A HARTFORD photographer is ready for business to hot up once the warmer weather returns after a quiet winter for her unique style snaps.

Helen Rae has been a children’s photographer since her return from the Netherlands seven years ago.

However, Helen insists on being out on location rather than in the studio, snapping children and families in their favourite places.

“There are a lot of little pink noses at this time of year,” said Helen, who turns 50 this year.

“I usually advise families to hold off until the weather’s better, unless it’s a newborn baby or special occasion.

“It’s really for me about capturing images that mean something to families. Photographing them in their favourite places; their back gardens, fields or at places like Delamere where they’re all having fun.”

She started her business, helen rae photography, on the continent once her three children had grown up and found a niche in the market when returning to Cheshire.

“I started the business when I stopped carrying bottles and nappies around and could pick up my camera again,” Helen added.

“When I was in The Hague, I got bored of the studio so started to take clients out to the park and beaches.

“Mine used to like helping me out, but now I have to bribe them to do an annual photo shoot.

“So I don’t do many family shots with my own anymore, they know me too well, as soon as they see something they know I’ll think is a great back drop they disappear!”

Helen takes this quiet spell to plan for shows at Tattenhall in April and Hartford’s Whitehall in June, but recently saw her work feature in the Cheshire Edition of North West Magazine.

“It was quite a surprise when they got in contact,” she explained. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it was really lovely.

“I used to work in PR so know how difficult it was getting clients into these magazines, so it was quite flattering.”

But there is still one client Helen admits can be unpredictable.

“You never know what you are going to get to get with babies, some will sleep and some are still shocked at just coming into the world,” she explained.

“I just have to go along with it, sometimes it can take up to four hours, but it’s all about getting them looking cute and lovely!”