When is the best time to book my newborn session?

As soon as you have passed your first trimester! If you are pregnant, email me to pencil in your session approximately two weeks after your due date. Once your baby is born let me know and I will amend the booking to around the time your baby is around 6- 14 days old. I find they are the sleepiest/easily posed under 14 days of age. I only take a limited number of sessions a month so that I am flexible enough if the babies arrive later/earlier than expected. If you have come across my website after having your baby, please do contact me as I try to accommodate you in my calendar. I have successfully photographed baby’s in newborn poses up to 6 weeks after they are born (depending on the baby). After 6 weeks of age, I would suggest a lifestyle session where we photograph you and your baby in your home and focus on the interactions with your baby rather than posed portraits.

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Do you do Maternity sessions?

Yes I certainly do! I love capturing this special time in your life. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your last, I am happy to document this gorgeous time for you. I have a variety of maternity gowns you can use in your maternity session in various styles and colours. If the dresses I have don't suit you, I can recommend this fantastic business - Mama Rentals. They carry a fantastic range of maternity dresses and they ship all over Australia too. Check out their website here: https://mamarentals.com.au/

If you do decide to rent a dress from them,  Mama Rentals will give you 15% off the hire cost when you mention my studio name. Their collection is thoughtfully curated so that they suit pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. You can revel in their beautiful dresses, regardless of the stage of your motherhood journey.  Family or Motherhood sessions? They have you covered, even if you are not pregnant.

 

If you would rather bring your own clothing I suggest the following:

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Must Haves/Must Bring

• Please bring at least 1 beautiful matching Bra and knickers set,

• Strapless Bra (white or beige if possible),

• White, Beige and Black Undies, and

• Black and White Bra (make sure they are not maternity bras as they do not look nice in photos).

 

Outfit Ideas for you

• Tight fitting tops/singlets (neutral colours like grey, white and black work best),

• Jeans, long/shorter skirts,

• Long/short dresses (try to choose fitted ones, or ones that show off your belly), and

• Cardigans/jackets that look nice over underwear/singlets.

 

Outfit Ideas for him

Try to coordinate with each other. Jeans/pants and nice plain shirts can look fantastic. Also, be sure to bring plain T-shirts in black, white or grey and please avoid any logos as they don’t look nice in photos.

 

Outfit Ideas for children

They should coordinate with you as well and have simple outfits. White dress for the girls or jeans and a plain white/cream/light pink top with no logo. A nice patterned shirt or plain white t shirt/polo shirt and jeans/shorts for the boys. Girls look beautiful in white and lace dresses.  Make sure their eyes, nose, fingernails are clean.

 

Do you do hair or make-up?

No I don’t. I suggest you get your make-up artist to do your make-up classic and clean. However, your foundation can be quite thick as this photographs well and helps me to smooth out your skin in post-processing. Finger and toenails look great groomed. Lotion and lip balm will help with close-ups.

Same goes for your hair! Best to trust it to the experts. I suggest you have your hair either straightened or curled/waved depending on your style. We can put it up to suit a shot at a later time if needed, so make sure you bring hair ties and bobby pins.

 

What do I bring to the newborn session?

Nappies and wipes, several pre-washed wraps, a dummy for soothing, lunch and snacks, formula and bottles (if bottle feeding), if breastfeeding: some extra expressed breast milk in a bottle can be very helpful. I have a large selection of props available for your newborn that I have sourced from local and international suppliers. We can discuss what colours/props you would like in your session prior to coming into the studio.

 

What should we wear for our family photos?

I am excited to say I am a proud member of Style & Select. This is an interactive style guide and outfit coordination tool. This makes selecting what to wear at your family sessions a breeze! Any clients who book with me have access to this service. Check out their website for more information: https://styleandselect.com

 

Do you do sneak peeks?

Yes I do. I share a sneak peek on my social media pages roughly 2-3 days after you have been in for your session. However, if you wish to keep your photos for your eyes only, please notify me at your session and I will save your photos for your online gallery.

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When will I receive my Online Gallery?

The most exciting part of your photographic experience happens 2-3 weeks after your photo shoot. I will email you a link to your online gallery with a password to access it. You will be able to select the images/packages you would like to purchase. Add on’s such as custom framing, albums and portrait boxes are also available to purchase which will become heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. I have samples on display in my studio which you are welcome to look at during your photo shoot.

 

How long does it take to get my order?

A standard turnaround guide time of 4 weeks is provided to ensure that the custom artwork and professional finish isn’t rushed and the best results are given. Actual times really differ depending on what you order, but most clients can expect their portraits under this time.

 

How do I pay?

I accept payments by cash, EFT or PayPal. The booking retainer (session fee) is paid at the time of booking and is non-refundable. The payment for your order is due when placing your order.

 

Where can I find more information about the newborn session?

Once you have made your booking I will send a welcome pack with more information by email. Of course if you have any questions feel free to contact me via email or phone to discuss.

 

I have another child, would you take some photos with him/her at our newborn session?

Yes of course, however the focus of the session will be on your newborn. Please let me know who is expected to be photographed when you submit your newborn questionnaire. I encourage the parents to be photographed as well to capture these memories in years to come. For the baby’s safety, it is studio policy that siblings do not stay after their photos have been taken. There are no child care facilities, children become bored very quickly and can cause disruption. 

 

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Certificate in Newborn Photography, an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science in Photography from Central Tafe. I have also worked at many portrait studios around Perth. I continue to learn from many of the industry leaders in newborn photography. Courses I have completed include Kelly Brown's Intensive Newborn workshop, Leanne Curtis's Mastering Studio Light for Newborns and Online Newborn and Maternity and Business retreats with the Milky Way.

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What awards have you received?

I have been awarded two Silver awards in the portrait category in the Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA’s). I was also awarded First Place Ilford Tertiary Students Photographic Competition Perth Central Tafe.

 

Cameras and recording devices

I ask the parents not to bring their camera or recording device to the session. This includes not taking photos or videos with your mobile phone. I know that the babies can look very cute and it’s only natural to want to run and grab that camera, but this is what I am here for. This studio policy applies to all attendees.

 

What if I need to reschedule?

I require 48 hours’ notice to reschedule. After that you may lose your booking/session fee.

 

Disclaimer

Photographs are edited on a screen calibrated to the professional print lab I work with. To ensure the best quality product, it is recommended that any print orders be placed through me. I cannot be held responsible for the quality of any prints produced by an inferior lab.