KidsNaturally Photography

Family photography in Barnt Green, Birmingham

Laurence — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:45:57 +0000

Family photography – Birmingham
As a Birmingham photographer, it was lovely to revisit this Barnt Green family for another photo session – more family photography Birmingham. It was a year since their last photo session, so both boys seemed more grown up, especially 2 year old Auby. The large house and garden make a fantastic setting with lots of places to play with beautiful light for photography. We had a very enjoyable morning even though it was cold outside. I like this family so much – there are some real characters here and it is a pleasure to know and photograph them.

Se the galleries on my main website for more examples of family photography, and child photography

Childcare and Nannies

Laurence — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:24:03 +0000

Choosing how your children are going to be looked after when you go back to work is such a difficult decision. A child minder may have several other children, so benefitting your child’s social abilities, but won’t be able to give your child as much individual attention as a nanny would. A nanny will typically be more flexible and able to come straight to your door on the days you want. We used a nanny agency, Birmingham called Tinies who were very helpful and professional. They helped us find candidates, who we interviewed (my wife Mandy loved that!), and found a superb nanny. Tinies also helped with the tax side of paying the nanny.

Better children’s photography – part 3

Laurence — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:44:35 +0000

In this part we’ll look at getting good light on the children outdoors, in a fairly straightforward way. You might want to also look at Better children’s photography part 2
and part 1 of better childrens photography.

Child photography can be tricky – you have to juggle thinking about the camera settings & composition with keeping the kids entertained and happy with the process. My advice is to work out where and how you’ll take the photos before you start. Get the camera set up, and choose the location with an unfussy background and good light before the children are involved. Then, with the children where you need them to be, you can concentrate more on them and less on the camera.

What is good light? Well, outdoors it’s generally light that gives soft shadows and comes from a direction that isn’t directly overhead, above the children, or below them. It could be infront, behind, to one side, but not overhead. Light from overhead gives eyes that are in deep shadow – so called “Panda eyes”. That’s true if it’s sunshine or on a cloudy day. Light from below gives a spooky horror-type look – OK for Halloween but not generally!

Light overhead gives dark eyes (best avoided!)

If it’s a sunny day, you can move so that the sun is behind the child, giving a backlit effect. You’ll have to increase the exposure though, or take a manual exposure reading.

Backlit by the sun

Alternatively move the child so that they are in the shade. Then there’s no harsh shadows & they won’t be squinting at the sun.

No harsh shadows when he’s in the shade

Finally, the best option is in shade where there’s no light coming from overhead. Under a tree, in an entrance, all kinds of places. Then the light will be coming more from a given direction and will give more options and a better result.

It looks like he’s not in a great place, but the light is good – he’s shaded from above

Here’s the photo taken in the previous position – under the bush. Compare this with the “Panda Eyes” and you’ll get the idea!

I’m one of few photographers in Warwickshire who specialise in child photography. As a photographer – Stratford upon Avon, I love getting outdoors with children near Stratford, Warwick, Leamington Spa or the Cotswolds, for example. There are so many gorgeous locations!

Baby photos Birmingham

Laurence — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:08:35 +0000

I was asked to create some baby photos in Birmingham by Kayden’s parents. Newborn baby Kayden was a complete star. He slept through most of the session, including being put in various locations around the house, although he did wake up in time for some expressive smiles. His Mum & Dad were great fun & make such fantastic parents. They love the photos! For more images see the baby photos gallery on my website

Newborn photography – a baby at 3 weeks old

Laurence — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:33:46 +0000

Newborn baby photography is never straightforward. This Mum looked fabulous in the shoot, and was a star looking after her baby boy who was only 3 weeks old. She coped with everything that he produced! I like to take my time and let the baby lead the session – be they awake or asleep. I feel like I know what I’m doing with newborn photography! I travel throughout Birmingham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds and the South. See more of my newborn photography in Birmingham

Pregnancy pictures at 32 weeks pregnant

Laurence — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:18:18 +0000

Here are some pregnancy pictures taken at 32 weeks pregnant. I’ve tried to create a certain elegance and focus on her as a woman, not just the bump! As a Birmingham photographer, I’m lucky enough to photograph all kinds of people, at all ages and stages of life. Pregnancy is a very special and unique time, and photos act as a great reminder of a pregnancy. Pregnancy pictures don’t have to be cheesy – they can be elegant, classy and arty! See my gallery containing more pregnancy pictures for Birmingham

Family photo shoot, Cotswolds

Laurence — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:02:46 +0000

A lovely family in the Cotswolds chose me for their family photo shoot. We had a great time in their fabulous house and garden. The youngest child, at 9 months, was crawling everywhere, following his older brother. He had a brilliant smile. Their cousins joined in the fun as well. We played on the bed, ran and crawled along the top corridor, played in a teepee tent in the garden, saw a tractor, fixed a pedal car, pushed another car, had some food, and played with Mum and Dad. Photoshoots can be busy!

Care of your family photos

Laurence — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:03:03 +0000

You’ve put a lot of effort and money into getting beautiful family photos – perhaps they hang on your wall in fantastic frames, or are in ArtBooks that will become a family heirloom. How do you take best care of them?

All the high quality displays I use will last a lifetime so long as these guidelines are heeded. You will be able to give them to your children when they grow up, if you want to!

Locations
Firstly, avoid placing them where bright sunlight falls. The UV light will harm any artwork.
Secondly, avoid locations directly above radiators or working fireplaces. If the artwork is within say 3 feet of where hot air will rise, it’s best moved. This applies to an album on a shelf as well as a framed print or canvas on the wall.

Lastly, generally it’s best avoid bathrooms, kitchens and lofts where there may be strong variations in humidity or temperature. Having said that, high quality canvases, acrylics and certainly metal prints will be fine so long as they’re not directly over a steaming kettle! Metal prints are very durable and can even be placed outdoors for a short period.

Cleaning
Generally wiping with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth is all you will need. To remove smudges or fingerprints use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Never use an abrasive cleaner or solvent, especially on acrylics.

Childrens photos – the last of the summer sun.

Laurence — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:45:16 +0000

Here are some recent childrens photos in what seems like will be the last of the summer sun. Lillian and Edith had a great time on a glamping weekend near Warwickshire. They played in the long grass, jumped on their Mum and were generally great fun. The farm also had 1000 goats, which made for an interesting farm tour. I love the summer look and feel in these photos.

Newborn baby photos Birmingham

Laurence — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:35:03 +0000

Caitlin’s parents commissioned me to create some newborn baby photos of their beautiful baby daughter in Birmingham. She was a star, and very alert for her age of a few weeks. Her fantastic parents were a joy to work with. I can tell her Mum is enjoying every minute of parenting!
The images in a stunning frame as well as some contemporary metal prints are now the talking point of their apartment in central Birmingham. On my website there is more of my work as a newborn baby photographer