Mother kissing her baby’s foot while holding them close in a field of wildflowers, an intimate motherhood moment captured in a storytelling

CLIENT GUIDE

for Family, Maternity & Newborn Sessions

 

by Soft Stories by Angela

 

 

 

Photography is Poetry

 

Young child sitting on a wooden swing in a sunlit forest, gentle light filtering through the trees during a relaxed lifestyle photoshoot.
Child resting their head against a fluffy cat, sharing a calm, affectionate moment at home during a documentary-style family photoshoot

Thank you for choosing me to capture your story.

I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re trusting me with these moments - the real ones, the messy, beautiful, everyday magic that makes your family yours.


I often say that photography is poetry - not because of the words, but because of the feelings it leaves behind. It’s the pause between heartbeats, the tiny details you didn’t notice at the time, the way love looks when it’s just being. That’s what I try to hold for you - small truths stitched together in light.


My clients often end up feeling more like friends by the end of our journey together. It’s such a privilege to step into your world for a little while - to see how you love, how your kids giggle, how your hands reach for each other without even thinking. That’s what I photograph.


I know how awkward it can feel to be in front of a camera. Trust me, I’ve been there too. But I’ve got you. We’ll take it slow, laugh a lot, and it’ll feel more like hanging out than posing. Everyone is welcome here - all families, all stories, all kinds of love.


This guide is here to help you prepare and to make your session run as smooth as butter. So grab a cup of tea, curl up, and have a read. And remember - if anything feels unclear or if you just want to chat ideas, I’m only a message away.

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Table of Contents

 

Photography is Poetry


Remember Who These Photos Are For


My Approach


Locations


Styling, Details & What to Wear


Using Props, Pets & Personal Touches


The Secret to Authentic Family Photos

Let the Kids Be Kids (the most important!)


Parent Behaviour


Stay Connected


Snacks & Breaks


After Your Session


Tiny Beginnings - For the New Chapters


In the End

Remember Who These Photos Are For


They’re not for Instagram or for the perfect Christmas card.

They’re for you.


For when your little one’s feet are bigger than your hands.

For when you want to remember what that wild hair or that sleepy newborn smell felt like.

These photos are meant to freeze a season of your life, not just how it looked - but how it felt.


So please, let go of the pressure. Don’t stress about everything being perfect. Come as you are - silly, messy, tired, in love. The beauty lives right there.

Toddler holding a small wildflower and watching it closely outdoors, a quiet moment captured during a natural storytelling photoshoot.

 

My Approach

 

I want to tell your story through art - soft, honest, full of heart.

If you ever feel lost, I’ll guide you. I’ll gently show you what to do, where to stand, or how to find the best light - but mostly, I want you to just be together. I want real connection, real emotion, and moments that feel like you.


My style is a blend of documentary and guided storytelling. I’ll help with light and angles, but I’m always watching for the in-between moments - the ones that happen when you forget there’s a camera. That’s where the truth lives.


So arrive ready to play, to hold hands, to laugh until your belly hurts. Swing your partner around in the sunshine, chase your children through the field, hold your baby close and breathe them in.


That’s what we’re here for - not perfection, but connection.

Mother sitting on a fallen tree in the forest with her children, holding her baby while her toddler explores nearby.
Silhouetted figures walking along a Mam Tor hill at sunset, holding hands against a wide open sky.
A couple resting together in a wildflower field, a calm and intimate moment captured naturally by Soft Stories by Angela

Locations

 

 

By the time you receive this guide, we’ve probably already chosen our location - but if you ever want ideas, I know loads of lovely spots: fields with soft grass and wildflowers, woodlands where light filters through the trees, apple orchards, and hidden little gardens that glow at golden hour.


I also love when clients choose somewhere meaningful - your favourite walk, your own garden, a place your kids love to explore. When the location holds meaning, the photos do too.


And truly - nothing is impossible. I’m always happy to travel for a story worth telling - like yours. Maybe it’s the mountains, the salty seaside breeze, the fields where you used to play as a child, or the cosy town where your love began - I’ll see you there, camera in hand.


Wherever we go, the magic always comes from you.

 

I’m not tied to “perfect light” or strict timing. Beautiful light can be found almost anywhere - dappled through the woods or softly filling a cloudy sky. What matters most is how the moment feels.

We’ll usually try to avoid the very middle of the day, when the light is harsh and strong, but even that can be worked around - a little patch of shade, a tree canopy, or the soft light bouncing off nearby walls can make magic too.


Some of my favourite sessions have happened on overcast days when the clouds acted like a giant softbox. Golden hour is beautiful, yes! - but it’s not the only time stories can be told.


For newborn sessions, I usually photograph at your home. I’ll look for gentle natural light near a big window or patio door, so it’s lovely if you can clear a little space there. We don’t need much - just one spot where the light can softly wrap around you.

Styling, Details & What to Wear

Let’s talk about clothes - and all the little details that pull everything together.


What you wear really does set the tone for the whole shoot, but please don’t overthink it. You don’t need matching outfits or brand-new clothes. Start with what you already love - something that feels like you.

Mother sitting with her children outdoors, gently adjusting hair during a calm, storytelling family photoshoot in Birmingham

 

Soft fabrics, bare feet, tangled hair - it’s not about perfection, it’s about feeling free

 

• Coordinate, don’t match. Choose a colour palette and play within it - warm earthy tones, soft pastels, muted greens and blues.

• Avoid anything neon or with big logos or cartoons - they pull the focus.

• Textures photograph beautifully: rather than wearing a thin cardi, opt for chunkier knits, linen, lace, denim, corduroy, layers.

• If one person wears a pattern, others should wear solids to balance it out.

• Bare feet look lovely outdoors - or soft brown shoes, sandals, or boots. Try to skip bright white trainers or anything that screams sporty.

• And if you’re expecting, think flowy dresses, knits that wrap gently, and textures that celebrate the shape you’re in - comfort always photographs beautifully.

And don’t forget the little things: socks, hair ties, jewellery, even undergarments that might peek out. Think of your outfits as one story told in tones and textures - soft, natural, and full of warmth.


If your session’s outdoors, keep pockets empty (phones, keys, and wallets love to sneak into photos!). Bring a small bag to leave aside for all the extras.

If you’d like your little one’s face to be spotless, give it a quick wipe before we start - or just embrace the jam, the grazed knee, the crumb-covered grin. That’s childhood, after all.


Consider giving your hands a little care before the session - a bit of hand cream or a tidy-up if you fancy. Your hands often appear in my photos, holding, cuddling, guiding little ones - and I love them just as they are. No need for polish or perfection; natural nails always photograph beautifully.


If you usually wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, it’s best to take it off so the photos feel timeless.


Most of all, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You should be able to move, laugh, and cuddle freely. If you’d like me to help, send me photos of your outfit ideas - I love helping with styling.

Child holding a sprinkler outdoors, sunlight and water droplets glowing around them during a relaxed lifestyle photoshoot.
Mother laughing with her child in tall grass, a playful and emotional moment during a storytelling family photoshoot in the Midlands
Mother kissing her baby in a field of bluebells, a quiet and intimate moment captured in natural light by Soft Stories by Angela
Mother standing in woodland holding her baby, wearing a hat, surrounded by trees during a calm outdoor photoshoot.
Two sisters hugging in a woodland setting, a warm sibling moment captured during a natural family photoshoot. in Little Wildlings
Family sharing a quiet moment on a rope swing in the forest, photographed during a documentary-style family photoshoot in the Midlands

 

I’m not a fashion expert - I go with what feels right and photographs softly.

For grown-ups, I love the easy, timeless pieces from Zara, M&S, Nobody’s Child, Mint Velvet, Free People, The White Company, Arket, Sézane, and & Other Stories.

Pieces that photograph beautifully can be found in both fast and slow fashion - it’s all about textures, tones, and how they move and feel.


For children, Zara Kids will always be my favourite, perfectly spot-on for texture and tone. I also adore the soft, natural feel of H&M Conscious Kids, Smallable, Rylee + Cru, and Konges Sløjd.

Beautiful clothes are everywhere - I just look for the ones that feel like you.

 

Young child standing outdoors in a simple dress and sun hat, holding a small flower and looking curiously toward the camera
Expectant parents embracing, one hand resting on a pregnant belly, surrounded by soft light and a sense of anticipation
Two children running through tall grass with ribbons, laughing freely in a playful storytelling family photoshoot.

Using Props, Pets & Personal Touches


Props are everything - they’re the threads that weave your family’s story together. They don’t have to be fancy or planned; often, it’s the smallest things that become the most beautiful memories.


A prop can be a hat that keeps slipping over your child’s eyes, a daisy tucked behind an ear, a straw ring found in the field, or a single apple picked from the tree. It can be your favourite blanket, a flower crown, a book, a cup of tea, or your child’s worn-out teddy. It can even be a ladybird - yes, really. My forever favourite little prop. There’s something magical about watching one crawl across tiny fingers and lift off into the air - a small moment of luck, freedom, and wonder.

A curious gaze through a magnifying glass, the world slowing down as details come into focus.
Toddler seen from behind adjusting a hat, standing in warm autumn light during a quiet outdoor photoshoot.
Childhood curiosity captured as hands explore wildflowers through a magnifying glass, slow and unposed.
Two children walking a winding path through autumn colours, holding simple treasures as they wander together in the Midlands
Small fingers and steady hands meeting over a pink flower, a quiet moment of closeness during a mini photoshoot.
Two children resting on a mum's pregnant belly outdoors, seen from above.
Seeing the world through glass, shapes bending and softening in a moment of playful exploration.
Tiny discoveries resting in open palms, shared quietly between child and grown-up during a storytelling photoshoot.
Child standing outdoors blowing bubbles in a garden by Soft Stories by Angela
Child smiling while holding a magnifying glass in front of their face during a confetti field mini photoshoot
A tiny ladybird resting among soft pink blooms, noticed in a still, fleeting moment during storytelling photoshoot

My own forever favourites are:

a toy plane flying high in little hands,  a kite chasing the wind, a magnifying glass to explore the world, colourful ribbons dancing in the breeze and of course, a ladybird (always). These tiny touches are what make a session yours. They help your family relax and play, and they give your story something tangible to hold onto.


And don’t forget your pets - all of them! They’re family too, and they belong in your story. The cat curled up on the sofa, the dog bounding through the grass, the rabbit peeking out of a basket - those are the moments your children will remember most. They add personality, energy, and warmth to every frame.


Whether it’s a grand adventure with a kite or a quiet cuddle with your dog, these little details tell your story far better than any pose ever could.

Just think about how you’d like your story to be told - and let me know. We’ll create it together.

The Secret to Authentic Family Photos


Let’s be honest - family photo sessions can feel chaotic. And that’s okay! The chaos is part of your story.


Here’s the real secret:


The best photos come when you stop trying to “perform” and just be.

Mother holding a child while both smell a small plant in an orangery in The Midlands
Child laughing while being lifted by their arms in a field
Black and white portrait of a child with long hair and a soft smile in the Midlands
Child laughing while climbing a tree branch outdoors.
Young child smelling wildflowers outdoors
Black and white portrait of a young child wearing a coat and beret, looking toward the camera with a gentle expression
Smiling toddler holding an apple in an orchard, standing among trees with soft sunlight and greenery around
Baby sitting on a soft blanket outdoors, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves and warm seasonal colours
Mother standing outdoors with two young children, one child held upside down playfully while the other watches with curiosity
Young child hugging and kissing an older man outdoors, hair blowing in the wind with an open landscape behind them
Child holding scissors up toward a beam of light indoors.
Laughing child lying back while holding an apple, surrounded by baskets of fruit and autumn tones, caught mid-giggle
Mother holding a smiling baby outdoors among purple flowers, sharing a quiet moment as the baby looks toward the camera
Child wearing a straw hat pulling a playful, scrunched-up expression, looking directly at the camera with a sense of humour and confidence

Let the Kids Be Kids (the most important bit!)


During our time together, your children don’t have to “behave.” In fact, it’s best if they don’t! There are no rules, no scolding, no “say cheese.” This is a no-discipline zone - unless, of course, it’s a safety issue.


If your little one wants to pick flowers instead of looking at me - perfect.

If they want to run in circles and shout dinosaur noises - that’s their magic.

If they get muddy, great! We’ll capture it all.


Try not to tell them “no,” “stand still,” or “smile properly.” If they forget their manners or say something cheeky, it’s fine - I promise I’ve heard it all before. What I need most is for them to feel free and happy.


I get it - I have two little ones myself, and I know how unpredictable kids can be. Some days they’re sunshine, some days they’re tiny thunderstorms, and that’s all part of childhood. So please don’t worry if your kids are loud, shy, wild, or need a little time to warm up. Your session will be child-led. We’ll go with their flow and turn whatever happens into something beautiful.


I’ll guide gently, suggest little games, and join in their play. But if something doesn’t work, we move on. No stress. The aim is for your children to have fun and feel loved.


You get to be the cool parents today - the ones who join in, laugh loudly, chase, and tickle.

Family gathered beneath golden autumn leaves, one adult holding a toddler while another leans in close, sharing laughter and warmth

Parent behaviour


Here’s a funny truth: it’s almost never the kids who “ruin” a photo - it’s the grown-ups!

If you look worried, frustrated, or stern while your kids are goofing around, that energy shows up in the photos.


So here’s your mission: look at your children like they’re doing the cutest thing you’ve ever seen - even if they’re throwing leaves in your face or shouting about farts. Smile through it. Laugh with them. The camera will love it.


If you treat the session like playtime, it will feel like playtime. And those are the moments that sparkle.

physical touch translates as connection

Stay Connected

Older child gently kissing a baby’s hand, both close together, captured in a soft, intimate moment of sibling connection

One of my little secrets: physical touch translates as connection. So during your session, try to always be in contact with someone - even in small ways.

Hold hands, rest your head on a shoulder, stroke a cheek, brush back hair.


If you ever feel unsure what to do, just get close and snuggle. That’s all you need.

Snacks & Breaks


If you think your little ones might need snacks, definitely bring some. Just keep them simple and clean - fruit snacks, mini marshmallows, grapes, apple slices, raisins. Avoid anything sticky or slow to eat - lollipops, gum, or chocolate that melts everywhere!


Hide them away and bring them out only when needed - it helps keep focus and reduces sticky fingers. And always bring water, especially for outdoor sessions.

Small child standing on a rustic wooden stage outdoors, framed by tall trees, while two adults sit nearby watching quietly

After Your Session


Once your photos are ready (usually within four weeks, often sooner), you’ll receive an email with your online gallery link. From there, you can download your chosen images, share them with loved ones, and even order prints or albums straight from the gallery.


I always take my time editing - each image is carefully polished to keep that natural, warm, storytelling feel you’ve seen in my work.


Please don’t let your photos live only on a screen. Print them, frame them, fill your walls and shelves with them. These are your stories - they deserve to be held and touched.

 

Tiny Beginnings - For the New Chapters Still to Come

 

Newborn baby lying on a parent’s lap indoors, gently stretching arms and legs, wrapped in warm light and soft textures

 

If you ever find yourself preparing for a new little heartbeat to join your world - whether it’s your first or your fourth - I’d be honoured to capture those early days too.


My newborn and home birth sessions are slow, quiet, and tender - filled with the soft rhythm of feeds, cuddles, and sleepy stretches. They take place in the comfort of your home, using gentle natural light and real moments to tell your story just as it unfolds.


I have a separate guide called Tiny Beginnings, where I share everything you need to know about preparing for an in-home newborn session - from creating a calm space to choosing soft textures and keeping things relaxed.


If your family ever grows, or you simply want to hold onto those earliest days again, you know where to find me.

 

In the End


If this guide helps make your session even a tiny bit easier, then I’ve done my job.


Thank you - truly - for inviting me into your world.

I can’t wait to create something magical together.


Let them be little, let them be wild,

and let’s tell your story softly, just as it is.




Love,

signature of angela palka soft stories by angela