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Explore memorable sessions, tips for your portraits, ideas for fun family activities and more!

Family portrait by Babies by Jackie

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Family portrait by Babies by Jackie

CATEGORY: FAMILIES

Why You Should Keep Your Family Portrait Up-To-Date

One day, your kids need your hand to take their first steps, and the next, they’re off and running, leaving you wondering where the time went. It’s a little unfair how quickly time flies, isn’t it? And if you’re anything like most busy parents, family portraits tend to fall to the bottom of the never-ending to-do list. But keeping your family portraits up-to-date isn’t just about getting a cute picture for the wall ... 

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CATEGORY: BABIES

Personalising your Newborn Portrait Experience

Newborn photography is more than just capturing the first days of your baby’s life; it’s an opportunity to tell a story, your story. Personalising and customising your portraits can make these memories even more heartfelt and unique.

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Personalising your newborn portraits - image of a baby in nest

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Personalising your newborn portraits - image of a baby in nest
baby girl with yellow headband snuggled in cream fluff

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baby girl with yellow headband snuggled in cream fluff

CATEGORY: BABIES

A Journey of Growth: Capturing Your Baby's First Year in Photos

The first year of a baby’s life is a whirlwind of monumental changes and heartwarming milestones. From the sleepy, curled-up poses of a newborn to the wide-eyed curiosity of a six-month-old, and the adventurous spirit of a one-year-old, each stage in a baby’s first year brings something uniquely ...

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CATEGORY: BABIES

10 Tips for Stunning Newborn Photos: Keeping your little one comfortable

Preparing for a newborn photoshoot involves more than just picking cute outfits and props. Ensuring your little one is comfortable during the photo session is paramount for beautiful, peaceful images.

Here are my top ten tips ...

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Baby girl snuggled in cream blanket

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Baby girl snuggled in cream blanket
Black and white image of teen with guitar

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Black and white image of teen with guitar

CATEGORY: MATERNITY, BABIES, MILESTONES, TEEN

THE MAGIC OF BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

You may wonder “Why black and white when the world is so full of colour?” Black and white photography has a timeless quality that’s simply unmatched. It takes us back to the golden era of photography, where each image was a cherished piece of art. When it comes to portraits, this classic style adds...

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CATEGORY: BABIES

THE BEST TIME FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY: CAPTURING THE PERFECT AGE AND MOMENT

As you prepare to welcome your new baby, you’re probably thinking about how to capture these early moments that, though fleeting, are incredibly precious. One of the most cherished ways to preserve these memories is through newborn photography. But when is the best time to schedule these photos?

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Baby snuggled in fleece wool

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Baby snuggled in fleece wool
Baby nest with autumn leaves

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Baby nest with autumn leaves

CATEGORY: BABIES

BABY NAME IDEAS FOR BABIES DUE IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year to be expecting a baby. As a photographer, I love September and October.  The light is always beautiful and the colours of nature turn the blandest landscape into a work of art. It’s little wonder that so many parents choose autumnal-themed names for their babies born in the most beautiful season of the year...

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CATEGORY: TIPS & IDEAS

Summer Family Portraits: How to make the most of the season

Summer is the perfect time to capture beautiful family portraits. With longer days, warmer weather (we hope!), and vibrant natural backdrops, it’s a wonderful time to create stunning images that showcase your family’s unique personality and bonds. Here are my tips for capturing perfect family photos this summer...

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Family taking photo at the beach

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Family taking photo at the beach
Black and white image of newborn with family's hands

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Black and white image of newborn with family's hands

CATEGORY: BABIES

10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Newborn Photographer

Bringing a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion, and capturing those first few weeks through photography is a decision many parents cherish. Choosing the right newborn photographer is crucial not only for ensuring beautiful images but also for guaranteeing a safe and comfortable environment for your new addition. Here are...

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CATEGORIES: NEWS

Welcome to The Pig Sty - our custom-built photo studio

Welcome to the Babies By Jackie Studio! 

Located in the historic village of Hemingbrough, the studio was once a pig sty (hence the name!). But don't worry there's only one little piggy there now :-) 

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Inside the Babies by Jackie Portrait Studio

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Inside the Babies by Jackie Portrait Studio

READER FAVOURITES


EVEN MORE ...

The festive season has come and gone once again, and now, January brings its own challenges—like figuring out what to do with all the new Christmas gifts that have invaded your home. Toys, clothes, gadgets… it’s easy to feel like your home is bursting at the seams! Sound familiar?

January is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start with a little home organisation. At least that's what I hear! Anyone who knows me knows how hard I find it to keep my home tidy and organised! But, here three simple steps I found to 'reclaim your space, reset your routines, and set your family up for a more organised year ahead'. Shall we give it a go together? 

Sort and Store: Make Room for the New

Start by decluttering
Gather up old toys, outgrown clothes, and items that are no longer used. Create three piles:

  • Donate: For barely used items someone else can enjoy.
  • Recycle or Dispose: For anything damaged beyond repair.
  • Keep: For treasured pieces or items with ongoing use or sentimental value.

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Next, organise what you’re keeping
Use labelled storage boxes to neatly stow away seasonal items, keepsakes, or things you don’t need immediate access to. Clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside, while labels ensure everything has a designated spot. Not only does this create more room, but it also helps streamline future clean-ups!

Create Zones for Easy Organisation

One of the most effective ways to keep your home tidy is by designating specific zones for certain activities or items, for example:

  • A book nook: A cosy corner with bookshelves or baskets to store your family’s favourite books.
  • A toy corner: Use boxes or shelves to organise toys by category, making it easy for kids to find—and put back—what they play with.
  • A gadget hub: Dedicate a drawer or shelf for charging cables, remotes, and tech gadgets to eliminate the constant “Where’s my charger?” hunt.

By assigning clear areas, you’ll not only reduce the clutter but also make tidying up a much simpler (and faster) task for everyone.

Set New Routines: Small Habits, Big Impact

Organisation isn’t a one-time task; it’s a habit. To keep your home running smoothly, set simple daily or weekly routines that everyone can follow. For example:

  • Spend 10 minutes each evening tidying up family spaces.
  • Have a ‘one-in, one-out’ rule for new items: when something new comes in, an old item goes out.
  • Get the kids involved! Give them age-appropriate responsibilities, like putting away their toys or folding their clean clothes. Make it fun with my tidy up cards below!

Get your FREE Tidying Up Cards for Kids!

To make tidying up more fun, I’ve created these fun, printable A5 tidying-up cards designed just for kids.

Download them here for free!

Free Tidy Up Cards

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Free Tidy Up Cards

Starting the year with an organised home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that brings you peace and joy. By decluttering, defining spaces, and building habits that stick, you can transform the post-Christmas chaos into a clean, calm, and functional home. 

So, let’s take the first step toward a clutter-free, stress-free year together. Here’s to a happier, more organised January!