Last week we launched our Little Gents Collection, which we have showcased with some more fabulous photographs of little cubs Henry & Toby by the wonderfully talented local Cotswold Baby Photographer Joanna Osborne. As you know, we are passionate about working with other mums in business wherever possible, and as Cotswold Baby Co’s official photographer, we thought it would be great to introduce our customers and followers to her properly. And then reward you with a great discount when you book a photoshoot!
We met Jo over a year ago at our NCT classes, and Florence, Henry, and Jo’s little girl Ruby have been buddies ever since. We spend many an afternoon cake-tasting, followed by walks and chats at Westonbirt Arboretum. And more recently, this has included a real Autumn Adventure and great fun trying to organise ten babies on a photoshoot amongst the colourful leaves, and in smaller groups at her home studio.
Jo has spent 10 years working across all fields of photography, but since the arrival of Ruby has focussed in particular on baby, children and family portraits. She is really enjoying this - it fits better with life as a busy new mum, plus she gets to meet new local mums, make new friends, and see babies grow up from maternity photoshoots, to newborn, christening and first birthday cake smash fun. Jo says she loves meeting new people & being outdoors, and enjoys the creative and fun challenge of working with unpredictable children! Her reviews tell you exactly that – “friendly, talented, great with babies, makes you feel comfortable”.
Jo is inspired by the photographer Pauline Duczman and is constantly striving to improve her own work, through tutorials, courses and practice practice practice! And we at Cotwold Baby Co have been happy to help! We’ve had 5 photoshoots so far, and Jo enjoys them as much as we do, as it also gives Ruby a chance to hang out with her fellow little cubs. They always involve jumping around and waving bags of milky buttons to get the models’ attention, and the result is fantastic photographs that capture their little characters (and our product!) perfectly. Jo’s favourite Cotswold Baby Co product is the beautiful handmade bunting, of which she has various colours strung up around her home studio. She also loves our Fantastic Fox Leggings.
Jo has created a lovely comfortable studio at her home, just outside Malmesbury, with lots of different props such as new backdrops, baskets, hand knitted hats and outfits for newborns, and gorgeous frilly tutus for her new cake smash range of photos. A typical package would include a morning at the studio, and then an afternoon outdoors. She can arrange sessions any day of the week to suit clients (and is super flexible about re-arranging as understands how crazy new parenthood can be!), and your package includes a collection of at least 35 fantastic images, which you will receive within around 3 days, which is great as you are always itching to see them!
Her favourite photos are shown in our group above - the first is of Ruby sat amongst the hay, which was captured in the wonderful evening light in their own village, with Ruby’s dad Archie jumping around as a scarecrow making her laugh. She also loves the image of our little cub Arabella in her fox dress, again captured in the golden hour, as she was laughing at her Uncle Kipper running about amongst the leaves at Westonbirt.
So what are Jo’s tips for a successful baby/child photoshoot?
- Getting the great shot takes time, be prepared, bring snacks and drinks
- Newborn images are best captured between 0-2 weeks of age
- Arrive early to give baby a good feed before you start. Jo is really relaxed and welcomes mums and dads to feed as and when they need to – there is no rush
- The more effort the parents put in, the greater result. It’s tiring doing star jumps for hours on end, but worth it!
- On location, think about games your children like to play. This will entertain them, which will produce great photos
- The best images are captured in the ‘Golden Hour’, an hour before sunset. So Jo likes to get to location 2-3 hours before sunset to give yourselves best opportunity for the perfect shot
Kate and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jo, as new Mums all working together to start and grow new businesses in the Cotswolds. Jo is now working on Christmas photoshoots, with golden baubles and twinkling fairy lights - perfect for your family Christmas cards and gifts!
A full day package costs a very reasonable £350, but
Cotswold Baby Co customers and followers can save £50 if they book before December 10th 2017, by mentioning this blog.
Check out Jo’s website https://www.joannaosbornephotography.com for more images and details of all package options.
Contact her by email at info@joannaosbornephotography.com for bookings and general enquiries.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @Joanna Osborne Photography.
We look forward to seeing some of your photos!