Timeless Newborn Photography in Essex
Natural, heartfelt images capturing the beauty of your baby’s first days.
(serving Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Epping, Woodford Green, South Woodford,
Wanstead and the surrounding areas)
Welcome
I’m Irene Chaikeen — a professional newborn, baby, and family photographer based in Buckhurst Hill, just outside London. My studio is a calm and inviting space, designed to capture the most meaningful moments in your family’s story with elegance and care. I offer timeless, natural, and emotion-filled photography for newborns, expecting mothers, and families across Essex, including Chigwell, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Epping, Woodford Green, South Woodford, and Wanstead.
What makes my services unique is the deeply personal and calming experience I create for every client. I specialise in gentle, baby-led sessions where comfort and safety come first — capturing pure, authentic moments without stiff posing or over-the-top props. Instead, I use carefully selected, high-quality accessories and fabrics that elevate the image while keeping the focus on your baby.
My cosy, light-filled studio is designed to feel like home: warm, quiet, and welcoming for both parents and babies. It’s also the perfect setting for refined, heirloom-quality portraits created with future generations in mind. I work with both soft natural light and professional studio lighting to ensure elegant, high-end results. Each session is guided by expert posing techniques that highlight your baby’s natural beauty while always prioritising their comfort and well-being.
If you’ve found your way here, perhaps you are expecting a baby, have recently welcomed a little one, or are simply seeking beautifully crafted portraits of your children and loved ones. Whatever stage you’re at, I’m here to guide you through a bespoke photography experience tailored with care, intention, and artistry.
If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, it may feel too soon to think about photography, but the ideal time to book your session is just after your 20-week scan, so we can start preparing every detail in advance.
Each milestone in your baby’s life is fleeting and precious. I offer a range of sessions to honour these early chapters — from first smiles to first steps — with imagery that will be treasured for years to come.
Every family I work with receives my full attention, from the first message to the final edited gallery. I guide clients through everything — from styling and preparation to creating stunning wall art or keepsake albums.
Unlike large studios, I offer a boutique, personalised experience where your story truly matters. Every photo is hand-edited with care, and each session is paced gently to follow your baby’s natural rhythm.
If you’re looking for a photographer who understands motherhood, family bonds, and the beauty of new life — and who can deliver photographs that truly feel like *you* — I would be honoured to work with you.
Get in touch — and let’s create something truly beautiful, together.
Safety & Hygiene in Newborn Photography
Your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priority. Every session is conducted with the highest standards of care:
- Hygienic Studio — All props, wraps, and fabrics are sanitised before use, and the studio is thoroughly cleaned before each session.
- Safe Posing — I use only certified newborn posing techniques, with no risky positions. Your baby is always supported, never forced into unnatural poses.
- Comfortable Environment — The studio is kept warm for your baby’s comfort, with gentle lighting and noise control for a peaceful experience.
I follow professional newborn safety guidelines, so you can relax knowing your little one is in caring and capable hands.
Holding professional accreditation with BANPAS (Baby and Newborn Photography Association), I combine artistic vision with rigorous safety protocols to create beautiful, secure newborn portraits.
(Serving Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton & surrounding areas.)
Celebrate the Beauty of Motherhood
Your journey into motherhood is one of the most profound and powerful chapters of your life. A maternity photoshoot offers the opportunity to pause, reflect, and honour this extraordinary transformation, not through rushed phone snapshots, but with professional, timeless portraits you’ll truly fall in love with.
In the calm and elegance of my studio, I will guide you through a relaxed and graceful experience, where every image is crafted to celebrate your strength, softness, and the quiet anticipation of new life.
Whether you are carrying your first child or adding to a growing family, your maternity session will be tailored to reflect your unique story, with beautiful styling, gentle direction, and a deep appreciation for the moment you are in.
Let’s capture more than just your image — let’s capture the emotion, the connection, and the beauty of this fleeting time.
Enquire now, and begin planning a maternity session you’ll cherish forever.
Your Baby’s First Days, Beautifully Remembered
There is no doubt — these are the most extraordinary days of your life. Not only is your family growing, but your world is expanding with new hopes, new dreams, and a future filled with love.
A newborn photoshoot is a gentle and meaningful way to preserve this fleeting chapter, capturing your baby’s earliest moments with timeless, artfully crafted portraits, created in a serene and completely safe environment.
In the quiet comfort of my studio, every session is designed with the utmost care and sensitivity. Your baby’s wellbeing is always the highest priority, and you can simply relax while I create images that reflect the love and wonder of these first precious days.
These portraits will become treasured memories — not just for you, but for your child, and for generations to come.
Get in touch to reserve your newborn session and ensure these magical moments are never forgotten.
A photoshoot for the tiniest heroes
For those who arrived in the world earlier than expected, but with incredible strength in every breath. I understand how important it is to capture these first, delicate moments filled with hope, love, and endless tenderness.
I’m not afraid to work with premature babies. On the contrary, I approach these sessions with deep care, respect, and a heart full of understanding for every small milestone.
I follow your baby’s rhythm gently and patiently. There’s no rush here, only calm, warmth, and profound respect for the beginning of life.
I create a peaceful space where you can let go of worries and simply be. The session flows in an atmosphere of trust, stillness, and quiet joy, where every emotion is treasured.
Let’s preserve these moments together — raw, real, fragile, and endlessly precious.
How the Photoshoot Works: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your preferred date, style, and atmosphere for the shoot, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your vision. I also provide simple tips for preparing, so you feel completely ready.
2. Arrival at the Studio
My home studio in Buckhurst Hill is a warm, calm space where you and your baby will feel relaxed and comfortable. Everything you need is provided.
3. The Photoshoot
The session lasts 2–3 hours, with breaks for feeding and comforting your baby. The pace is entirely set by your baby’s needs, making for a calm and enjoyable experience.
4. Selection & Editing
After the session, I carefully select and edit the best shots, capturing the natural beauty and softness of your baby.
5. Gallery Viewing & Print Selection
Within 1–2 weeks, you’ll return to my studio to view and choose your favourite images. You can order digital photos, prints, acrylic images, canvas, or photo albums to cherish forever.
Why Choose Me?
I approach every session with gentle reverence, cradling these fleeting moments in time with the utmost care. My mission is to weave your family’s love, strength, and tenderness into timeless photographs—ones that will not just adorn your walls, but become heirlooms of the heart.
These early days, no matter how fragile or small, hold immense beauty. Together, we’ll capture the quiet magic of your baby’s beginning—their tiny fingers curled around yours, the softness of their first yawn, the way they fit perfectly into your embrace. These are the details you’ll want to remember forever.
Image Rights & Privacy Policy
We take immense care in showcasing the artistry of our sessions while respecting your family’s comfort.
By default, selected images may grace our:
- Website portfolio (as a testament to our craftsmanship)
- Social channels (to inspire future parents)
- Marketing materials (printed and digital)
This showcases our signature style that immortalises your moments.
Should you prefer complete privacy,
we offer an exclusive Discretion Package for £100
This ensures:
- Absolute confidentiality (zero public appearances)
- A personalised vault for your gallery
- Same exceptional quality, reserved solely for your family
Either way, your little star’s session will be handled with the same reverence and attention to detail.
In-Home Newborn Sessions — Important Details
While our Buckhurst Hill studio is specially designed for perfect newborn photography with professional lighting, backdrops and all necessary equipment, we do offer limited sessions at your home for an additional £150 under these conditions:
-
Extremely minimal equipment — we bring only:
Camera + 2-3 lenses
Professional studio light source
Small bag with blankets, wraps and 2-3 outfit changes
Portable posing props
- Unique home-style results — the session in your space will have its special charm, different from our studio aesthetic.
- No bulky equipment — we cannot transport lighting setups, props or backdrop systems.
- Client-provided items only — we’ll creatively use your home’s blankets, furniture and natural light.
This personal option is designed for families who treasure the authenticity of their own space.
A perk for those valuing time
I guarantee fast photo editing — within just 3 days after the shoot, you’ll receive your ready-made photos. This service is available for an additional fee of +£100 to the base price.
Terms Of Collaboration
A non-refundable deposit of £99 is required to secure your photoshoot date, as this allows me to reserve your spot in my schedule.
Session Investment:
Monday-Friday — £99
Saturday-Sunday — £175
Your non-refundable reservation fee covers:
- Studio preparation and dedicated session time
- Professional use of premium newborn posing props
- Custom lighting design for optimal results
- 10 years of specialised newborn photography expertise
Service Details:
- Fee applies to: Newborn | Maternity | Family sessions
- Conducted at our Buckhurst Hill studio, Essex
- The booking fee secures the date only.
- Digital files and products are not included
Post-Session Process:
- Scheduled viewing appointment 7 — 14 days after the session
- Artwork ordering session
- Personalised selection consultation
Photo processing timelines
Colour correction for all photos takes between 1 to 2 weeks. After that, you’ll have up to 10 days to select photos for retouching. Final retouched photos will be delivered within 10–12 days after your selection. I value your time and strive to ensure every detail is perfect.
We appreciate your understanding and trust!
How to Prepare for Your Maternity Shoot | A Love Letter from Irene
The Art of Safe & Serene Newborn Photography: A Personal Promise
Newborn Photoshoot Preparation: Your Essex Mum’s Survival Guide
