BECOMING A MUM FOR THE FIRST TIME

Becoming a mum for the first time is both exciting and terrifying!  Pregnancy itself can be a nervous time, especially for first-time mums.  I meet lots of new mums in my studio in Chorley, Lancashire who bring their babies to me for newborn portraits.  I get lots of opportunities to chat with them and they share tons of tips and advice with me. I thought it would be a nice idea to write an article bringing together all of their tips and advice to help you prepare for the arrival of your first baby.

Labour & Delivery

This can be the most nerve-wracking part of thinking about meeting your new baby – knowing that you have to go through labour and delivery first.  Sometimes, just understanding more about what happens during labour can be enough to put you more at ease. We have some fabulous resources in Chorley for women preparing for their first baby – take a look at https://www.thehub-buckshaw.co.uk/events-activities/hypno-birthing/ for some natural ways to cope with labour.  Your midwife will also be able to signpost you to services as well as helping you to write your birth plan.  From speaking to mums in my photography studio I’d say the main thing is to not get too hung up on your plan – your baby didn’t get the plan so might have a different plan in mind!  You can find out more about writing your birth plan here but always take the advice of your midwife or consultant. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/how-to-make-birth-plan/

Preparing

Nesting tends to happen in the last few weeks of your pregnancy – it describes the strong urge a pregnant woman has to prepare her house (or nest) for a baby arriving.  Although it’s totally natural to want to prepare your home, try not to overdo any physical work. You might prefer to get a local cleaning company in for a one-off clean so you can supervise rather than be moving furniture to give the living room a good vacuum!  Take a look at https://www.brightandbeautifulhome.com/ or https://www.diamonddomesticservices.com/ who both offer a variety of cleaning services locally.   Avoid using any harsh chemicals yourself – we know it’s tempting to tackle the oven, but at this stage in your pregnancy, it’s much safer to leave it to the professionals.

Health Visitors

Once your baby arrives and you are discharged from the hospital, your local midwife will visit you at home.  Once your community midwife is happy that you and your baby are happy and healthy, you’ll be discharged into the care of our local health visiting team.  Your assigned health visitor will come and see you and your baby at home and my clients sing the praises of the service. Your health visitor can signpost you to other services and activities for you and your new baby as well as giving you health advice and solutions.  You can find out more about the Chorley health visiting team here https://lancsyoungpeoplefamilyservice.co.uk/ 

I really hope you found this article useful in preparing for your first baby.  Pop over to my newborn gallery now and get a little glimpse into the beautiful experience that awaits you very soon.  [link to newborn gallery]

Kath x

TOP TIPS TO HELP YOUR TODDLER ADAPT TO YOUR NEW BABY

Finding out you are pregnant when you already have a young family is a really exciting time.  Your new baby is going to arrive into a family with a sibling or siblings ready to accept them and to form lifelong relationships.  It’s a little daunting too. Your toddler isn’t famed for being patient and gentle (whose is!?). Add to that, they are currently the ‘baby’ of the family and you might start to feel apprehensive about how your toddler is going to adapt to having a new baby around.  The good news is you can start to set the scene now while you’re pregnant.

As a busy newborn and baby photographer in Chorley, I meet so many parents and young families in the course of my work and over the years they’ve shared a ton of tips with me.  With their help, here are my top tips on helping your toddler adjust to life with a new baby on the scene!

1. Read a book together.

There are loads of fabulous children’s books you can read together while you are still pregnant that will help prepare your toddler for the arrival of your new baby.  Here are a few that I think are particularly good:

My New Baby by – Rachel Fuller

There’s a new baby in the family by – Gerry Byrne

There’s a house inside my Mummy by  Giles Andreae

What’s In your Tummy Mummy by Sam Lloyd 

2. Don’t make the baby a mystery.

Talk about the baby inside your tummy and explain what’s happening in a way they understand.  Make sure they understand their baby brother or sister is on the way but also don’t overdo it – you want to give them a sense of privilege about being an older sibling, without it being all you talk about.

3. Encourage Involvement

Let your toddler choose clothes for the new baby and get involved in preparing the nursery or cot.  This is a good time to explain why baby will be sleeping in your room and how babies can’t talk so they cry when they want milk.  Setting the scene, especially with a toddler who still likes to climb into your bed will help prepare them for the different sleeping arrangements that might be happening.

4. Avoid blaming your bump

If your toddler is used to being carried around, that’s something that will have to change while you’re pregnant – but avoid letting your toddler know your pregnancy is the reason you can’t carry them.  You don’t want to build up resentment. Instead, encourage them to walk more themselves and give lots of praise for them doing so.

5. Build pride

When your baby arrives there are lots of ways you can help foster a feeling of pride in your toddler.  Phrases like ‘You’re so good at helping baby, I can see how happy she is when you help out’ and ‘look how baby smiles at you, she only does that when you’re around’ can really help to make toddlers feel needed at this time.

6. Prepare your friends and family

It’s very difficult for toddlers when everyone wants to meet the new baby.  Try and prep your close family and friends to make a fuss of your toddler first when they visit.  When families bring their newborns for a photography session, (Newborn session info) I’ll always make a fuss of the sibling first, without glancing at baby, I’ll then ask the toddler if they can introduce me to their new baby.

7. Give your child a special toy

Your new baby is going to need a lot of time and attention and there’s no denying that this is noticeable to your toddler.  Some siblings will take a little step backwards when baby arrives and decide they need help with things like going to the toilet where they didn’t before.  Giving your toddler a toy that needs care – like a baby doll or a puppy stuffed toy can really help distract them. When you’re feeding baby, they can also have feeding time with their toy – this way they feel involved and have fun too.

There’s no denying that the bond that siblings have is amazing.  I love capturing growing families and I have some special techniques to make sure that I create beautiful sibling portraits for you to treasure.  You can have a look at my gallery of family and sibling portraits here – Baby and Siblings.

I hope you found this useful

Kath x

Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer – Chorley, Lancashire

Find out more

Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer

Chorley

Www.katherinehancock.photography
Kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk
01257 264346

What to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot

If you are considering or have already booked an outdoor family photoshoot but don’t have a clue what you should wear, don’t panic! This is the most common question I get asked when people book one of my outdoor sessions, and quite rightly so, as the clothes you choose to wear for your family photoshoot can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your photos.

Things to consider when planning what to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot

1. Where are you planning to display your images?

It is a really good idea to have a think about where you might display your images in your home and try to match the colours in the room to the clothes you are going to wear. Complementary colours will ensure that the pictures fit perfectly in the room and will enhance the colour scheme you have already got.

2. The season

Certain colours and types of clothing work best in particular seasons eg – Spring/summer – pinks, yellows, sky blue, aqua, rose gold and ivory shades. Autumn/winter – browns, dark orange, reds, gold, emerald green, mulberry, creams.

My top tip would be to pick a base colour and consider the season when choosing this, then introduce a contrast by wearing denim or warm neutral colours.

For some ideas and inspiration, take a look at my Pinterest Board

3. A matching colour scheme for the whole family

What you are trying to achieve is a consistent colour scheme without it looking like you are all wearing the same. The natural outdoor photos that I take will look so much better if you have thought through in advance how you will incorporate your chosen colours into everyone’s clothing but in a subtle way.

You don’t want it to look like you have tried too hard!

4. Wear clothes that are comfortable

I love the more natural photos that reflects who you really are so its important that you’re comfortable.

Anything too formal will look unnatural and may be uncomfortable for you and your kids. So please don’t feel you have to force your kids to wear button up shirts if they don’t like them . Don’t wear anything that is too tight or too baggy, you want clothes to be flattering and make you feel your best.

Do choose classic denim jeans, plain t-shirts (no logos), nothing too fussy or branded. Again take a look at some ideas on my Pinterest Board

What will you choose to wear to your outdoor family photoshoot?

So I hope this has been helpful, feel free to get in touch if you need any more help.

As you may already know I love to photograph families outside all year round. In the spring and summer we have lovely flowers and lush greenery and in the autumn and winter woolly hats and wellies look fab, just wrap up warm.

My packages are here and if you want more info or are ready to book please fill out my contact form or give me a call on 01257 264346

More info on all my sessions, from Newborn, Baby and Children from my studio in Chorley, Lancashire, check out my website – http://www.katherinehancock.photography

Kath x

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Free Time Capsule Template

Are you documenting COVID 19 in anyway? After all, this is History in the making!

I fully intended to start a diary and record what was happening in the news and also how I was feeling and coping from day to day. Of course I have never quite got round to it! What I am doing though, which is quick and easy, is taking pictures of the kids doing home learning, family walks, playing more board games and also saving screen shots of whats going on in the news etc. Then later I am going to print out a book using websites like PHOTOBOX, SNAPFISH or my favourite at the moment (download the app) PHOTOBOOKS

For your children, how about a Time Capsule ? This is really fun to do, and then of course the idea of a time capsule is that it should be hidden away like treasure to be found at some point in the future.

TIME CAPSULE  

 

 

Chorley, Baby and Kids Fun now Online

Although my children are now 19 and 10 years old (where has that time gone), when they were little I use to go to lots of children’s groups in and around the Chorley area. I could not of got through these years without having these fantastic recourses right on my doorstep. I made friends for life, got out of the house (which I desperately needed to do), often got tea and cake, and my children learnt so much too.

If you are often a bit nervous about trying these groups out, now is a great time to take a little peek into what they are all about, as these resourceful local small business owners (and parents) have had to go online to bring the fun to you and your little ones in your own home.

Chorley Baby Sensory

Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. They also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help you and your baby communicate from birth.

https://www.babysensory.com/chorleyandwigan/home

Little Dreamer’s Pregnancy and Baby Massage

Everyone wants to hold the baby but who holds the Mummy. Positive Touch Therapies believes that everyone can benefit from massage and touch, from the very young to the very old. Touch is a basic human need, without it we cannot survive. Little Dreamer’s is part of Positive Touch for parents. As an Occupational Therapist, Christine’s baby massage groups are small, therapeutic and nurturing for parents. These are values she still holds onto as we muddle through in these current challenging times. Current classes are held via Zoom. The next course starts Tue 5th May.

https://www.facebook.com/littledreamersmassage

NCT – National Childbirth Trust

The amazing group of parents/volunteers are trying to create a world in which no parent is isolated and all parents are supported to build a stronger society. There mission is to support parents through the first 1,000 days to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups/region-north-west-england/chorley-and-leyland

Rock N Learn

This group is so much fun and best from when your little one starts to move around a bit more, I highly recommend. Created by multi award winning children’s educator Harriet Gore. Rock N Learn is a new exciting music & movement program.

https://www.facebook.com/rocknlearnuk/

Rhythmicality

Bonding families through Music, Dance, Crafts & Play. Classes 0-4 years in Chorley Lancashire. Absolutely great fun!

https://www.facebook.com/Rhythmicality

Sweaty Mama

Sweaty Mama is for all mamas who simply want to enjoy the benefits exercise brings whilst bonding with their child

https://sweatymama.com/our-classes/

Thanks for reading

Kath x

http://www.katherinehancock.photography

Chorley, Lancashire

01257 264346

kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk

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Free Hospital Check List

Printable Hospital Bag Check List 

I hope you find this useful, I have included a list of images to capture and a bit of space for your own notes.

I hope the birth of your baby goes well and if you live in Chorley or the  surrounding areas, I have a Facebook support group for Pregnant ladies and New Mums, which you might be interested in joining.  –HERE

Kath x

www.katherinehancock.photography

Tips on how to photograph your baby

Click here to join new support group –Chorley, Expectant and New Mums In Isolation Support Group

 

I have put this together for all the ladies that can’t come into my studio due to the darn Coronavirus!!!  I don’t want you to miss out on some lovely baby pictures, because your baby will be absolutely gorgeous and will change so quickly.

It is best to do the photos in the first few weeks if you can, I have heard it is difficult taking pictures of your own baby (maybe because they can smell your milk). Take your time, have a really warm room, (I use a little fan heater) also I use a Baby Shusher which makes shushing noises but you can also use a ‘white noise’ app on your phone. Do not attempt any special photographer poses because they need special safety training, just keep it nice and simple.

Equipment – iPhone, neutral blankets, window light, lots of milk, dummy if using one and Baby x

So firstly, look for some nice soft light, hot harsh bright sun and place your baby down with his/her head slightly towards the window as in the picture. You could use a bean bag, large foot stool, couch etc and pop a blanket over it. Never leave baby alone for safety reasons. This little one was so good, just slept through the whole session.

Take a picture from above making sure not to aim the phone/camera up the nose. as pictured below. The left one the is correct way.

Take the picture from different angles not forgetting the little hands and toes.

Then you could try a little hat and just lay a blanket over baby with maybe a little teddy eg. Please forgive me as the quality is not as good as a professional photo shoot as all the pictures have been taken and edited on my phone.

Then finally you could try some in a basket and also with Mum and Dad

I really hope this help and I would love to see your pictures.

I have also started a local Networking group ton Facebook to help Pregnant and new mums through this tough patch, I would love you to join in then we can support each other.   Chorley Expecting & New Mums in Isolation

Kind Regards

Kath

www.katherinehancock.photography

Christmas Cube Sessions

Lots of fun and something a bit different, I made Christmas cards out of my pictures last year and everyone commented on them. I even managed to squeeze my 6 foot teenager into the cube.

How does it work?

Basically, I have one ‘Cube’ in my studio , so your child/children jump in and out of the Cube, getting into different positions and possibly adding different props each time.

I have lots of Christmas props for you to use but feel free to bring some of your own!

I then work my magic on the Cubes and edit them all together.

Suitable for 1-9 children, age 7 months to approx age 12.

Brilliant for friends, families, cousins, etc. and the styles/ themes are endless!

Birthdays, Christmas, Favourite toys, etc

Your only limited by your own imagination!

Price £70

Can’t wait to see you in your Christmas jumpers

Kind Regards

Kath x

Home Studio –
3 Russell Square
Chorley
PR6 0AS

01257 264346

Kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk

Before and After

I always love to see Before and After photos from other photographers, so I hope you will enjoy a little nosy at mine.

Its always best to get your images as perfect as you can in camera and then just a little enhancing in Lightroom/Photoshop is needed.

Kath x

www.katherinehancock.photography

 

Christmas Mini Sessions 2017

Hello everyone,

Its that time again!  I Love Christmas!

Christmas Mini sessions are discounted portrait sessions with a Christmas theme and last around 20 minutes. They are perfect for Presents, Christmas Cards, Mugs, Photo Baubles, you get the idea. Cheesy but fun!

You have 2 options this year!

1. Traditional Christmas hats etc.  – £50 inc 5 images (suitable for 1-2 children)
2. The Festive Fun Cube – £85 inc 3 images (suitable for 1-6 children)

£30 deposit is payable when you book, but if your children are ill, or something comes up (like it often does) I will be happy to rearrange if I can.

Of course you can add other images, products ect later.

My most popular ‘add on’ is a Print Pack which inc’s 6 prints for £40

These sessions are only suitable for children who can sit unaided (from 6-8 months) upwards.

If you would like to book please get in touch – kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk   01257 264346,   website

Bookings are limited!

Discounted Christmas Gift Vouchers are also available, to be used from Jan- march 2018 – Just £65 inc 1 10×8 print in a gift box,                                                                          (add a print pack for £50 includes 6 prints or images on a USB) 

Kath x

 

 

 

Ever wondered what really goes on during a Newborn Portrait Session?

Newborn Photographer Chorley

A Newborn Photo session is a nice cosy, warm and relaxing morning, where you can concentrate 100% on how cute and precious your baby is.

When you arrive at my home studio in Chorley you can make yourself at home and we can unwrap your little bundle.  It will be very warm in my studio so dress comfortably.  Let me know beforehand if you would like images with your baby or/and would like to bring an older brother or sister.

I allow 2-3 hours for your session so there is plenty of time for cuddles and feeding etc.  It is completely led by your baby’s needs.  Your baby’s safety and comfort is my priority and I am trained in safe baby posing . I am also a member of The Baby and Newborn Photography Network, who promote safe working practices.

If baby stays asleep once undressed I will begin to place baby in lovely curled up poses, if not we can carry on and do some awake shots (lots of Parents say that they love the connection with their baby in the images when their eyes are open). Then when baby is ready for a feed, that usually sends them into a lovely ‘milky’ sleep. Then I can carry on and take those lovely sleepy pictures everyone loves so much.

Lots of Parents worry about baby not sleeping or that they may wee or poo on my blankets, this is quite normal so please don’t worry, everything is washable and most babies sleep at some point during the session. I have been photographing babies for almost 8 years and I have lots of experience and tricks to help lull babies into a deep sleep.

If you would like images with baby I will do those usually at the beginning or sometimes at the end of the session depending on baby.  The pictures look lovely if you wear fairly neutral colours eg. whites, grays etc. Also if you want family/sibling pictures I would try and get these at the beginning of the session before toddlers and older children get bored. It often happens were little ones  need a bit more time to get use to their surroundings so in this case I will do these photos later.  I have a few things for your children to play with but feel free to bring your own inc. snacks and drinks.

My aim is for you to enjoy 2-3 hours relaxation and to create some amazing images for you to treasure forever (cheesy but true)

Don’t miss out on capturing your baby’s first few weeks, best to book your due date in while pregnant if you can, if you have already had your little one please still get in touch and I will try and fit you in.

Click HERE to get in touch

or call – Kath – 01257 264346

Photographer Chorley

 

What is a ‘Sitter’ session?

 

 

If you have ever wondered what Photographers are talking about when then say ‘Sitter session’, well it means exactly that!  Its when your little one can sit up with out any support.  This is usually somewhere between 6 and 9 months.

I really love to photograph this age, partly because they have not learned to crawl yet and so can’t escape, but mostly because their little personalities are starting to shine.

I love their smiles, babbling noises, funny expressions, chubby cheeks, fluffy hair and baby soft skin.

 

 

At my home studio in Chorley, I provide a lovely relaxed setting to bring your Baby and we always have so much fun and create wonderful memories to treasure (I know all photographers say that, but its so true)  Even though I have been a photographer for 17 years I still wish I had taken more ‘professional’ photos of my boys. When I get my boys to come into the studio I know I have 20 minutes max before they have had enough and have to bribe them!!!    It’s so worth it though.

Get in touch to book your memory making session – 01257 264346

kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk or click   HERE

Newborn, Baby and Child Photographer, Chorley, Lancashire

 

 

 

New Product

Introducing a brand new product to my range, I hope you love them as much as I do!

My Photoblocks come in a set of 3 x (6 inch square) with lovely rustic easels to display them on.  If you are looking for a different size please let me know.

The Photoblocks are hand crafted from the finest birch plywood, creating naturally beautiful products for your images. Your images are mounted onto the wood before being  sealed with a UV resistant layer. All photoblocks come ready to hang with built in hangers, meaning they lay straight and flush against the wall every time.

They are then finished with soft round edges and a fine brushstroke pattern creating a natural looking product with a hand painted effect.

Click  on the links below to find out more –

 CHILD/FAMILY PRICES

NEWBORN PRICES

ENQUIRY FORM

www.katherinehancock.photography

Newborn, Child & Family Photographer in Chorley PR6 0AS     01275 264346

 

Mummy & Me!

Mothers Day Gift

We all have loads of pictures of our children, right! but do you have any with YOU in them? You are the most important person in your children’s lives, and they will want images of Mum and Dad with them as they get older. Especially when they have children themselves (maybe) and you become Grandparents!!! I am really looking forward to this stage, but I have a while to wait yet.

I am also guilty of not getting IN those photo memories, and being a photographer I should know better.

Does your partner complain that you never take any pictures of them with the kids!!!

I hope I can help with that!

As Mothers Day is next month (26th March) I will be doing a competition to win a Mini Photo Shoot at my home studio in Chorley, Lancashire – more info soon x

Sign up to Newsletter HERE

Bye for now

Kath x

KatherineHancock.Photography

Katherine Hancock Photography,   Chorley, Lancashire,                                                                     01257 264346     kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk

Something a bit different!

As you know I usually photograph babies and children but today I had the pleasure of working with Sophia who owns Peonybox a company that sells amazing silk filled quilts, pillows and other gorgeous silk products. I know first hand how lovely it is to sleep beneath a silk quilt as I have one myself and I love it, its so soft and light plus its free from any harmful chemicals and its hypoallergenic properties ensure a healthy sleeping environment.

The pictures I have taken for Peonybox are to help update the website and launch new products. With the help of the lovely Model, we were able to capture some fantastic  shots.

If you want to find out any more info or order a silk product click HERE

Bye for now

Kath

Katherine Hancock Photography

7 THINGS TO ENJOY DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is an amazing time, your body is building another human – how incredible is that! But sometimes all of the other stuff – the feeling tired, not being able to get comfortable at night and nausea that puts you off eating are anything but amazing.

As a busy newborn and maternity photographer in Chorley, I have the opportunity to talk to lots of new and expecting mums. Read more about my maternity sessions – HERE . I often find when they bring their newborns in for their portrait session, they are missing the things they enjoyed whilst being pregnant.  So let’s take a few minutes to forget about nausea and focus on the things you can love about being pregnant.

Your new status

 It can’t be denied that as soon as those two pink lines appear, you are elevated to a new social status.  Your partner and family want to take extra special care of you. Even strangers on the bus want to offer you your seat.  Take full advantage of this because as soon as baby arrives you’ll be relegated again! 

Your Bump

 Take some time every day to sit and reflect on what is happening inside that incredible bump.  It might not make sleeping or shaving your legs easy, but it is housing a miracle.  

Make new friends

 A whole new world of pregnancy classes will open up to you and these are the perfect place to find new friends going through the same life-changing thing that you are – the arrival of a new baby.  I’ve pulled together a brilliant list of classes you might want to attend locally here – FUN CLASSES

Freebies

 As well as some aspects of your healthcare being free while you’re pregnant, including dental care and prescriptions, you can also sign up for tons of other freebies.  Have a trawl of some of the baby product sites to see what’s on offer. Have a look at www.emmasdiary.co.uk and www.mumandbabyonline.co.uk 

Photographs

Keep a photo diary as your bump grows so you can see how amazing you really are.  You might want to indulge in professional portraits too. Pregnancy is fleeting (though it may not feel like it) and having some professional images of this special time is not only a beautiful gift for you but also an amazing gift for your child. 

Shopping

You have free reign to go shopping.  From splashing out on a new maternity wardrobe to buying all those baby essentials – you’ve never had such a great excuse to splash the cash.  https://www.thats-mine.co.uk/

Your Relationships 

Seeing your partner prepare to become a parent is one of the most amazing things about pregnancy.  You have a new found love for them as they bond with your bump and share your dreams for the future.  It’s also the loveliest thing to watch your parents get all excited about becoming grandma and grandad!

So there you have 7 wonderful ways to enjoy being pregnant.  But have I missed anything? What do you enjoy most about being pregnant, leave me a comment below. 

Get in touch HERE

Why I am nervous about booking a Photographer!

It can be daunting booking your 1st photo session for lots of different reasons. So I have put together some of the most common ones to help you make that decision.

‘I’m scared I’ll want to buy everything and blow the budget’. I’m confident you’ll love your images but I always advise clients to only purchase the one or two products they really want. You don’t want to create a shrine that takes up all of your available wallspace – your family is growing and I want to watch that happen, creating portraits for you along the way.

‘I’m not looking my best after a difficult delivery’.  You just went through a major lifechanging event and are learning all kinds of new skills, no one expects you to be catwalk ready at the same time!  I have many new mums who feel just the same and I always encourage them to be in the photographs, even if no one else but them sees the final image.  I’m experienced at creating beautiful, flattering portraits and you’ll never regret being in a photograph – but you may regret not being in one.

‘I’m worried my kids won’t co-operate and we’ll waste everyone’s time’. Over the years, I’m amassed a ton of techniques to get the best from children of all ages in front of the camera. I can even use photoshop to chop together images where children may be looking in different directions to create one beautiful portrait that you’d never know is made up of 2 or 3 different images. I’m really used to toddlers (and tantrums), teens (and their strops) and everything in between.

‘I’m worried my baby will poop on your lovely blankets and props’. Please don’t worry everything is washable and it happens in most sessions.

‘I’m worried baby won’t sleep’. The best advice I give to parents is too relax, don’t rush feeding and cuddling baby as we have plenty of time. There are lots of pictures I can also take with an awake baby while we wait for their sleepy time.

If you have a question I’ve not covered here, get in touch, I’d love to chat to you.

Kath 01257 264346

http://katherinehancock.photography

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Having Fun with your Child’s Cake Smash

What better way to celebrate your little one’s 1st Birthday!

A Cake Smash is a fun  and unique way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Each Smash session includes the opportunity to capture beautiful portraits combined with the fun cake smash and bubble bath elements.

A cake smash photography session begins with a mini photo shoot. This provides an opportunity to capture some lovely photos of your baby in their clothes specially selected for the occasion.

Then it’s time for the fun to begin!

Often at a cake smash photoshoot it is the first time most children have ever eaten cake. As a result kids love to dive right in covering their hair, body and face in birthday cake and sometimes even crawling through it.

Finally to deal with all the mess at the end I have a little tin bath for the baby to clean up, and photograph in. You may bring some bubble bath if you want to as this makes for very cute photos at the end.

Cake smash sessions are lots of fun for everyone involved and an experience most parents will never forget. 

Anyone for Cake!

You may bring your own cake or I can get one custom made for you for £25

Dress up time

I have all these bits and bobs at my studio which you are welcome to use or of course you can bring and design your own set up, be as creative as you like.

I hope that has given you a few ideas, please get in touch if I can help further

Bye for now

Kath

ww.katherinehancock.photography 01257 264346 kathhancock@yahoo.co.uk

What to wear to your family portrait session

If you are considering or have already booked a photoshoot but don’t have a clue what you should wear, don’t panic! This is the most common question I get asked when people book one of my portrait sessions and quite rightly so, as the clothes you choose to wear for your family photoshoot can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your photos.

Things to consider when planning what to wear

1.Where are you planning to display your images?

It is a really good idea to have a think about where you might display your images in your home and try to match the colours in the room to the clothes you are going to wear. Complementary colours will ensure that the pictures fit perfectly in the room and will enhance the colour scheme you have already got.

2. A matching colour scheme for the whole family

What you are trying to achieve is a consistent colour scheme without it looking like you are all wearing the same. The classic photos that I take will look so much better if you have thought through in advance how you will incorporate your chosen colours into everyone’s clothing but in a subtle way.

My top tip would be to pick a base colour and then introduce a contrast by wearing denim or warm neutral colours.

You don’t want it to look like you have tried too hard!

For some ideas and inspiration, take a look at my Pinterest Board

3. Wear clothes that are comfortable

I love the more natural photos that reflects who you really are so its important that you’re comfortable. Anything too formal will look unnatural and may be uncomfortable for you and your kids.

So please don’t feel you have to force your kids to wear button up shirts if they don’t like them. Don’t wear anything that is too tight or too baggy, you want clothes to be flattering and make you feel your best.

Do choose classic denim jeans, plain t-shirts (no logos), nothing too fussy or branded. Again take a look at some ideas on my Pinterest Board

What will you choose to wear to your family photoshoot?

So I hope this has been helpful, feel free to get in touch if you need any more help.

My packages are – HERE, and if you want more info or are ready to book please fill out my contact form or give me a call on 01257 264346

More info on all my sessions, from Newborn, Baby and Children from my studio in Chorley, Lancashire, check out my website – http://www.katherinehancock.photography

See you soon

Kath x

Lockdown Family Quiz Night

Families all over the world have taken to online discos, fitness classes, learning, bingo and quiz nights to help keep their  minds and bodies active, pass some time and most importantly connect with friends and family.

I was first introduced to family quizzes through my Hubby’s work, and I have been hooked ever since. I don’t generally like quiz nights but when there are questions on types of biscuits at least I know I can answer a few.  The lovely Lisa Porter, did all the hard work putting the quiz together and sending out links for us all to join on a set day and time. Beware don’t be late these things usually start on time.

Gather your family together with pen, paper, drink and nibbles, click on the link you have been sent, wait for your invite in and you’re off!   If you are the organiser just let people in as they get online.

You can chat and have fun throughout the quiz which is lovely.

We used Microsoft Teams to host our quiz night but Zoom is also very popular,  it’s a good idea to get everyone to download and login to the selected software before the quiz night, to familiarise themselves with it.

You are very lucky as I am going to share with you these fantastic ready to go quiz questions and answers by Lisa Porter, which you can share on your screen to your family and friends, using the screen share function in Teams or Zoom.  This will make you look like a professional quiz master!

QUIZ 1

QUIZ 2

I have not tried Bingo yet but it looks fun or how about an  Isolation Disco Night!

Just found this quiz night were you can also raise money for Macmillan, great idea – HERE

Would love to here about any things you have tried or how your quiz night goes.

Have Fun

Kath x

www.katherineHancock.photography