Wow! That’s A Great Camera – No Wonder Your Baby Pictures Are Good!

I believe all photographers have heard this phrase at least once:

‘That’s a great camera, no wonder your baby pictures are so good’

Now there is no denying that the right equipment can make a huge difference to the quality of your baby’s pictures, that’s a fact! But today, I’m here to bust this myth!

It’s true to say that investing in the right equipment does help me enormously to carry out my job as a London newborn photographer to the best of my ability. 

That said, the glass (or the lens) that’s on the camera is probably more important than the actual camera body.  Lenses can often be two or three times the cost of the camera itself.  I need to be continually investing in equipment such as lenses to be able to give you the very best service possible. However, you can have the best camera and lenses in the world and still only produce mediocre photography. 

The most important piece of kit is actually behind the camera! 

My brain, my creativity and my ability to put into practice all of the training I’ve invested in is what makes the difference between a mediocre picture and a great portrait.

Firstly I have to understand the ‘basics’ of photography.  Anyone can get lucky with a baby picture and snap the perfect portrait.  But producing high-quality, wall-worthy work consistently, well, that requires a really good understanding of photography. That takes training, study, practice and experience.

dad is holding newborn baby on his hands and giving him a little kiss

So What does it take for beautiful baby pictures?

Light is the most important factor and is the element that ‘makes’ the image. 

Without light, we have no images.  Understanding how to control light in the studio and how to make it work in my favour outdoors is essential to creating beautiful portraits for you.  Light can shape and flatter or it can be harsh and unforgiving.  For example, I want the softest light to gently illuminate your newborn to give us stunning heirloom images that are timeless.  I need to create this, it doesn’t happen by accident and it certainly isn’t controlled by the camera I use.

Next up is focus.  I need to be able to produce images that are clearly in focus.  The model of camera I use can make this task slightly easier but when I’m working with tiny newborns, a few millimetres can make the difference between a face in focus or not!  This is something you might not notice so much on the small screen of a phone camera but as soon as I want to create a large piece of wall art, the focus has to be pin sharp!  I also need to control the area that’s out of focus.  This is called the depth of field.  It’s a more complex version of ‘portrait’ mode on your phone camera.

baby picture: newborn is laying on his side and sleeping on a white blanket with a soft white warp to keep him warm.

The third element I have to master as a photographer is exposure.  In simple terms, this is the amount of time light is exposed to the camera’s sensor.  The reality is I have to decide how long I want the shutter open (a long time will affect my focus), how wide I want the opening to be and finally how sensitive to light I want the camera sensor to be.  Although this sounds complex, it does become second nature – a little bit like learning to drive a car.  

These are all technical bits but I think there are other important factors for good baby pictures.

Another important factor is set-up and clothing. You could have a perfectly exposed image but if you have a busy background or the wrong choice of clothes and colours that photo could never be harmonious and pleasant.

Then there is connection. It’s important to create connection not only between the subjects in the photo but also between the photographer and the subjects. If the parents are relaxed and at ease, the children or baby will be too and that results in better photos.

And last but surely not least, actually probably the most important one is emotions. I believe a good photo is not about technical perfection, that’s a bonus. I believe a photo has to transmit something and has to tell a story. A static portrait of mum and daughter or a family looking straight at the camera to me is kind of dull. A dynamic photo like this below, where there is an interaction is what warms up our hearts when we look back at it. Don’t you agree?

happy moment during a family photoshoot. Mum is holding her daughter and dad is behind them, they all look at each other smiling.

So, all of this is something I’ve dedicated time and money to learning – all before I start thinking about creativity.  Choosing wardrobe and simple prop items, thinking about the composition of my images, learning posing techniques – it’s an endless list that I’m constantly investing in and developing.

So, in short, yes, my camera is pretty good but a bit like James Martin’s amazing outdoor kitchen it won’t produce stunning results by itself!

Without my thinking and skills behind it, the camera couldn’t take the same baby pictures. And that’s why parents come to me with their babies.

For tips on how to take better photos of your baby follow me on Instagram. I’m quite active in stories and I often talk about tricks.

And if you are interested in having a shoot with me, fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch soon to discuss it.

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  • It’s great to have baby pictures like these. We definitely need a great camera. Interesting post! ReplyCancel

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I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day - maybe because it’s also my name day (yes, in Italy that’s a thing!). But beyond that, I’ve always felt that love isn’t about just one day. It’s about all the little moments, the quiet gestures, and the everyday ways we show we care.

Love is precious, valuable, and worth celebrating every single day. When you have someone you truly cherish—whether a partner, a friend, or yourself—hold on to them tightly, through the big milestones and the quiet in-between moments.

So today, let’s celebrate love in all its forms. 

What’s one simple way you show love?

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This morning, I had the absolute pleasure of celebrating Galentine’s Day with the incredible women of @foundermums 

We took time to walk, talk, and connect - supporting each other as women, mums, and entrepreneurs. The morning ended with something truly special: a beautifully styled brunch, complete with stunning flowers and décor by @tipiangels and @fentonyardflowers, @shimmerandsoiree and delicious food and drinks provided by @stiritupmealkits and @bringthebabida.

And of course, I was honoured to capture the magic through my lens. It was a morning full of laughter, inspiration, and empowerment - just what Galentine’s is all about.

Here’s to the power of women supporting women! ✨

Sending love to all my fellow mums and friends today - how are you celebrating your own connections this month?

#GalentinesDay #womensupportingwomeninbusiness #foundermums #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #celebratingconnection
Reading your kind words fills my heart with so much joy! 

One of my greatest hopes for every session is that it feels like more than just a photoshoot. I want it to be an experience you treasure - a memory in itself.

I understand how overwhelming life can feel sometimes, especially with little ones. That’s why I create a space where you can relax, slow down, and just be yourself. It’s your time to connect with your loved ones. And those little moments - your baby grabbing your finger or curling up perfectly in your arms - those are the memories I aim to capture. 
Because these fleeting days deserve to be celebrated and preserved forever.

Yesterday, I shared my love with a complimentary matted print offer for February bookings. 

Today, I’d love if you could share some love with me. If you’ve recently visited my studio or worked with me in the past year, I’d truly appreciate it if you left a review on Google. 

Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps my small business grow and reach more families like yours. Thank you for your continued support! 

#sharingthelove #monthoflove #clientlove #supportsmallbusiness #londonmaternityphotography #londonnewbornphotography
February: The month of love! 💕

This month, I want to share some love with all my amazing clients. For February only, I’m offering a complimentary stunning matted print when you book a session—whether it's newborn, maternity, or family—the choice is yours!

If you're expecting a spring or summer baby, now is the perfect time to plan your session and take advantage of this special offer. Imagine holding a beautiful print of your precious memories, ready to display and cherish forever.

Don’t wait—let’s create something unforgettable together. 
DM me or click the link in my bio for more info and to book your session. 

#februaryoffer #monthoflove  #maternityphotography #newbornphotography  #printedmemories #maternityphotoshoot #londonmaternityphotographer
Are you welcoming a new little one in 2025? Whether it’s your first baby or you're growing your family, announcing your pregnancy is such a special and magical moment! 

Here are some creative ways to share your exciting news with loved ones:

Tiny Shoes: line up your family's shoes and add a pair of baby booties to the lineup—a sweet, visual surprise.

Surprise in the Family Photo: plan a family photo session and subtly include a baby onesie or a little shoe. Watch their reactions when they notice!

Big Sibling Alert: if you have kids or a pet, let them take center stage. Use a sign or T-shirt that says, “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”

A Special Gift Box: surprise loved ones with a keepsake box that includes an ultrasound photo, a tiny onesie, and a card with your due date.

Video Highlights: put together a short video documenting moments like your positive test, an ultrasound, or your growing bump.

Which idea is your favourite?  Or, if you've already shared your big news, how did you announce it?
Let me know in the comments.

#PregnancyAnnouncement #PregnancyJourney #SharingTheLove #ExcitingNews #londonmaternityphotographer

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07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

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