A little insight into each package...

There are so many occasions that we celebrate. Occasions that we want to remember and relive again when we see a photograph. You never know just how precious they are until the people in them change. When your babies grow up, when we lose people we love, when the moment has long gone. That's why I would always urge you to get the photos taken. They really are priceless and one day, when they are all that is left of a moment or a loved one, you will treasure them even more.

Newborn

Having a baby is such an exciting time of life. It's creating a new life with the person you love, to raise together and cherish for the rest of your life. Newborn shoots were not very common when I had my girls and now I look back and feel so sad that I didn't have newborn photos of them both. Obviously I took photos on my phone that are lovely but it just isn't the same. Having them captured professionally while they're so tiny is worth more than its weight in gold. They change SO fast and only have that 'newborn' look for a matter of a couple of weeks.

My newborn sessions are very relaxed. I begin with the beanbag posing before moving onto the flokati shots. Next I move onto the prop shots before finishing with family and sibling photos. During the session, you get to chill on the sofa with full access to anything you want to watch on TV. You can bring your own snacks and literally sit and enjoy some down time. You can watch everything I do too, from where you sit so will always know your baby is in safe hands. There is always time to change, feed and cuddle baby at any point during the session and I am a firm believer in relaxed parents leads to a relaxed baby :-)

CHildren

Children's sessions are for any age. Right from sitting age up to teenagers (if you can bribe them to be there, that is!) Having worked with children for many years of all ages, I really enjoy children's shoots :-) I have always loved working with youngsters and although it can be tricky at times, I like a challenge! These sessions are a great chance to get the kiddos laughing and I can always think of a couple of funny things to say to get the real giggles from them. After all, I love children being their natural selves and not having to force a smile - like you can guarantee you get with your school photos, right?! Ha-Ha! Of course, even the natural shots of them not smiling at all are perfect, just simply being them.

My children's sessions begin with gentle chat to help make the children feel at ease. Then once they are feeling settled we move onto just sitting poses on the floor. We giggle, we tell jokes, we laugh and sing and try and capture their nature. Then we might move onto a prop such as a tiny bed or a crate to sit on before wrapping up the session with a couple of family photos (optional.) The whole experience is just calm and quick, which children need it to be as they get distracted after so long. My shutter definitely gets a bashing during the children's sessions!

MAMA AND ME

Mums love a photo! This is a fact. I'm not ruling out all guys here by the way because I'm sure there are lots who fall into this category too but in my experience, the Mums are the ones who always have their phone/camera out ready to snap the action. I'm guilty... I never want to miss a thing and I certainly don't want to look back and regret not having the pictures of such special moments. But are we IN them enough? I know I am now because my husband does make a conscious effort to take photos of me with the girls without me asking. And I know we don't always feel great and would rather not be in them but seriously, wouldn't it be sad for your children to grow up with hardly any photos of you together? They will NOT care what you look like. They will just want to see YOU!

My Mama and Me sessions can be for Mums or Mum figures and children of ANY age, right up to adults! No matter how old we get, we ALWAYS need our Mums and so getting those photos together are so important. My Mama and Me sessions are calm and relaxed, just like my other sessions. I want both Mum and offspring (funny word that isn't it haha) to feel as natural as possible so we can capture that special bond. You can dress up fancy or dress casual as you always do. You can literally wear whatever you feel comfortable in so we capture the real you. The you that your children adore and look up to. The you that deserves to feel special.

Toys tea party

I mean, who doesn't love a toys tea party?! We've all been there, pretend tea and cakes, giggles and laughter. That's why I decided to create a package for children to do just that and let me capture it all. They make lovely photos for your own home but also gifts for family. I remember my girls having photos a long time ago with a little teddy and cups and saucers and I just loved them so much. It really encompassed their innocence and gentle natures. They really are perfect for younger children.

BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT

Because birthday celebrations are not just for one year olds! Here at Erin Kate Photography we celebrate EVERY birthday! My birthday portrait sessions are similar to a cake smash but without the mess. We take a couple of plain backdrop photos first, then a couple of family shots if you'd like before moving onto a birthday backdrop and smiling big because IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!! You could bring a birthday cake if you like or I have a fake cake which we can use, too. You even get your own number balloon to take home!

Indoor Maternity

This is such a miraculous time in a woman's life. You are growing a tiny human to join your family and even though some women have a bit of a rough time through pregnancy, the end result more than makes up for it. At my maternity sessions, I like to make mamas feel incredible. My aim is to have you smile from ear to ear when you look back on your pregnant self and remember that moment in time with the fondest memories. We can include partners in the session or just have you pose by yourself, it's totally up to you. How about a few of each? They are a lovely thing to pass onto your babies when they are all grown.

Maternity sessions should be relaxed. It's hard work growing a baby and so you need to take it easy, even at your photo shoot. I will always ask if you're ok throughout and make sure you don't get too hot. We can always stop for a little break and have a sit down and a drink. I have many maternity outfits that make lovely photos but you are also very welcome to bring your own outfits. You have to feel comfortable in your shoot and I promise I will always try my utmost to make you feel that way.

OUTDOOR MATERNITY

Indoor photography may not be for you and you may prefer an outdoor shoot. I have taken outdoor sessions off my website to focus on my studio work, however, I still have outdoor maternity sessions on there as shooting at golden hour for Mamas to be is definitely a fave of mine. I will only take these sessions on in the Summer time and during the evening just before the sun sets. It just shows a Mama in full glow, exactly how she should look during her pregnancy.

You can choose anywhere for your outdoor session. Maybe at a public place or you may even want it somewhere more private like your garden. You can choose to have the session just for you or you can include your partner in some or all of the images, too. It really is your choice. Due to being outdoors this is usually a 'one outfit' session, however if there are changing facilities where you choose, you can of course change for some of the photos.

Cake Smash & Splash

Gahhhhhhh!!! I just love CAKE SMASH & SPLASH sessions!!! Now these were definitely not even a thing a few years ago but now they're soooo popular. When you think about it really, your baby develops and changes SO much in their first year of life, it's no wonder these celebrations have become such a big thing! And what could be a more fun way than getting right stuck into a cake and making a massive mess?!

My cake smash sessions are really 3 shoots in 1 so they work out great value for money. The only thing you need to bring is a cake (I do have a fake cake if you would rather no mess) any particular outfits you'd like to use (I do have some available) and I take care of everything else. We begin with some portrait photos against a plain backdrop and if little one is happy we even get a couple of props out. Then we move onto some family photos because why wouldn't you want to be in a photo, celebrating raising this amazing little human for the last 12 months?! And finally we move onto the cake smash/cake photos. If they have gotten in a cakey mess we can even get out the tub for a splash after, too. Guaranteed to make cute, splashy pics!

Family

You know those people in your life who you couldn't live without? The people who have the same morals as you, they fight your corner and believe in you? The people who love you and actually show you in so many ways? THEY are your FAMILY. Family isn't always blood relatives either. It can be people who just love you as much as their own family. This is what this session is for. Celebrating those relationships and capturing the memories to treasure.

In my family sessions, I try to capture those natural images as well as the posed ones. Sure the posed shots are lovely for your mantelpieces but how nice are the ones where I catch you laughing unexpectedly or tickling each other just generally being yourselves with each other?! I love both types and will always try and capture all the love. Family is everything.

christmas minis

One of my favourite times of year! Especially where children are involved. For me, it's all about the build up. I get so excited about how excited my girls get on the lead up to it. We have double excitement in our house too as it's our youngest daughter's birthday on the 22nd. This is why I decided to really get involved with Christmas Minis each year because YOU GUYS LOVE THEM, TOO! I always try and get them done fairly early in October to make sure I have enough time to edit them and get them back to you in time to order your Christmas bits and pieces. We all know what the Christmas turnaround times and post times are like!

Every year I have a new theme/scene and I get so excited about getting it all prepared. My first year of Minis was my own set up using various Christmas decorations. Then the following year, I went with the bed scene where children were invited to dress up in their fancy outfits or their Christmas pjs. Some did both! Honestly, I was blown away with how popular they were and the biggest compliment for me is when the same families come back year on year. This year is an outdoor scene where children can dress up in their warm coats, hats, gloves and pretend we're outside, when really we will be inside! I have some spaces still available as bookings went live last month and you can find what's left pinned to the top of my Facebook Page. Hope to see you there!