For April we have a wonderful prize for the Cute Baby and Toddler competitions

We have TWO free sittings which includes two 10 x 8 inch hand printed pictures

Please note that the sitting will take place in the Oxfordshire studio

NO FLUFFYRUGS & CLOUDY BACKGROUNDS

Ella worked as a Children’s Nanny for many years before re-training as a photographer (MA Photog) and having three boys of her own she tries to make the shoot as much fun as possible.

We usually start off calmly, taking more traditional portraits as I get to know the child/ren but by the end we are often dancing around the room with the stereo turned up! We laugh a lot. I find children are much easier to photograph than adults - they are just more fun. My old boss said that I would never become one of the grown ups - I took it as a compliment!

A shoot can take from half an hour to two and half depending on the age of the child. There is no hurry and it is very child-led so that if your little person wants to stop and play with the wooden train track or wants Ella to read stories there is no problem. The most important thing is that child enjoys the experience as this is then reflected in the pictures.

Weekend bookings are fine as well as weekdays and if everyone has had a bad night there is no problem with changing the day or time. She is also quite happy if there is nothing else booked in that day for you to just see how the mood goes, so if lunchtime and rest time goes on and you just want to see how everyone feels - just come when you are ready.

I just remember always being late for everything and never allowing for my child to throw himself on the floor and refuse to get in the car. It never goes to plan with pre-school children and the pressure of having to be somewhere just makes it worse. I would much rather people come really late and relaxed than on time and stressed out.

Ella uses top of the range medium format cameras and hand prints the photographs herself in the darkroom. Most of her clients prefer black and white but she also uses colour. Her prices are very reasonable.

I encourage people to check out the competition and always be wary of a low sitting fee as this usually means the price of the prints are extortionate.

Each job has lead on to others and most of my work is through personal recommendation. Photography is my passion and I have been really lucky and met some lovely people who have appreciated my work. As a photographer you are encroaching on someone else’s space, in a similar way to a hairdresser or a dentist as it is intimate. People often hate being photographed and it is up to me to put them at their ease. I usually find some common ground or find out what makes them tick. When someone is talking about their interests, their own passion, they become animated - whether its frogs or football - and that’s when you capture the moment.

To see more of Ella’s pics and recommendations please look at www.nofluffyrugs-photography.co.uk Or phone her on 07981 806295 or 01608 659064

Kathleen O'Connor - What a wonderful experience. Ella has created a studio environment that is relaxed and fun. Our young sons spent the afternoon playing and laughing and Ella captured these moments beautifully on camera. The photographs show the boys looking relaxed and happy and very natural. Moreover, the quality of the prints was gorgeous. We couldn't be happier with the experience and the prints. - Best, Kathleen

To see the other competition prizes on offer visit

April Competition Prizes