Christmas photoshoots – why so early?

There, I said it. The dreaded C word, and I’m not even the first person in the UK to mention it! Loads of shops and independent businesses have been mentioning Christmas *ducks for cover* for the past few weeks.

So, no. I refuse to apologise for bringing it up. And here’s why.

My business takes time. I need time and notice to set up shoots, edit photos, receive orders and order prints and canvases. All so that my gorgeous customers can use their amazing Christmassy images as Christmas cards, gifts and decorations.

And hence, Christmas has to commence this month!

Which is why I’m sending Mr Captured Forever up in to the roof to fetch down all my Christmas props and outfits this week, as well as trawling the interweb for new and exciting ways to spruce up my Christmas sets – I’m so excited!

But this year, there’s even more excitement about the festive period. Because I’m adding doggy shoots to my range of Christmas offerings. I know!

I did some practice shoots earlier this month – and they were awesome!

Why dog Christmas shoots?

Anyone that knows me, knows I love a challenge.

And yes, it’s a truth, universally acknowledged that one should never work with children and animals.

They’re ill-disciplined, fiercely independent, ignorant of photoshoot etiquette, messy, noisy, unpredictable… and in my books, SO MUCH FUN!

And my business is all about capturing precious memories of ALL the family, not just babies and human family members – who doesn’t love a good fur-baby memory?

But more about them, later.

Christmas baby photoshoots

As I mentioned earlier, I’m massively excited about my Christmas shoots this year.

I’ve organised a bigger venue to enable me to make my shoots slicker, easier for parents to manage and generally make everything even more enjoyable. There will be a choice of three backdrops (all set up in advance) and a number of outfits and props to choose from.

Eskimos, Santa and Snowmen are three of the most popular set ups and I have all kinds of little tips and tricks to deal with wobbly sitters, crawlers, family and siblings shots… you name it, I’ve thought of it!

Shoots will be held at the Linskill Centre in North Shields (Room B7 – where Tots’ Play is usually held, for those in the know…) and slots are available on the following dates:

·Thursday 15th November (NOW FULLY BOOKED SORRY!)

·Friday 16th November

·Saturday 17th November(NOW FULLY BOOKED SORRY!)

·Friday 23rd November

Each session is 30 minutes long (I find that toddlers have an upper threshold and 30 minutes is generally it!) and I always advise my parents to come along a few minutes before their allotted time to see what’s going on, get used to the set ups and see how other children are dealing with their shoots.

Christmas baby shoots are priced at £99 and include 10 digital images over the three backdrops – perfect for creating cards, gifts and decorations for friends and family.

Christmas Doggy shoots

I’m teaming up with The Wandering Dog at their new shop at Cullercoats Metro Station for my new Christmas photoshoots for your four-legged friends.

The practice shoots earlier this week were amazing. They’re hectic, noisy and challenging, there’s no doubt about that. But they’re also fun, hilarious and incredibly cute! Take a look at some of the results and see for yourself.

These are scheduled for Sunday 25th November and the shoots are perfect for older puppies (housetrained and can sit still!) and fully-grown dogs.

To register your interest in my doggy shoots, contact me and I’ll be in touch when dates are released.

So, come on, jump into the festive spirit and let me help you get ready for Christmas!

Yours, in pictures,