FAQ
What if my baby cries and doesn't settle?
This is one of the most common worries between parents. I’ve photographed hundreds of babies in the past 10 years and I’m experienced to deal with unsettled babies and still get some nice images. I will try to understand what's bothering baby and move accordingly. I learnt a few tricks along the years and I follow my experience and the mum's instinct.
Sometimes babies have a gassy tummy and feel uncomfortable, that's why to prevent that problem I send you a list of food you should avoid 2 days before the session to make sure baby is content. In the preparation email I'll send you, there are also other tips to help the session run smoother.
". . . She makes you feel so comfortable while putting you so at ease and works magic on your newborn when it’s their time to be photographed. Valentina was gentle, caring and so good at getting my little one to sleep I wanted to take her home with me!. . . " Morag McCole
How do I secure a date? What if my baby comes earlier or later?
I only take 8 newborns every month to ensure I can provide a good service to my clients. That's why it's important to book a session in advance to ensure availability. To book a session you will need to sign the contract and pay the session fee. I will then pencil a date around 10 days after your due date but of course, it can be changed to the actual baby's birth.
So don't worry if baby comes early or late, once you are booked in, we will find together the most suitable solution.
In a newborn session are family photos and sibling included?
Of course, they are! A newborn session is a full family session, actually, parents and siblings are very welcome and highly encouraged to get involved in the photoshoot. Those will be the most treasured images! And yes, even your furry family members.
Can you photograph babies older than 2 weeks?
By definition, a baby is a newborn up to 1 month and photographers will want to photograph them within the first 2 weeks because babies are sleepier and very flexible.
However, as a mum, I could never say no to an older baby! I photographed babies from 5 days to 12 weeks and to mum they are just as precious. The older the baby the more alert he will be, so I will capture awaken images as well. It's just a matter of knowing and understanding what you can expect. They will be slightly different but you will love them as much!
What if my baby does an explosive poo? Or pee?
For some reasons, parents feel guilty if there is an accident! They are babies, they can't control themselves and you shouldn't feel responsible. I try to keep the nappy on for most of the session but sometimes an accident can happen. I have everything handy to clean from wipes to tissues, towels, bags so don't worry about it :) It's part of my job description!
". . . Vale had a great sense of humour when the one twin made an enormous poop. It really helped keep us all calm, happy and we thoroughly enjoyed both photography sessions. . . " Justine Louw
I'm a bit nervous and apprehensive . . .
I totally feel you. I remember years ago I was nervous about everything, my daughter not wetting the nappy as much or pooping too many times, or worrying at the slightest different sound of breathing, or stranger touching my baby's hands . . . I get it! We are all humans after all and especially first-time mums we worry a lot. I will do all my best to take care of your baby during the shoot and being a baby-led photographer really help in that as I will follow baby's need. But please talk to me at any point if you are not comfortable or feel overwhelmed. A newborn session is quite an emotional experience and I've witnessed tears of joy, tears of exhaustion, signs of anxiety and fears. I'm there for you too, not just for your baby. We can take a break any time and have a chat, so when you will be in the photos you look at your best.
I did it before and wasn't happy with the result.
Well, every photographer has a different style and has a different level of experience. I'm always sorry to hear someone didn't enjoy the experience or didn't like the photos! I strive to make the experience enjoyable and pleasant for parents as much as possible and I always give 100% when I hold my camera. If you like my simple images, that's what you will get. I won't do any extravagant thing or over the top poses.
After the session, you will only pay for the images you love, it's very simple. And, if for any reasons, you don't like any of the photos I present you, I'll be happy to either offer a reshoot or refund you the session fee. So there is nothing to lose really.
"We used Valentina for our third baby girl and she was by far the best newborn photographer we’ve used. She was patient and kind and fantastic with our two elder children. We are delighted with the photos. If you want props etc she’s not for you but if you want beautiful natural shots I’d thoroughly recommend her." Sarah Hill
I think it's too expensive. Is that your last price?
One of the most important thing for me is offering to all my clients the same service and the same treatment. I believe you wouldn't be happy if your friend paid a different price than you had for the same product! Being fair is one of my values so yes, the prices you read are final.
I know baby arrival also means extra expenses but consider this. You are buying so many things that you won't probably even use much. You are also buying expensive things you will need but you will dismiss after a few years like carry-cots and prams.
Photographs are your most precious memories and they will last a lifetime
" It's impossible not to love the outcome. We did a newborn session with the rest of the family and absolutely loved the outcome. It might initially sound a bit pricey, but it's worth it. We never print pictures nowadays and having these around the house make a huge difference, they bring a smile whenever I look at them. Great idea also to share with family far away. I can't recommend Valentina enough. In such a short time she puts everyone at ease and what she creates is absolutely wonderful. She is really sweet and absolutely loves what she does, and you can tell! " Lucy Carminati
Let's Chat
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
Model Call: Newborn Session Opportunity
I’m looking for a newborn baby (born after 14th April) to take part in a beautiful session during my 1:1 mentoring.
This is a lovely opportunity to have some precious photographs of your little one, capturing these fleeting early days while also helping me teach and share my approach with another photographer.
As a parent you will receive
a complimentary newborn session
5 beautiful images of your choice as a thank you
the chance to create beautiful memories of your baby’s first days
A few important notes:
both parents (mum and dad) must be available on the 30th of April to be present and included in the photos.
Model release is required, which means the images might be used on my website and social media as well as on the photographer’s platforms.
The session will take place at my cosy studio in Twickenham (SW London), designed to offer a calm and relaxed experience for you and your baby.
If you or someone you know has recently welcomed a little one and might be interested, please send me a DM or an email to vale@photographybyvalentina.com
I’d love to share more details with you!
#londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #londonmumsnetwork #londonnewbornshoot
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
These photos?
They were taken minutes after she told me everything she didn’t like about herself.
And yet… look at her.
Strong. Present.
Fully seen.
So many of the women I photograph say the same things before we begin
“I’m not photogenic.”
“I don’t like how I look.”
“I just want to hide.”
We’ve been taught to shrink.
To criticise before we’re criticised.
To see ourselves through the lens of judgement, instead of truth.
But what if we could rewrite that story?
That’s why I created the Women Empowering Session, to give voice to the powerful woman who’s already in you. You don’t have to become someone else. You just have to see her.
And if you want to start this journey gently,
I created something for you: The Empowered Woman’s Manifesto. A loving reminder of who you are beneath all the noise.
DM me manifesto and I’ll send you the link.
Tell me, what part of yourself are you learning to celebrate?
#theempoweredwoman #selfworth #bodyimagehealing #over40andfabulous #photographyforwomen #youareenough #confidencejourney #womenempoweringwomen #londonportraitphotographer
