LISBURN I BELFAST I HILLSBOROUGH I BANBRIDGE I BANGOR |
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Elena Mason Photography is Lisburn Maternity and Newborn photographer, specialising in classic images that showcase the beauty of this special time. We are available for sessions at our Lisburn home studio. With years of experience in family portrait photography, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We recommend 30-34 weeks for pregnancy photo shoots, while your baby bump is showing beautifully but you are not yet too close to your due date. This ensures that you’ll feel comfortable for a variety of beautiful poses. We only accept a limited number of sessions per month to ensure our high quality of work. We recommend booking an appointment as early as possible in your pregnancy. From maternity to the first weeks of life, we strive to capture the beauty of these fleeting moments as timeless works of art.
Please contact Elena to book your own maternity photography session!
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Cake Smash Sessions I Belfast Cake Smash Photographer
Northern Ireland
Let’s talk Cake Smash Sessions!
Cake Smash Sessions have recently become SUCH a big trend of celebrating baby's 1st birthday. I’m going to talk a little bit about my cake smash session process, and include some tips for cake smash sessions with your little one.
Also, enjoy a cute Cookie Monster Cake Smash session with Benjamin.
CHOOSING ELENA MASON PHOTOGRAPY
I am so happy when people choose me to be their Cake Smash photographer for milestone sessions like this!
Cake Smash Session is a great and exciting way to celebrate baby’s first year! We always have lots of fun during these birthday sessions, and you have two options for the cake smash photo shoot; Cake Smash Mini Session that includes one cake smash setup, for those who want only a few images of this special milestone or Cake Smash Full Session that includes a beautiful mini portrait session besides the cake smash setup.
My Cake Smash sessions can be as themed or as simple as you would like. Some parents love messy Cake Smash pictures, others may wish to focus more on capturing natural portraits of the birthday girl/boy as they celebrate turning one! And some may prefer a mixture! We will work together to create a custom cake smash set for your little one's big milestone!
Cake Smash Session is a great and exciting way to celebrate baby’s first year! We always have lots of fun during these birthday sessions, and you have two options for the cake smash photo shoot; Cake Smash Mini Session that includes one cake smash setup, for those who want only a few images of this special milestone or Cake Smash Full Session that includes a beautiful mini portrait session besides the cake smash setup.
My Cake Smash sessions can be as themed or as simple as you would like. Some parents love messy Cake Smash pictures, others may wish to focus more on capturing natural portraits of the birthday girl/boy as they celebrate turning one! And some may prefer a mixture! We will work together to create a custom cake smash set for your little one's big milestone!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE A CAKE SMASH SESSION?
In choosing the date and time, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. Are you wanting these photos back for a birthday party? If so, you’ll need to book in advance before their birthday so that you have enough time to choose your proofs and me to edit them for you. In this case, I recommend 4 weeks in advance. I also have clients that want the session to be close to the baby’s birthday, and that’s totally fine too!
The time of a day for the session is also very important. In my experience, 1 year old's are happiest in the morning, before their afternoon nap. I try to schedule Cake Smash sessions between 10am-12pm for this reason.
After you have chosen a date and are booked, I will get started planning your Cake Smash session.
The time of a day for the session is also very important. In my experience, 1 year old's are happiest in the morning, before their afternoon nap. I try to schedule Cake Smash sessions between 10am-12pm for this reason.
After you have chosen a date and are booked, I will get started planning your Cake Smash session.
CHOOSING THEME FOR YOUR CAKE SMASH SESSION
When you book your Cake Smash session we will begin discussing all the details for your baby's session: colours, themes, outfits, cake, etc.
Are you going to go simple, or do you have a fun theme in mind? I have a really hard time choosing between these two things. I have done some simple cake smashes, and some very involved themed sessions, and I see the attraction of each. Feel free to browse photos from Cake Smash sessions; Cake Smash Portfolio.
If you are thinking a theme, but don’t know where to begin, start by looking at what your child likes, think characters, activities, colours, parent's hobby, etc. Pinterest is always a wealth of ideas, it’s also another great place to look for Cake Smash themes.
Are you going to go simple, or do you have a fun theme in mind? I have a really hard time choosing between these two things. I have done some simple cake smashes, and some very involved themed sessions, and I see the attraction of each. Feel free to browse photos from Cake Smash sessions; Cake Smash Portfolio.
If you are thinking a theme, but don’t know where to begin, start by looking at what your child likes, think characters, activities, colours, parent's hobby, etc. Pinterest is always a wealth of ideas, it’s also another great place to look for Cake Smash themes.
ARE THE DECORATIONS INCLUDED?
My cake smash sessions include almost everything you need, so you basically need to show up with the baby - that's it!
I will provide decorations, props and cake, I also have several outfits in the studio and you are welcome to use if you wish.
I work with a local bakery who makes custom cakes to perfectly match the theme. The best part is - the cake will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive for the session! If you have concerns about the ingredients of the cake or your child has any food allergies, I'll be happy to provide the info about ingredients and discuss any modifications. I work exclusively with FIONN'esse Cakes and her cakes are AMAZING!
Not a fan of cake? We can "SMASH" anything! Donuts, pancakes, fruit... anything your baby loves to eat (or you just think would look cute in pictures!)
I will provide decorations, props and cake, I also have several outfits in the studio and you are welcome to use if you wish.
I work with a local bakery who makes custom cakes to perfectly match the theme. The best part is - the cake will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive for the session! If you have concerns about the ingredients of the cake or your child has any food allergies, I'll be happy to provide the info about ingredients and discuss any modifications. I work exclusively with FIONN'esse Cakes and her cakes are AMAZING!
Not a fan of cake? We can "SMASH" anything! Donuts, pancakes, fruit... anything your baby loves to eat (or you just think would look cute in pictures!)
WHAT IF MY BABY DOESN'T LIKE THE CAKE?
Working with babies you can always expect the unexpected. Please don’t be shocked if they don’t want to eat the cake, it’s completely normal! They are used to eating tiny pieces of food and we put a huge cake in front of them, most babies are totally confused! Some are extremely happy!
Remember the baby is just one year old and is often shy of exploring a new texture, shape or taste, especially when surrounded by adults making funny noises and clapping to encourage them. It is a good idea to do a trial run at home a few days before with a cupcake with buttercream icing. Some babies have never had sweets before, or have a hard time feeling dirty or messy. Giving them a chance to explore for the first time at home can make it easier on the day of the session. A trial run works in your favour, so do it!
Remember the baby is just one year old and is often shy of exploring a new texture, shape or taste, especially when surrounded by adults making funny noises and clapping to encourage them. It is a good idea to do a trial run at home a few days before with a cupcake with buttercream icing. Some babies have never had sweets before, or have a hard time feeling dirty or messy. Giving them a chance to explore for the first time at home can make it easier on the day of the session. A trial run works in your favour, so do it!
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY CAKE SMASH SESSION?
If you have chosen to have me provide everything, mostly you just need to show up with your baby, but there are some things you can bring along that can be helpful.
*Clothes. If I am providing the outfit, baby can come in anything you would like. If you would like photos done in more than just the cake smash outfit, please feel free to bring along another outfit you would like photos in.
*Extra clothes for you. Bring a change of clothes for yourself in case you get covered too. Some parents leave as covered in cake as their baby, some parents are luckier, and only get a few spots.
*Water and snacks (BRIBE). Sometimes puffs just won’t do! If baby doesn’t want to eat a cake, we want them to want to eat something so pack food your child likes that is small and easily picked up. Babies get thirsty, and after eating a sweet cake cake, they’re going to want to have a drink.
*Clothes. If I am providing the outfit, baby can come in anything you would like. If you would like photos done in more than just the cake smash outfit, please feel free to bring along another outfit you would like photos in.
*Extra clothes for you. Bring a change of clothes for yourself in case you get covered too. Some parents leave as covered in cake as their baby, some parents are luckier, and only get a few spots.
*Water and snacks (BRIBE). Sometimes puffs just won’t do! If baby doesn’t want to eat a cake, we want them to want to eat something so pack food your child likes that is small and easily picked up. Babies get thirsty, and after eating a sweet cake cake, they’re going to want to have a drink.
CAN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS COME ALONG TO OBSERVE THE SESSION?
Due to the current situation (covid-19) and other several reasons sessions will be limited to immediate family only. Only the people being photographed (parents, sibling, etc) will be welcome for sessions for the time being, extended family will be restricted from sessions.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE SESSION?
Your gallery is ready for viewing approximately 3-4 weeks after your newborn session. You will receive an online proofing gallery where you will then be able to choose your favorite images and place your order. I then edit and perfect those chosen images and return them to you in a final gallery where you can download them right to your computer. You will also receive the USB with your chosen images.
Mounted prints, albums and wall art can take up to 3-4 weeks from order date.
Mounted prints, albums and wall art can take up to 3-4 weeks from order date.
READY TO BOOK YOUR BABY'S CAKE SMASH SESSION?
Wonderful! We would love to be part of baby’s 1st Birthday celebration! Please fill out this Inquiry Form and we will contact you about availability, send you our most current Product Guide, and let you know the next step to locking in your session.
Please take a moment to check out the artist’s portfolio so you can get an idea of the style of imagery we create and so you know what to expect in your own gallery: Cake Smash Portfolio
Thank you so much for considering Elena Mason Photography for your Cake Smash!.
Please take a moment to check out the artist’s portfolio so you can get an idea of the style of imagery we create and so you know what to expect in your own gallery: Cake Smash Portfolio
Thank you so much for considering Elena Mason Photography for your Cake Smash!.
Cake Smash Photography Lisburn | Cake Smash Photographer Belfast | Cake Smash Photographer Co.Down | Cake Smash Photographer Co.Antrim | Cake Smash Photographer Northern Ireland
HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER | ELENA MASON PHOTOGRAPHY | LISBURN, BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND
6/16/2020
HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you preparing to welcome a beautiful little bundle into your family? Perhaps your first newborn baby or even your third, if you are considering having some stunning professional newborn photographs taken of your baby and your family, then this article is a must read for you.
What are the most important factors to consider when deciding on your Lisburn Newborn Photographer?
With many talented photographers in Northern Ireland, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect photographer amongst the sea of ‘professional’ newborn photographers. Your baby is only this little once and you can’t get that time back so it is a decision you will want to seriously consider.
Here are few tips to help you find right Newborn Photographer while looking through their portfolio:
What are the most important factors to consider when deciding on your Lisburn Newborn Photographer?
With many talented photographers in Northern Ireland, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect photographer amongst the sea of ‘professional’ newborn photographers. Your baby is only this little once and you can’t get that time back so it is a decision you will want to seriously consider.
Here are few tips to help you find right Newborn Photographer while looking through their portfolio:
Isn’t newborn photography a relatively new concept? Is it just a fad that will go away in time?
Yes, newborn photography is a fairly new art form in the photography world. In the past, parents would most often choose to have their baby’s first portrait session take place around 2-3 months of age. Now, newborn photographers, like myself, photograph newborns under 2 weeks of age.
Although having a newborn session done just days after birth is a fairly new concept for many people, I strongly believe it isn’t just a fad. Fads are things that come and go because people get tired of them and move on to something else. The concept of newborn photography is similar to the concept of wedding photography. Your newborn baby will only be this tiny once in their life, and only for a matter of days. You have one chance to capture that moment before it passes you by.
​The first week or two after birth is such a hard adjustment time for parents. Why does newborn photography have to be in these first two weeks?
With two young children of my own, I absolutely know how difficult those first few weeks can be! But, ironically, it’s because that time is so difficult that newborn portraits are so important to many people. As families are struggling to adjust, that fleeting newborn stage is so easily forgotten.
Newborns change dramatically in the first weeks of life. When they are first born, they are able to bend and curl into these sweet little poses, mimicking how they lived inside the womb. They sleep in such a deep sleep that sometimes it is impossible to wake them up. And, they have that precious, brand-new “newborn look” that reminds us of the miracle of birth. All these amazing characteristics will begin to disappear forever after just a few short weeks. The goal of newborn photography is to capture this extremely fleeting stage in your baby’s life. It is a session centered around capturing the beauty and newness of this tiny little miracle that you have brought into the world.
My friend just has some great Christmas pictures done of her family. She said the photographer does newborns too. Would she be a good choice?
Maybe. Maybe not. The fact that your friend had a positive experience with this photographer is definitely a plus! However, newborn photography is its own special breed of photography. And it’s not for every photographer. Newborn photography requires a completely different learning curve and skill set than the other types of photography. The most important thing you can do as a consumer is to look specifically at their newborn portfolio. Just because someone is an awesome photographer, doesn't mean they are an awesome newborn photographer.
What should I look for in a newborn photographer?
The most important thing is for you to look through their portfolio for certain criteria.
1. The pictures should be classic and timeless in nature.
These portraits will hopefully be an heirloom you will pass on to future generations. Pictures that show off the latest fads such as vignetting, textured backgrounds, and selective coloring (when all of the picture is black and white except for one small part that remains in color) – will look dated in a few years.
2. The baby should be the focus of the portraits.
When you look through the pictures, ask yourself “What is the first thing I notice?” Are you marveling at how precious the baby is, or finding yourself distracted amidst scenes of fake flowers, huge headbands, tutus, stuffed animals etc.?
Often, the less “stuff” or props that are in the pictures, the better the photographer is. They have the ability to skillfully pose your baby so that he is the sole focus of your portraits.
3. The baby should look comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful in the portraits.
As in all portraits, the facial expression is very important. Newborns are so pliable and can be put into all kinds of amazing positions in their first couple weeks of life. They are positions that might look uncomfortable to us, but actually are quite comfortable to the baby as they mimic how they were positioned in the womb. A skilled photographer will be able to pose the baby tucked with their feet up by their chin, accompanied by a peaceful, sleepy – even sometimes smiling face.
1. The pictures should be classic and timeless in nature.
These portraits will hopefully be an heirloom you will pass on to future generations. Pictures that show off the latest fads such as vignetting, textured backgrounds, and selective coloring (when all of the picture is black and white except for one small part that remains in color) – will look dated in a few years.
2. The baby should be the focus of the portraits.
When you look through the pictures, ask yourself “What is the first thing I notice?” Are you marveling at how precious the baby is, or finding yourself distracted amidst scenes of fake flowers, huge headbands, tutus, stuffed animals etc.?
Often, the less “stuff” or props that are in the pictures, the better the photographer is. They have the ability to skillfully pose your baby so that he is the sole focus of your portraits.
3. The baby should look comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful in the portraits.
As in all portraits, the facial expression is very important. Newborns are so pliable and can be put into all kinds of amazing positions in their first couple weeks of life. They are positions that might look uncomfortable to us, but actually are quite comfortable to the baby as they mimic how they were positioned in the womb. A skilled photographer will be able to pose the baby tucked with their feet up by their chin, accompanied by a peaceful, sleepy – even sometimes smiling face.
Is there anything else that is helpful for me to know? EXPERIENCE & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
While all newborn photographers have to start somewhere, it is worth considering whether you are comfortable handing your baby over to an amateur photographer.
- Is the photographer an actual business - registered and insured?
- What training do they have - photographically?
- What courses and workshops have they attended that specialise in photographing newborn babies?
- Is newborn photography their full time job, part time job or is it a hobby?
- What poses will they use, are the props safe?
- Is the photographer an actual business - registered and insured?
- What training do they have - photographically?
- What courses and workshops have they attended that specialise in photographing newborn babies?
- Is newborn photography their full time job, part time job or is it a hobby?
- What poses will they use, are the props safe?
I’m pregnant now – when should I schedule my newborn session?
Most photographers will tell you it’s best to schedule your newborn session while you are still pregnant! The more notice they have, the better for both of you. Because your baby’s due date is generally unpredictable, photographers will reserve a time-frame for you. They know they can then only schedule a limited number of sessions around that time. If you wait until after the baby is born to contact a newborn photographer, they might not have room in their schedules on such short notice. Additionally, when you contact a photographer when you are still pregnant, it is one less thing you have to worry about doing after your baby is born. And, you have the ability to get to know the photographer more, and share any ideas you have for your portrait session.
Do you still have questions? Please get in touch! Feel free to email me at lenamason@hotmail.co.uk or simply complete the contact form below and we will email you as soon as we can. I would be more than happy answer any questions you may have.
Please take some time to look around! Be sure to visit the portfolio galleries to see my favorite images
MATERNITY GALLERY, NEWBORN GALLERY, SITTER GALLERY, CAKE SMASH GALLERY and also my Facebook and Instagram to see my most recent work.
Please take some time to look around! Be sure to visit the portfolio galleries to see my favorite images
MATERNITY GALLERY, NEWBORN GALLERY, SITTER GALLERY, CAKE SMASH GALLERY and also my Facebook and Instagram to see my most recent work.
Newborn Photographer Lisburn | Newborn Photographer Belfast | Newborn Photographer Co.Down | Newborn Photographer Co.Antrim | Newborn Photographer Northern IrelandText
Cake Smash Photography Belfast, Northern Ireland | Baby Bear
As a photographer I get to meet a lot of wonderful families and this was one of them!
How adorable is this little cake smasher? Time goes by way too quickly... I can't believe it's been a year since this little guys newborn session.
Are you planning to celebrate your little one's first birthday with a Cake Smash? We would love to be part of capturing these ages and stages! Please fill out this Inquiry Form and we’ll contact you about availability and send you our most current Product Guide, and let you know the next step to locking in your session.
How adorable is this little cake smasher? Time goes by way too quickly... I can't believe it's been a year since this little guys newborn session.
Are you planning to celebrate your little one's first birthday with a Cake Smash? We would love to be part of capturing these ages and stages! Please fill out this Inquiry Form and we’ll contact you about availability and send you our most current Product Guide, and let you know the next step to locking in your session.
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My studio located in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. I specialise in photographing maternity, newborns, babies, toddlers, 1 year cake smashes. Please contact me to schedule your session today!
Newborn Photography belfast, Northern Ireland | Baby Boy J
Playing catch-up here on my blog! I can not believe how long it has been since I’ve posted anything!
I tend to be a little more active over on my Facebook Page so hop on over there every once and a while, you will be more like to see my current work. 🙂
I have been having fun working with these little babies. Each of them are so unique, I love looking at all their little features and am continually amazing with the perfection in each one. I get so excited every time I lay my eyes on each and every baby – it is just like opening a present every time! I have said it a million times, and I will say it again, I love these babies and I LOVE my job!
Baby J was an absolute dream to work with. A special thanks to his Mummy and Daddy for bringing him to my studio in Lisburn.
