Want to capture the beautiful chaos of family life but not sure how?
“I got you, babe”
- Sonny + Cher
Life is at a turning point for you right now, and it will never be the same again. It’s exciting, wondrous and perhaps a little scary. In fact, it’s a whole host of emotions at any given time. It’s like you’re living in the past, present and future, all at once - you search through old baby photos for clues of what may be, while your body performs miracles right before your very eyes.
And then, before you know it, the longest 9 months of your life has come and gone and there in front of you is a tiny human YOU MADE and are responsible for at all times. It’s a hurricane of intensity - of deep love, long nights and so many firsts. Let me preserve those moments for you so you can keep them close always.
So what can you expect from a Mad Love Newborn sesh?
Mainly lots of kisses, cuddles and chats with your little one. I want to capture the way you all interact as a new little family - tears, laughter, pets, crazy siblings and all. I want you to feel completely relaxed and know that I am not at all bothered by crying or baby poo, and have plenty of time for changes, feeds and cuddles as they are needed.
What not to expect?
Well, I've found those perfectly posed Anne Geddes style shots just aren't my jam, though I know some amazing photographers that I'm happy to recommend if this is what you're after. I’m drawn to the beauty of real life; the crazy toddlers, newly promoted and trying to figure out what ‘be gentle’ means; the sleepy, adoring eyes so full of love; the curious pets and a house that became a home. I want you to be able to look back on your photos in the years to come and think;"Wow, we were bloody tired and scared as hell, but our hearts we're so full of love they could have burst right out of our chests."
The Deal with Maternity Sessions
1. When should I book for?
Maternity sessions can be done at any time you feel up for it really, but between 7-8 months is often a great time to book. Around this time, your gorgeous bump will be making a decent appearance, and hopefully you will be feeling pretty good without the bloating and tiredness that can come sometimes with the final weeks of pregnancy.
2. Where should we do the shoot?
Where we shoot is entirely up to you. Some people have their heart set on a specific location or sometimes a more general look (such as the beach or a grassy paddock), but if this isn’t you I’m happy to help. I’ve created a location guide if you’re stuck for ideas, just let me know and I’ll flick it through to you. I’d also like to add, if you’ve got an idea you’d like to try, please don’t be afraid to let me know. I’d love to get creative with you.
3. How do I book?
Once you’ve decided you want to do this thang, get in touch* and we’ll lock it in. I’ll send through a booking form and once that’s filled out, I’ll pop through an invoice for the deposit and the date is all yours. I’ll also send through a questionnaire for you to fill out at your leisure before our session. It’s easy peasy and here’s a hot tip: it’s designed to help me get the very best out of our time together so the more info you give me, the more personalised your photos will be to the kind of people you are.
4. What do I wear?
This question gets asked a lot and honestly, above all else, I think you should wear what you feel most comfortable in, both in the way it makes you feel when you wear it and that it makes you feel like yourself when you look in the mirror. Please don’t think you have to dress or look a certain way.
The Deal with Newborn Sessions
What’s the Vibe
I want you to feel comfortable and unhurried, not posed and stressed. I like to find a balance between taking things nice and slow and appreciating that your time is precious. I want the first thing you notice when you look at your photos to be the beauty of those fleeting first days, not what you are wearing.
When is the best time?
A lot of clients like to book within the first few weeks of bub being born, when they’re still so tiny and sleepy and that can be a really lovely time to capture. But above all else, I think you should book for when you feel ready. Bringing a little human into the world can be some next-level crazy, and it’s different experience for everyone. I will take note of your due date when you first touch base, and then wait for you to get in touch with me again to lock in your date.
Side-note: I reserve midweek mornings for newborn sessions (around 9.00am) as I find this is when babies are most settled.
Where do we have the session?
I almost always shoot newborn sessions in your home. When you first come home with your little one, your home becomes a safe little cocoon for your little family. It’s an extension of who you are. I love to shoot here because you have everything you need close by, you can feel comfortable to feed or change bub if you need to and you don’t have anyone else around except your most important people. I want you to know that your home doesn’t need to be perfectly tidy or a dream home to make beautiful photographs. Finding pockets of your home to shoot in is what I do, so you can just focus on connecting with your Loves.
And yes, pets can absolutely be included.
What should we wear?
Most importantly, I think you should wear what you feel good in. I do have people get in touch, concerned that they will clash with their babies outfit or their partner. If this is something you’re particularly worried about, or you just don’t know where to start, dressing in neutrals or similar tones is a safe bet. Perhaps also avoid stripes and bold writing as it can sometimes distort in the images.
What do we have to do during the session?
Nothing in particular, other than to hang out with your little fam. I might give you a little direction, particularly if you’re getting a video package as movement is important for filming.
You’re welcome to give bub a feed just before I arrive to fill them up, but if it doesn’t work in with your schedule or you’d prefer not to, that’s okay - we can stop for feeds whenever you’d like.
6. When do we get the finished gallery?
I will usually get a sneak peek through to you within a couple of days, and get the final gallery to you within 4 weeks. If you also have film as a part of your package, this may take up to 6 weeks, particularly during wedding season.
