Newborn Photography Frequently Asked Questions
I want to make your newborn photo session as smooth and relaxed as possible, so please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Check out the questions & answers below, or contact me HERE if you have another enquiry.
What is your style of photography?
My photography is all about relaxed, natural images that best capture you and your family. I’m not about perfectly posed studio images of your baby - instead, I love capturing the natural, emotive connections between family members. I love photographing the sweet little details - the gentle kisses you give your newborn baby, their tiny little toes and those first baby yawns. To me, beautiful photography is all about the details and the moments your family share together. I’m just there to capture them!
Where will our newborn photo session take place?
Newborn sessions are usually best in your home, where it's warm, cosy and with plenty of time for your baby to feed and sleep when need be.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible! I tend to book out sessions 3-4 months in advance, so the sooner the better. Just let me know your due date, and we’ll work out a session date around then sometime. We can always alter the date closer to the time if your little one arrives early or late!
What should we wear?
This is always the first question I get asked! My biggest piece of advice is to always wear something you love, and that you feel like yourselves in. I want you to look like YOU in your family photos. Wear clothes you love… Whether it’s flowy dresses, ripped jeans, sunnies, a tutu - whatever you fancy! They’re your photos for your walls, for you to love forever.
There are some colours and things to avoid though, as they tend to overwhelm your photos… Too much black, red or fluro colours, for example. It’s also best to stay away from large brand names and slogans. Try to complement each other's clothes, but without being too matchy. You don't all need to wear matching jeans and white shirts, for example! Instead, choose your outfit first and then find complementing outfits for everyone else.
Try not to dress your baby up too much… Teeny babies look so sweet in just a nappy, a little singlet or a cute onesie. Simple is best!
What actually happens at our session?
I will arrive at your house, camera in hand (and maybe a little step-ladder as I'm only 5"2!), and get to know you all a little bit first. We'll have a chat and we'll go over our plans for the session.
My photo sessions are always relaxed and laid back. I’ll usually capture some family photos of everybody first, then we’ll break off into different combinations - closeups of your little one by themselves, just you and your baby, etc. We’ll follow your baby’s lead and will go from there.
I’m a bit awkward having my photo taken. Will you tell us what to do in the photos?
I will gently guide you when necessary, but will try to avoid posing as much as possible. I’ve been doing this for five years now, so have had lots of experience with getting people to relax and not worry about the camera. Some families even say they forgot I was there because they were so busy playing, which I love!
I might ask you to sit in a particular spot so the light is perfect, or I might ask you to squish in closer next to your children, but I won’t force you into cheesy, awkward positions. I’ll encourage you to cuddle and give your baby kisses while I snap away with my camera. Mostly I want you to relax and enjoy this precious time together, because that’s where the beauty is!
What happens after our session?
Within 48 hours of your session, I will send you a couple of sneak peeks. 3-4 weeks after your session, I will email you a secure link to view your online gallery, where you can choose your favourite photos to download. These are yours to print or share wherever you like.
How old should my baby be for a newborn session?
If you're really wanting sleepy newborn photos, then when your baby is 6-12 days old is ideal. If you'd rather your baby be a little more awake and more expressive, then anywhere up to 12 weeks is great.
Will you wrap my baby for photos and pose them in different positions?
No, but I will encourage you to snuggle your baby and interact with them! My photography is different to posed studio portraits. I want to capture all the special moments you share, together and cosy in your own home.
Can my toddler / other children join in too?
Of course! I always make sure your older children have lots of fun during newborn photo shoots and share in the special moments to be captured.
I love the idea of an in-home session, but my house isn't perfect!
Please don't worry about this! As long as you have a cosy bed to sit on and some natural light, we will be fine. I've done many in-home sessions in just one room and the photos were some of my favourites. Just clear any clutter away that you don't want in your photos. The main rooms we might be in would be the living room, master bedroom and the baby's room.
A little tip - make sure you love your master bedroom bedspread, as this will feature in many of your photos!
What if my toddler doesn't want their photo taken or if my teenager is grumpy or if my baby cries?
No worries! Of course these things will happen! I'm a mum of two boys so I totally get it. We'll all work together to keep them happy and entertained... We'll play chasey and blow bubbles and read their favourite book, and give plenty of breaks when needed. And if all else fails, remember, it's not about perfectly posed photos - I'd rather a cute little bottom lip sticking out and chubby hands on hips rather than a fake smile any day!
Will you retouch our photos and take away my wrinkles?
Not really, no. I will professionally edit your images to bring out the best in colour and tone, but I won't change how you look by making your teeth whiter or your legs slimmer! I can remove dribble from your baby's chin or boogers from your toddler's nose though, if you'd like me to.
What if we're all sick?
We can reschedule, no problems at all.
Do you travel for photo sessions?
Sure! I'm based in Geelong, but am happy to travel further afield to Torquay, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Anglesea, Melbourne, etc. I just ask that my travel fees are covered if travel time is longer than an hour.
I'm ready to book! What's next?
Yay! Contact me here to get started!