PREPARING FOR
YOUR FLOWER MEADOW
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
To help you get the most from your flower meadow mini session, here’s some information, links and preparation tips which I hope you’ll find useful.
Scroll down to download your free guide – ‘5 tips to make the most of your mini photography session’. Grab a coffee and have a browse and if there’s anything else you want to ask, feel free to get in touch.
Babies – due to the time restrictions of mini sessions they are not suitable for children under 1 year of age.
Big Families – At present, all sessions are limited to 6 family members from the same household. You may like to book a full session once the pandemic restrictions allow a larger numbers to be photographed together.
Location Access – The flower meadow is located directly next to the parking area. It is literally steps away and is flat, so easily accessible to all. Be aware that if you want to visit the down, it has steep sections and is a little uneven in places.
Time and Temperament – Mini sessions can be ideal for children who have shorter attention spans than us adults. Most children are eager to get started 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 warm up and, as we are limited to 30 minutes, you might want to consider a full session.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the flower meadow?
Parsonage Field
Catherington Down Nature Reserve
Catherington Lane | Catheringon
Hampshire | PO8 0AQ
Directions
At junction 2 of the A3 take the exit at junction 2 signposted B2149 to Cowplain/Horndean
Take the 1st exit at the Morrisons roundabout and you’ll come to a set of lights.
Continue straight onto Catherington lane.
Follow the road down the hill and at the roundabout take the 2nd exit staying on Catherington lane.
Continue straight on passing The Farmer Inn on the right.
Shortly afterwards, you’ll find the car park on your left – opposite Catherington Infant School.
How can I make a full day of our trip?
If you’re looking for refreshment either before or after your session ‘The Bird in the Hand’ is situated on the edge of the village of Lovedean a short drive away from the meadow. With its quaint thatched roof, it’s a quintessentially English pub with a pretty garden and delicious seasonal menu.
Alternatively, enjoy a walk through the copse before taking in the view of the down. Little ones will enjoy the bug hotel and the giant wooden then lay out your blanket, open your picnic basket and refuel as you watch the sun go down.
If you have longer, Queen Elizabeth Country Park isn’t far away and has a wonderful walks through the trees, bar-b-q’s and a fun assault course which children (and adults) will love. On a clear day it’s worth a trip to the top of Butser for views across the Southdowns. It’s also a fantastic spot for kite flying and is guaranteed to tire everyone out!
When should we arrive?
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes 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?
- Please note that sessions cancelled less than 72 hours in advance are non-refundable as it is unlikely your slot will be filled at short notice.
- In the event of the photographer having to cancel an alternative session will be offered. A full refund will be offered if this is not suitable for you.
- Should I (Moira), you or anyone in your household exhibit Coronavirus symptoms or restrictions result in the sessions not going ahead, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer your booking to another mini session in 2021 or to upgrade to a full session. If neither is suitable you will be offered a full refund.
What COVID-19 precautions are being taken/do we need to take?
At present I am closely monitoring the daily changing Government guidelines and following their instructions accordingly.
- Wash/sanitise your hands prior to your session.
- Ensure adults have taken a lateral flow test within the last 2-3 days.
- Please contact me to reschedule your session if you have any symptoms (cough, high temperature and feel unwell) or have been in contact with someone with the virus.If you are not feeling great please contact me as soon as possible. I know it’s disappointing but our health is what is most important.
- Prior to each session I will clean and sanitise my photography equipment and props.
- I will take a lateral flow test on the morning of the session.
- I always extend a warm welcome on meeting my clients, but for the time being this welcome won’t be accompanied by a handshake or any other physical contact. It doesn’t mean I like you any less!!!
- Posing for photographs may take a little longer as wherever possible I’ll use verbal cues and demonstrate rather than physically move you. I may also need to direct parents to help position their children to avoid touching where possible.
- I will maintain my distance but will not be wearing a mask. We are outdoors with plenty of fresh air and wearing a mask tends to inhibit my ability to communicate effectively with you to direct you with posting etc. It’s not ideal but if you’d prefer me to wear one then please ask.
On the morning of your session you’ll receive an ‘Acceptance of Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to COVID-19’ link, please complete and return this prior to arriving at your session.
What should we wear?
If you’re a pinterest user you may like to check out my flower meadow 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.
We will enjoy the most beautiful backdrop of the flower meadow. Colours which will work really well against the green foliage are greys, denims, neutrals (cream, beige), or contrast with reds, pinks and bolder shades. Avoid clothes which are completely black or block green.
To achieve that summer look choose comfy clothing using different textured fabrics such as linens and soft floaty cottons. Lightweight or denim jackets can be taken off/on and give a different look to some of your images too.
Accessorise with a summer hat if you like.. TOP TIP don’t wear your hat to the shoot. We’ll mix things up a bit and shoot some images without hats at the beginning, so not wearing your hat first will avoid that ‘hat hair’ look. And if you’d rather not wear hats, that’s fine too!!
If you don’t like the feeling of tickly grass on your legs, wear trousers or pop some leggings on under a dress and just roll them up so they aren’t visible.
For girls: Summer dresses are stunning for little girls but not essential! Jeans and a lovely blouse can look just as gorgeous or dungarees with a white tee or shirt is the perfect country look.
For Boys: Denim, a 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 | Little Cotton Clothes | Next | H&M
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. In the event of rain we will need to reschedule and I’ll be in touch on the day as I’ll be watching the weather forecast like a hawk!
Can we order additional prints and products?
Yes of course! AND you’ll receive a discount against these when you order within 3 days of receiving your images. There are plenty of options to create the perfect gifts, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to ask.