Newborn and family portraits with 10-day-old Evelyn

“Some days I can’t remember ever not being a mum,” Alex tells me, “it seems like so long ago – another lifetime – and such a boring one without children in it.

“My kids have given me a new perspective on life,” Alex adds, “Stephen has always been very chilled out, but I used to be quite anxious and always running on adrenaline – that’s what my work role required of me. I thought I’d be the same about looking after my children, but as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I made a decision.

“I’d heard that the parents’ stress levels can transfer to the baby, so I decided to stay as calm as possible and stop little things getting to me. That seems to have paid off – Eloise and now Evelyn are both very chilled out – although this is probably more likely down to the fact that they take after their dad!”

The joy that these two girls have brought into their parents’ lives is visible in every interaction. They’ve taught Eloise baby sign language and once, when Alex and Stephen had lost track of the time while visiting friends, Eloise signed ‘Goodbye’ to everyone, went and stood by the door, and then made the sign for ‘home’ 🙂

Indeed, work now fits around their home life, with this couple in a lucky situation: Stephen works nights and weekends, whereas Alex works part-time during the week. This means that they can care for their children between them, giving them that special 1:1 parental attention.

Alex knew exactly what she was looking for from Evelyn’s newborn shoot with me, being an experienced photographer herself. Her speciality is live music performances, where she works under notoriously difficult lighting conditions. She loves music, particularly rock music, and was fortunate enough to be at one of Ed Sheeran’s very early performances (when he was almost completely unknown). She’s clearly got good taste, as she enjoyed Ed’s set and thought to herself that he was particularly good!

So Eloise and Evelyn will grow up in a house full of music, but also of love.

July 2020 update: The below image was awarded a Highly Commended Rosette by the Master Photographers Association (MPA). Ray Lowe, Chairman of the MPA, commented, “This one works for me because it’s got that lovely triangle of the three heads coming together but baby is still the prime subject… [There’s a] lovely softness and gentleness within the whole picture.”

“I love watching our children grow,” Alex told me, “It’s incredible to see how quickly they pick things up, and the look of pure joy when they discover something – that utter joy in their expressions – is just indescribable. I love being a mum!”

After our shoot, Alex said:

“Sarah is fantastic! I did a lot of research to find a photographer to take new family photos following the arrival of daughter no. 2 and upon viewing her gallery and reading other reviews I decided upon using Sarah. I’m so glad I did. The entire experience was brilliant – friendly, relaxed and professional from the outset. She made sure she knew what we wanted so she could tailor the shoot accordingly. She knows exactly how to capture those precious moments and does so in a calm and controlled manner. She was so good with my two year old who doesn’t like sitting still for photos, but Sarah engaged with her and made the experience fun. Her entire approach is spot on ensuring a pleasent and stress-free time. The results of the shoot were outstanding. I am beyond pleased with all of the images especially ones of the two girls together. I would not hesitate to recommend her! Thank you Sarah!”

Alex, Newborn Client from Chinnor, Oxfordshire

If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in and around Bicester, Oxfordshire, please get in contact:

Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).