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Embracing Confidence Through Photography: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Empowering photoshoot for woman over 40 embracing confidence and self-discovery through photography.

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...

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The Ultimate Guide to Booking Your Newborn Photographer in London and Richmond

guide to book your newborn photographer in London and Richmond

You are pregnant, congratulations! Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, and capturing those early moments is something every parent wants to cherish. Yes, time will indeed fly and your little baby won’t be so little for long. With so many talented newborn photographers in London and Richmond, it can be...

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How to Make You Feel Comfortable and Relaxed During Your Maternity Photo Shoot

semi-nude maternity portrait

As your London maternity photographer, my mission is to ensure this magical experience extends beyond the lens. It’s about capturing not just moments but emotions, creating a tapestry of memories for you and your little one. To achieve this, it’s crucial to establish an environment where you can feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident. I understand...

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The Postpartum Recovery Tips No One Talks About—But Should

Postpartum recovery: A mother lovingly holding her newborn, capturing the intimate and tender moments of the postpartum journey.

As a newborn and family photographer, I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible mums during one of the most exciting, and exhausting, times of their lives. The postpartum period is a rollercoaster. You’re over the moon about your little one, but you’re also running on fumes, trying to figure out how to...

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Celebrating Motherhood with Timeless Photos

Mother lovingly holding her newborn baby during a maternity and newborn photoshoot in London.

Celebrating Motherhood with Timeless Photos Motherhood is a journey of love, strength, and transformation. As mothers, we give so much of ourselves—our time, our energy, our hearts—to nurture and care for our families. But how often do we pause to celebrate our own stories, our own moments of grace and beauty? As a London Maternity...

The Power of Digital Minimalism: Why Less Screen Time Means More Life

The Power of Digital Minimalism- Why Less Screen Time Means More Life

Breaking Free from Digital Overload – Embrace Digital Minimalism At the start of this year, I set the intention to read more. Not just casually, but with purpose—taking notes, reflecting on what resonates, and capturing those key takeaways. I’ve read plenty of books over the years, but I’ve learned that unless I write down the...

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Are February Babies the Most Creative? 6 Surprising Facts

newborn baby and the overlay text about February baby facts

As we embrace February, it’s not just about the love-filled festivities, snowflakes, or the winter chill. For me, February is extra special—it’s the birth month of my mum and my younger brother, so I have a lot of love for this month! February babies come with a unique set of traits that make them incredibly...

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Freezer Meal Prep Ideas Before Baby Arrives

Freezer meal prep ideas postpartum — a guide for parents to stock their kitchen before baby arrives with nutritious, ready-made meals.

Preparing for a new baby is such an exciting (yet totally overwhelming) time! Between buying nappies, getting the nursery ready, and juggling doctor appointments, it’s easy to forget one important thing: how you’ll keep yourself fed once your little one arrives. With sleepless nights and hectic days ahead, freezer meal prep can be a total...

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10 Beautiful Baby Names Inspired by January’s Winter Charm

Newborn wrapped in a white soft fabric captured sleeping during his newborn shoot

The start of the new year marks a fresh beginning, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of a January baby than with a name inspired by the season? From snowflakes to new beginnings, January offers an abundance of meaningful and unique baby name options. Whether you’re drawn to nature, the winter chill, or...

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January Babies: The Perfect Blend of Strength, Intelligence, and New Beginnings

Newborn baby awake during a photoshoot. B&W image. London studio

Can you believe it’s already January? As someone born in this month, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement as my birthday draws near. January is the start of a new year, a fresh beginning—and if you’re expecting a little one this month or already have a January baby, you’re in for something...

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Why a Photography Gift Certificate is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Loved One

Framed newborn and family portraits displayed above a neutral-toned sofa in a luxury living room.

Christmas is getting closer! This means you’ve probably already started looking for those perfect gifts for your loved ones. You want something personal, meaningful, and unique—something that goes beyond the usual go-to gifts like jewellery or perfume. While these gifts are lovely, have you thought about giving the gift of memories? A photography gift certificate...

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Hello!

headshot of Valentina - London photographer

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.

 

 

Follow Me

We live in a world where everything is fast, filtered, automated. 

Where perfection is polished and every flaw can be edited away in just a click.

But what happens when we pause?

When we slow down…

When we really look?

Not just at the photos, but at ourselves.

This is where the true power of photography lives—not in capturing a perfect image, but in creating space for reflection, for presence, for seeing yourself as you really are.

No filters. No rush. No expectations.

Just you.

In the stillness, the truth becomes louder.

In the quiet, we see what was always there.

Because the answers we’re looking for, the confidence, the worthiness, the values, they’ve been inside us all along.

This is the beginning of Reflections Beyond the Frame. A space for honest conversations. For slowing down. For seeing yourself again.

When was the last time you truly paused to listen to yourself?

#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #empoweredthroughphotography #photographyforthesoul #lookwithin #selfdiscovery  #celebrateyourself 
#londonportraitphotographer #londonphotographer
Did you know your newborn might cry, but without actual tear, for their first few weeks?

Even though they definitely make their voices heard (we know those cries well!), their tear ducts are still developing, so you might notice a lot of crying, but no real tears. 

It’s completely normal and just another fascinating part of their early days.

Did you already know this? Or do you have another favourite newborn fact? Share it below, I’d love to hear it!

#FunFact #NewbornLife #BabyFacts #NewbornPhotography #MumLife
As a small business owner, we’re told to show up, to be visible, to build a personal brand.

As small business owners, we’re told to show up, stay visible, and build our personal brand.

And on social media? It can feel like everyone else is always on: always networking, always glowing, always travelling, always achieving.

Perfect homes. Perfect outfits. Perfect nails.
Even rest has to look productive and aesthetic.

But here’s the truth I’m holding onto lately:
Not everything needs to be loud to be meaningful.

Sometimes, we need to go quiet to make space for what really matters.
I’ve been a little quieter here - not because I’ve disappeared, but because I’ve been working on something really special (my book is getting so close!!)...

And also giving myself the gift of slowing down and reconnecting with what matters most.

This is your gentle reminder that stepping back is still moving forward.
And you’re allowed to do the same.

#gentlereminders #mindfulentrepreneur #londonphotographer #slowbusiness 
#femaleentrepreneur #fentrepreneur 
#behindthescenes
Coming soon to toy stores near you... not really. But imagine!

Introducing the Valentina action figure:

Wearing the classic jeans + white tee combo

Armed with a Canon camera (obviously)

Comes with accessories like a laptop, lit candle (for vibes), white orchid (because aesthetics matter), AND my real-life Labrador sidekick 

Mood: somewhere between “let’s create magic” and “I need chocolate.”

Honestly, this was such a fun little thing to try and kinda hilarious to see myself as a 3D mini-me! 🙈

But behind the toy box, there’s a real woman who’s spent years telling stories through photos. Helping mums feel beautiful. Cheering on women rediscovering their confidence. 

Freezing the messy, emotional, magical in-between moments that make life what it is.

And while I don’t come in packaging (thank goodness, can you imagine the plastic hair??), I do show up with camera in hand and music in the background, ready to turn your moments into something timeless.

So tell me… if YOU were an action figure, what would your accessories be?

Mine better come with a never-ending SD card.

PS. My daughter said the figurine looks like an Oompa Loompa.
I might have laughed a little too hard… mostly because she’s not wrong.

#womenwithcameras #photographerlife #empoweringwomen #londonphotographer #smallbusinessfun #actionfigureenergy

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM