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Transformative Photoshoot for Women Over 40: Because You’re Worth It

Elegant black-and-white portrait of a confident woman over 40, taken during a studio photoshoot by Photography by Valentina in London.

I’m 44, and while I absolutely don’t think I’m anywhere near “old,” I’ve noticed a few changes—both physically and emotionally—since turning 40. The first thing I noticed was the unintentional weight gain. I haven’t changed my eating habits or exercise routine, but I’ve felt more general bloating. Clothes don’t quite fit the way they used...

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Why December Babies Shine: Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on a white blanket, captured by newborn photographer London – Photography by Valentina.

December Babies: Celebrating the Little Ones Born Under the Winter Sky December is a month often associated with festive celebrations, cosy nights by the fire, and the spirit of giving. But have you ever wondered about the unique traits of babies born in December? If you’re expecting a little one this month, or if you’re...

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Why Writing Letters to Your Baby Makes Maternity Special

London maternity photography by Valentina — artistic black-and-white portraits celebrating pregnancy and connection.

There’s something truly magical about the journey to motherhood. From the first flutter of your baby’s heartbeat to those tiny kicks that make you smile, each moment is filled with emotions and memories that deserve to be cherished forever. This beautiful, fleeting time in a mother’s life is full of love, anticipation, and excitement, and...

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The Power of the Emotional Bond with Newborns: How They Sense Their Mother’s Feelings

mum and her newborn in a sweet moment captured during a newborn photoshoot

The emotional bond with your newborn is one of the most profound experiences you’ll have as a parent. It starts before your baby is even born and continues to grow as you nurture them through their earliest days. But have you ever thought about how deep that connection truly goes? And how you can preserve...

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Meaningful November-Inspired Baby Names You’ll Love

November-inspired baby names: mum with baby

November is a month of change, with the crispness of autumn in the air and the anticipation of the holiday season just around the corner. It’s a time of transformation, reflection, and warmth—perfectly reflected in the names inspired by this magical month. From vibrant autumn colours to celestial meanings, November-inspired baby names offer a beautiful...

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November Babies: Embracing the Charms of Autumn Births

A happy dad kissing his girl captured by Valentina, a London family photographer.

I can’t believe November is here already! Along with cosy blankets, hot chocolate, and the anticipation of the festive season, it’s also a month filled with birthday celebrations. As someone who has both a brother and a cousin born in November, I know firsthand how special this time of year is for welcoming little ones...

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Small Business Essentials: Tools I Use Every Day to Stay on Track

Small business essentials — flatlay of a workspace with a laptop, coffee, and notebook, ideal for staying productive.

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...

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8 October-Inspired Baby Names to Fall in Love With

baby names inspiration

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...

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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.

 

 

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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