Newborn – Nest & Fable

Let’s Talk About Your Mess…

There’s a sticky patch on the underside of a chair as you budge it up under the table. There is a tshirt hanging over a chair and you’ve got to give it the sniff test to decide which pile it’s supposed to be in. They were bathed last night but somehow, one of them has some of yesterday’s lunch in their hair… How?

We need to have a serious chat about how un-serious any of it is…More often than not, when we arrive, there are laundry mountain ranges looming in the corner, dishes playing hide and seek in the sink, and a floor that occasionally feels more like the disco floor than polished hardwood. Yep, we’re talking about the everyday disorganised symphony of your family home. But fear not, dear reader, because amidst this beautiful chaos lies the essence of our in-home lifestyle photography sessions.

We are all about capturing connection over perfection. We specialise in candid, authentic moments where you and your loved ones get to be yourselves, mess and all. Because let’s be real, life isn’t lived in perfectly staged living rooms with not a speck of dust in sight. It’s lived in the messy, unpredictable, wonderfully imperfect spaces we call home. (*disclaimer, some homes really are that clean and tidy and we applaud their efforts, that doesn’t mean that we all live like that!)

Now, let’s debunk a myth or two, shall we? Contrary to what our photos might suggest, we’re not expecting everyone to have a spotless house fit for a magazine cover. No, no. We’re here to celebrate the beautiful chaos of your everyday life and also kind of pretend it doesn’t exist. We’re not there to photograph it, we’re there to photograph YOU.

So, take a deep breath and relax. There’s no need to go on a cleaning spree before we arrive. Trust us, we’ve seen it all – from the “I’ll fold it later” laundry piles to the mysterious sticky patches that seem to have a life of their own. It’s all part of the magic!

Here’s the lowdown on prepping for your session: First things first, make sure the children are reasonably clean and snot-free. Next, toss a clean, plain duvet and pillow covers on one bed in a room with that oh-so-perfect neutral light (bonus points if it’s not directly blasting sunlight onto the bed).

Finally, have the kettle on the go for a cuppa when we get in so we have time to let everyone get used to us and for us to find the time to pick the perfect spot, which is usually in a weird corner, near a window, after moving a couch or armchair – where we have discovered a year’s worth of dust, lost toys and the odd remote control. Don’t worry – we’ll grab the hoover!

So, here’s to embracing the beautiful messiness of life, one snapshot at a time. Because when it comes down to it, the laughter, the love, and the realness of your family are what truly shine through in our photos.

Oh! One more incredibly important thing… the legendary playroom (if you have such a thing)! You know, that magical space where toys seem to multiply faster than rabbits? Parents, we hear you when you say, “Oh no, not the playroom, don’t go in there!” But hold up, let’s reframe that thought. The playroom isn’t a forbidden zone; it’s a vibrant, imaginative universe where adventures unfold and creativity knows no bounds. We encourage parents to let the playroom be just that – a PLAYroom. Sure, every single toy they own is on the floor, but that’s the beauty of it! It’s where little imaginations run wild, where forts are built, and where teddies hold talent shows. Embrace it, because in the midst of those colorful chaos corners lies a treasure trove of memories waiting to be photographed.

Ready to capture your unique story?

Find out more about our Family Photo Sessions here!

OMG What Do I Wear?!

in Family, Maternity, Newborn, Portrait

Let me guess, you have no idea what you should wear for your photo session…? Fear not! In this guide, we’ll talk you through some wardrobe choices for you and your family to make sure that you all look and feel relaxed and at your best in your photographs.

The Pitfalls of Black:

First things first – let’s talk about the myth of black being everyone’s best friend in photos. While it might be a classic choice for many occasions, black can be a bit of a diva when it comes to photography. Dark colours tend to absorb light, potentially making you look like a floating head in your pictures, especially on a dull day. With long sleeves, you may also look a bit like a blob, whereas the aim of the game is to give yourself some shape and make sure that you look your best. Opt for vibrant, lighter tones that complement your skin tones and bring life to your family portraits.

Layers and Fabrics:

Layers are your secret weapon for creating depth and visual interest in your photos. Consider adding cardigans, scarves, or even vests to create texture and dimension. Fabrics also play a crucial role – choose natural materials like cotton or linen for a comfortable and breathable experience. Avoid stiff fabrics that may sit awkwardly, disrupting the flow of your session.

Practicality for Little Ones:

When it comes to dressing the little ones, practicality is key. While those cute skirts and dresses may look adorable, they often require constant adjustments, interrupting the natural flow of the session. Opt for practical clothing for active children, and avoid dungaree straps on non-walkers, as they can lead to fussy moments around the shoulders. Why don’t we recommend dresses on those aged up to 3 or so? Take a look…

Accessories Add Flair:

Accessories can elevate your family’s style game without overwhelming the photo. Think about hats, scarves, or statement jewelry that complements your chosen outfits. However, be mindful not to overdo it – the key is to enhance, not distract.

A Light-Hearted Jibe at the Blue Jeans and White T-Shirt Brigade:

Ah, the classic blue jeans and white t-shirt combo – a go-to for many families. While it’s a safe bet, let’s face it, it’s a tad overdone. Spice things up by experimenting with different colours and patterns. Embrace the uniqueness of your family and let your personalities shine through your clothing choices.

Ideal Colour Combinations for Each Season:

Each season brings its own palette of colours that can enhance the mood of your photos. Here’s a quick guide to ideal colour combinations for family photo sessions based on the seasons:

Spring:

Soft pastels like mint green, baby blue, and blush pink.
Floral patterns and light neutrals.

Summer:

Vibrant shades of coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow.
Nautical stripes and light denim.

Fall:

Warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and olive green.
Earthy patterns and cozy textures.

Winter:

Rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep burgundy, and navy.
Winter whites and cozy knits.

Some Other Things to Consider…

Shirt buttons – we’ve all put on a shirt, sat down and looked down to find with horror that the buttons are working much harder than they should to hold it together, resulting in odd bulges in the fabric. Try it on, sit down in it, comfortably and see if it still fits…

Characters, branding and wild patterns – the only thing you want to focus on in your photographs is your family’s faces. If you’ve got psychedelic tie-dye, a pink, ill-behaved pig or a large tick/swish on your clothing, this is going to draw the eye away from the subject i.e. you and your family!

Accessories – above, we recommend accessories, but there is an exception. When we photograph newborns, we ask you to keep it simple, so remember to remove your watches as your baby’s face should be the main attraction.

Your Chest – mums, especially those who have just had a baby, if you don’t want your photographs to look too ‘boob-y’, then please avoid low cut tops or dresses that don’t sit well to make sure that you aren’t constantly adjusting and fussing.

Making it easy, a Colour Combinations Cheat Sheet:

Spring:

Lavender + Mint Green + White
Blush Pink + Baby Blue + Beige

Summer:

Coral + Turquoise + Khaki
Sunshine Yellow + Seafoam Green + White

Fall:

Rust Orange + Mustard Yellow + Brown
Olive Green + Deep Burgundy + Tan

Winter:

Navy Blue + Emerald Green + Silver
Deep Red + Icy Grey + Gold

Conclusion:

Choosing the perfect outfits for your family photo session can be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. Keep it relaxed, natural, and true to your family’s personality. Embrace colour, texture, and accessories, and watch as your family photos become timeless treasures that capture the essence of your unique bond. Happy styling!

Final Note:

We have an extensive range of photo-suitable vests, leggings, jumpers, rompers, headbands and blankets for your newborn, you do not need to dress them. We also have a selection of clothing for up to age 5/6 in our client wardrobe – once you’ve chosen your own clothing, we’re more than happy to jump in and add some of our picture perfect outfits to the set for your children. We have lots of high quality outfits that will elevate the overall look of your photographs, so don’t be shy, ask!

PS: Circular Economy Rules! We LOVE getting your hand-me-downs. Some of the outfits you put on your little ones for their photo sessions are just too good to sit in a wardrobe or end up in a clothing bin. We are more than happy for you to pass on clothing to us to add to our client wardrobe to help to reduce the impact of fast fashion and also to make it easier for future parents to dress their little ones, courtesy of your good choiecs!

MIAN Photography & Training

Booking a Session – How Does that Work?

in Family, Maternity, Newborn

From Inquiry to Gallery: A Journey Through Our Photography Process

Welcome to our creative haven! We’re thrilled you’re considering embarking on a photographic journey with us. At MIAN Photography & Training, we pride ourselves on capturing moments and turning them into cherished memories. Join us as we guide you through our unique photography process, ensuring your experience is as delightful as the photographs that we create.

Booking the Adventure

Booking starts with the client contacting us through social media, email, or WhatsApp.

Initiating Contact: All you have to do is start the conversation – reach out to us through whatever means necessary to take that all important first step.
Aligning the Stars: We believe in making sure that we’re the right fit for you. You deserve your perfect session and we want to make sure that we can give that to you. We ask questions that help tailor our work to each client, understanding their preferences. If we don’t think we’re right for you, we will refer you to a fellow photographer who might better be able to give you the session of your dreams.
The Booking Email: Once the stars align, and it seems like we’re a match made in photography heaven, we send a booking email. This includes a questionnaire, payment options, and a straightforward contract, ensuring peace of mind for both you and us. You’ll pay a booking fee to secure your space in our diary and from there, we start the prep!

Preparing for the Photo Odyssey

Once the booking is secured, the preparation begins:

Preparation Guide and Clothing Choices: We’re not just about clicking buttons; we want you to shine in your photos. Clients receive a preparation guide, and we collaborate on clothing choices to ensure everyone looks their absolute best.
Client Wardrobe: Explore our client wardrobe, stocked with lots of options for most of your family – from the little ones to expecting mothers and newborns.
Comfort is Important: For our tiniest clients, we provide a selection of blankets and snuggly fabrics, creating a cozy nest for the solo portion of their session.

The Day of Capturing Magic

Fast forward to the day of the session:

Health Check: We take health seriously, especially when working with individuals with compromised immune systems. A quick pre-session check ensures a healthy environment for all. If we have a cough or cold, we will reschedule if your session takes place indoors or if you have a newborn or immune suppressed family member. We ask the same courtesy from our clients because we don’t want to catch something and unknowingly bring RSV, Flu or Covid into anyone’s home!
Setting the Scene: Whether in the comfort of your home or a chosen location, we take the time to get to know everyone. A cup of tea, a friendly chat, and we’re ready to capture genuine moments.
Natural Interaction: No stiff poses here! We use prompts and games to encourage natural interaction, creating authentic scenes that reflect your unique story. We might ask you to do some things that sound silly, but if you trust us, we promise that the results will surprise you! Remember, photographs are just moments within moments, it’s not a video and we can’t hear you making fart noises, so it’s okay to be a little quirky.

Post-Adventure Routine

The adventure doesn’t end when we pack up our gear:

Image Backup: Back at our offce, we backup your images on our computer and external hard drive, ensuring the safekeeping of your precious memories.
Efficient Delivery: Galleries are typically delivered within 2-4 weeks through our secure online gallery portal, complete with password protection for your privacy.
Sharing the Joy: Download, print, share! Clients have the flexibility to access and share their digital photographs easily.
Printing: You’ll often hear Milca say “I’m a photographer, not an administrator”. We like to focus on doing what we love so that we can maintain our enthusiasm and creativity for every session. If all of our energy was put into the administration involved in organising prints for you, you wouldn’t get the same people at your session. It’s not who we are. There are lots of wonderful printers who can produce beautiful prints for your walls and we’ll give you post-session guidance on this.

We’ll Pop the Question

To social or not to social?

Sharing Your Photographs: We of course love to show off our work to the world on our website and on our social media. We would never do this without permission, so we will always ask. Some families are happy to share, some aren’t and we will always respect your privacy and your right to decide whether or not you would like us to share your photographs. We don’t force it on anyone. Sometimes, people are happy for us to share photos of just the adults, or just the children, sometimes we only share details such as hands or feet on baby and sometimes we just share photos where you can’t see anyone’s faces. Either way, whatever you’re comfortable with is the best choice for you and your family.

Personalised Experience

What sets us apart:

Personal Connection: We don’t just capture moments; we build relationships. Getting to know our clients personally adds an extra layer of magic to our work.
Friendly Approach: Nervous about being in front of the camera? Fear not! Our standard approach is that of a friend you’ve invited over for coffee, who just happens to have a camera along for the ride.

Let’s Begin Your Story

Still curious? Have questions or concerns? Reach out!

Embark on this little adventure with us, and let’s create lasting memories together. Your questions and concerns are welcomed; we’re here to guide you, stress-free, through the process. Send us a message, and let the adventure begin!

Ready to capture the magic? Let’s get started! Tap here to head over to our Contact Page to take the first step!

Capturing Connections: The Heart of Lifestyle Photography

in Family, Newborn

Well hello there, fellow adventurers and memory-makers! We’re thrilled to have you here in our blog and delighted that you might be considering us as your family photographers. As a husband and wife duo behind the lens, we’ve discovered that the real magic happens when connections are captured, not just pretty pictures.

Why Connection Over Perfection?

Ever wondered why some photos tug at your heartstrings more than others? It’s not about flawless poses or impeccable lighting (though those are nice bonuses and definitely have their time and place). It’s about the raw, unfiltered connection between the people in the photos, or between you and the people in them. We’ve made it our mission to focus on the genuine moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Are You a Fellow Connection-Seeker?

Think about the last time you looked through a family photo album. Were you drawn to the perfectly posed pictures, or did your heart skip a beat when you saw the candid shots of laughter, messiness, and genuine joy? If you’re nodding along, you’re our kind of people. When it comes to capturing the essence of family life, there’s no place like home. We love working in the familiar surroundings of our clients’ homes and gardens. There’s a certain comfort that comes with being in your own space, and that comfort translates into authentic, relaxed photographs.

Turning Locations into Stories

Have you ever noticed how a change of scenery sparks a sense of adventure and freedom? That’s why we often venture into the great outdoors with our families. Fields, parks, and forests become our canvas, and your family becomes the masterpiece. It’s not just a photo session; it’s a mini adventure where children can be children and families can be themselves. From sandy beaches to historic ruins, we’re always up for turning any location into a canvas for your family’s story. These settings aren’t just backdrops; they’re part of the narrative. Whether you’re building sandcastles or exploring ancient corridors, every location helps to add more character to your pictures.

Adapting to Your Story

Speaking of being yourself, we specialize in adapting our approach to your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re seasoned adventurers settling down to family life for the first time or navigating the joys and challenges of raising a child with additional needs, we’re here for you. Our focus is on capturing your story authentically, without trying to fit you into a predetermined box. Down with conformity!

Beyond the Studio: Where Comfort Meets Connection

Who said photography sessions have to be stiff and formal? Certainly not us! We’ve found that when we step out of the studio and into your world, the real moments unfold naturally. In your home or a picturesque outdoor setting, the atmosphere is relaxed, and connections come alive. Have you ever tried ushering your children into picture-perfect poses? It’s like herding cats! We believe in letting children be wild and free, especially in the great outdoors. The result? Genuine smiles, playful interactions, and a collection of photos that tell the story of your family.

Connection Over Conformity: Our Ideal Client

Are you the kind of family that values experiences over things? Do you believe in the beauty of imperfection and the authenticity of genuine connections? If so, you’re our ideal client. We’re not here to deliver picture-perfect images; we’re here to capture the heart and soul of your family’s story.

Let’s Start a Conversation

So, dear reader, as you sit there trying to choose a photographer for your own family photographs, ask yourself: What moments matter most to your family? Is it the laughter, the quiet moments, the adventures, or the everyday chaos? Embrace those moments, and let us capture the connections that make your family truly extraordinary.

In the end, it’s not just about the photographs; it’s about the stories they tell. We’re here to ensure your family’s story is told in the most authentic, heartwarming, and connection-filled way possible. Let’s create memories together—ones that will make you smile, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Because when it comes to lifestyle photography, it’s all about capturing the real, beautiful, and unscripted moments that define your family’s unique perfection.

The Juicy Bit

With this blog post, we kick off our 2024 MIAN Photography & Training Brand Ambassadorship quest! We want to find a family who will help us to show off the ethos you’ve just read about. We want YOU to apply. Convince us that you’re the family we want to adventure with.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/YNmqMjUjzD5Cjy1C7

It’s okay to still be in your jammies!

in Family, Newborn

Usually, when we arrive at a home for a newborn session, at least one person isn’t quite ready and because she’s usually the one washing, dressing and fussing over everyone else, it’s mum. We met Maura yesterday, wearing some very fetching jammies when she answered the door, matched with a beautiful smile and a tiny baby Rian in her arms.

She soon disappeared down the hall to get ready while we were entertained by the very clever and engaging Dylan and given a fresh brew of coffee by dad who also topped Rian up with a quick feed to get him all sleepy for his session.

Dylan showed us his creations, his clay monsters and even wandered around making sure we had biccies to go with our coffee and I even saw him, out of the corner of my eye, pick up a baby vest, fold it and tidy it away! Where can we get one of these 8 (nearly 9) year olds?

We hung out with this family in their living room for a bit, taking photographs of them together, along with a few in front of the Christmas tree and some of the two little miracle men on their own.

I whisked mum and baby away to Dylan’s room and we set up on his bed with some blankets and our comfy doughnut beanbag so we could take some photographs of Rian by himself, he is after all, the little king of the hour!

He was a little unsettled at first, but a few comforting cuddles later and he settled right into his solo session and we quickly got what we needed so he could spend the rest of the morning being cuddled.

While we were doing that, Andy and Dylan stayed in the living room and Dylan got a guitar lesson from Andy! He’s a quick learner and a good student, who knows, one day we could be buying his album!

It was such a pleasure working with this family and we wish them the very best – Rian has the best of big brothers to grow up with and we’re sure that they’ll have lots of adventures together over the years.

If a laid back newborn session sounds like something you want for your family when your little one arrives, then tap the button below to visit our newborn photography pricing and information.

Newborn Photography Sessions

How to Choose a Family Photographer

in Family, Maternity, Newborn

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Family Photographer for You

1. Lifestyle vs. Studio Portrait Photographer

Lifestyle and Studio Portrait photography are two very different things. Studio work is usually centered on posing, lighting and editing and is beautiful in its own right. A lifestyle or natural light photographer specialises in capturing connection and moments that happen organically in your own space or an outdoor space. We always recommend Lifestyle for little wrigglers and children who love to be free spirited and families who love to be on the move.

2. Photography Editing Style

When you look through a photographer’s body of work on their website or socials, you shouldn’t be thinking “oh I wish that was darker” or “I’d love that if it was brighter”. Their style should speak to you and should be what you’d like to have hanging on your own wall. Are they a light and airy photographer or are their tones earthy, warm and colourful? Is their art going to work well in your space and does it fit with your family.

3. Human Connection

When you’ve first enquired and chatted with your photographer, do you feel an instant connection, like you can get on with them for an hour and feel comfortable hanging out? Did your chat flow well? If you’re choosing a photographer, how well you get on with them really matters!

4. Budget

There’s no getting around this one. Is the photographer within budget for you? Is their pricing transparent and easy to understand? Photographers all price differently and it depends on whether or not they offer products such as prints and albums. Some, like us, include all of your edited digital images from a family session, others offer a certain amount and it costs extra to purchase additional images or products from them, so make sure that your budget aligns with their pricing before you commit.

How to Make a Final Decision

Research! Once you’ve shortlisted your photographers, check out the following tips to help you to make a decision:

Referrals – word of mouth! Have any of your friends or family used them, ask what they were like to work with.
Reviews – check out their reviews on their socials, Google and even Trustpilot. Remember that one or two poor reviews are not always a reflection of who your photographer is, be sure to get a balanced overview.
Quality – are the images in focus? Photographs with accidental motion blur and missed focus shouldn’t see the light of day, so have a good look at the photographer’s work.
Consistency – does this photographer regularly share similar work and is it always something you’d be pleased with yourself?
Answerability – are they visible? Do they regularly update with new work? Does your photographer have a website and multiple points of contact i.e. email, WhatsApp/Phone, Website, Social Media.
Communication – do you usually receive a reply to all of your questions relatively promptly i.e. within 2-3 business days max.?
Insurance – you might be surprised to learn that some photographers are not insured and this isn’t just important for them, it’s important for you, for peace of mind. It’s also important if you and your photographer intend to work on public property, so please check with your photographer that their insurance is up to date, showing their commitment and accountability to your well being. Public Liability Insurance is a must!

We hope that this information has helped to make the process of choosing a photographer a little easier and we also hope of course, that you might consider us if you are inside our catchment area! Why not email or WhatsApp us, give us a call or pop over to our Socials to have a look at what we do and see if we might be the photographers for you.

5 Tips to Help You to Relax in Front of the Camera

in Business, Family, Maternity, Newborn

It’s inevitable, you know it, a camera will appear and you’ll have your photo taken and you’re absolutely dreading it. Why? Look, it’s easier to accept it – honestly. If you’re trying to hide, shy away, keep your mouth closed or give out, you’ll still end up with a photograph but it’s not going to be pretty. Let’s talk about making this whole thing easier for you.

2. Dress for You

What? Well, it’s easy for us to give you guidance on what to wear for your photographs, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. Don’t just wear what you think you should for the photos, if you’re going to spend all day tugging at a low cut top to make sure it sits right or twisting the cuff on a sleeve so that it stays in line. Don’t wear something that makes you go ‘ew’ when you look in the mirror because you can change your clothes, but not a photograph.

3. Have a Coffee with your Photographer

Take 15 at the start of your session to sit down and have a cuppa with your photographer. Get to know them a little and let them get to know you! If you’ve got some nervous babbling to get out of the way, then now’s the time to do it. Your photographer will appreciate the chance to get to know you and to make you feel comfortable in their company so that when they’re pointing their camera at you, everyone’s a little less weird about it.

4. Move, Move and Move

This isn’t the early 1900s. The days of standing stock still, unsmiling and fearful are long gone. Unless your photographer is asking you to stay still for something specific, just keep moving! Have something in your hands, move it around, switch hands. Is it coffee? Drink it, cup it, keep your hands warm. Fix your hair. Look up, look down, look over there. Fix that vase of flowers, turn the pages of that book. Whatever you do, just move. Is this a family session? Interact! Cuddle, tickle, play, straighten their clothes, play peekaboo, run, dance – the list of movements is endless. Movement distracts you and the bonus is that it makes for great photographs!

5. Finally, Ask

If you’ve got questions, concerns or ideas, pause for a moment and talk to your photographer. If you think you’ve had a smashing idea, there’s no point emailing your photographer about it later, talk to them during the shoot and see what they think. If you’re unsure of what your photographer wants you to do during the session, talk to them and ask them what they would like you to do. Photographers are strange, chatty creatures (at least, we are…), so conversation is always welcome!

Contact us to have a chat, see if we’re the right fit!

Dressing Your Newborn for Photos

in Newborn

A large part of the aesthetic of your newborn photographs depend on how you dress your baby. This is a simple guide on how to dress your baby for their session.

We have a wardrobe full of items for babies that are comfortable and photograph well. We will ask you, before your session, to send us on some photographs of what you as a family intend to wear, we will then bring a couple of outfits with us for baby that tie into your colour palette and some blankets and muslins too.

Take a look below at just some of the items that we have and keep this type of style in mind for baby if you are dressing them yourself. We are also just after adding a selection of knits that we’ve knitted up ourselves and a few purchased ones as well, which I’ll photograph soon and add to this post.

Dos and Don’ts for Dressing Baby

Do

Temperature appropriate clothing. Avoid shorts and vests in the depth of winter, keep baby cosy.
Comfortable clothing, avoiding tight or stiff material.
Toes out! We want to see baby’s feet, so a onesie with built in feet isn’t ideal.
Neutral, pastel, earthy colours.

Don’t

Dungarees. Please avoid them. They photograph so badly, despite being cute.
Skirts/Dresses. These will travel upward and won’t stay put, they do not photograph well.
Tight headbands. If you want to pop a headband on baby towards the end of the session, this is perfectly okay, but if you have it on at the beginning and want some photos without, it’ll have left a mark!
Neon colours or solid black. Neon reflects off baby’s skin to give them an odd glow. Black isn’t your friend for this style of photograph for a few reasons, please avoid.

Dress Yourself First

Most important of all… Ask. Before your session, we’ll ask you to WhatsApp us a photo of everyone’s clothes laid out so that we can help you to make sure that everything works. It’s all part of the process and all part of the service – we’re here for you.