Blue Bean Photography

The first snowfall

2012-02-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

Project 52 ~ Weeks 5 and 6.

This week we have experienced sub-zero temperatures and our first snow fall of 2012. On Saturday night, we watched the fudge of white thickening over the iron rails in our front garden. I love the British white winter, it brings a sense of excitement. Yesterday, children at a nearby park were whooping and lobbing snowballs. In my road, chattering parents were busy pulling their toddlers on sledges, however my boy and I preferred to stay in the warm waving at big sis who was adamant to sit on a sledge even if it was the wrong way up a slope.

Week 5 ~ 29th January ~ Neighbour watching beats getting dressed

Week 6 ~ 5th February ~ Wrapped up and ready to hit the snow! Don't you just adore her snow boots?

Hello world! ~ Little Miss Darcy Mae

2012-01-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Meet little Miss Darcy, just over two weeks old and so adorable. I loved all her little soft smiles. She had such a sweet nature and was as laid back as her dad, but my word this little one was a wriggler refusing to sleep for pretty much most of the session!

Master Maxwell @ 9 months

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I adore this 9 month old little boy, Maxwell. Last weekend he didn't make me work hard to get him to show me that precious smile at all, he was such a little star.

I wanted to shoot how much he’s grown and that's when the serious little face came back. But, I didn’t care…he had the sweetest “serious” face in the world. And, those cheeks….just precious!

How long does it take?

2012-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been asked by clients about how much time, effort and creativity goes into a newborn shoot from start to finish? I wasn't sure where to start answering these questions because I am certain many people will just think we rock up to their homes with our posh DSLRs in tow and SNAP...we're done!

I was chatting with a good friend of mine, who is also a newborn photographer, and we we discussing the same thing. She and I started talking about the process we go through to get to the end result. It made me appreciate other photographers and their time so much more!

My timeline for a newborn session:

Newborn sessions can last 1-3 hours or maybe even longer. I usually bring a bag full of posing props, backdrops, fabrics and knits that I have purchased or had commissioned, sometimes specifically for your newborn photo shoot. I spend time taking pictures and posing the baby safely. Most of the time, the baby wakes up during the session so I have to wait a little while in between for mummy/daddy to feed, change nappies and try to get the baby to settle and sleep as well. Once I get all of my photographs, you'd think I'd be finished, well that's where the real work starts! This is why you aren't able to see the images immediately, lets get into that...

The session is over, now once back in the studio I have to go through dozens of images to find the right ones. From there, I edit each and every one, taking anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes for each photo. If you have 12 photographs in your album and each one takes 15 minutes to edit, that is an extra 4 hours on top of the 3 hours I took for your session and travelling to your home. Totalling 7 hours.

After we have had the session and I've edited the photographs, I set up an online gallery. In between that, I answer your calls, requests and emails about how to order and suggestions ....etc. When you make your product selections, I have to place the order with the printing company. To order with them, usually they have to crop, re-size, and add logos, which can take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours. They also have to check the order to make sure it is correct when it comes in, and some make post office runs to post it to you!

Just thought it was an interesting insight into what I do :-)

My [BOYS]terous Life ~ Week 4

2012-01-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

I love watching my boys together and this shot from the weekend captures their relationship perfectly.

When Jenson was born he totally changed the dynamics of our household. I love how low maintenance boys are, I love how tough physically and emotionally they are too. They rough and tumble, and when they get a little bump or injury, they're over it instantly, no drama!

I adore how my boy is always grinning, has a scrappy happy yet handsome smile and gorgeous grey eyes that just melt me. You know what they say....."Boys really do love their mums" Oooh I do hope so, but this boy is totally his daddy's son right now.

Ooops is it really week 3?

2012-01-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

Where on earth does the time go? I have 2 project 52's to update. The New Year has been so crazy already with the return to work, and both children back at school and nursery. My two weekly images follow in the theme 'Its about me, my family, and my life.'

Sunday mornings seem to be the only day of the week where I have 5 minutes to take for myself I actually do enjoy this quiet time even though it usually means I'm doing chores. Last week, it was all about me and 'The Peggs'. Whilst the house was still in the land of nod, I was positioned in my usual Sunday morning stance with the iron in front of the TV, whilst Peggy was positioned in a place she knows she is not allowed ~ on the sofa.

Week 2 ~ 7th January.

Week 3 ~ 15th January ~ I love this Sunday morning sight, its says 'my family'.

Project 52

2012-01-03T02:36:00.000-08:00

This year I am embarking on something entirely different than my norm. I am making photography goals that I intend to stick to. I want to grow and develop, I want to be inspired. I need more photos of my own family. My kids. Myself included.

January 1st, 2012 I started a very special project. What is this project?! Simple. A photo a week for every week of the year, hopefully an image that sums up my week or something that reflects the place I am in at that moment. 52 weeks. I will come out of this project with a memento of every week of the year and hopefully a feeling of fulfilment. Something special for me really. Why, do you ask?! Because it isn’t about my clients, it isn’t about perfection. Its about me, my family, and my life.

The favourites

2012-01-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Just 'some' of my favourite newborn images taken in 2011. My word I have learnt so much this year, and am so excited for the coming months, there are so many mega exciting plans ahead and already 7 newborn sessions booked, watch this space! I think I may have to make two collages...there are so many gorgeous sessions from the last year :)

The January Sale

2012-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

I want to wish a Happy New Year to all my friends, family, clients and likers. Hope you all have a lovely New Year and here's to a fantastic 2012! I want to take a moment to say thank you to everybody who has supported Blue Bean this past year, without you I wouldn't be where I am now. The Blue Bean design & photography studio has only been officially live this past year and has snowballed into a business I am so proud of. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings, there are so many plans afoot. I am happy to share that I am now fully booked for January and have limited sessions left for February, so thank you all for continuing to support me.....keep your eyes peeled for fab new year deals!

Are we all ready for my first sale of January 2012? This first one is running for two weeks only starting today and ending on the 15th! I am offering ‘five 8x10 enlargement prints plus the same 5 digital files’ included with any £85 newborn and baby photo session instead of the usual 7x5 prints within the package. Secure your session now with a £50 deposit before the 15th January and set a date for any time in 2012! Please email me at bluebeanstudio@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

I'm taking the opportunity to add a snap of my eldest on New Years Eve in her snazzy new Christmas coat....Happy New Year!

19 month old Caidi

2011-12-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun with this little cutie! She kept me and her mummy on our toes and obviously at 19 months did not want to sit still. Anyway, she has such an adorable personality to match her cuteness. Sweet little Caidi was an absolute delight. She is a beauty … big blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, a dimple, and tons of personality! She’s also a classic toddler – always on the move, and with much better places to go than anywhere near the super boring lady with the camera.

Looking back on 2011

2011-12-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, oh how time flies! I’ve had such a wonderful year and I feel so lucky to have met so many beautiful new families, squishy babies, and fun little kiddies! I love that not only have I gained amazing clients since the summer but several new friends in the process.

I don’t have availability to take any more sessions in December as I’ll be spending some extra time with my own little ones and family. As I was just saying........ time fly’s!

Another year has passed and I can’t believe it. I can’t believe how busy it's been. I'm amazed at how many people are enjoying my work, telling me that they can’t wait for new Facebook images and updates. I am also in awe of the comments on my page from fellow photographers.

Moreover, I can’t believe how much fun I am having doing this…well actually, I can, I just didn’t anticipate how many people want to actually book my time and creativity! and I can’t begin to thank you all enough for your support. If only you knew how excited I get to have a new ‘liker’ or adoring comments on images I have taken that I am so critical about but at the same time so proud of!

Blue Bean has officially been 'live' for over 6 months now, however as many of you know photography and design has been part of my life for 14 years now. All of the poses and set-up’s you see are self-taught but inspired by soooo many wonderful photographers and mentors whose work I follow and who sometimes even return my emails with tips and tricks and for that, I am extremely grateful! 2012 will see me developing my skills and attending workshops to home my creativity further.

I love a new challenge but more so love that clients let me try new things, without them my business and skills can’t grow. In only this past year I can see how far I have come and it’s all thanks to those of you who have asked me to photograph the most important little people in your life. Thank you.

2012 brings a new year, with fresh ideas and lots of plans. I am so excited and eager to put these into practice that I’m going to break my new years resolution of having January off! …Some of these ideas many of you already know about, but here I want to share a little of what I am looking so forward.

2012 is going to be: ..........All about newborns and babes

Of course there will 'always' be limited bookings available for any other portrait sessions, however my newbie sessions will take precedence in the coming year.

From the moment the website first went live in 2011 I feel like my feet have hardly touched the ground. I have been given so many wonderful opportunities over the past year, and the coming year already looks set to be extremely busy with 7 newborn sessions already scheduled in the next 6 months and lots of other exciting projects planned….watch this space… it’s going to be a good one!

Looking fondly back on 2011: Little Miss Heidi from a November session @ 2 weeks new

Finding time

2011-12-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

Its been a while and this post is way overdue. Please accept my most humble of apologies! Despite all the promises I make to blog more often I keep finding myself in this same situation.... with a massive backlog of images to post – more newborn sessions and 'the day job' getting in the way.. But instead of driving your RSS feed crazy over the coming weeks, I figured I’ll just post some of my favouite shots from some random shoots over the coming weeks and try and convince myself that I am up-to-date.

Lots of things have been happening and I’ve been really busy with sessions especially newborns (must be something in the water). I have the best job in the world when it comes to photographing babies don’t you think? It brings back lots of fond memories when my own munchkins were tiny babies. Nothing can describe the feeling of being a mummy for the first time.

Lucky number 7

2011-11-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

I was so excited about Dylan’s shots. Even though this wasn't a planned session, his was a biggy for me, because his mummy is a close friend and my first newborn shot at night using my lighting kit. More importantly, he is my lucky number 7 newborn session. We only spent 30 minutes snapping, because the rest of the time mummy and I were too busy nattering. I really love newborns and have such a passion for capturing this very special time in new parents lives. I can’t wait to have many more freshly baked ones to photograph and hope I will continue to grow with my photography. Dylan was a pure joy to photograph! He loved being on his belly all curled up nice and cozy even though mum hadn't yet tried tummy time, and was so alert and he didn’t want to miss a thing. I got some fun and amazing pictures of Logan with his eyes so wide opened. I couldn’t believe how alert and calm he was. Thank you so much to Dylan's parents for allowing me capture these precious image’s of your cute-as-a-button little man, we have all been waiting to meet 'Mr Moo' for far too long. Watch this space because there will certain be many more of Master D in the coming months.

Tis' the season to be jolly.... or at least be organised

2011-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

I was planning to have some of my Christmas card templates ready for the start of November, better late than never! I'm hoping these will inspire many of my clients when planning their Christmas sessions.

It really isn't that early

2011-11-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, with only 46 sleeps to go my word hasn't it come around fast? I've been subjecting my little man to testing out my new winter and Christmas props in the studio, as you can see he is not best pleased with being wrapped up in the studio, but you have got to love his expressions!

I've been finalising some designs for my Christmas card 2011 range, so keep your eye out for the designs in the next day or so. Prices will be £2.00 per card ~ available in packs of a minimum of 10 cards. Each card will be personalised with your chosen image/s taken from your photo session with me, along with your choice of greeting inside to your family and friends.

Orders will take approximately 2-3 weeks for processing.

First Blog Post!

2011-11-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hi I'm Victoria, I specialise in timeless natural photography that will evoke memories you will be proud of and will want to look at and share with others for years to come. My style gives you the opportunity of having beautiful, natural portraits taken in your own home, my studio or in your favourite locations around Warwickshire.

Recognising that every family wants something different, I provide a specialist service tailored to your individual needs. I capture the precious moments of newborns, the irresistible chubby thighs of infants, the wobbly steps of a toddler, the beautiful bump, the embrace of engaged couples, the bliss of a wedding day and the uniqueness of families.

I become very close to my clients. In many cases I feel like they become like extended family, which is lovely, and amazing to be able document the little ones growing up!

My website is still 'in progress' at the moment so between here and facebook you can view my galleries there. Hopefully my website will be up and fully running in the new year. So, I have finally decided to get a blog. I will try to post at least once a week and share some teaser pictures.....but I shan't promise be too efficient.

Send me some comments and let me know what you think of my pictures or post. I would love to hear!

This photo of the gorgeous Master Freddie @ 3 weeks was taken early last month, and he has been making special appearances in my promotional literature lately ~ well, why wouldn't he? He's gorgeous!