy to make a path disappear in camera. Alternatively you can use the pathways to create some lovely leading lines to your family. 

Would you like to book a bluebell mini photography shoot this year. These shoots are extremely popular and sell out very quickly.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £55 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £10, digital images £20, there will also be some special offers like 8 digital images for £100.

These are the dates 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 30 April  1 ,2, 3 May 2021

Full family shoots can be booked at a time and location (subject to availability) that suits you and will be tailored around your requirements.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Give the gift of memories

The best gift in my opinion is the gift of memories, a gift that your loved ones will treasure forever. I now have a range of Love Picture gift vouchers ready to ship out to the lucky recipients.

A photography gift voucher is the perfect present for family and friends.  Whether it is the arrival of a new baby, a birthday, valentine, anniversary, or Christmas gift or just to say ‘Thank You!’ A gift voucher is something special.

If you choose one of my £55 mini shoot gift vouchers, the lucky person can choose a family shoot in a stunning bluebell forest, wild flower fields, a golden hour shoot, lavender fields or beautiful woodland locations. It’s a great gift and also includes a 12x8 enlargement.

Another great gift for the parents to be is a Newborn photoshoot gift voucher. This is a really special present to new mummy’s and daddy’s as they really will cherish these memories forever. A lot of mamas wouldn’t have had the chance to have a baby shower this year due to the pandemic so lets really spoil them.

Lastly I have Love Picture gift cards where you can select the value of the gift. The gift cards can be used towards any of the services I offer.

Thank you so much for supporting my small business.

Leila x

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London

Bookings now open for my Bluebell mini shoots

Book a stunning bluebell mini photography shoot in Hertfordshire this year. These shoots are extremely popular and sell out very quickly.

I will be doing 11 dates this spring due to having to unfortunately cancel them all last year due to covid.

17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 30 April  1 ,2, 3 May 2021

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £55 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £10, digital images £20, there will also be some special offers like 8 digital images for £100.

These shoots are covid safe. They are outside in a remote location and properly social distanced.

Full family shoots can be booked at a time and location (subject to availability) that suits you and will be tailored around your requirements.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Newborn photography in your home

In these crazy covid-19 times new parents are having so many extra things to worry about. One being is it safe to have a newborn photoshoot? I have made a few changes to how I now do newborn photography sessions. The main one being if coming to your home for the shoot. My set up is a lot more simple and I mainly use natural light, which I think looks the most beautiful anyway. Anything that I bring with me will have been throughly cleaned, my temperature will have been checked and I would wear a mask at all times. So please rest assured my newborn shoots are very safe. None of these changes will have any impact on you receiving stunning photographs. For me, newborn photography should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than a beautifully composed clean striking image. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

New baby sessions held in your home create lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. I use gentle window light and we can include other family members, siblings, parents and even pets. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion. As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. Its amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy. I do also use a heat pad under my throws which they love.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London

Timeless safe newborn photography at home

I always feel so privileged when a family invites me into their home to document the arrival of their new baby. It’s such a special personal time. My goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion and the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. It’s amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them done.

As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why new born photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

For me, new born portraits should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than classic black and white photography. I think black and white images are really stylish and contemporary. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

Now more than ever in these crazy covid new normal times, I prefer to photograph new baby sessions at your home. This has always been my preference as I think being new parents is hard enough without dragging everyone to a studio for a shoot. You are all lovely and safe in your bubble. When I arrive my temperature would have been checked, I would wear a mask and any equipment that I bring will be freshly cleaned.

At home you will receive lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. New born shoots are best done in the first two weeks of your little one’s arrival. My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20-week scan and can book a provisional date. Click here to book.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, 

Where to go pumpkin picking in Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire

Now it’s Autumn it’s time to start thinking about pumpkin picking! It’s becoming very popular to visit a pumpkin farm to choose your own pumpkin. It’s also a fun day out with the children. My daughters are 2 & 4 now and we have been going every year since our eldest arrived. The girls dress up and I always come armed with my camera and its fun!!!

If you are going to pick your own pumpkins then remember that you will be visiting a pumpkin patch on a working farm, so expect to be walking in muddy fields and on uneven ground. Wear your wellies and it’s a good idea to bring along a pair of gloves for pumpkin picking as the stalks can be prickly. Some farms provide wheelbarrows but others don’t, so take a big bag (or bags) to carry your pumpkins in. Also, don’t forget your cameras for those cute pictures with your pumpkins!

If you’re looking for a pumpkin patch in Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire take a look at a few of my favourites;

HITCHIN LAVENDER 

Hitchin Lavender, Cadwell Farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA

Visit Hitchin Lavender this year and you can pick your own pumpkin! There’s also a straw bale maze and the barn will be open for hot food and drink too. Visit the Facebook Page for more information.

THE POP UP FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

The Pop-Up Farm, London Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 8HT (next to the Harvester Junction 9 of the M1)

Get your wheelbarrow and then choose your own pumpkins and squashes in the Pumpkin Patch, pop them in your wheelbarrow and head to the checkout! Weigh your pumpkins, take photos on the pumpkin sofas and then load your pumpkins into your car. Entry is free. Wear your wellies and check The Pop-Up Farm Facebook Page for updates on opening days and times, before you travel. Have a look at what happened on our visit to The Pop Up Farm.

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF

Visit the Willows Farm Pumpkin Festival and receive a FREE pumpkin for every child throughout the festival, straight from the fantastic Willows Pumpkin Patch. There’s also pumpkin carving and loads of activities to keep children entertained all day long. The Willows Activity Farm Pumpkin Festival is a fun-filled, full day out. Entry fees apply and there are discounts available if you book in advance. Visit the website to book tickets or for more information.

RUMBLERS FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

Rumblers Farm Shop, Potten End Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3BN

Rumblers Farm is open every day. Visit the Rumblers Farm Pumpkin Patch! They have hundreds of pumpkins on display, or in a small polytunnel, so you can choose your perfect pumpkin – whatever the weather! Check the Rumblers Farm Facebook Page for updates on opening days and times, before you travel.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, CHESHAM

The Christmas Tree Farm, Amersham Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1NE

The Christmas Tree Farm in Chesham transforms into The Pumpkin Farm. They have traditional Halloween pumpkins and squashes available in a range of sizes. Check the Facebook Page for updates on opening days and times, before you travel or visit the website for more information.

Organising a wedding in the middle of a pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has hit everyone in different ways. Everyday life as we know it has completely changed! Lockdown has been a long tough journey and again it has affected everyone in totally different ways. 

For me it did also have lots of benefits like appreciating the simple things in life and spending more time with my family. But I’m not going to lie it was also exhausting trying to entertain 2 & 3 year old. My youngest received a shielding letter so it was so extremely important to keep her extra safe. We didn’t visit a shop for 5 months or even send them back to preschool and nursery when they first opened. But we were lucky as our family was safe, we followed all the rules and at the end of the day that’s all that really matters.

Being a small business owner I had to cancel lot of work and that was a huge hit financially. I think I cancelled over 100 shoots because of covid. But everyone was in the same situation. I offered all my clients who had booked either a full refund or to reschedule the shoot once safe and luckily for me everyone was happy to reschedule later on in the year. 

One group hit with major disruption were couples who had booked a wedding. Organising a wedding is stressful enough normally let alone in the middle of a pandemic. COVID-19 has caused many brides and grooms to cancel, postpone or totally change their wedding plans this year. To make matters worse, some wedding venues have not been holding up their end of the bargain, charging customers a cancellation fee - despite the circumstances -and not allowing for any other course of action.

I had destination weddings in both France and Spain postponed, cancelled and changes in destinations. Again I offered all my clients complete flexibility and luckily I was free for the new wedding 2021 dates.

However the stress and worry is still constant. This horrible virus isn’t going away. Restrictions have been lifted and the numbers are going up again. What will the new rules on weddings be next year? It’s all a bit of a gambled and so tough if you’ve been trying to plan your big day.

As a Hertfordshire wedding photographer, to existing and new clients if you book me to do your wedding photography please rest assured in these unprecedented times I am fully flexible with all my bookings. If your wedding needs to be postponed or cancelled or you need to make major changes due to covid. I will do my best to accommodate your new plans. 

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Last few spaces for this years Autumn mini sessions

We’ve had the most beautiful spring and summer and I think we are heading for a nice warm golden autumn. I love photographing families in Autumn, It’s a stunning backdrop for both children, family and pet photography. If you would like to book one of my last remaining sessions click here.

The photoshoots will be taking place in Chipperfield woods, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. There are so many gorgeous fallen trees perfect for children to climb and to arrange families around. It’s really easy to get to from Watford, Rickmansworth, Chesham and Berkhamsted.

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!)

If you would like from flexibility for the shoot, a longer time slot and at a location of your choice all my standard packages are available and on my website. Other great locations for autumn shoots are Ashridge Estate, Chorley Wood, The Grove Hotel & Whippendale woods. If you have a special location in mind please get in touch, I love finding new places.

I’m a mummy of two and I know how hard it can be getting that perfect family shot. That’s why people book me, because I will put you all at ease, the shoot will be fun and relaxed and you will receive the most amazing photographs of your family.

If you would like to book an Autumn mini shoot get in touch. They are great fun for all the family and dogs are very welcome too. Here are the dates 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 October 2020.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £35 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £8.

Click here to book.

Once you book I will send you an email, with the location, tips on what to wear and how to prep for the shoot. I’m normally very lucky and the weathers always been quite nice and sunny over these dates. If not and its raining, we can reschedule to another weekend.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushy, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Family Autumn Mini Shoots

It’s almost that time of the year! We’ve had the most beautiful spring and summer and I think we are heading for a nice warm golden autumn. As a photographer I absolutely adore this season. It’s a stunning backdrop for children and family photography.

This year I will be setting aside some dates for family mini shoots. Most of my sessions will be taking place in Chipperfield woods, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. This gorgeous woods is fantastic for photoshoots. There are so many gorgeous fallen trees perfect for children to climb and to arrange families around. It’s really easy to get to from Watford, Rickmansworth, Chesham and Berkhamsted.

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!)

If you would like from flexibility for the shoot, a longer time slot and at a location of your choice all my standard packages are available and on my website. Other great locations for autumn shoots are Ashridge Estate, Chorley Wood, The Grove Hotel & Whippendale woods. If you have a special location in mind please get in touch, I love finding new places.

I’m a mummy of two and I know how hard it can be getting that perfect family shot. That’s why people book me, because I will put you all at ease, the shoot will be fun and relaxed and you will receive the most amazing photographs of your family.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushy, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

If you would like to book an Autumn mini shoot get in touch. They are great fun for all the family and dogs are very welcome too. Here are the dates 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 October 2020.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £35 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £8.

Click here to book.

Once you book I will send you an email, with the location, tips on what to wear and how to prep for the shoot. I’m normally very lucky and the weathers always been quite nice and sunny over these dates. If not and its raining, we can reschedule to another weekend.

Timeless covid safe newborn photography

For me, newborn photography should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than a beautifully composed clean striking image. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

In these crazy covid-19 times new parents are having so many extra things to worry about. One being is it safe to have a newborn photoshoot? I have made a few changes to how I now do newborn photography sessions. The main one being if coming to your home for the shoot. My set up is a lot more simple and I mainly use natural light, which I think looks the most beautiful anyway. Anything that I bring with me will have been throughly cleaned, my temperature will have been checked and I would wear a mask at all times. So please rest assured my newborn shoots are very safe. None of these changes will have any impact on you receiving stunning photographs.

New baby sessions held in your home create lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. I use gentle window light and we can include other family members, siblings, parents and even pets. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion. As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. Its amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy. I do also use a heat pad under my throws which they love.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green, 

Book a family Autumn photoshoot

If you have a love of Autumn and you want to embrace the colour, leaves and light, then a autumn family shoot would be ideal for you. I love photographing families and children in all seasons as each one offers something unique and wonderful. But I have to admit Autumn photoshoots are one of my favourites and these are the reasons why;

• The light in Autumn couldn’t be more beautiful – it’s hazy, soft and it’s more consistent so you never get those harsh shadows and blown out highlights. There’s something to be said for the light at Golden Hour as well – just wow! It’s flattering, warm and generally just gorgeous!

• You can’t deny that the colours in Autumn are just incredible! The lush and vibrant greens of summer have been replaced with stunning browns, reds and oranges which are just so warming, flattering and striking, especially when combined with beautiful and complementary clothes!

• I think one of the reasons I love to shoot in Autumn so much is the sheer freedom and fun that it generates. Who doesn’t love picking acorns, playing conkers or throwing leaves around? It truly embraces an outdoor and natural feel to a shoot – two factors of photography I feel very passionate about!

• The final reason for loving Autumn shoots is the temperature. Gone is the somewhat overbearing heat of the summer sun with the freezing temperatures of Winter still some way off! I find children in particular, respond really well to Autumn shoots as they are more comfortable and therefore have more fun!

If you would like to book an Autumn mini shoot get in touch. They are great fun for all the family and dogs are very welcome too. The photoshoot will take place at Chipperfield Woods Kings Langley WD4 9BQ. This is my favourite location as there are so many stunning spots.

Because I had to cancel so many shoots this year due to lockdown i will be doing a few extra dates to hopefully squeeze everyone in. Here are the dates 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 October 2020.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £35 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £8.

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!)

Full family shoots can be booked at a time and location (subject to availability) that suits you and will be tailored around your requirements.

Once you book I will send you an email, with the location, tips on what to wear and how to prep for the shoot. I’m normally very lucky and the weathers always been quite nice and sunny over these dates. If not and its raining, we can reschedule to another weekend.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Corporate photography

Headshot photographs look simple and straightforward but can be deceptively hard to get right. When I visit your offices I ensure that the shots will be properly framed, appropriately lit and uniformly presented. I do a lot of corporate headshots in the City of London for the big banks and Insurance brokers. As time is an essence I often get booked to do team shots and have individuals booked in for separate 15 minute appointments. This means we can work efficiently and get lots of people photographed.

Many my corporate clients use the headshots for their company website, LinkedIn and other social media profiles. I am extremely experienced and good at putting clients at their ease during the photoshoots.

For all businesses and commercial operations, a website is one of the most fundamental marketing channels. It offers probably the single best opportunity to promote services and products, and to articulate the values behind a company’s brand. On a company website striking corporate photography makes a huge impact.

I get a lot of repeat bookings from these companies to document awards ceremonies, business launches, company presentations, and even celebrations such as staff parties. I work discreetly, blending into the background using my reportage photographic skills that make guests at ease and not self-conscious. 

The fast turnaround of images is absolutely essential in this day and age. I would normally process them that evening and then upload via a personal viewing gallery for our clients and their guests to view and download.

I also offer creative video services for events and company websites.

If you would like to have a chat about your corporate needs get in touch. No job is too big or small.

Relaxed, Elegant Christening Photography

Are you planning your babies christening or baptism? If yes why not book me to photograph the occasion. My name is Leila and I’m a professional photographer based in Kings Langley Hertfordshire. 

Whether you’re having an intimate family occasion, or a larger party with friends and relatives, I can provide beautiful and creative photography to document their special day.

I have over twenty years experience working with children, families, as as a wedding photographer and as a television camera operator. I bring the very best of all three worlds to your christening photography. My family photography skills ensure that I will capture all those important family group shots and the most beautiful portraits of your baby on their special day. While my documentary wedding photography experience ensures that I can photograph unobtrusively through your ceremony, and capture all the atmosphere, details and fun of your reception. Then my TV background makes me current. I’m constantly working in new environments making new shows, this keeps my outlook and work fresh and up to date.

If you book me as your photographer I would arrive at your home an hour before you need to leave for the church. This will give us some time to do some portraits and family shots before the ceremony. Experience has taught me that many children find christenings quite tiring, and therefore doing the formal shots beforehand provides the best results. This also makes the rest of the day more relaxing for you and you can enjoy that glass of champagne with your friends and family without being disturbed.

My style is relaxed and unobtrusive, I will capture those important moments of blessing and the little details that make you smile. The fun your friends and family will have, the laughing and joking, and the children running around and enjoying themselves. I will photograph the little details you have thought of to make your day unique – your cakes and entertainments, the decorations and drinks. I will capture both the feel and the spirit of the day, as well as lots of relaxed informal portraits of those that you love.

Each and every christening, baptism and naming ceremony is unique and I shall use all my skill to capture photographs that surpass your expectations, and that you will love to look back on for years to come. For more information, please contact me to discuss as I would love to hear all about your plans and discuss how best I can provide you with the most amazing set of pictures.

I’m based on the Herts Bucks boarders but cover all the local areas; Abbots Langley, Adeyfield, Albury, Albury End, Aldbury, Aldenham, Amwell, Ansells End, Anstey, Apsley, Ardeley, Ashridge, Ashwell, Aspenden, Aston End, Astrope, Ayot Green, Ayot St Lawrence, Ayot St Peter, Babbs Green, Bakers End, Baldock, Ballingdon Bottom, Barkway, Barley, Barleycroft End, Barkway, Batchworth, Batford, Bayford, Bayfordbury, Beane, Bedmond, Bell Bar, Belsize, Benington, Bennetts End,  Berkhamsted, Hertingfordbury, Bishop's Stortford, Borehamwood, Bourne End,  Bovingdon, Bower Heath, Boxmoor, Bozen Green, Bragbury End, Bramfield, Braughing, Braughing Friars, Brent Pelham, Brickendon, Bricket Wood, Bridens Camp, Great Gaddesden, Brookmans Park, Broxbourne, Buckland, Buntingford, Bury Green, Bushey, Bushey Heath, Bygrave, Caldecote, Carpenders Park, Chapmore End, Charlton, Chaulden, Cherry Green, Chipperfield, Chiswell Green, Cheshunt, Chipperfield, Chorleywood, Codicote, Cold Christmas, Cole Green, Coleman Green, Colliers End, Standon, Colney Heath, Colney Street, Cottered, Cow Roast, Cromer Hyde, Croxley Green, Cuffley, Clothall, Dane End, Datchworth, Digswell, Dudswell, Eastbury, Eastwick, Elstree, Essendon, Felden, Fields End, Flamstead, Flaunden, Frithsden, Furneaux Pelham, Gadebridge, Garston, Gilston, Goffs Oak, Gosmore, Graveley, Great Amwell, Great Gaddesden, Great Hormead, Great Munden, Great Offley, Great Wymondley, Gubblecote, Hadham Ford, Little Hadham, Harpenden, Hastoe, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Heronsgate, Hertford, Hertford Heath, Hertingfordbury, Hexton, High Cross, Thundridge, High Wych, Highfield, Hinxworth, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Holwell, How Wood, Hunsdon, Hunton Bridge, Ickleford, Jersey Farm, St Albans, Kelshall, Kensworth, Kelshall, Kimpton, King's Walden, Kings Langley, Kinsbourne Green, Knebworth, Labby Green and Letty Green, Hertingfordbury, Langley, Langleybury, Leavesden, Lemsford, Letchmore Heath, Letchworth Garden City, Lemsford, Leverstock Green, Lilley, Little Amwell, Little Berkhamsted, Little Gaddesden, Little Hadham, Little Hormead, Little Munden, Little Offley, Little Wymondley, London Colney, Long Marston, Loudwater, Maple Cross, Markyate, Marshalswick, Micklefield Green, Sarratt,  Mill End, Sandon, Mill End, Rickmansworth, Moor Park, Much Hadham, Napsbury including Napsbury Park, Nash Mills, Nasty, Great Munden, Nettleden, Newgate Street, Newnham, New Mill, Tring, Northaw, Northchurch, North Mymms, Norton, Nuthampstead, Oaklands, Offley, Old Hall Green, Old Hatfield, Old Knebworth, Oxhey, Park Street, Piccotts End, Pimlico, Bedmond, Pirton, Potten End, Potters Bar, Preston, Puckeridge, Puttenham, Radlett, Radwell, Redbourn, Reed, Rickmansworth, Ridge, Ringshall, Roe Green, Royston, Rush Green, Rushden, Sacombe, Sacombe Green, St Albans, St Ippolyts, St Paul's Walden, St Stephen, Sandon, Sandridge, Sarratt, Sawbridgeworth, Shenley (including Shenleybury), Smallford, South Mimms, South Oxhey, Spellbrook, Staines Green, Hertingfordbury, Standon, Standon Green End, Stanstead Abbotts, Stanstead St Margarets, Stapleford, Stevenage, Stocking Pelham, Tewin, Therfield, Thorley, Thundridge, Tonwell, Tring, Trowley Bottom, Wadesmill, Walkern, Wallington, Walsworth, Waltham Cross, Ware, Wareside, Warner's End, Waterford, Water End, Dacorum, Water End, North Mymms, Waterend, Watford, Watton-at-Stone, Welham Green, Well End, Wellpond Green, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Westmill, Weston, Westwick Row, West Hyde, Wheathampstead, Whempstead, Whitwell, Widford, Wigginton, Willian, Wilstone, Woodhall Farm, Woollensbrook, Woolmer Green, Wormley, Wyddial and Buckinghamshire.

I’m now taking bookings for Autumn family shoots 2020

If you have a love of Autumn and you want to embrace the colour, leaves and light, then a autumn family shoot would be ideal for you. I love photographing families and children in all seasons as each one offers something unique and wonderful. But I have to admit Autumn photoshoots are one of my favourites and these are the reasons why;

• The light in Autumn couldn’t be more beautiful – it’s hazy, soft and it’s more consistent so you never get those harsh shadows and blown out highlights. There’s something to be said for the light at Golden Hour as well – just wow! It’s flattering, warm and generally just gorgeous!

• You can’t deny that the colours in Autumn are just incredible! The lush and vibrant greens of summer have been replaced with stunning browns, reds and oranges which are just so warming, flattering and striking, especially when combined with beautiful and complementary clothes!

• I think one of the reasons I love to shoot in Autumn so much is the sheer freedom and fun that it generates. Who doesn’t love picking acorns, playing conkers or throwing leaves around? It truly embraces an outdoor and natural feel to a shoot – two factors of photography I feel very passionate about!

• The final reason for loving Autumn shoots is the temperature. Gone is the somewhat overbearing heat of the summer sun with the freezing temperatures of Winter still some way off! I find children in particular, respond really well to Autumn shoots as they are more comfortable and therefore have more fun!

If you would like to book an Autumn mini shoot get in touch. They are great fun for all the family and dogs are very welcome too. The photoshoot will take place at Chipperfield Woods Kings Langley WD4 9BQ. This is my favourite location as there are so many stunning spots.

Because I had to cancel so many shoots this year due to lockdown i will be doing a few extra dates to hopefully squeeze everyone in. Here are the dates 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 October 2020.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £35 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 12x8 size. Extra prints start from £8.

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!)

Full family shoots can be booked at a time and location (subject to availability) that suits you and will be tailored around your requirements.

Once you book I will send you an email, with the location, tips on what to wear and how to prep for the shoot. I’m normally very lucky and the weathers always been quite nice and sunny over these dates. If not and its raining, we can reschedule to another weekend.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

My favourite golden hour shoot

My biggest lockdown discovery was this gorgeous giant daisy field by the River Chess near Chorleywood. It was absolutely stunning and because it was such a warm sunny May I ended up spending many an evening here photographing families during golden hour. This I have to say was my favourite golden hour shoot. Alexa, Elodie & Milena were amazing little models. They arrived perfectly styled and stole the show!

All three of the Duncan girls model professionally for Kids London! Here’s a little bit of their story from their mum, Nicola.

“Alexa started modelling when she was 5yrs old. I did a family shoot with a local photographer and she really enjoyed it so we sent a couple of pictures to an agency. All three girls are now signed with Kids London Model Management, who are one of the best agencies in the UK.”

“They have had some fantastic opportunities working with brands such as Boden, Marie Chantal, Mini Rodini & Benedita. They have walked in shows at London Kids Fashion week and been on the covers of children’s fashion magazines. Last year Alexa appeared in a music video and a TV advert for a Disney CD. These experiences have been valuable in teaching the girls about listening to direction, understanding the desired outcomes of a shoot and working together with other children and adults.”

“In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement it’s opened my eyes to just how valuable the modelling world has been to teaching my daughters about valuing diversity.  They have met and worked with so many inspiring people.”

I cannot wait to do more golden hour portraits at this gorgeous wild flower field. If you would like to reserve a space for next year get in touch!

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Safe socially distanced newborn photography

We all know that 2020 has been a crazy year with the fear of coronavirus and everyone being in lockdown. New mums in my opinion have had it particularly tough. The pregnancy journey and build up is pretty special and is normally celebrated. It should be a time of excitement, hanging out with friends & family, shopping trips for clothes and nursery furniture, joining a local NCT class, meeting new people and of course having a baby shower.

Now lockdown has eased Ive had a lot of parents to be contact me asking about is it safe to do a newborn shoot and am I able to stick to the social distance guidelines. The answer is yes!

At the moment I am only doing newborn shoots in the persons home. I have always preferred this option with newborn photography. Both mummy and baby are so much more relaxed which make for lovely, intimate family portraits. This is also a great option if you have other children as they would get bored sitting and waiting in a studio.

I normally would use the master bedroom or the nursery for a shoot. I love natural light photography so a room with lots of gentle window light is perfect. If you have I would recommend white of pale natural colour bedding. If not don’t worry at all as I have lots of throws that I bring with me that can be used instead.

There is no 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion.

As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. Its amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green,