PREPARING FOR YOUR BLUEBELL MINI PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
To help you get the most from your mini session, here’s some information, links and preparation tips which I hope you’ll find useful. Grab a coffee and have a browse and if there’s anything else you want to know about, feel free to get in touch.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
Babies – due to the nature of of the environment and time restrictions of the sessions including individual portraits of children under 1 year of age isn’t realistic. Family group pictures with mum or dad holding baby are a lovely compromise.
Big Families and Pets – it really isn’t possible to photograph larger families or pets in the time available. So sessions are limited to 3 siblings. If you do want a sinble family shot during the session this can be accommodated. Just let me know in advance as it will impact the number of images you’ll receive as part of this package. If you like the idea of a variety of individual, sibling and family shots one of my full sessions would be ideal for you.
Location Access – The wood is just a short walk along a flat path. However, it can get rather muddy at times so if mobility is a concern the wood a full session may be more suitable to allow extra time to access the woodland.
Time and Temperament – Mini sessions can be ideal for children who have shorter attention spans than us adults. Most children jump right in and I do my best to make them feel comfortable and to ensure we have a fun time. However, if you feel your child takes a little longer to get into the flow you might want to consider a full session.
The Blooming – the session schedule is based on previous years. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable and the Bluebells could bloom early or late. Once they do arrive, they are with us just 2-3 weeks. Therefore it is best if you can build in some flexibility around this date just incase we need to reschedule either a week earlier or later than planned.
The Weather – In the event of drizzle or light rain the tree canopy will protect us to some degree. However, if it is torrential we may need to reschedule the date. Again, some flexibility around dates either side of the planned date is recommended.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Bluebell wood?
Bluebell Wood
Common Road | Emsworth
Hampshire | PO10 8QY
Directions
Exit M27 for Emsworth and on reaching Emsworth town centre roundabout take first exit following road beneath railway bridge. Turn right into New Brighton road turning right at roundabout at end of road heading towards Westbourne. Follow the road through Westbourne until it becomes Foxbury lane. Continue and at end of lane turn right onto Common Road, signposted Huntington and Chichester. Drive past the lay-by on the left and look for house on right hand side (Woodside Farm) about 250 yards later. Parking is on your left in a field, through the gate immediately opposite the house.
When should we arrive?
Please aim to arrive 15 mins in advance of your session as unlike my full sessions, these will run back to back throughout the day and any missed sessions cannot be refunded.
What is the cancellation policy?
- In the event of cancellation up to 1 week prior to the session date 50% of the session fee will be refunded.
- Sessions cancelled less than 1 week in advance are non-refundable as it is unlikely your slot will be filled at short notice.
- In the event of bad weather or lack of blooms an alternative session will be offered. Should you be unable to attend a full refund will be provided.
- In the event of the photographer having to cancel an alternative session will be offered, if possible in the Bluebells or another Spring location. A full refund will be offered if this is not suitable for you.
What should we wear?
Firstly take a look at the gallery of images above for inspiration – if you’re a pinterest user you may also like to check out my Bluebell pinterest board for more ideas. Generally I recommend co-ordinated but not matchy-matchy clothing. To add variety to your images, layers and accessories work really well too.
For girls: If you like the tutu’s I can obtain these, just let know sizing and I’ll bring them along. These look great teamed with wellies or cowboy boots and denim jackets. Floaty dresses look amazing too.
For Boys: Denim and simple shirt with the addition of braces and a cool trilby or cap is a classic and timeless look, or if you’re opting for something more hip I recommend checking out the latest Zara and Boden catalogues.
My favourites: Boden | Zara | Wild and Gorgeous | Next | Mothercare Little Bird
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Living in the UK this is a reasonable concern! However, it’s not essential to have bright sunlight – in fact, cloudy conditions provide a far more flattering light and enable a lot more flexibility during the session in terms of where the pictures are taken. The tree canopy will provide some degree of shelter from light rain and drizzle but if it’s torrential I will reschedule. For this reason it’s best to have some flexibility around the session date so that you can still enjoy a Bluebell session.
When will we see our images?
Your images will be revealed to you 2-3 weeks after your session. You’ll receive a link to your online secure gallery where you can view and order your package items along with any additional products at 10% discount. Most orders will be available for collection within 7-10 working days.
To help you get the most from your mini session I’ve put together a PDF with 5 ways to ensure you have a fun and enjoyable time. A handy free guide with style tips, inspiration and ideas as to how to prepare and what to consider before and during your shoot. I hope you find it useful!
