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

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.

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

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