Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book a newborn session?
The best time to contact me for a session is as soon as you have cleared your first trimester. I’m usually booked approximately 4-6 months in advance so honestly, the sooner the better.
How do you book the due date in? What if my baby comes early/late?
I only accommodate a certain amount of newborns per month for that exact reason. I will pencil your due date in and it allows me to accommodate late/early babies. This strategic scheduling allows me to accommodate your baby in the first few weeks of birth.
Do I need to bring anything?
My studio is a haven of newborn props. All you need to bring are a few essentials (nappies, etc.) which are on your contract, and prep guide once you have booked (which will be emailed to you).
How long do sessions last?
I am a ‘baby led’ photographer. Your baby is my boss. They will govern how long sessions take depending on if they are cluster feeding, settled, unsettled, etc. Generally, most sessions can take between 3-4 hours but don’t worry, I only do one session per day so we will continue until we fill your gallery with beautiful images. Many lifestyle photographers will simply wrap baby for every session and therefore, those types of sessions can be done within an hour or two. However, my passion for capturing a beautiful artistic portrait gallery takes a little more skill, time and care. Some setups/poses can take anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour. Again, this will depend on baby and what styling you are after. True artistic and professional newborn photography can simply not be rushed. I try to capture a mixture of wrapped and unwrapped images for you… therefore, the time of the session is governed by your baby, their mood on the day, personality, feed patterns etc. Please also take into consideration that if you want family photos or if you have toddlers, this all contributes to the time a session will take.
How much is a newborn session?
My session/booking fee is $200 and is non-refundable. That does not include any images. My minimum spend is a basic digital package starting at $995 for 10 display-worthy images. Please click the ‘enquire now’ on the top of the website for a detailed price list.
When do I need to pay the minimum package?
The $200 booking fee is paid as soon as you decide to book. The minimum package is paid by the date of your session after you have given birth. Any upgrades over and above that can be done after you have viewed your gallery. The booking fee is separate to the package you select.
What are the payment options?
Bank transfer or Cash. (Booking fee can only be transferred)
Do you only do studio sessions?
Yes, I have a beautiful studio which is filled with gorgeous props at the rear of my property located on the border of Kingsgrove/Roselands, Sydney. I would be very limited as to the styling of my sessions if I had to incorporate travel into them. My studio is comfy, warm and the perfect sleepy playground for newborns and sleep-deprived parents.
Can myself, my partner as well as our other children be in the images?
Yes, I absoutely encourage this! Usually, I will shoot siblings together, then parents, and then family shots. Once they are captured, I then ask that Dad takes siblings out while we concentrate on your newborn images.
How many images do you take?
After you have decided to book, we will have a chat about which package you are considering to ensure we get enough setups to accommodate what you’re after.
When do we see our images?
During our session, we will discuss the best time and day for us to view your gallery together via Zoom. Both decision-makers will need to be present to ensure that everyone gets to make selections. Once you have decided if you’d like to stay with the minimum package or upgrade, we will discuss an approximate completion date. This will vary based on my shooting workload.
Are you immunised?
I am up to date with all baby-relevant immunizations that are required when handling newborns. I am also very vigilant when it comes to hygiene. I have trained family and friends on the importance of passing on viruses, stomach flus, and colds etc. If they are unwell, they know and respect not to come into contact with me. I also ask all of my clients to consider this when they are doing any type of session with me. I would rather reschedule a session in order to keep all my newborns that I come into contact with, safe – including yours. If toddlers are not well, even on the morning of the session, please let me know immediately so we can reschedule.
How can we prep for our newborn session with you?
Sessions start at 12pm. That should leave you plenty of time to avoid Sydney traffic and be here on time. Please bathe baby either the morning of the session or the night before. As for feeding, please feed baby as per normal. If you need to feed before you leave home, do so. Alternatively, if timing works, you will simply feed as soon as you get here. Please don’t let this stress you out. Do your best to be here on time working around your baby. If you are going to be late at all, please be courteous enough to let me know. Please also be sure to dress baby in a front opening romper and absolutely nothing that requires me to pull it over their heads. This includes no singlets or short sleeve underwear rompers. Use a blanket to keep baby warm if you are concerned. There is a very practical reason for this, when you arrive it will make sense.
What else should we bring?
3-4 extra nappies, a dummy/pacifier (a must-bring item, please ask for more details on this if needed), lunch and snacks – you will get hungry. Sustenance is important, sessions can sometimes go for a few hours. You are already tired so take care of you too. Come in comfortable loose clothing or layers that you can remove. Studio is approximately 27 degrees to accommodate an unwrapped baby and you will need to stay comfy.
"I'm not sure if we want to be in photos but if we do, what should we wear?"
I really encourage you to be in your baby’s images! You may not feel the best at the moment but years from now these images will be cherished by you as well as your baby. Do not worry about sleep deprivation, photoshop is amazing at making you look the way you usually do. Keep your makeup and hair simple and make sure your hands are as clean or manicured as possible as they will be visible. Most family shots are taken above the hips/waist so bottom half isn’t as visible for clothing. Keep colours in the mid-tone range…Avoid black and avoid white tops unless we have discussed this as your colour pallet. I generally suggest the following:
For Dads: round or v neck tshirts in mid grey/charcoal, mid blue or navy, pink, khaki, and light blue work best. Avoid stripes, large logos, polos, prints, and any type of collar.
For Mums: I have a very extensive wardrobe but here is a guide for you as well – Soft nudes/blushes, creams and most light tones will work with what I’ve suggested for Dads. Avoid vibrant colours or bold prints, these newborn images are about welcoming your baby into your life and your connection, not so much about stand out outfits.
Siblings/Toddlers: Please keep in mind what I’ve suggested for parents. Frilly tutus and glitzy outfits don’t really complement the softer, simple looks I’ve recommended. I find linen, cotton, and anything organic works best. The same rules apply as with dad above for things to avoid.
Remember, shoes are not going to be worn in the studio and won’t be visible in the images, therefore, that’s one less thing to worry about coordinating. In fact, it’s most convenient to arrive in thongs/slides, especially if it’s raining. Shoes aren’t worn in the studio.
Can we take photos and videos during our session?
For copyright reasons, any footage taken during a session needs to be captured only on my equipment so I am more than happy to allow you to use my phone to capture some behind the scene footage which I can view, select and share with you.