In 2018 one of my beautiful clients came for a newborn photography session with her newborn baby and an older brother. I always ask my clients if they have anything special that they’d like me to photograph, and usually the answer is no. This time mum said that she bought a very special blanket and she’d love to have pictures with it. Then she told me a story, about an old tradition in The Royal family, to swaddle their newborns in these blankets. And this is how I got introduced to G.H. Hurt and Son’s blankets. I knew these would add extra bit of luxury to the studio wardrobe.

Here is little T, photographed back in 2018.

It took me a few years to start using these blankets at Tiny Posers Studio. The blanket felt so soft and delicate, that I wasn’t sure if they can handle all the washing 🙂 But they can. Also what I love is that G.H. Hurt makes blankets from different fabrics, some a lot less delicate than others.

As a newborn photographer I am always striving to find the best quality props and blankets to incorporate into my photo shoots.  Over the past 14 years or so that I have been photographing newborns I have used a countless number of blankets of varying styles, designs, shades and indeed quality. 

When I discovered G.H. Hurt and Son’s range of shawls and blankets I was truly blown away not just by the quality and craftsmanship, but also by the variety of styles and textures. I am obsessed with textures, I believe that textures add that extra special feel to the images. The designs of the blankets are both unique and absolutely timeless, and if you know me, you know ‘timeless’ is my second name. I love the intricate details and patterns exquisitely woven into them and the hand finished edges are just ‘wow’. When I visited  G.H. Hurt and Son’s website to choose my blankets, my head was spinning and I wanted them all.

I did pick a few favourites though.

Cosy Cashmere Shawl

Soft Lacy Shawl

And, at this moment my very much favourite, Lacy Cotton Shawl.  

Constructed using the finest materials such as lace, cashmere and merino wool these blankets exude luxury and the dreamily soft fabric is perfect for baby to snuggle into. The blankets come in a beautiful range of colours, and whilst I generally prefer to use whites and lighter shades for my photo shoots, the pink and blue options available are absolutely adorable too.  

Back to the Royals, I guess you must be pretty special and exceptional to be chosen by the Royal family. G.R. Hurt and Son’s blankets get just about the greatest endorsement of all; the Royal seal of approval.  In a tradition starting over 70 years ago in 1948, when the Queen and her husband Prince Philip presented Prince Charles to the world, they wrapped him in a G.H. Hurt and Son’s blanket.  This was continued by Charles and Princess Diana who used G.H. Hurt and Son’s shawls for both Prince William and Prince Harry and once again for the third generation when William and his wife Kate Middleton used the same brand for their three children.

Based in Nottingham, with over 100 years’ history and experience manufacturing  luxury knitted clothing and accessories, this family owned and run business produces the finest blankets that I have had the pleasure to work with and whether you’re a photographer,  a parent, a grandparent or someone looking for that perfect gift for a family member or friend’s new arrival then I cannot recommend the G.H. Hurt and Son’s range of shawls and blankets highly enough. 

Perfect just as a special gift, or for a special occasion like a Christening, yet durable enough for everyday use at my newborn photography studio. As treasured heirlooms to be passed down through the generations or as a prop for newborn photographers to add that bit of luxury and extra to their images , G.H. Hurt blankets are perfect.

And if you are curious how little T looks now, here he is, so very handsome ❤️

Expecting a baby and like the natural Tiny Posers style? Get in touch with me, Kristina Mack and we can start planing your session. We can have a chat about what you want and how the creative process works.

The studio is a haven of calm and creativity where you can feel at ease and capture life’s most special moments. Newborn baby photography sessions last 2-3 hours and I always photograph mum and dad as well. Sessions are relaxed and not rushed, to make sure you have the best time here.

At Tiny Posers I specialize in timeless newborn baby family and maternity photography. Available in the London and Essex area including Colchester Chelmsford Brentwood Upminster Shenfield Loughton North London South London London and other areas.

Lots of love

Kristina xx

How are you my beautiful friends? 

My studio has been shut down for over 4 weeks now, it feels like almost for ever. I terribly miss my clients and more importantly, I just feel that my purpose was taken away from me. Every week I am hoping for some kind of announcement, that will give me hope that all of this will end soon and I will be back photographing precious tiny humans. Capturing these most special moments for you gives me joy. I feel that I’ve let so many families down, but please don’t worry. I have photographed a lot of older newborns, it will all be fine and we will soon meet at my studio again. 

But for now… I have put together a little guide for you that will help you to take some pictures yourself with either a phone or a camera. Although it does not replace a professional photography session at Tiny Posers studio, it will help you capture your little babies as they are and will help you to create beautiful memories of when they were tiny and new. 

I have been teaching photographers how to photograph newborns for over 6 years now, but have never done it on ‘paper’. I will try to do my best, please email me and let me know how you are getting on 🙂

You will need:

1. Baby 🙂
2. A phone or a camera
3. A window for the light (!)
4. Simple white vest or onesie for your baby
5. Simple, neutral, light colour clothing for you 
6. A large stretchy (!) blanket or a duvet  – to use as a backdrop 
7. Small swaddle blanket 

First, take a deep breath and relax. You are not a professional photographer, so don’t stress yourself trying to create what I do at the studio. The most important thing is to capture these memories so you could look back after they have faded away. 

Also, babies can sense stress! If you will stress, so will your baby. So let’s take one more deep breath my friend. 

Instructions for how to take your own newborn pictures. 

• Light is very important, soft natural light is the best light for newborn or baby photography. Photograph your baby during the day time to get the most out of it. Choose a room with light or neutral colour walls. 
• Get close to the window, but make sure that your light is indirect; if the sun is directly shining through the window move slightly further away from it until you’re in a nicely lit spot. 
• You can use your bed, sofa, ottoman for your pictures. Either cover it with a white duvet or a stretchy soft, light colour blanket. You can also use your floor, just place a blanket or duvet on it.
• Dress your baby in white onesie or swaddle him/her in a little blanket. Or you can try both! 

• Position your newborn so the light is coming from the side (left or right) and softly falls over baby’s face, avoid photographing a baby with the light shining up the nose. 
• When photographing from the top, position yourself above baby and try not to shoot ‘up their nose’. Yes, no light up the nose and no taking pictures up the nose!

• Move around, try to find different angles, make sure you are not covering the light when you are doing so.

• Make sure you are in the pictures, take turns photographing each other and set a timer for a family picture. 

• If your camera allows, get in close. Don’t forget to photograph their fingers, toes, lips, eye lashes. 
• Most importantly, make sure you print your images! There is not much use of them sitting on your phone or computer. 

Final tips:

1. Keep baby safe, do not attempt complicated and odd poses or props. Simple images usually speak loudest.
2. Babies like full bellies and warm rooms. Make sure your baby is not hungry or cold. 
3. Clean your lens, especially if you will be taking pictures with your phone
4. If you are photographing with your phone, tap to focus (on baby’s face) and to adjust the light
5. Examine the light in your house the day before!

You might need to edit your images a little, to brighten them up or to change temperature – if baby looks too blue, you need to warm it up, if too yellow, cool it down. 

I hope this is helpful. Please email me and let me know how you are getting on, send me some pictures! You can also tag me (Tiny Posers) on Instagram. I can’t wait to see your images and to meet you all soon. 

Lots of love

Kristina xxx