Photography by Jessica Iliffe - BLOG

Creating memories to last a lifetime

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:53:02 +0000

Creating memories to last a lifetime

Life has this habit of zooming along at an alarming rate, we always think we have more time than we really do. We make plans for things that seem to be in the far-off future and then before we know it, they are on top of us and it’s a mad panic to get organised and make sure that we don’t miss out. We spend a lifetime putting things off until ‘tomorrow’, but as the saying goes tomorrow never comes, and then ultimately things, events, memories, all pass us by and we barely even notice.

The next chapter of your life

Becoming a mum for the first time is the most incredible experience that you will ever go through. It will be terrifying and exciting all at once, it will be the most natural thing you have ever done and the most alien thing all at the same time. Becoming a mum, having that little bundle of joy, that person who relies entirely on you for everything can be a complete contradiction in feelings. One minute you will feel on top of the world and completely in control but the next you will question everything that you are doing and every decision that you are making.

Don’t panic though, that is all completely natural and there are lots of people around you that are able to support and reassure you. Your midwife, your GP and your health visitor are all there to provide you with support and advice so don’t be afraid to reach out to them if you need to.

A time of change

There is no such thing as an ‘easy baby’, it’s true some babies will fuss or cry more than others, and some will eat really well whilst others will struggle to maintain and put on weight, but they all have their little foibles. There will be days where the most chilled out baby is making you want to tear your hair out as you just can’t figure out what they need, and days where the fussy baby will sleep and giggle and bring endless smiles to your face making you forget just how sleep deprived you are.

There will be days where you feel like superwoman and you can do everything and there will be days where you wish you could pull the duvet back over your head and hide from the world. The beauty of being a new mum and having this gorgeous little newborn baby is that you can set the pace. If you want to stay home then go ahead and do that, but if you want to head out to activities like baby massage or sensory play or you want to meet a friend for lunch at a favourite restaurant then you can do that too.

Yes, having a newborn means a period of change and adaptation for you but it can be the most incredible and enjoyable time. Babies are constantly learning and adapting, and they never give up when trying to master a new skill, so we can all definitely learn from them. But they grow and change so fast that you don’t want to miss out on those crucial early days, weeks and months.

Your child is too precious to miss out on

Every one of us has a camera that is never far from hand – our trusty smart phone – but can you rely on home images alone to capture the true essence and beauty of your newborn? If you constantly have your phone in hand ready to capture an image of their first smile, their funny face as they sleep, that cute new outfit and all the other moments you want to capture you might find that you miss out on seeing and experiencing those moments.

Now is the time to invest in creating memories that will last a lifetime. One of the ways that you can do that is by booking a newborn photography shoot with Leicestershire’s premier newborn and baby photographer; me, Jessica Illife. I amthe Baby Whisperer, I earnt that name by being amazing not only at taking pictures of babies but being able to sooth them, and you, as we work through a fantastic photoshoot. I have kids of my own and the one thing I regret is not having done a beautiful newborn photoshoot with them. I have thousands of pictures of them now but nothing quite matches the precious pictures from those very first weeks.

I pride myself on being the very best newborn and baby photographer in the East Midlands, I have tricks up my sleeve that you have never seen before that will turn the grumpiest of babies into the perfect model. I have super soft fabrics, cute little accessories and magical ways to capture the perfect pose. Stand behind the person behind the camera and watch the magic unfold, experience those beautiful moments through your own eyes rather than the screen of your phone and then keep those images in one of the beautiful digital or physical forms that I offer.

A picture speaks a thousand words. Are you ready to find out more?

Get Started Now

40 Days of Lockdown

Mon, 04 May 2020 10:42:10 +0000

40 days... where has the time gone?!

I thought 40 days would be FOREVER but in reality it's actually flown by!

During this time I wanted to capture what our life has really been like during this pandemic. Truth is, on the most part, it's actaully been lovely!

As the world has forced distance between us, it has bought our family closer together. As the pandemic has stopped us doing so many things, it has also meant we could try so many new things or find the time to do the things we have always loved but been too busy to do. As this pandemic has bought craziness to the world it has bought peace and calm to our house.

It would be so easy to let Covid-19 bring us down but these photos will always be a reminder of this time and that despite horrendous things happening in the world right now, there is always something to be thankful for.

If you would like to join me for this photo a day challenge showing our everyday moments in this pandemic and beyond you can do so at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2685318741701113/ I would love to see you there!

Here's to seeing what the next 40 days has to offer... <3

Mums, exist in photos!

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 18:38:26 +0000

How many times do you hear me say, "exist in photos".
Maybe more often than you'd like but i feel it is so so so important!
Imagine your child in ten or twenty years time having a look back through the family photo album and not seeing any photos of you there. What will they think? Did Mum come on this holiday with us? Did she play in the pool with us, help us build sandcastles or snuggle us up when we got cold? Will your children remember that you were there to?

I understand that as women we often feel self concious when it comes to being photographed. We think about things such as how our hair looks, if our make-up is looking good (or if we even have any on at all), if our clothes match or if we are the weight we want to be. I promise you, your child will see past ALL of that. What they will see is their Mum. The Mum that held their hand whilst they balanced on a wall, the piggy back you gave them when their legs were too tired or the way you both laughed so much about something silly together. They will look back at that moment in time and see the way you looked at them, the tenderness in how you held them, the smile you gave them and the love in your eyes.

Mums, please whether you book with me, another photographer or simply pass your phone over to someone else, get infront of that camera and exist in photos. You'll only ever regret the images that you didn't take. You don't even need to share them on social media or with anyone else but you will always have them. Chances are these images will be your most prize possessions in years to come and you will want to share them (with pride) to the whole world.

One last but most important thing, PRINT WHAT YOU WANT TO PRESERVE! Dont leave images stored on a harddrive never to be looked at again. Harddrives are amazing for a back up but they should be just that, a back up. I can guarantee you will look at the images much much more if there are printed.

A letter to my daughter's on International Women's Day

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 13:39:01 +0000

Dear G & M,

Today is International Women's Day.

It is an incredible day where we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and into our every day. From Emmeline Pankhurst to our very best friend. We show our upmost gratitude for the things they have done for us and however big or small their actions have been we are thankful for how they have changed our lives. We raise awareness for women far and wide who are suffering from prejudice, injustice, fear and unfairness, simply due to their gender. We reach for a future where this all ends.

I sit reflecting today on the life I dream of for you girls and for the world you will grow up in. May you never forget that your voice CAN change the world, may you always be surrounded with people that make you stand tall, that empower you and in return may you empower and support others. May you always remeber that if you can be anything, be kind. You have such beautiful souls that I want the world to be able to see. May you always know just how beautiful, brave and strong you are, it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks. May you always have the confidence to be yourself, that really is your super power. May you always rememer that a dream is a wish your heart makes. Follow your heart, chase your dreams and believe that you can accomplish anything.

However, most of all, may you always know I love, you, I am proud of you, I beleieve in you, I am there for you and you will ALWAYS be my baby girls <3

Remember, who runs the world....?!

Love always,
Mummy <3

First Birthday Cake Smash Celebration Photoshoot!

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 12:11:35 +0000

Have you thought how you are going to celebrate your little ones first birthday?

A cake smash photoshoot is a fantastic way to celebrate the milestone of your baby turning ONE! Each session is full of fun for baby and for the parents. We sing songs, we play peek-a-boo, we splash in the tub and of course we eat cake!

There are 3 stages to our cake smash photoshoot and this takes roughly 1 hour.
- Mini "clean" portrait session at the start
- The cake smash itself

- Mini tub splash session to clean up

A choice of outfits, props and decorations can all be provided for you to use at the session free of charge however if you have something special you would like to use you are always welcome to bring your own. There will be plenty of time for us to discuss what sort of thing you would like before your session date to make it super special.

How much does it cost?
Just £60! This will also include a free 8x10 print of your choice.

All additional pricing can be found at http://www.photographybyjessicailiffe.co.uk/products.html

How do I book?

Simply drop me an email at jessicailiffe@mail.com

I require a £10 booking fee which can be paid online at http://www.photographybyjessicailiffe.bigcartel.com/product/photography-booking-fee then the remaining £50 is to be paid at the time of the photoshoot.

I'm already looking forward to helping you celebrate your little ones first birthday and to capture this special day for you. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Jess,
Photography by Jessica Iliffe - Newborn, Baby & Child Photographer - Leicester, UK

Capturing Milestones

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:24:17 +0000

One of my favourite ages to photograph is between 6-12 months old. During this age babies are able to master the milestone of sitting unaided or with little support. Their personalities begin to shine through and so many lovely, happy faces are captured.

At this age I am also about to capture a variety of photos in such a short time (usually around 45 minutes). This includes closer up head shots, baby showing off their new sitting skills, baby on their backs playing with their toes, rolling over and then tummy time and sometimes crawling to.

If your little one has a soft toy, a special blanket of another item that means something to them and you would like to include it in the session please just let me know and I will do my best to incorporate this. It often adds a very personal touch to the photos for you to treasure for years to come.

I do have my own selection of outfits for this age group for this type of session which you are very welcome to use, however if you would rather bring your little one dressed in an outfit of your own this is absolutely fine.

Book your sitter session online now at http://www.photographybyjessicailiffe.co.uk/baby-sitters-photography-leicester.html or email me at jessicailiffe@mail.com, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Jess,

Photography by Jessica Iliffe - Newborn, baby & child photography, Leicester UK

What should I bring to my newborn photoshoot?

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 20:34:32 +0000

Once we have organised a date for your newborn photoshoot I will explain to you exactly what to expect and what you will need to bring to the session with you. If you'd like to find out a little sooner just take a peek below.

For Baby:

- If baby is bottle fed please bring along an extra bottle and feed
- If your baby will take a dummy please bring this along also

- Plenty of nappies

- Any sentimental items such as baby's first teddy bear

- A blanket

For Siblings:

- A couple of their favourite toys to keep them occupied when they are not having their photos taken or to help get their attention when they are

- Some snacks/drink in case they get hungry

For Parents:

- You are also very welcome to bring some snacks with you in case the photoshoot goes on longer than expected, I will of course provide you with hot/cold drinks

- Most parents like to watch the photoshoot however you are also welcome to bring magazines etc to keep you entertained

- Don't forget to layer up with clothing rather than one big layer as it will be very warm in the studio and you may want to remove layers as you get warmer

I hope this helps you, if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch at jessicailiffe@mail.com

You can book in for a newborn photoshoot now at http://www.photographybyjessicailiffe.co.uk/newborn-photography-leicester.html

Jess,

Photography by Jessica Iliffe - Newborn and child photographer, Leicester UK

2017 Newborns

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 19:57:12 +0000

Wow, how are we half way through January already?!

The Christmas tree has been packed away, new gifts have found a home, I have welcomed 2018, ate double my weight in chocolate, waved the children back to school and I am now officially back to work.

It was so lovely meeting so many new people in 2017. Some couples became a family, some families added one (or two!) more and I got to capture some fantastic moments that will last a lifetime.

Are you pregnant and expecting a baby in 2018? Have you thought about booking in for a newborn photoshoot? For more information on our sessions please take a look at www.photographybyjessicailiffe.co.uk/newborn-photography-leicester.html or email me at jessicailiffe@mail.com for more information, I would love to hear from you.

Jess,
Photography by Jessica Iliffe - Newborn and Child photographer, Leicester, UK.

Newborn Photography and When to Book

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:42:27 +0000

I've just found out that I'm pregnant, when should I book my newborn photo shoot?

It is never too early to book in for your photo shoot with us however I would recommend doing so after your 20 week scan. Your booking is made based on your due date. This isn't the date that your photoshoot must take place but it provides a guideline for me of when your baby will arrive. I only book a limited amount of due dates each month to ensure that I can fit everyone in for their photoshoot whilst baby is still very new and sleepy. Once your baby is born I ask you to contact me so that we can arrange a suitable date for your session and discuss the details for this.

You can book your session online here. Simply message me via the contact tab or at jessicailiffe@mail.com for more information or to confirm I have availability for your due date.

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Jess :)

2017 Begins!

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:47:54 +0000

2017 is booking up so fast for newborn photo shoots.

All bookings are taken during pregnancy, don't miss out on capturing these first, irreplaceable moments.

Simply click the "Book Now" tab or "Contact" for more information.

Just £50 including a complimentary 8x10 print of your choice.

Photography by Jessica Iliffe - Newborn photography, Leicester, Leicestershire.