Nursery photographer, Somerset
Bespoke outdoor nursery and preschool photography: real emotions, beautifully captured
A child’s preschool years are precious. They’re a time of formation, fun, and new experiences. But they pass all too quickly: in the blink of an eye, your young charges are ready for a new adventure at school.
That’s why the early years are so important to capture. It is why I offer a fresh approach to nursery and preschool photography.
With an emphasis on outdoor portraiture, I create images that are informal, timeless and real. I use natural light and the nursery environment to tell the story of these formative years. Making the process relaxing and fun, I capture authentic emotions that reflect each child’s true character.
The result is eye-catching images that are treasured by parents and enhance the value of your nursery or preschool brand.
Why me?
I’m a mum to young children myself, and a seasoned family photographer. This gives me the instincts and experience to engage with children effectively, and to work with patience, understanding and good humour.
Here are some of the other benefits of booking me as your nursery or preschool photographer:
A bespoke shoot. I visit your setting to find out more about your culture, ethos and timetable. Then I tailor your experience to reflect this.
Personal service. I work with a limited number of nurseries and preschools. This enables me to deliver a personal and professional service, building good relationships with nursery staff.
Data protection: I take great care with the information I hold. Encrypted online photo storage and password-protected galleries mean that every child’s data is secure.
No sales admin: once a shoot has taken place, parents and families deal with me direct. Images are purchased via my online ordering service – so there’s no need for nursery staff to collect order forms or payments.
Wide choice of images: I allow plenty of time for each shoot, which results in a good variety of images of each child.
Value for money: I offer high-quality prints and digital images at competitive nursery and preschool rates.
I don’t rush: I put aside a generous amount of time for each nursery or preschool shoot. This allows the flexibility to work around your timetable and routines, meaning that each shoot is relaxed and unhurried.
Your choice of ‘thank you’ gift: as an expression of thanks, I offer nurseries and preschools the option of 10% commission on net profits, or complimentary staff headshots/commercial photography by arrangement.
How I work
Before the shoot.
The first step is to hold a pre-shoot consultation at your setting. I ask you about the nursery’s values, familiarise myself with your timetable and routines, and get to know the nursery staff. I also explore the outdoor areas to find suitable photo shoot locations, and identify any indoor spots that we can use as back-up in bad weather.
At this meeting, we plan out the photo shoot – ensuring that there is enough time to photograph each child at a relaxed pace.
During the shoot.
I customise each shoot to the routines of the setting. That way, the process slots seamlessly and unobtrusively into the nursery timetable.
Typically, we divide children into small groups. A keyworker accompanies me to the outdoor locations that I’ve identified, and I photograph each child in turn. I work with nursery staff to bring out the ‘real’ child, and encourage the other children in the group to get involved too.
I usually start by taking a couple of posed shots of each child, then move on to take more candid photographs.
After the shoot
Once the photo shoot is complete, I select and edit the best photographs of each child and upload them to a private online gallery.
At this point, parents use a unique code to log into their child’s gallery, and choose the images and products they would like to purchase. If parents have more than one child at the setting, they can view all of their images together, and take advantage of bulk-buying discounts.
Digital files are downloadable by parents upon payment. Print orders can either be sent in a batch to the nursery (for free, if ordered before the batch shipping deadline), or delivered direct to parents (for a small postage charge).
Kind words
The days that Sarah came in to nursery were relaxed yet professional, and most importantly lots of fun! Sarah certainly knows her stuff and came prepared in all weathers with her own props and bundles of enthusiasm. This resulted in really beautiful and unique photos that our families were absolutely thrilled with.
- Cleo Wilson, Manager, Little Boots Day Nursery
We had the pleasure to work with Sarah at our pre-school and I can honestly say what a pleasure it was. From start to finish Sarah was so organised, amazing with the children, so patient and kind and that’s why I have booked her again for next year! Our parents have been overwhelmed with lots of tears as Sarah knew just how to capture each child’s special wee face and made their pictures sparkle by using our natural outdoor area . A lovely, talented lady - thank you so much!
- Lana Whittaker, Manager, Rainbow Woods Pre-School
We are absolutely delighted with our daughters' photos that Sarah took whilst they were at nursery. They are unique, fun, and captures the girls' individual personalities.
Sarah connects with the children, and makes them feel at ease.
- Sarah W, parent
Absolutely beautiful photos! I found it difficult to choose between all the different ones Sarah took. She manages to capture my children looking natural, relaxed and happy. They are the best professional photos of my children that I’ve had done. Highly recommended photography!
- Laura D, parent
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When’s the best time for a newborn shoot?If it’s sleepy, snuggly newborn photos that you’d like, the best time to capture these is between 7 and 14 days old. This is also the best age to photograph the tiny details, like eyelashes, lips and toes. But, given my approach to newborn photography, I place no limit on the baby’s age.
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When should I book my newborn shoot?I only schedule a maximum of two due dates per week, to ensure that I can accommodate babies around their actual delivery dates. So, I’d recommend booking your shoot after your 20-week scan. This also allows time for us to meet in advance, and for me to familiarise myself with your home.
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How should I prepare for my shoot?A couple of weeks before your shoot, I’ll send you a digital guide on how to get ready for it. This will include advice on outfits, preparing your home, and readying your baby for the session.
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Why will my newborn shoot take place in my home?The benefits of an at-home newborn shoot are numerous. From a practical perspective, it saves you the challenge of leaving the house. You can also ensure that your house is warm enough for any unclothed shots that you may like of your baby. Then there’s the advantage of having toys at hand for young siblings, and snacks and refreshments for anyone who wants them. And, if your baby needs changing or feeding, everything you need will be right there. At-home shoots are also much more relaxed, which helps me to capture more natural shots of your family’s interactions.
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Do I need to tidy my house for the shoot?I’ll usually only use one or two rooms (often the master bedroom and living room), so you certainly won’t need to clean the house from top to bottom. Where possible, I’ll carry out a pre-shoot consultation at your house. Among other things, this will give me a chance to get a feel for the layout of your house, and where the light falls. That way, you should know in advance which rooms I’m likely to use on the day.
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How long will my shoot take?Usually, newborn shoots take around two hours. This allows time to feed and settle your baby, change their outfit as required, and drink as many cups of tea as you’d like! It’s important to me that your shoot feels relaxed and unrushed. That’s why we’ll be led by your baby, without clock-watching.
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What time of day will my shoot take place?In my experience, mid-morning is the ideal time to carry out a newborn shoot. Babies are often most settled at this time of day, and it allows time for everyone to have breakfast beforehand. Usually, we’ll finish in time for lunch, and you can have the rest of the day to yourselves. If, when your baby arrives, it would suit you to have the shoot at a different time of day, that’s no problem. Yours will be the only session of the day, so we can move it around as necessary - subject to the availability of natural light.
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Which areas do you cover?My photo shoots usually take place in Somerset, Devon and West Dorset. I’m happy to travel further, though – I simply charge mileage at 45p a mile for shoots beyond a 30-mile radius of Ilminster.