5 reasons Why Photos are Important for Well-being. In the era of smartphones and social media, where everyone has a camera at their fingertips, we find ourselves capturing and sharing moments like never before. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a group selfie, a delectable meal, or a candid shot of a loved one, we document...
Being a photographer is not just about taking pretty photos. It’s also about running a business, and like every little business, managing daily admin tasks can be challenging and overwhelming. From the first enquiry to scheduling the photoshoot, sending the invoice and managing all the steps in between is not always easy to stay on...
One of the strangest things about being pregnant has got to be the cravings. We’ve all heard crazy stories about women eating coal or sponges – but thankful these types of cravings aren’t too common. Studies show that 50-90% of pregnant women experience cravings for specific foods and these are usually high-sugar and high-fat foods,...
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical experience. As parents cherish those precious moments, it becomes imperative to capture them with utmost care and creativity. This is where a great newborn photographer comes into play. Being a newborn photographer is an incredibly rewarding profession. The part I love most about being a newborn...
The statement “breast is best” refers to the belief that breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed an infant. But is it really? While there is strong evidence to support the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, it is essential to keep in mind that every family and situation is unique. The decision to breastfeed (or not)...
There is a saying “Money can’t buy happiness”. I’m sure you all heard it, right? Lots of people disagree with this. Others think it’s partially true, as with money you can buy some of the things that make you happy. Well, of course, truly poor people could be happier with money as they don’t have...
I often refer to myself as a storyteller photographer. But what does it mean? Storytelling is the activity of telling or writing stories. Usually, a story is something written or passed on. It has a beginning, a middle part and an ending. The middle is usually the most interesting part. The plot, where you can find...
Hey, I have exciting news for you! Mother’s Day Mini Sessions are here and available to book now! I know, mum! You take lots of photos of your little ones. Every occasion, every milestone, birthday, every special event, but let me ask you . . . How many times are you in the photos with...
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!
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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.
I love this! Photos are definitely important for well being. Thanks for sharing all the reasons why.
thanks for stopping by!
As a photographer myself I totally agree with everything you’ve written here. It’s definitely about the preservation of memories as well. Lovely post.
It’s good to have another photographer’s point of view. And definitely, preserving memories is a big one! Thanks for stopping by.
It’s great to have some photos that we can connect to in this way; this has reminded me to spend some time looking through the ones I have and seeing if I can display them in some way. Great!
Amazing! Yes, having photos around, especially of the people we love, make us feel closer to them.
I agree with everything you’ve written in your post. Photos are so important, I know I wish I had taken more photos of/with the family members I’ve lost over the years. It’s a big regret of mine. I enjoy being behind my camera rather than in front of it x
astoldbykirsty.co.uk
Yes, we all look for photos when a loved one has passed away. So it’s important to have photos of them and most importantly be in the pictures with them.
Photos are definitely a mood boost for me, what a lovely post! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thanks for stopping by
I definitely get how photos can improve well-being! I have a scrapbook where I get photos printed and it’s such a lovely activity x
Scrapbooks are so great to create memories and such a calming activity too. Thanks for stopping by x
taking photos bring me joy! I love reminiscing on memories…
they can certainly bring lots of joy!
It’s TRUE that it boos5 mood. Something I love doing when going back to old photos and good memories. Great post!
It’s true! I love having photos of my baby 🙂
Those are the best! Thanks for stopping by
I love the point you made about enhancing gratitude. I was just looking at an old photo thinking ‘I was genuinely happy in this photo’. It’s a memory I hold dear. I love photos.
Thanks for sharing this. Yes, photos close to our heart make us happy indeed x
Really interesting post! Having a 3 year old, I just love taking photos to capture moments and use them to compare in future
That’s great! At the age they love to be photographed as well – I remember my daughter, she loved to be in front of the camera and taking photos as well. Now that she’s nearly a teen she run away from it!
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