What to Expect at A Photo Session
Newborn Sessions (for ages 6 to 14 days)
I can’t get enough of newborns. As a mother of two, I understand how hard those first few weeks are and how hard it can be to get out the door. That said, I think it is so important to capture this precious newborn stage to cherish forever. They are only little for such a short time and before you know it, you will forget how how small they really were.
My studio is very warm and I have womb-like noises, such as white noise and a heartbeat, to make them feel at home. We will try 5 – 6 different set ups, but I let the baby tell me what they want to do and will never put them in a pose they are not comfortable in. I always let them run the show. Newborns generally will feed a lot more often during their session, so please bring along extra bottles if you are not breast feeding. And don’t forget the pacifier. (Even if you are not planning on using a pacifier this could really help them settle into a pose without too much disruption.) I will have some brand new, sterilised Jollypop dummies if you don’t have any. They are the most preferred dummy used in Australian hospitals.
To help get those sleepy curled-up poses, please keep your baby awake for at least an hour before their session and give them a big feed before coming. If they fall asleep in the car on the way that is great because they will usually go into a deep sleep and we can get started straight away. Dress them in a zip-up onesie with no singlet. If your baby is in a baby capsule please bring the baby into the studio in the capsule. My full sessions can go anywhere from 2 to 3 hours.There will be plenty of time for top ups and settling. I never rush this session. I also offer a wrapped mini session. This session is usually about 1 hour. I will do 3 different sets up with your baby wrapped up. You can add family and or sibling images to each of my sessions for $50.
If you have older siblings coming to the photoshoot please bring along things to entertain them throughout the session. We may also have to bribe them to get in the photos so think about what you might like to give them. Chocolate, lollies or maybe some ice-cream on the way home. What ever you are comfortable with. Sibling images are never guaranteed as they are not always willing to co operate but we will do our best. A good thing to do is to talk to them leading up to your photoshoot about how they are going to be in photos with their new baby brother or sister.
What to wear – if you are having family images as well
Dad – Jeans or shorts with a plain shirt or t-shirt.
Mum – Jeans and a plain top or a nice dress.
Boys – Jeans or shorts with a plain shirt or t-shirt
Girls – Jeans and a plain top or a nice dress
Any of these colours are great. Black, white, grey, navy or pastel colours. You don’t have to all wear the same colour. Just as long as they are the same tones and match in well, which most of these colours will. No logos or crazy patterns. You don’t want them distracting from the person wearing them. The dresses are fine to not just be a plain colour. Something pretty and colourful is great. If you try to stick to the colours I mentioned it will all fit in really well. On top of all of that can Mum and Dad please bring along a plain black or white top. There is one shot that I do that looks great with you two in the same colour. So just bring that as well as your other outfit.
Baby Sessions (for ages 6 to 9 months)
The next stage I love to photograph is when your baby is sitting up and before they are crawling. It’s a great time to get some cheeky smiles and let their little personality shine through. This is usually done between the age of 6 to 9 months. This session goes for about 45 minutes. There will be time for 2 to 3 outfit changes. You can use outfits from my selection or bring your own.
Cake Smash Sessions (for ages 10 to 14 months)
I absolutely love cake smashes. What better way to celebrate your little ones upcoming first birthday than smashing up and eating a cake. All you need to do is choose your little ones outfit and colour scheme from the selection I have and I will take care of everything else: from the cake to the decorations. If you have your own outfit in mind we can create your vision together. Check out my outfits and cakes page here.
Please bring along with you to your cake smash session:
• 2 towels and a face washer for a bath after the cake smash
• Body wash if your little one has sensitive skin
• A change of clothes for you and your baby (It gets very messy!)
I never know how each little one will react. Some dive in and love the mess and the cake … and others definitely do not. Please understand that not all little ones will love the cake smash and that is okay. Sometimes we might strategically place some icing or break the cake up for them. It’s a good idea to have a practice at home with a small cake and let them get their hands in there and make a mess. (This is also good to make sure they don’t have any allergies to cakes or icing.) I will have a few tricks to encourage them and usually once they have tasted the cake all will be more than fine. Please be aware that some colours may stain the skin but will come off after a couple of washes.