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
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“Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.” — Elliott Erwitt
Sometimes, the quietest images speak the loudest.
Stripped back. Soft. Honest.
#blackandwhitephotography #maternityphotography #pregnancyphotos #londonmaternityphotographer #minimalportrait #timelessphotos #pregnancyphotography
Why do we close our eyes when we cry, when we kiss, when we dream?
Because the most beautiful things in life aren’t always visible.
They’re felt. Held. Remembered by the heart.
But sometimes, a photograph can bring them back,not just the image, but the feeling.
Of who you were in that moment.
What you were carrying.
What you were becoming.
That’s what I love most about this work.
Not just capturing how you looked, but how it felt to be her.
If you’re ready to remember your moment, not just see it, I’ll be here.
When you’re ready to feel, I’ll be here.
#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #londonpregnancyphotographer #londonpregnancyphotos#PhotographyWithHeart #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MaternityPhotography #photographyforthesoul #londonmaternityphotographer
Pregnancy is a strange, sacred in-between.
You’re not who you were.
Not yet who you’ll become.
And this space - the one where your body stretches to hold more than just a baby, but also new versions of you - deserves to be remembered.
Because this won’t last.
Not the exact shape.
Not the closeness.
Not the stillness before everything changes.
This is a moment that won’t return.
But it can still be held.
And that’s what I love most about what I do.
#MaternityPhotography #PregnancyJourney #HonestMotherhood #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #LondonMaternityPhotographer #MotherhoodUnfiltered #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyshoot #MomentsThatMatter #becomingamother
At 44, I’ve finally realised…
The more I see myself, the more I want to
When I took these self-portraits, it felt like peeling back a layer.
Not to become someone else, but to finally meet the version of me that’s been waiting.
The creative blur, the movement, the softness… it all made space.
To explore.
To play.
To let go.
And in that letting go, I found something I didn’t expect: joy, curiosity. Maybe even tenderness.
We dread photos sometimes, maybe because we’re not used to really looking.
A mirror shows you a flipped reflection.
But a photograph?
It shows you how the world sees you.
And sometimes, you realise… you like her.
If this speaks to you, save it, share it, or just sit with it for a moment.
Let it be your invitation to see yourself, too.
#londonphotographer #londonportraitphotographer
#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #EmpoweredThroughPhotography #LettingGo #PhotographyAsHealing #SelfPortraitSeries #VisualJournaling #ThisIs44
It’s not magic, it’s practice, rhythm, and a little bit of baby whispering.
After 14+ years photographing newborns, there are a few go-to soothing tricks I use at every session to help babies feel calm, safe, and sleepy.
Here are some of my favourites:
Swaddling for that womb-like comfort.
Gentle side holding or tummy time to ease any tension.
The classic “shhhh”, because sound really matters (apps help too!)
Rocking or soft movement (bonus if you hum)
Sucking for comfort and calm (dummy or feeding)
Ooohh want a bonus one?
A slow stroke on the baby’s forehead. Works like a charm.
Every baby is different, but these almost always help settle the mood.
Tag a parent who’s in the newborn phase (and could use a little calm today).
#londonnewbornphotographer #londonnewbornshoot #NewbornTips #BabySoothing #ParentingSupport #NewParentHack #LifeWithABaby #SoothingTechniques #FourthTrimester
She didn’t come to this session unsure.
She already knew me—she’d trusted me with her maternity and newborn sessions. But this time was different.
This time was for her.
She came knowing who she is and ready to celebrate it.
In her 40s, she’s found more confidence, more clarity, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most.
She spoke of embracing self-love, shedding insecurities, and living with humour and presence.
“I decided to do something for me… I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much.”
And that’s what this experience is really about.
Not becoming someone else, but returning to yourself.
Playful. Strong. Present. Real.
This is what it looks like to take up space.
To honour your story.
To say: “This is me. And I’m proud of her.”
What would a session just for you look like? What would it feel like to step in front of the lens, just as you are?
If you’ve been thinking about it…this is your sign to say yes to yourself. ✨
Empowering women, London portrait photographer for women, women over 40, confidence through photography, celebrate yourself, photography as healing #ResetWithReelsChallenge3
