Frequenty Asked Questions
It is never too early to book your newborn photo session, so please book while you are still expecting to guarantee a session. This ensures we are ready, for whenever your baby arrives.
Because I also offer other types of photography sessions, I have bookings sometimes up to 1 year in advance. I take on a limited number of newborn photo sessions per week to allow for the fact that some babies arrive early and some arrive late. If you know your due date and you like my style of photography, book it in as early as possible.
This is up to the individual, however I recommend between 30-36 weeks for maternity sessions.
A floaty dress in a solid colour, chiffon, or other floaty fabric works brilliantly. Otherwise, wear what makes you feel great! Try to avoid bold patterns and distracting logos. I have a few (One Size Fits All) custom made maternity dresses available if required. Please feel free to contact me for a consultation on what to wear if required.
Worldwide, newborn photo sessions are recommended for babies under 12 days of age with the optimum time being 4-10 days. This is because babies are sleepiest, and easiest to settle during this time. Photo sessions held after 12 days frequently run for an hour or so longer as babies are harder to settle and more wakeful/aware of Mum’s absence etc. so please be prepared for this. Also, babies like to curl up beautifully before 12 days so many of the images in baskets or on posing backdrops work best during this time. The “head in hands” or “froggy” pose composite images are almost always of babies under 12 days of age. Babies need to be very relaxed and in a deep sleep to achieve this pose which involves adult support and compositing 2 images in Photoshop post production.
I aim to have images available for viewing within 3 weeks following your photography session date.
Payment is due by at the in person viewing of your photos. I accept BSB and account transfers and cash as options to pay.
I am happy to accept smaller payments in the lead up to your photographic work being finalised. Talk to me about a payment plan.
For all of my sessions, I recommend clothing that is neutral, without logos or heavy patterns. I provide all that is necessary for newborn baby sessions, so unless you have a special item you would like in your images, you do not need to provide anything. Sometimes people like to bring a special toy/blanket or prop and that is ok. During each session I run heating (sometimes both ducted reverse cycle and a portable heater). It may be hot for us as adults but I regulate the temperature to keep baby happy. Please dress accordingly.
Your baby’s safety is paramount to me. Some of my images are composites in Photoshop (for example all “head in hands” poses are composites) which means that the baby has been supported entirely and the supporting parent’s arm or hand is erased in Photoshop when editing. When choosing your newborn photographer, make sure your photographer puts your baby’s safety first and does not compromise on this in order to get a tricky shot. I will never place your baby in an unsafe or uncomfortable pose. I always ask that a parent or assistant is beside the baby on each surface. I have the experience with newborn babies and to composite images in Photoshop where a particular shot is required. After each session, I wash fabrics and props used. Safety and hygiene are paramount to me.
I do not sell or provide RAW files or unedited images as part of my services. One of the reason clients love my work is due to my photographic skill, artistic vision, use of fabrics and textures and editing style. I spend between 5-6 hours editing each session which includes meticulous attention to detail so as not to over edit (correcting skin tones/colours and enhancing lighting). During this time I also convert RAW digital files to high resolution, printable formats and decipher the image file size and document size. Editing enhances and finalises each photograph as a piece of art. Included in this time is the transfer of files to a USB in both high and low resolution as well as designing your birth announcement digital file (for newborn packages). No images displayed on either my website or Facebook page are unedited.
All of my printed products are printed on the highest quality of professional paper at a professional printing lab. The computer and software I edit with is calibrated to print exactly as it should at this lab. Taking your USB to other printing companies may not produce the work as it should be printed. I will consult with clients on this after the session and advise where to take your USB for prints/canvases or books etc.
Professional newborn photographers are trained in safe practices and the handling of new babies which is an additional skill in itself. Thousands of hours of experience are behind beautiful photographs. Camera equipment, taxes, insurances, costs to run a business, quality props, running of heating for newborns and constant up to date training and time are taken into consideration for pricing. My professional business also supports my family.