Questions you may have...

Newborn and Family Lifestyle Sessions

You’ve taken the first step and booked your session. Now you’re probably wondering how it all works. I’m here to help and answer any questions you might have and to make this process seamless. Below you will find some common questions and their answers. Of course, if I haven’t covered it here, let me know.

What can I expect once I have booked?

Once we set your date, you will receive an invoice asking for your deposit to be paid. Payment locks in your date.  You will also receive a contract and a questionnaire. The questionnaire helps me get to know your family including any major dislikes and loves.  For example, it could be that your child takes a while to warm to strangers – this is good info for me to have.  A few days before your session I will message to confirm that you are all set.  If you have any questions at any stage, simply email me and I will get back to you.

What can I expect during a session at my home?

When I first arrive at your house, it’s about me viewing the space and determining the perfect spots for our session. I’ll often talk to the little humans and get them to show me around. It’s a good opportunity for them to lead the way, showing me around your house through their eyes: from your bedroom to theirs, their prized possessions and favourite hiding places.  I’ll then give you a run down of my plan for your session.  During your session I will guide you a little, placing you in the perfect light or prompting you to spark natural connections by playing games, eliciting a tickle or a squeal or even a whisper in each other’s ear.  It helps everyone to feel comfortable and more relaxed, allowing me to capture beautiful connected photos to look back on and cherish.

Can you document an activity we love to do as a family?

I sure can! This session is about you, your family and your story.  If you love making muffins with the kids, let’s do it!  If your kids love to play super heroes with Dad, let’s do it!  My lifestyle sessions are adaptable to individual families’ needs.  If there is something special you would like included in your session, just ask me.

What if our house isn’t perfect like in the magazines?

Words I love to hear!  I want to document your family, perfectly-imperfect.  Who really has young children and the perfect home?  I have 3 children and our house was never perfect –  it was lived in. There was always a piece of Lego on the floor somewhere!  The main places we will shoot in are the master bedroom, kids’ bedrooms and the living area.  You don’t need to have everything sparkling clean but I do suggest ensuring the rooms are tidy and, if necessary, declutter a little.  This is your story, it’s about your family. Your space is you and it is represents you in this moment of time.  If you are worried though, feel free to send me through some photos and I can offer guidance.

What time will our session be?

For an in-home lifestyle session, I find 10am or 2pm are the best times to get that beautiful natural light.  I work with you, around your little ones’ nap times and we adjust the time to suits them best so they aren’t tired and grumpy.

For a session outside I love to shoot at sunrise and an hour or so before sunset.  This way we get the beautiful golden light.  Once again if you have little ones we will try for times that best suit them.

What will we wear?

This would be the most asked question I get. Deciding what to wear is important and should be decided before your session.  I suggest choosing your outfit first, then matching family members clothes to that.  Pick a colour theme and work within it. Colour, texture and patterns add a nice depth to your photos,  however do avoid contrasting patterns. One person with a pattern is sometimes enough. Adding a scarf or accessories can sometimes help tie your outfits together. I suggest laying the outfits on the bed to see how they all look together. You are more than welcome to send me through a photo, I am always happy to assist and offer advice.

Please no large logos, sport shirts or large prints on t-shirts as these can be distracting.  I also suggest not being too matchy-matchy, i.e. everyone in denim jeans and white shirts. You want your images to be timeless and not date in a few years’ time.  Also, the camera doesn’t always pick up the detail in black so avoid wearing too much.

Importantly you need to be comfortable in what you are wearing, both standing and sitting.  We want you to feel confident and relaxed, not worrying if your pants are too tight when you sit down!

You don’t need to go shopping to buy new outfits for everyone, although it is a good excuse if you want to!  If you have a favourite outfit you love your child wearing, it is a good idea to get it out of the cupboard, make sure it still fits (they grow so quickly) and check it’s not stained (this does happen) before the day of your session.

If your session is in your house, don’t forget the bed covers.  It is worth choosing a cover that complements your outfit choices. Neutral colours work well.

Will you pose our newborn and bring props for them?

While I will direct you in holding your newborn and place you in beautiful light, I am all about your photos being natural.  We might add a wrap and layers to lie your baby on your bed or in the bassinet, but I do not do the curled up posed images like you will receive from a studio photographer.  Once again, these photos form part of your families story and for this reason I love your baby to be dressed in their own clothes. If you are unsure on what to dress them in you can send photos through to me or we can choose once I arrive at your house.

When is the best time to have our newborn session?

Newborns are most settled in their first 14 days.  Sessions can be held after this time, however please remember they grow quickly and they will settle easier when they are ‘brand new’.

It looks like rain, can we reschedule?

100% YES!  I do keep an eye on the weather leading up to your session. If it looks to be turning bad, we can play it by ear and see what the day brings or reschedule to another date.

What if we are sick?

We reschedule, and the same goes if I am sick. Illness can’t be helped and it is the one thing we don’t want to share!

Our children might not behave…..

I am yet to meet the perfect child!  Children are unpredictable, the best thing is not to stress if they do misbehave.  If your child doesn’t want to be a photo, I find the easiest thing is to move on and take photos of another set up. When they see their sibling or your four legged family member having fun, they will be drawn back into the session.

Can we have our dog in our photos?

You sure can!  I am a dog lover from way back and I LOVE dogs in photos, after all they are part of your family. The one thing I do like to ask if your session is outside, “Is your dog well trained/behaved?” Your dog will not need to be in every photo and we want to ensure you are relaxed and not stressing where your dog is.  We also want your dog to be safe at all times.

Will you retouch our photos, make me look like a supermodel and whiten my teeth?

Your photos will be beautifully edited, however I do not make you look like a supermodel. I am all about embracing who you are.  I will retouch blemishes and marks, if requested (within reason). For example, if zit pops up the morning of our session and would like it removed, I am happy to do that for you.  If you would like additional high-end editing this can be arranged at an hourly rate. The photos you see on my website have been edited to my standard and this is what you can expect when you receive your photos.

Our session is outside what should I bring?

I always carry insect repellant with me however if anyone in your family has allergies, I suggest bringing your own.  Please pack some water and snacks for your little ones, sometimes they need a little something extra during the session.  You may like to bring a favourite toy or a blanket or quilt that you love.

When will I get my photos?

I try to do a sneak peek for you on the day of your session or the following day.  You can expect to receive a link to your online gallery within 2-3 weeks from the date of your session. 

Do you travel?

Yes, I do!  I service Geelong and surrounds. Areas outside of Geelong may incur a small travel fee.

What is the most important thing for me to remember?

To be you, to relax and to have fun with your family.  Enjoy the time to reflect, play and be present.  Be yourself, don’t stress, love each other, have a little kiss or a tickle, forget I’m there and let me capture you as you are.  Let me tell your story, it is PERFECTLY IMPERFECT!

Any further questions?