In a land of AI manipulated images and off the peg Christmas backdrops, I'm sticking to my own standards of staying true, authentic and living in reality!
Christmas portraits are an investment for you- so I think you deserve something truly unique if you travel to my little photography studio here in Widnes, Cheshire.
Yes, it would be easy for me to do like everyone else- but where's the fun and artistry in that?
It's not easy, but worthwhile things scarcely are. I want to create heirlooms for your family to treasure. I don't just want you to have a pretty picture- I want you and your children to have the memory of the creation of it, and the warm fuzzy feeling that goes hand in hand with a real experience.
The Sketch
Every year I create a fully interactive and unique set up for your children to explore and have genuine fun with- because genuine expression is all I want for Christmas! Think fine art, a timeless approach.
I start with a sketch- an outline of an idea often inspired by my own memories of Christmas or a movie or even just a single Christmas decoration that inspires an entire idea and I build a story around.
The Gathering
I am an absolute Womble and my loft is full of props I try to reuse in creative ways to cut down on waste! I'll have a good root around to see what will work each year and work out what extra bits I need to buy new.
Staples include my lovely vintage sleigh which is a popular choice with most babies, older kids and toddlers- but sadly, although Mum's and Dad's are welcome to join in with the shoot, your bottoms might be a bit big for this one!
The Build
My Widnes studio is a lovely cosy little space perfect for newborn and cake smash portrait sessions, but it's also really adaptable- I shoot headshots, maternity, family, children and occasionally products in here, adapting the layout and light to my needs.
Building my Christmas set means clearing lots out, and taking the time to try different idea's out to see what works best in the space.
This year, with my Christmas night theme, I've blocked off the natural light as I want a more directional light. Shooting this way also lets me get small family groups on the set to- Parents are welcome and your children will love looking back at photographs of you in a time they can't remember.
The Test
No AI here- I create my set from scratch, it’s completely unique and real, and I shoot test shots with models so you can see how it looks with actual real humans!
There's no point in me using AI to create "how my set might look" and using that in my advertising. I want you to know EXACTLY how it will look, and I want to know exactly how children interact with the space too. So test shots are essential as a professional children's photographer getting ready for Christmas Portraits.
Yes, it takes more of my time, but you guys are worth it. I want my clients informed and getting excited about what they are going to genuinely experience.
Baby test
I always test the set with a sitting baby, aged around 9 months. This gives me a good idea of how my basket props will work- props that will support younger babies unable to sit independently...and that a sitting baby can't quite escape from yet!
Babies this age are great for interaction, and I can experiment with the placement of props to flatter their height and see what toys work well too so I know babies will be happy, safe and looking festive and beautiful.
Toddler test
Toddler time! It's always a fun challenge! You don't know what you are going to get! Little whirlwinds of hyperactive destruction, investigating everything and never staying still, or gentler personalities that are shy on arrival but just need settling in time to build their confidence and trust in me.
I always have so many different Christmas toys for them to explore and silly games we can play so you can be safe in the knowledge that you'll come away with lovely portraits to treasure.
There is absolutely no point in worrying "what if my child won't cooperate in a photoshoot" because believe me, I've seen it all, and I always pull something out of my box of tricks that works!
Children & Families
The real test comes when your family come to me- now that I've sorted the babies and toddlers, older children and parents are much easier to predict!
The set can accommodate two adults and their little ones, and I play around with crates and stools so I can group you together in interesting ways.
For me the entire process is about being open and transparent about your experience with Little Wonderland- what you see is what you get, not an AI version of what might could be!
Keeping things real- real props- real expression- real smiles- real memories.
That's what matters to me, and I hope it matters to you and your family too.
Becca x
FAQ
Where are you based?
Little Wonderland Photography is in Widnes, Cheshire, just on the outskirts of Warrington, and literally bang in between Liverpool and Manchester. St Helens, Runcorn, Frodsham are just up the road too.
When are your Christmas shoots?
The set will be up in the studio from Saturday 28th November until Saturday 5th December- book you slot now above!
What ages are the Christmas shoots suitable for?
Babies over 12 weeks, toddlers, children and their parents are all welcome. If you have a younger baby please get in touch and I can send you info on an appropriate session.
