First thing is first. Save my number in your phone. So when you have had your baby you can send me out a message to let me know. Try and do this within the first 48 hours. This will allow me to make room for our shoot or move things around if I need to. I couldn’t be more excited.

How to prepare below

How to prepare for the day.

Why it’s important to let me know as soon as possible?

If your partner has no flexibility with work and the shoot needs to be done within the first 2 weeks. (if you tell me your baby was born a week ago and the shoot needs to be done the following week, then its hard for me to move things around or fit you in with little notice.)

Sessions are done first thing in the morning and pencilled in for mid-week. My weekends are usually booked solid for months so its next to impossible for me to do a weekend.

If your not feeling up to doing the shoot within the first 2 weeks, then that’s totally fine. You don’t know what kind of birth you are going to have and how you are going to recover. So if you need more time then I will be flexible.

I will save your date

Why it’s important to let me know as soon as possible?

I will mark your due date on my calendar, understanding that the actual arrival date may vary. By penciling it in, I'll have a general timeframe to expect to hear from you. If you have a scheduled C-section date and feel comfortable sharing it with me, we can plan for a session around two weeks after that date.

I'll patiently wait to hear the wonderful news from you. However, I kindly request that you inform me within three days of the baby's arrival, especially if you prefer to have the session done within the first two weeks. If you let me know when the baby is already a week old then it may be difficult to fit you in the following week especially if your partner doesn’t have flexibility with work.

Please keep in mind that if I happen to become unwell, I will need to reschedule the session. This precaution is to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of your brand-new baby, as I want to avoid introducing any germs. Your baby's health is my top priority.

Mornings are generally best

A shoot will generally take up to 2 hours. I try and do this first thing in the morning so if other kids need to get to school, or partners need to get back to work they can. The time of the shoot varies. But I usually aim to start anywhere from 8.30am-10.30am.

I have learned from experience that newborns in the afternoon or early evening are generally not as comfortable or are more unsettled.

Also I am a natural light photographer so morning light is usually the best. I generally use Main bedroom, nursery, living room and entry ways.

To get the best out of your photos, a nice neutral doona cover works best. Bright colours can cast a tinge to skin colour, and patterns can be distracting.

Go into this session with no expectations

Approach this newborn session with an open mind and no specific expectations. Babies are wonderfully unpredictable. Some days they are calm and settled, while other days they may be a little more restless. It all depends on the luck of the day. Rest assured, I have the patience and understanding to navigate any situation and still get a beautiful result.

I have experience in working with parents of newborns and know when to step back and give you the privacy and breathing room you might need.

Please remember that my ultimate goal is to capture the genuine love and connection between you and your newborn, creating lasting memories for you to cherish. So, even if there are unexpected moments or challenges along the way, rest assured that I am here to support you and document those beautiful moments of you settling and cuddling with your little one.

A few tips

Please don’t clean the house before I get there.

You have just had a baby it’s a home lifestyle session the house is supposed to look lived in. I wont be taking photos of the dishes in your sink or a bit of dust on your window sill. I can move things around or out of the way if they will be in the shot.

All I ask is for the bed to be made and the side tables to be clutter free. (I can move things if we need though)

Make sure your baby has a full belly right before I arrive.

Interact with your baby as much as possible prior to the session to ensure he/she is good and sleepy when we get there - sorry he/she needs to stay up as much as possible before the session and then they usually eat and go into what we call a “milk coma”

But remember, you’re the mum and mama knows best.

Let’s get cosy

During the winter months you may need to turn the heat up a little more than normal. New-borns love being warm. The temperature will also help your baby to be comfortable and stay sleepy longer. If we are uncomfortably hot that means the temp is perfect. In summer keep air con off until we have finished the shoot.

Safety

If I become unwell I will reschedule the session. I am also fully vaccinated, flu, and whopping cough.

Background Noise

It always helps to have some background noise during the session. That could be the TV playing in the background or some music.

Many hands make light work

If you have other children, then having a friend or grandparent help out and keep them entertained when we don’t need them helps everyone keep calm and relaxed.

I will let the big kids lead, I start with lots of photos of them when I have their full attention and at their own pace. I never force them to do something. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeves. And the bonus of a home session is they get to interact with baby rather then sitting there and forcing them to smile. Once I am finished with them and got all the “Main” shots they can take a break. I may call them back in throughout the shoot.

On the day

I will come into the session and chat about your new baby. I will explain what to expect from me. I will ask for a tour of your home to work out the best rooms to shoot in. If you have other kids I will chat to them and get them comfortable with me.

I will then begin taking photos. I will guide you. But feel free to snuggle into your baby, hold their hands, smell them, kiss them and just keep looking at them with all the love I know you have.