When is the best time to book your maternity photo session

When is the best time to book your maternity photo session

Your pregancy is such a special and life-changing time of your life. It is amzing how your body is perfectly designed to change to support your growing baby. Everyday there is a new change and experience …… some wonderful and others not so great.

It all passes by so quickly, it no time at all you will be holding your little baby. That is why having professional maternity photographs taken is such a wonderful thing to do – documenting this magical time forever, so that you can look back and remember how amazing it was to carry your baby.

When you are planning a maternity photoshoot, you may have many questions. From to wear to the best time in your pregnancy to have the photographs taken.

when is the best time to book your maternity photos

How Far Along In Your Pregnancy Should You Be For Maternity Pictures?

You will find thar every photographer has their own preference about when they take maternity photographs during your pregnancy.

The window for a pregnancy photoshoot falls between months 7 and 8 of pregnancy. Having your maternity session at this time will usually result in the most flattering photographs as your bump is nice and round at this stage, but not so heavy that you feel overly tired and uncomfortable.

It also means that you have the photographs taken well before your baby reaches full term at 37 weeks.

After all, you can’t go back and take the photographs once your baby arrives.

 

Edinburgh Maternity photography images photoshoot ideas.

What happens if I am having twins  or triplets,

or am due to have my baby early.

Are the rules of maternity photos different?

Every pregnancy is different, and you may be in a situation where your doctor has discussed the possibility of you having an early delivery.

In  this case please don’t worry. The 30 to 36 week guideline is only that and not a rule.

It is important to let me know if this is the case. You may need to come in at the start of the window. We will discuss the kinds of photographs we can take earlier in your pregnancy.

When to Book your Maternity Photo Shoot

 

I recommend that my clients book their maternity photo shoot as soon as they have had their 12 or 20 week scan. Since there is little flexibility over when you can have the shoot this gives you the best chance of securing the most convenient time and date for you. This gives us plenty of time to plan your shoot that is tailored to you.

Edinburgh Maternity photography images photoshoot ideas.

Pregnancy flies by really quickly. Between appointments, baby shopping, choosing your baby’s name and researching your birth options, it is really easy to let your maternity shoot slip your mind. I hope this information helps and gives you a better idea of the timings involved so that you can plan your shoot in time.

 

 

Your can find out more about booking a maternity shoot with me here:

Autumn Baby Photography

Autumn Baby Photography

Autumn Baby Shoots are here

and we are loving it!

This special season is a wonderful time to capture some beautiful images of your baby. Unquestionably, Autumn is my favourite season of the year. The sun glowing through the autumn leaves is breathtaking. We are so fortunate to experience this gorgeous time of year with our families and friends.

At this time of year, I love to capture amazing images of babies, families and children enjoying the fresh air. Besides the abundance of fallen leaves providing a wonderful opportunity to capture some fun and candid images, sometimes I bring the leaves into the studio to create precious and eye-catching images for your photographs. A beautiful blend of Woollen sweaters and natural beauty for your photographs.

Last but not least, children love to play in nature playing and having fun. It is worth every second stepping into nature and enjoying the beauty.

This is an adorable collaboration images I have captured over time during this special season. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

baby photoshoot edinburgh Nicky Mclean Photography
newborn photoshoot edinburgh Nicky Mclean Photography
sitter baby photography baby photoshoot
baby walking through leaves baby photoshoot

Fun things to do with your family

celebrating Autumn in Edinburgh, Scotland.

 

1. First and foremost, Princes Street Gardens is phenomenal at this time of year.  Enjoy a splendid picnic with your children in the park. In addition, you will find the Floral Clock ticking away, the historical Scott Monument and the Gardeners Cottage. Without a doubt this is a great place to capture special photo memories of your children relaxed and happy.

2. Secondly, visit the Ivy Autumn Display. The Ivy is a snazzy restarant located in St Andrews Square and they go crazy with seasonal decor. Expect bigger and grander than ever. Insta-worthy fun photos with the whole family.

3. Breathtaking and Iconic Ivy turning from green to deep red can be found near the Dean Bridge which takes over the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art.

4. Visit the incredible Marshmallow Lady! This famous destination is very popular for monster marshmallows and include complete enjoyment! Especially the gourmet marshmallows the size of the palm of your hand. Imagine a photo with a Supersize marshmallow!

5. You cannot even go on to winter without visiting Craigie’s Farm without going apple picking and pumpkin shopping in their gorgeous fields and fresh air. This is a winner everytime with the children and you will definitely have great photo opportunities here.

 

baby photographer edinburgh Nicky Mclean Photography captures newborn babies, maternity photoshoot, cake smash photoshoots

baby boy in baby shoot baby photographer
baby in wagon baby photoshoot
newborn photoshoot edinburgh baby photoshoot
little boy running photoshoot

Keeping your children entertained in the October holidays

can be quite a challenge especially when the weather is chilly and windy.

Nonetheless, there are great ideas to keep the kiddos entertained.

Check out our pinterest board for some cool ideas:

 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/NickyMcleanEdinburgh/autumn-fun-for-the-kids/

 

Autumn Baby Shoots ar wonderful shoots

 

newborn baby photoshoot Edinburgh
newborn baby photoshoot
baby photoshoot Edinburgh Nicky Mclean Photography
mum with daughter baby photoshoot
mum with daughter baby photoshoot

Would you like to book a photoshoot?

Fill in the form below and get in touch!

I always respond within 24 hours. If you have not heard from me, alternatively please contact me on 07909876534 or email me at nicky@nickymclean.com

Book your baby photoshoot here

Sianna Newborn Photoshoot

Sianna Newborn Photoshoot

Sianna Newborn Photoshoot 2 months old

newborn photoshoot Edinburgh newborn baby girl

All that said, a newborn photoshoot is still worth the effort. The 3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn photoshoot will give you a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Every time you look at those photos on the wall you’ll remember just how teeny tiny your baby was and how much love you have for that child.

Two-week-old babies are great for newborn sessions. They are still super sleepy, easy to pose in traditional newborn poses. This is why many people that teach newborn photography use it as the date to gauge when a baby is too old for newborn pictures

Children develop neck strength at different rates but between 12 and 16 weeks is usually about right for a photo shoot. This is such a lovely age, still tiny babies but full of personality.Amazing maternity, baby, infant and cake smash portraits in the best studio in Scotland. Edinburgh and Murrayfield maternity, newborn and cake smash portrait photographer.Award-winning family photographer, specialising in newborn, maternity & family photograph.Edinburgh based baby cake smash photographer Nicky Mclean will captures those special moments that families treasure for a lifetime.

Edinburgh’s most loved maternity and newborn baby photography studio based in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. See why families come back year after year.

Maternity and Newborn photographer Edinburgh. Nicky Mclean Photography specialise in creating beautiful images from bump to baby & beyond! Relaxed newborn baby photography. Professional Edinburgh Newborn Photographer. Family and newborn photographer serving Edinburgh and Glasgow area.

Photographing Children with Special Needs

Photographing Children with Special Needs

Photographing families with special needs has truly been a blessing and I have learnt some very helpful lessons that have changed the way I prepare for all my phootgraphy sessions. I hope these few tips shared below will help you to have the same wonderful experiences I have had capturing children and their families with special needs.

special needs photography Nicky Mclean

TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

1. Get to know your client’s special needs before the session

It is really important that you get to know and understand your client’s special needs before your session. An initial consulation gives you an opportunity to get to know your client and find out more about them and their family.

 

2. Use a reward system to connect and encourage children with special needs

A reward system works with all children and particularly children with special needs. It is important to mention this to the parents in your initial consultation. Rewards gives you an extra toll to use while photographing children.  These rewards can vary with each child so it is essential that the choice of reward is discussed with the parent.

You may find that the agreed reward might even come out during the session if you find you are battling to connect with the child. A reward that you ca use to play and interact with gain the trust of a child.

 

 3. Allow extra time for children with special needs

All family sessions can become challenging due to many different aspects. Sometimes it can just depend on the mood of the child. With special needs, it helpful to have allocated extra time. It helps to slow down as a photographer and allow the child to get to know you. Giving the child a few extra breaks is also very helpful. You want to document the child being themselves. These are the images your clients are truly going to cherish.

 

4. It is helpful for mum and dad to understand the session flow

Parents are usually quite nervous about a photo session especially parents with children with special needs. This really helps with understanding the process and enjoying the shoot.

 

5. Know when to end the session

Family sessions with special needs run the same as any other family session. However, you will come across a photo session where nothing is working. You can try every trick up your sleeve, be as prepared as possible but sometimes it can all appear impossible. You cannot force a child to have photos taken.

Sometimes, it is best to just reschedule and try again. It happens. Another day is a different day. It does not mean that it is doomed to fail. It just means, today is not the right day. You will be glad you did not push.

 

6. Choosing the best location for a child with special needs

Look for a location based on the child’s special needs. If your little client has sensory issues, then a quiet location would be best. Look for a place that is safe and has space for a child to explore.

Consider the child’s personality. If your little client is shy, don’t go for a busy park but maybe a private, quiet space where the child can relax and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

All that said, a newborn photoshoot is still worth the effort. The 3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn photoshoot will give you a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Every time you look at those photos on the wall you’ll remember just how teeny tiny your baby was and how much love you have for that child.

Two-week-old babies are great for newborn sessions. They are still super sleepy, easy to pose in traditional newborn poses. This is why many people that teach newborn photography use it as the date to gauge when a baby is too old for newborn pictures

Children develop neck strength at different rates but between 12 and 16 weeks is usually about right for a photo shoot. This is such a lovely age, still tiny babies but full of personality.Amazing maternity, baby, infant and cake smash portraits in the best studio in Scotland. Edinburgh and Murrayfield maternity, newborn and cake smash portrait photographer.Award-winning family photographer, specialising in newborn, maternity & family photograph.Edinburgh based baby cake smash photographer Nicky Mclean will captures those special moments that families treasure for a lifetime.

Edinburgh’s most loved maternity and newborn baby photography studio based in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. See why families come back year after year.

Maternity and Newborn photographer Edinburgh. Nicky Mclean Photography specialise in creating beautiful images from bump to baby & beyond! Relaxed newborn baby photography. Professional Edinburgh Newborn Photographer. Family and newborn photographer serving Edinburgh and Glasgow area.

Corrigan Coats

Corrigan Coats

I adventure to Haddington, Scotland

with Katie creator of Corrigan Coats.

A fun morning out with my wonderful friend, Katie, creator of the much loved brand Corrigan Coats. Katie invited me on her mission to Haddington to join up with Lil who owns dolilthings refillery. Two unstoppable brands striving for sustainability and being part of the solution to look after our beautiful planet.

am very grateful to have had a sneak peak into the growing of Corrigan Coats. This beautiful brand continues to wow everybody who is lucky enough to own one of Katie’s beautiful designs.

Corrigan Coats is a brand you need to know about. How wonderful it is to be part of this great adventure.

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Nicky-Mclean-Photography-corrigan-coats
nicky-mclean-sustainable-living-corrigan-coats
Katie-Corrigan-Corrigan-Coats-Scotland
corrigan-coats-scotland-nicky-mclean

WHEN YOU SUPPORT A SMALL BUSINESS, YOU ARE SUPPORTING A DREAM.

@looklocalfirst

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Sustainable-Living-Haddington-corrgan-coats
sustainable-living-corrigan-coats-scotland
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Corrigan Coats

Corrigan Coats create timeless, luxurious yet practical garments in small batches. We want to shed new light on Harris Tweed, a functional and beautiful material to work with and wear.

Designed for every day, sheltering you from the elements and keeping you visible in low light. Our garments are naturally hard-wearing and water-resistant. Our coats are knee-length and hooded with retro-reflective piping for style and safety, wherever your day takes you.

We Craft our products with respect and we create them to last. Rooted in the natural durability and heritage of Harris Tweed®, our products are created to be cherished and worn for many years. Combined with reflective fabrics for safety, we are creating garments with heritage and modern practicality built-in.

https://www.corrigancoats.co.uk

Dolilthings

LIL stands for Lower Impact Living, a lifestyle that reflects your choice to maximise your positive impacts on the planet.

It’s not reducing your annual plastic waste to one Mason jar full or knitting your own yogurt!

It’s a realistic, can-do approach for everyone to make a difference by taking one Lil step at a time. It’s about understanding how your individual choices add up to a collective result, how we and the world around us are connected and how we can contribute to a fairer and healthier environment where we all thrive.

It is definitely about celebrating positive change (we LOVE a party!).

Lil CIC is a social enterprise set up to promote this lifestyle. As a Community Interest Company we are asset locked like a charity so no profits or assets can be passed to any shareholders/ business owners. Every penny goes in to our mission.

Our Lil community has prevented more than 1 million bits of plastic since we established in 2018.

https://www.dolilthings.org

All that said, a newborn photoshoot is still worth the effort. The 3 hours you’ll spend having your newborn photoshoot will give you a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Every time you look at those photos on the wall you’ll remember just how teeny tiny your baby was and how much love you have for that child.

Two-week-old babies are great for newborn sessions. They are still super sleepy, easy to pose in traditional newborn poses. This is why many people that teach newborn photography use it as the date to gauge when a baby is too old for newborn pictures

Children develop neck strength at different rates but between 12 and 16 weeks is usually about right for a photo shoot. This is such a lovely age, still tiny babies but full of personality.Amazing maternity, baby, infant and cake smash portraits in the best studio in Scotland. Edinburgh and Murrayfield maternity, newborn and cake smash portrait photographer.Award-winning family photographer, specialising in newborn, maternity & family photograph.Edinburgh based baby cake smash photographer Nicky Mclean will captures those special moments that families treasure for a lifetime.

Edinburgh’s most loved maternity and newborn baby photography studio based in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. See why families come back year after year.

Maternity and Newborn photographer Edinburgh. Nicky Mclean Photography specialise in creating beautiful images from bump to baby & beyond! Relaxed newborn baby photography. Professional Edinburgh Newborn Photographer. Family and newborn photographer serving Edinburgh and Glasgow area.