We are big fans of Jill from Light of my Life’s work and couldn’t wait to get Mini Mumbler 3 in front of her lens! The pictures she took of him are just lovely – we’ve popped a few in this blog so you can get an idea of her style ❤️
We caught up with Jill to find out a bit more about her, her work and how she deals with the inevitable baby poop/meltdowns/screaming fits (all 3 of which Mini Mumbler treated us to!) mid shoot…
🌟 Hi Jill! Thanks for taking time out from snapping to talk to us. We love your work, its so natural and unfussy. Was that intentional or has it evolved to be that way?
It was 100% intentional because in researching for my own baby, I just couldn’t find what I wanted. I have three children and I have always had a really good camera and taken lots of photos of them – but it was only with my third – Milo – that I knew I had to have this time documented. I hadn’t with Nieve and Noah because my impression of baby photography was just that it was cheesy. I did so much research and before long I was looking at websites across the world that promoted a more natural gentle approach to photography and I completely fell in love with it. Nobody was really doing it near me. Not in the unposed, authentic way I wanted it.
I booked Milo in to a local photographers – who I hasten to add is fantastic and amazing and I have the utmost respect for her – and we got lots of beautiful images of Milo. They were gently posed. No props were used. I loved them. Yet, I still thought about all these other websites I had seen that were more natural, less posed. I truly believe that less is more.
I thought that there must be other mums out there that want this style. I have so much respect for photographers that pose and use props – it takes a huge amount of experience to get this done safely and get it done well. But for me, the beauty is in the baby. And whilst posed photography is hugely fashionable right now, I really don’t care! I am happy to buck the trend and go with simple. For me, this is where my heart is.
🌟 How would you describe your work?
Simple. Unposed. Natural. I love lifestyle images which capture candid moments. I also love babies in white. So fresh, so I recommend all babies are dressed in their little white baby grows for my photoshoots.
🌟 What do you hope to achieve through your photos?
I feel like I am helping you document and create special memories that will last forever. Like a moment in time captured on camera. These baby days don’t last for long. I really hope they bring the parents happiness now and later in life. It’s a timeless investment.
🌟 How do you achieve the natural looking photos you create? How do you get the cute subjects to play ball?!
Well, in terms of newborn babies, I try my hardest to be as baby led as possible. I believe babies belong in your arms. Not mine. So whilst baby is happy, we get lots of images on the beanbag. Here I help to gently shape them and then let them move and stretch as they wish. As soon as they get upset – its over to mum and dad. They want you. They need you. They want a cuddle. A hand. A touch. And then in these moments where mum and dad are gently soothing baby, be it with a hand, a kiss or a cuddle, we then get lots of beautiful magical moments that are real.
🌟 What did you do before you started photography?
Lots of things! Two main careers stand out though. Firstly I was a Merchandiser and used to work in the fashion/textiles industry. It was fast paced fly by the seat of your pants stuff. Great in your 20’s with no commitments. But that all changes once you have a baby. Well, it did for me. I wanted more for me and more for my family in terms of time. Money took a backseat. Starting your own business is always a risk and you have to accept that whilst you are building it, wages aren’t guaranteed. So it is tough. But it is worth it if you can get by. So I left the corporate world to start a Baby Swimming business. I loved it. Even now I would say the best possible class you can take your baby to, is swimming. It’s just the best quality time. Anyway, after 3 years I was ready to move on and sell. It was a franchise so I was at the point that I had the experience and bravery to just do what I truly wanted to do and launch Light Of My Life.
🌟 What’s the best thing about your job?
Meeting the beautiful babies and lovely new parents. It is such a special time and it is a honour to even be considered to be part of these early special days.
🌟 Given that you work mainly with babies have you had any ‘disasters’? Any funny stories?
Honestly, there is nothing that I would consider a disaster really. Babies poo, puke, cry. And it is all good. Some of my best images have come from babies that are crying for mum. Mum gives them a beautiful loving cuddle and you get the most amazing image. Love it x
Jill has a home based studio in Macclesfield – for more information check out the Website , Facebook Page or call/text her on 07815 412157
