Older newborn photoshoot with two-month-old Effie

When her friend from a makeup course landed a paid Apprenticeship at a tattoo parlour in Banbury, Margarida had no idea it would change her life forever.

Margarida went to visit her friend and met Leon, who also worked at the parlour. They became friends and over time that friendship evolved into something more.

Margarida secured a job at the pub next door, and she and Leon spent their lunch breaks and evenings together, before committing to a life and family together, leading to Harper’s arrival seven years ago and then Effie’s two months ago.

Margarida has left behind her native Portugal, although she visits back home as often as she is can, including extended stays during daughter Harper’s summer holidays and a potential trip there for Christmas this year.

Harper is loving being a big sister, and was incredibly keen to help and support any way she could during the family’s newborn photoshoot with me.

Harper is best friends with Orla, who I photographed for her first birthday.

Orla’s dad works at the same place as Leon, while Orla’s mum is close with Margarida, a friendship cemented by having pregnancies at the same time, leading to daughters who go to the same school and who are now joined at the hip!

Indeed, when I asked Harper what she was most looking forward to over the half term, the answer was trick or treating with Orla.

Margarida and Leon plan to return for another photoshoot when little Effie turns one year old.

In the meantime, Margarida most wanted images of the two children together, and I hope you’ll agree that she’s spoiled for choice from the images here.

Margarida is the eldest in her family, with two younger brothers, and has always admired the bond that sisters in particular seem to have.

Margarida has chosen a spot in their hallway where she plans to display her favourite images from the session – the tough part will be narrowing all these down to just three!

After the session, Margarida said:

“We could not have asked for a better experience than what we had with Sarah. From the initial point of contact, communication was great, including a pre photoshoot phone call to discuss all our options. My daughters and I couldn’t have felt more welcome from the moment we walked into the studio, Sarah was incredibly patient throughout the whole session, going as far as taking the time to play games with my 7 year old as I fed my newborn, as well as soothing my baby and not once did we feel rushed or like anything was too much! I really enjoyed our conversations throughout as well. We received our photos even sooner than expected which is exceptional and they are better than what I could’ve ever asked for. I’m incredibly grateful and would absolutely recommend Sarah to anyone looking to book a very special session with amazing results. Thank you so much.” 🩷

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

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

She is the Master Photographers Association Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year and Newborn Photographer of the Year for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).