With this pregnancy I am going all out and I have gone and found the ideal Maternity photoshoot in London at Bani Culshaw photography.
I wanted to have an indoor maternity photoshoot because I would find it awkward to make my way to a location, change into a maternity shoot dress with this unpredictable weather.
I came across Bani Culshaw photography on Instagram and I liked the style of the photographs as well as the studio setting.
Who is Bani Culshaw Photography?
Bani Culshaw is a photographer which specialises in maternity, children, baby, family and cake smash photography.
Where is Bani Culshaw Photography?
They are located in:
24-26 High St
Hampton Hill
TW12 1PD
What are their opening times?
They are open everyday including weekends between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
How much is the maternity shoot at Bani Culshaw Photography?
They offer multiple different packages for all affordability, these include:
Standard package: £185
– Session length: 1 hour
– 8 digital images
Premium package: £285
– Session length: 1 hour
– 15 Digital images
Gold package: £395
– Session length: 2 hrs
– 20 digital image
– Photoshoot in studio and outdoor at Bushy Park
Maternity & Newborn package : £795.00
– Session length: 2-3 hours (two separate sessions)
– Number of digital images: 35
All packages include:
– Access to all our beautiful maternity outfits
– Printing release
– Family/siblings
– Additional images: £25 each
At an extra cost of £7 per picture you can choose a digital background to go with your shot if you are looking for a more artistic finish.
When should you book your maternity shoot?
It is advisable to book it between 30-34 weeks depending on how you feel and if you are showing.
How to prepare for the maternity shoot?
I advise you to arrive 30 minutes earlier, with your hair and make-up done. Unless you book their make-up artist.
I would advise you to do your hair removal too as it can be a bit revealing.
Prepare your bag the night before so that you don’t have to stress on the day.
What should you bring to your maternity shoot?
You should bring the following items if possible:
- Nude bra and underwear
- Black bra and underwear
- Your own maternity shoot dress if you don’t want to use their range of maternity shoot dresses.
- Any accessories you would like to include in your pictures (maybe something sentimental to you)
- Make-up for retouches if needed unless you book their make-up artist.
- A snack and drink just in case.
How to book the make-up artist
Simply e-mail Bani Culshaw photography to request the make-up artist at the photoshoot.
You will have to arrive 30 minutes prior to your shoot to have your make-up done.
The payment of £50 is made directly made to the make-up artist.
Can you include your partner, family members or kids in the shoot?
Yes, they are more than welcome.
Are the images photoshopped?
Yes editing is done post-photoshoot. They will remove blemishes and fine tune the pictures.
How many pictures are included?
In the standard package 8 pictures are included and 15 in the premium package.
How long does it take to receive the maternity photoshoot pictures?
These will take 14 days to complete and you can choose your favourites.
Are the maternity photoshoot dresses provided?
I love that the maternity dresses are provided inclusive in your package.
There was so much to choose from I found it hard to choose.
My experience at Bani Culshaw Photography maternity shoot
The booking process was simple, I e-mailed them at info@baniculshawphotography.co.uk and they sent over a model release form which needed to be signed.
The photographer asked me also what styles I had in mind for the shoot. I sent her a few pictures of my vision so that we can create a similar style in the studio.
I opted for the standard package maternity photoshoot, so I had to pay a £35 deposit to secure my photoshoot slot.
The remainder of the fee was paid 24 hours prior to the maternity shoot.
What convinced me to book was the fact that first of all it is an indoor shoot, it’s not too far from my location and they even provide the maternity shoot dresses.
I really liked their work when I considered price vs quality.
We managed to shoot 5 different outfit choices during my one hour session.
4 of the maternity dresses were from Bani Culshaw photography and one of them was from Ohpolly.
This first option was my favourite and was exactly what I had in mind when thinking of my maternity shoot.
The next one was this beautiful pearl design which looked so beautiful when worn.
Next up was this off white lace piece which really suited my bump and made it look bigger as it is not that big.
This next dress what the one from Ohpolly and it had a slit on the side which was gorgeous.
Last but not least was this red dress and it just really suited me as a deep colour.
Don’t worry about the sizing as the dresses are very big and can be clipped to size to achieve the perfect bump shot.
Also, if you are nervous about posing don’t be as Bani will guide you through the poses and let me tell you she knows what she’s doing.
Once the shoot was finished, Bani told me that the pictures would be ready after 10 days, a link is sent directly to your e-Mail and you have 24h to choose the ones you want. As well as add in the comment box what edits you want including the graphic background.
She sent over the link and I chose my favourite shots. Every extra shot is £25.
After choosing the pictures, we go through together wether or not I wanted a digital background on them. One digital background is free and the every extra one is £7.
After all this choosing is done, we wait for the results.
Final verdict
All, in all I really recommend Bani Culshaw photography. The end product of the maternity photoshoot is well worth the spend.
I really enjoyed having these pictures which are priceless. They are a unique life moment worth getting pictures of and spoiling yourself.
If you rather watch part one of my maternity photoshoot on video here it is.
Here are two of my favourite maternity shoot pictures from the set I got.
This is one I chose.
The next one is one the photographer came up with as her choice.
So if you are looking for a sign to do your maternity shoot this definitely the one!!!
I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you done your maternity shoot? Comment below and let me know.
