Photographer Samantha Prewett is a very patient person.

Because most of her subjects are young.

Extremely young.

As in newborn babies between seven and 21 days.

And that calls for a lot of patience.

Samantha, pictured left, said: “A typical session may be two to four hours but of that only half-an-hour will be actually taking pictures.

“Some babies are harder than others but the most important thing is to make sure they’re settled.

“They can go to sleep but don’t need to.

“I like to create a nice and calm atmosphere. Sometimes it’s so calm the Dad dozes off to sleep.

“I’m very patient when it comes to babies but perhaps not quite as patient when it comes to my own children!”

Samantha, 34, who is married with a son, 11, and daughter, eight, set her sights on becoming a professional photographer after leaving school.

She enrolled for a two-year photography course while also studying A-levels.

“Things were different then with the old dark rooms but I found it so exciting” Samantha said.

A short spell working for a company specialising in children’s pictures further whetted her appetite.

She said: “We used to set up in the shopping centres and take pictures.

“I enjoyed working with children but spent far too long.

“We were supposed to take a minute or so to take their pictures but my queue would be stretching down the shopping centre.”

Samantha started her own business – Samantha Prewett Photography – seven years ago.

“I’ve always done family groups but, to begin with, also did weddings but found it very stressful.

“A year later, in 2014, I started specialising in newborns of up to two to three weeks old.

“I used Facebook to start the business with most people happy to share my work.

“I like to go for as natural look as possible and avoid anything artificially posed.

“I absolutely love what I do and feel so lucky. It’s a massive part of my life,” she said.

Samantha works school hours to fit in with her children and typically photographs two newborns a week, approximately 100 a year.

The photo sessions take place in an open living area in her Poole home which benefits from a large floor to ceiling window.

“I like to take the pictures in natural light. Everyone says how they love the area,” said Samantha.

Samantha also takes family groups.

Coronavirus and the lockdown has meant no photographic sessions for the last eight weeks.

But Samantha said: “I can do outdoor family sessions from now but not sure on when I can do newborns yet.

“It’s been very hard but I’ve enjoyed the time with my children.

“I can’t wait to get back to my babies, though.”

• Samantha has written a blog giving her five top tips for taking natural photos of your baby before choosing to book a professional photoshoot. Read Samantha’s top tips here.