Welcome to the studio!
I’m Emma, and as a specialist newborn photographer with a background as a nursery nurse, my absolute priority is creating a space that is safe, comfortable, and inclusive for every family I welcome.
One critical aspect of maintaining this safe environment is ensuring we have clear, direct communication throughout your entire session.
I have been so fortunate to work with wonderful families from many different cultures and backgrounds. I deeply respect that English may not be your first language, and I know that speaking your 1st language with your partner or family is a natural way to communicate and feel relaxed. However, during the key moments of the shoot, especially when posing, wrapping, or repositioning your newborn, it is imperative that all verbal communication is relayed to me clearly in English.
The Safeguarding Imperative
This request has absolutely nothing to do with personal views, language, or culture. It is purely a matter of safeguarding and professional responsibility.
When a tiny, vulnerable newborn is being handled, wrapped, or placed into a prop, my attention is split between many things: lighting, composition, camera settings, and, most importantly, monitoring your baby’s cues and your reactions.
If you or your partner are speaking to each other in a non-English language during these moments, I risk missing vital information.
I could be completely unaware that you are:
Uncomfortable or Nervous: Perhaps you are saying, “I don’t like the way the baby’s hand is,” or “I wish we could stop now.”
Concerned About Safety: You might be observing a safety concern, like, “Is the blanket too close to her face?”
Changing Your Mind: You may be asking your partner, “Can we switch to the blue blanket instead of the grey?”
Because I don’t speak any other languages, I am forced to guess the intent of your conversation. I might nervously assume you are voicing a serious concern, when in reality, you might just be chatting about popping to the shops later for dinner or discussing last night’s television. The difficulty is that I can’t afford to risk being blissfully unaware if a genuine concern is being raised.
For the photoshoot and especially moments we are actively posing your baby, having your feedback relayed in English and your general conversation in English, helps ensure that your concerns are heard immediately, and any adjustment, whether for safety, comfort, or style preference is made instantly. It also helps me engage and contribute as I might have the perfect prop or something in my cupboards. Your voice must be my highest alert.
Your Preferences are My Instructions
I am highly experienced in recognising both newborn cues and parent anxieties. My goal is for you to feel completely empowered and in charge. If you are uncomfortable with the pose, the colour, the wrap, or my approach, I need to know so I can adapt, hence the need to speak English for me.
You always lead my sessions: despite my decades of experience as a photographer and former nursery nurse, your instincts as a mother are paramount.
No forcing: We will never force a pose. If your baby is fussy, we stop. If you want a break, we take one. This flexibility is built into every minute of your time here.
Prioritising Overall Wellbeing
My studio is designed as a sanctuary, focused on the mental and physical comfort of both baby and parents.
My experience has taught me that a relaxed mummy means a settled baby. I maintain a specific, elevated temperature in the studio to keep your newborn cosy while they are lightly dressed. We work entirely at your baby’s pace, scheduling feeding breaks and nappy changes on demand, not on the clock.
By agreeing to use clear English for any communication related to the shoot itself, you help me ensure that this safe, relaxed, and memorable experience is maintained for your whole family.