Get to know your photographer: An exclusive interview

Get to know your Photographer: An exclusive interview with Lisa Carey. Your Whitchurch, Hampshire maternity, Newborn, Cake Smash and Family Photographer.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Lisa, I’m 40, a mum to 2 girls; Isla and Grace and wife of 15 years to my hubby Jaime. We live in Whitchurch, Hampshire. When I am not working or parenting I love to be outdoors. You will often hear me talk about our national trust passes or going away in the caravan.

Can you tell us about how you got started in newborn and family photography?

I started photography when Grace was 20 months old. She is now 12. I wanted to learn how to capture her moments to a professional standard. My husband bought me a camera and I started learning. By the time she was 3, she would say “No more cheese mummy” This is when I started offering portfolio-building sessions to other people.  I quickly realised my passion wasn’t location photography, but I enjoyed the polished finish of studio photography. In the 10 years since hubby bought me my first camera, I have been to many training sessions, won several bronze awards and gained my qualified status with the Guild of Photographers in Children’s Portraiture. In 2022 I added Newborn Photography to my portfolio and in 2024 I added Maternity Photography to my portfolio.

How do you create such a relaxed atmosphere for parents and babies during the photo shoot? It sounds like one of your key strengths is making people feel comfortable.

It’s important to me that every client walks through my studio door and feels at ease.  I always say to my client’s people don’t come to me for professional (as I wander around the studio looking for my lens cap or something else, I’ve put down and can’t find lol) they come to me because I’m friendly and welcoming and I chat to them like a friend coming round for coffee. I want you to enjoy your experience with me as much as you enjoy looking at your photographs.

What are some of the most rewarding moments or experiences you’ve had working with newborns and families?

Gosh, there are so many wonderful moments. I love getting to know my clients and building a relationship with them over the years. The moments below really stand out to me though.

A little girl, whom I had photographed for several years, came to my studio to share some sad news. She told me that her nanny had passed away and that she had a photo of herself with her nanny, which I had taken during a previous photo shoot, displayed in her home. Her mum mentioned that both the nanny and the child had enjoyed that day in my studio together, and the photo was a lasting reminder of the wonderful bond they shared.

I was asked to photograph a 15-year-old girl for an event organized by her family friend. She was under treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and had lost her hair. A hotel in Andover provided a conference room. A beautician offered her nails and makeup services, and someone drove her to the hotel in a sports car. I had some dresses for her to wear, and together we transformed this quiet, shy girl into a bubbly, confident young lady. It was such a joy! We captured some wonderful images that day and I know lasting memories were made too.

I had the opportunity to provide a Newborn Session for a lady who arrived here as a refugee from Ukraine, heavily pregnant. After the baby was born, the lady who was hosting her reached out to me. It felt good to be able to do something positive for somebody going through something so difficult.

Do you have any tips for parents who are preparing for their newborn or family photo session with you? What can they do to make the experience run smoothly?

Stay calm and enjoy the moment, even if your lively toddler is overflowing with energy or your moody teen is working through their feelings. Everything will settle down once you get here! Let’s make this a positive experience for everyone together.

How do you approach capturing sibling or family photos alongside the newborn?

I always start with family or sibling photos for every newborn session.  This works particularly well when the sibling is of non-school age and their participation window is small.  Once their photos are over, I recommend Mum or Dad take them home and come to pick up once the baby photos are done as waiting around can be boring for small children

If you are looking for a photographer in Hampshire get in touch with Lisa today Lisa@islagracephotography.co.uk You will be welcomed into her cosy studio like an old friend and will leave with stunning images your whole family will treasure.