What’s the Value of a Photograph?

Let me ask you this question again: What’s the value of photos for you?

And no, we’re not talking pounds, dollars and cents here; we’re diving into the emotional realm, into how photos make us feel – because, really, that’s what matters most.


I want to raise this question today because it’s world cancer day and unfortunately, cancer has touched the lives of our friends and family, leaving an indelible mark.

Personally, I’ve lost dear ones to this relentless foe; both my grandmas more than two decades ago when I was just a teenager, and my dad encountered Mr. Cancer a few years back. But you know what? Dad faced it head-on, threw a mighty punch, and emerged victorious! His strength and positivity throughout those challenging months of treatment are a testament to the human spirit.

Cancer is a word that makes us feel scared, small and hopeless. But today, there are countless positive stories and ongoing research that prove it can be defeated. Now, back to my original question.

I believe a photo’s value is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of how someone treasures it. Loves it. Holds onto it for dear life.

Think about it – when you lose someone you love, what do you do?

You seek solace in their photos. And if those cherished memories live on your phone, you print them out because you want to feel their presence, to physically hold onto those moments. A photograph becomes a time capsule, a way to relive precious memories, and an avenue to feel closer to someone you hold dear.

Related article: Why Newborn Photography?

photo of mum kissing baby- value of photos

This is my little positive story.

These particular photos hold a story of strength and love. Taken just days before a remarkable mum underwent a spine operation. The baby was 4 months old when I took the photos and while she was pregnant they discovered there was something wrong with her.

They scheduled the shoot urgently, knowing that mobility would be limited for months post-surgery. Why? “So I can look back and remember these very special months that I had with my child and husband,” she shared with me.

The power and value of photos, right?

Gratitude overwhelmed me as I captured this family’s journey, providing them with memories to hold onto during challenging times. “Thanks so much for sending these photos! It’s great to be able to look at them when I’m by myself alone in the hospital… it definitely makes me smile! 🙂

mum and dad hugging and laughing while holding baby - value of photos
mum holding baby and dad looking at then - value of photos

Photos become more than just pixels; they’re tangible memories.

Remembering a particular moment becomes effortless when you have a picture to transport you back in time. Photos are the imprints of our lives, the visual story we pass on to future generations. Whether personal, commercial, or historical, each image we capture has a tale to tell.

So, what’s holding you back from creating these timeless memories with your children?

The photos you take today aren’t just for you; they’re a gift to your children, a window to the past where they’ll see the beauty of their mum, the joy of playing with dad, and the precious moments spent with siblings.

As a London photographer specialising in Newborn photography, my passion lies in capturing the essence of your family. The photos of the baby are the most loved. But the photos with mum and dad and siblings are the most powerful and cherished forever!

You can look at my portfolio to see more of my work and I hope you can see the passion I have for this job and my mission to provide incredible memories through your photos.

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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
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
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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VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM