WHAT TO EXPECT
Wondering how this will all play out? Here is a little more information to help. If all adults involved in your photo session can read this, that would be amazing. If we start this session all on the same page, the end result will be so much better.
These photo sessions are relaxed and about you and your new family interacting and being your wonderful selves. I’m there to document that. You have asked me to capture you, your new family, your story, so you can remember and treasure this time forever. I just need you to be you, nothing more.
In saying that I know it can be hard to relax with a camera pointed at you. I promise you that I have never had a client call me up to make a booking and tell me they love being photographed, ever. It is a challenge for most people, but trust in my process: it is something I have been developing for 20 years and it works.
I will give you direction and guidance to a point, positioning you in the best light, asking you to look at each other, setting up cuddles, but mostly I am just creating a space and opportunities for connections to happen naturally.
The session will unfold at the pace of your baby. There will be settling, feeds, nappy and outfit changes. I will photograph through these moments too. Real life, that’s where the magic is.
During your session my goal is to get all the different combinations possible within your family. If you’ve got any ideas before the session of what you’d like, please let me know.
My sessions are about pausing time and being utterly present with your family. Please put your phones away, preferably turn them off. Please do not start taking photographs over my shoulder, this can be so distracting for everyone.
If we are doing your session outdoors leave as much as you can in the car. We will be going on an adventure and a lot of the photographs are taken while we explore. Bags just get in the way.
I’m not a big fan of props in your images but I love a good rug or picnic blanket. This is your story so if you have something in mind then let’s chat. Please also ensure you have a few baby wraps ready to go, some plain and some patterned.
PREPARING FOR AN IN-HOME SESSION
There is something special about having photographs taken in your home. It is the only place I have my family photographed. It is where those fleeting golden moments happen, you know the ones. The ones where you feel your heart starts to glow, the moments we dreamed of before we became parents. They don’t happen often (in my household!), but when they do, they are powerful. The snuggles in bed as the sun rises, each and every one of those incredible milestones. There are countless memories being made each and every minute, and to have photographs to remind you of this time in your lives, in your home, with your people, is priceless.
I totally understand that the idea of getting ready for a photo session at the same time as preparing your home is asking A LOT! So please let me help a little …
Generally, the main spaces I photograph in are the parent’s bedroom, your baby’s room and the main living area, so these are the areas you should focus on when preparing for your session. All that is needed generally is a simple de-clutter, move things that won’t add any visual value to your images. This might be phone chargers, alarm clocks, dirty dishes, washing baskets, monitors, or baby bottles. If you want, feel free to add some fresh flowers and throws on the couch. If we are photographing in your bedroom, clean off your bedside tables, a little lamp is all we need or a small vase of flowers. How do you feel about your bed linen? Is it what you want? This can be a great time to treat yourself and blame the photographer!
Ultimately, I will only shoot in the areas with the best natural light and I will explain this more once I am in your home and can assess the light.
The key to these in-home sessions is not to over think it! If I see something that is distracting, I will remove it during the session. I have photographed in the smallest and messiest of homes with one window for light, in half renovated homes with building construction around us and in the types of homes that come with their own interior designer. They are all perfect, because they each tell your unique story.
GOLDEN LIGHT PREPARATION
If you are preparing for these evening sessions here’s some tips and tricks that have worked for my clients in the past:
~ A favourite toy/comforter
~ A late nap – change up your routine and give your baby a later nap in the day so they are bright eyed in the evening
~ Keep things very quiet for your baby in the lead up to your session