Congratulations on the safe arrival of your new baby! I am so looking forward to meeting you all and photographing this special time in your lives. Thank you again for choosing me – I am incredibly privileged to have so many amazing clients, and I’m excited for you to join them.
Please carefully read and save the information below, and let me know if you have any further questions at all.
How should I prepare for our session?
I don’t like to give many specific instructions for how to prepare your newborn for their first official photo session – it’s hard enough just to get yourselves ready and leave the house on time! All I ask is that baby is fed and changed shortly before you leave home, and to dress baby in just one layer of clothing (a large buttoned/zippered onesie is great) so we don’t upset them too much getting undressed when you arrive.
If baby has older siblings, it’s a good idea to talk to them in the days leading up to your session about being in photos, using gentle hands, and maybe even practice some photos together so they have an idea what to expect when I photograph them. You might even like to show them photos of my work involving newborns and siblings, and talk about me like a friend so I’m not as much of a “stranger” when we first meet.
What should we bring?
I have all the necessary equipment and props needed to photograph your newborn in my natural, simplistic way. You are more than welcome to bring any special items that you’d like your new baby photographed with, and I will incorporate them into your images as suited.
Please bring a dummy for baby (if you plan to use one) and plenty of formula if you are not breastfeeding, along with your usual nappy bag items.
Lastly, please bring some “clean” snacks (ie. that won’t make faces/hands too dirty!) and your drink bottle, especially for siblings – and breastfeeding mums!
What should we wear?
My sessions are usually very light and bright, using mostly whites and neutral colours in styling. Therefore, lighter clothing colours generally work best – even a simple white t-shirt/singlet/blouse is perfect.
Newborn baby will be undressed and wrapped in a white fabric (provided in studio) to start with, so no particular outfit is needed – unless of course, you have something special to utilise in your photos, in which case we will dress and photograph baby in this at the end of the session.
For siblings, something fairly neutral with no obvious logos or pictures on their clothing is best. Colour combinations using whites/grey/navy/pastels/denim/khaki/olive always work beautifully together.
Clean, natural (non-painted) fingernails are best (if you already have your nails done, that’s not a problem at all! Just ensure they are not chipped or broken, as I can’t guarantee I will be able to fix it in editing).
Comfortable shoes are fine, as they won’t be seen in photos. Please wear minimal jewellery – I will ask that you remove any watches or bangles when posing with your newborn, so that all the attention focuses on your beautiful babe.
What will happen when we arrive at your studio?
Please bring baby in their capsule (or carry them in – no prams). My studio room is very small and has seating available for only 2-3 adults. If you are bringing older siblings, we will do the family and sibling photos first, and then I ask that siblings are taken out for lunch/play at the park/shops/etc while we continue with the remainder of the session. Usually this is a good opportunity for Dads to escape! However, if children are happy to stay, they are more than welcome. I have three young children of my own, so I don’t mind at all (unless they are excessively unsettled or energetic, then it’s usually in the best interest of the newborn to take them out).
Due to the extra handling of your newborn, they tend to be extra hungry on photo day and often feed more/longer than usual. This is completely fine and I’m always happy to let baby feed for as long as they need.
During the photos, I will do all of the baby handling, settling and posing – all you need to do is sit back and relax!
Although my newborn sessions are often done in around two hours, I like to allow a little extra time just in case we need it, so it’s best not to make any other important plans for your session day.
What happens if my newborn is unsettled and/or doesn’t sleep?
I try not to have any set expectations for posing in my newborn sessions. I am completely led by your baby/children, and I like to keep the session very relaxed. Babies (and older children) often pick up on our vibes, so if we are stressed and impatient, it is more likely that they will be unsettled and uncooperative.
Although it is much easier to photograph newborns when they’re asleep, it’s definitely not a requirement! Awake photos can be absolutely amazing – they just take a little more time and patience.
Older children can be very unpredictable, especially siblings under 3yo. I have lots of patience, and many tricks up my sleeve, to capture some beautiful images of your family together – so please don’t stress!
How can I pay for the remainder of my package?
Full payment is required on the day of your photo session (minus the Booking Fee deposit already paid). This can be paid in my studio via debit/credit card or cash (please note I don’t usually have change available).
Where is your studio located?
My studio is located inside my home at 56 Ravensbourne Crescent, North Lakes. You are welcome to park on the driveway if there is room (however my cars are often both there taking up all the space), otherwise on the road right in front of my home is fine. Please let me know in advance if you need wheelchair accessibility, as even though my studio is located on the ground floor, there is a step up into my front door that may need to be ramped.
What if I’m running late for our booking?
Firstly, please don’t stress! Although I prefer to run on time, it is more important to drive safely and arrive a little bit late, than to rush. It is completely understandable if you’re running slightly late – it’s often the first big outing for your newborn, and you’re all surviving on very little sleep. Not to mention unpredictable traffic, especially if you’re travelling across town. All I need is for you to send me a quick text in the morning to let me know (my number is 0422 402 930), and I will let you know if there are any issues.
What happens after our photo session? When can I see my images?
You will be able to see a sneak peek of your images via a blog post here on my website, the very same day of your photo session. Your full gallery will be emailed to you in approximately 2-3 weeks (you can ask me for my current editing time at your session), where you will receive a link to download all the fully edited high-res (full size for printing) and low-res (social media size) images from your newborn session. So quick and easy!
Wellness policy in the studio
Health and safety in the studio is of the utmost importance for me as a professional photographer. If you or any member of your immediate family (or those attending the studio, whether being photographed or not) are unwell or have been diagnosed with a contagious illness, please contact me ASAP to re-schedule your booking. Symptoms such as (but not limited to) sore through, cough, fever must be reported and will unfortunately mean you cannot attend the studio until fully resolved.
I completely understand that you may want photos done while your baby is still newborn, but spreading unwanted germs can be dangerous for other clients and my own family, too. Thank you so much for your understanding in this matter.
