When you’re running a small business, having the right tools isn’t just about convenience – it’s about survival. Since starting my photography business in 2010, I’ve learned that success often depends on how well you can juggle all the moving parts while still delivering an exceptional experience to your clients. Running a small business in...
October is here, and along with the crisp air, cosy sweaters, and pumpkin spice, it brings a time of celebration—especially for those welcoming a new bundle of joy this month! As a mum to an October baby, I know firsthand how special it is to have a little one born during this magical time of...
I can’t believe October is here already! Along with cosy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and fall festivities, it’s also a month filled with birthday celebrations. As the mother of an October baby myself, I know just how special this time of year is for welcoming little ones into the world. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and...
Guest Blog by Justine Blanchard, Body Confidence Wellness As a body confidence & wellbeing coach, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of love and acceptance, although it took me a long time to achieve that for myself. Using the following tools helps me on my ever-expanding journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Coaching others through...
September is a month of transition, where the warm hues of autumn begin to paint the world in gold and amber. If you’re expecting a little one this month, why not choose a name inspired by the beauty and charm of September? Whether it’s the vibrant colours of fall, the significance of birthstones, or the...
September already! Back-to-school time, and do you know what? September is one of the most common birth months worldwide. Many countries experience higher birth rates during this time, making it a significant and special month for many families. September babies may owe their existence to the Christmas vibes, fairy lights, and a warm fire that...
Choosing the perfect name for your baby is an exciting yet significant decision for every parent. If your little one is set to arrive in the vibrant and sun-drenched month of August, why not consider a name inspired by this special time of year? August is filled with warmth, energy, and a sense of abundance,...
August is a month of warmth, vibrant energy, and abundant sunshine. If you’re welcoming a baby in August or know someone who is, you’ll find that August babies possess a unique set of traits and characteristics that make them truly special. From their zodiac signs to their birthstones and flowers, let’s dive into what makes...
Hello!
My name is Valentina. I'm a London baby and maternity photographer.
I share tips, curiosities, information, and more in this blog. Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and read away!
I'd love to read your comments.
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Newborn sessions with siblings, especially toddlers, can be unpredictable.
Some days they are all in. Other days they aren’t. And that’s okay.
This big sister wasn’t very keen on being in the photos. So instead of forcing it, I gave her a different role.
She became my assistant.
She helped me photograph her baby brother and her parents.
Suddenly, she felt special. She was part of the process. And Mum still got the beautiful family photos she wanted.
I find that involving toddlers and giving them a job to do works magic.
It shifts their energy from resistance to collaboration.
Everyone feels seen. Everyone gets their moment.
This is what 15 years of experience looks like. Knowing when to adapt. Knowing how to make it work for every member of the family.
If you’re expecting a second baby and worried about how your toddler will handle a newborn session, don’t be.
We’ll find a way to include them that feels right for everyone.
Want to chat about your family’s newborn session?
Let’s talk about what this could look like for you. DM me.
#londonnewbornphotographer #newbornphotoshoot #newbornbaby #newbornphotos
Through motherhood, we go through job titles quicker than in an entire career
I personally went from
Mamma → Mummy → Mum → Vale…
and now I’m just Bruh or Buddy. 🙈
They grow up fast and one day they won’t even want to be in the photo!
So let’s make the most of these Mummy years!
What’s the funniest name your kids have called you? Come on let’s have a laugh in the comments
#motherhood #mumhumour #mumlifebelike #parentlife #londonmums #photographybyvalentina
In a world where photos live on phones and get lost in folders, I still believe in printing.
Not because I’m nostalgic or old (which, by the way, I’m not 😉). But because there’s something irreplaceable about holding a photograph in your hands.
About seeing your story displayed in your home.
About your child one day finding an album and understanding that they were cherished from the very beginning.
Your baby won’t remember the newborn days. Memory fades. But a printed image? It lasts.
It tells your child: You were wanted. You were celebrated. Your story mattered.
I recently wrote a piece for @healthy_parent about the psychological side of seeing family photos displayed at home, how it strengthens a child’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Because in a world where everything is AI, fake and filtered, we need more realness.
I create maternity and newborn photographs that are meant to be more than files on a hard drive.
They’re meant to become part of your home, your legacy, your family’s story.
When you invest in printed portraits, you’re not just buying photos, you’re saying yes to legacy.
You’re choosing to preserve love in a way that can be touched, held, and passed down.
That’s what sets my work apart. Not the props or the trends, but the belief that your moments deserve to be honoured, printed, and treasured forever.
If you’ve been wondering whether maternity or newborn photography is worth it, I hope this resonates with you.
Your story deserves to be seen and held.
Because the moments you choose to print today will become the masterpieces your family treasures tomorrow.
#newbornphotographerlondon #richmondphotographer #familyphotography #photoalbums #maternityphotographer #motherhoodphotography #Photographybyvalentina
This is what happens when you book a newborn session with me.
You come to my studio. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’re wondering if this is worth it. Maybe all of the above!
You arrive, I welcome you in, offer you tea, and we slow down.
I guide you gently through everything, so you can just be present with your baby.
I capture the tiny details. The yawns. The way your family looks at this new little person. The love that’s already there.
And then picture this! A few weeks later, something arrives at your door.
Not just digital files. Not just photos on a screen.
But a beautiful album, designed for you, ready to hold and show your child one day.
That’s the difference between a photo session and what I create.
It’s not just about capturing moments. It’s about preserving them in a way that lasts.
Your newborn days are fleeting.
But this? This stays forever.
Ready to create your family’s heirloom?
#londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #newbornshoot #newbornphotographertwickenham
I know what you’re thinking. “I’m not ready.” “I “don’t have anything to wear. “I’ve got phone photos already.”
I hear this often, and I understand. But here’s what I’ve learned after photographing hundreds of pregnancies: the bump photos you almost didn’t take are the ones you’ll wish you had.
Phone photos are lovely for tracking changes.
They’re practical, quick, real.
But maternity photography is different.
It’s not about documenting the bump.
It’s about capturing how this moment feels.
The tenderness. The anticipation. The strength of your body preparing for everything to change.
When you walk into my studio, there’s no pressure to look a certain way or feel a certain way.
We move slowly.
We breathe.
We create something that’s entirely yours.
Simple. Real. Timeless.
These images aren’t meant to live on your phone or hidden in a folder.
They’re meant to be printed, displayed, and one day held by your child as they learn the beginning of their own story.
If you’ve been thinking about a maternity shoot but haven’t taken the step, let this be your sign.
Your future self will thank you.
If you’d like to chat about your maternity session, DM me or click the link in my bio. I’m here to answer any questions and help you feel confident about this.
Your story deserves to be seen.
#londonmaternityphotographer #londonpregnancyphotographer #londonpregnancyphotos
#maternityshoot
Today is World Mental Health Day, and I want to say this gently: you don’t have to have it all together to be worthy of care, love, or rest.
Motherhood, creativity, business. They all carry invisible weights sometimes.
It’s okay to set them down for a moment.
It’s okay to just be.
There’s real courage in that stillness.
PS. If this resonates, you might find comfort in my book Milk Tales. A collection of stories about the emotional side of motherhood, and the courage it takes to be honest about how we really feel.
If you need a soft space today, it’s waiting for you on Amazon.
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