Motherhood
Milestones Project
Motherhood is full of milestones. Your brand new baby, their first steps, their first birthday. The first day off to school, high school, then leaving home…Time goes by so quickly.
There are so many milestones along the way that should be captured and celebrated. This is what this special project is all about. Celebrating your milestones, and watching you grow as a mother.
I want you to have photos that show you how much your family loves you. So that your child and family have proof on the walls of your home of how much you truly love them…
Your Motherhood Milestone Session
These photography sessions are for you, Mum. To make you feel special. To take beautiful portraits of you and your family to capture your milestones.
I’m here to help you with creating beautiful photos and help you to print and preserve these images so you can see them every day in your home.
What’s Included
- a magical mini make over with our amazing hair and makeup artist Kate
- access to our amazing wardrobe of timeless outfits for mum and bub
- a fun, playful and interactive family portrait session in-studio
- an in-studio guided ordering session for you to purchase your favourite photos*
- a complimentary 8×12 wall art piece for your wall*
It all started on the day
I Received The Booking Call
Without even realising, Mallie managed to talk me off a ledge. Talking to her was like I had a friend.
It was the first time in a long time, in a very long time that I didn’t feel totally alone.
Then coming into the studio, we were greeted like lifelong friends. the way every single person in the studio totally embraced my little family, my extremely wild little girl, my very quiet teen, my special little babe and my total awkwardness.
Just wanted to say thank you for being some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Thank you for my beautiful photos.
Thank you for embracing the different personalities of my family.
– Kelly
THE STORIES SO FAR…
HANNAH
I remember the first time I saw my son’s smile. It was like the sun had suddenly appeared on a cloudy day. His little face lit up, and I felt my heart fill with love. It’s been three months since then, and his smile still has the power to make my day. Being a mum is more challenging than I imagined, but it’s also more magical and special. I can’t describe the emotions that come with being a mum, but they are all worth it when I see his smile or hear his giggles. I wasn’t expecting to become a mum at 22, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. My son is my everything, and I am so grateful to be his mum.
I was thinking the other day about how there are certain things that I would love to have that would be special to me and my family. Things that we could cherish forever. I was thinking about how there are very few photos of me with my son. I am always the one behind the camera, trying to capture moments, and as a result, I am rarely in the frame. And while I have a million photos of him on my phone, there is just something about portraits that hits different. That’s why I would love to have a family portrait done. It would be something special that we could all look back on and treasure for years to come. Who knows, maybe one day my son will even want to do the same for his family. That would be really special.
ELSA
Our story starts 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my early 30’s. I had yet to discover the two great loves of my life, my wonderful partner and our beautiful baby. Before I underwent aggressive chemo treatment, I opted to have my eggs frozen, hoping one day I would meet that special someone and it would give us a chance to have a baby in the future.
My husband and I become friends not long after I finished treatment and we eventually start dating. Knowing that we don’t have great odds of being able to have a family without help, we start working with a fertility clinic. After 12 months of trying with the clinic, we were about to start another round of IVF when the clinic called and said we couldn’t (with a well-timed pause) because we had managed to fall pregnant naturally. We had a few complications in the pregnancy, but it was just the most magical experience. And then our little girl arrived, in such a rush and a little early. After her rush to get here, she needed a night in NICU and then spent 18 days in the Special Care Nursery. She’s nearly 8 months old now, but still little; we just moved into 00 clothes this week. It’s been an amazing journey, and we feel so blessed to have our healthy, happy baby girl.
There are so many moments of our life together that cause my heart to swell and fill with joy. The first time I held her, even though it was only long enough to cut the cord, was a special moment. The first time she was allowed out of special care to spend time on the ward with me was another special moment. The first time after 5 days I was allowed to take my mask off so she could see my face was yet another special moment. Bringing her home after the longest 18 days of my life was definitely a moment that filled my heart with joy. But my favourite moment is a simple one, it’s every time she laughs. Even writing it, I imagine it and it makes me smile. Her laugh is just so pure and innocent and it always fills me with happiness. These are just a few of the many moments that cause my heart to swell with joy.
Through lots of love, patience, and determination (and a little help from science), we are blessed with our amazing daughter. She is the centre of our world and we cherish every moment. Our story is one of hope, love, and family- despite the challenges we faced along the way.
THIS PROJECT IS PERFECT FOR
- You’d love a pregnancy photo session to celebrate your bump
- Just had a baby and want to capture the first year of milestones – the first smiles, rolling sitting, crawling.
- You’ve reached baby’s first birthday and want to celebrate your first year of motherhood
- You’ve become a grandmother for the first time
- First-year at school milestone. Your babies are heading off to school into a whole new chapter.
- Your baby has just become a teen
IS THIS FOR ME?
These amazing sessions include 30 minutes with our magical hair and makeup artist and 30 minutes of session time in our timeless, deep, dark and moody setup.
They’re designed to capture a variety of images to celebrate your stage in motherhood, from pregnancy to becoming a grandmother for the first time.
Whether you’re after just a couple of nice photos (this is the perfect session for you) or you’re after the Masterpiece Portrait session experience, you are in safe hands when you choose us as your photographers. You have a life worth documenting.
Answering
Your Questions
Have questions about your photography session? Here are all the FAQs you need to know!
Who Can I Include In My Session?
You're welcome to include whomever you would like. There's no limits! Everyone is welcome! Grandparents, friends, mums groups and fur babies, whoever you call family!
I'll design the session around your unique needs. If you'd like your newborn session to be all about mum, dad, and your new baby, or just your baby, or just your baby and their older siblings, I'll create magic no matter what your preference is!
Family sessions, on location or in the studio can be just you and your fur baby, or you, partner and your three energetic kids, or just your baby on their first birthday, or you and your crazy extended family.
Your session is all about you!
What Will I Spend? I Only Want Digital Images, Is This An Option?
Little Moments Mini Sessions:
I offer a range of packages that are created to give you a balance of finished artwork and your favourite photos digitally.
Packages start from $790. My most popular package choices see families spend $990 - $1490. This can include the entire gallery of digital images or 20 of your favourite photos in digital format and a number of beautiful wall pieces ready for display in your home.
*40+ images provided with a family composed of three or more family members.
Masterpiece Portrait Sessions
The most popular choice, families choose this immersive session because they want a fully customised, done for you experience. We'll have plenty of time for me to get to know you, play with you, and give you time to settle in and really take our time creating magic. You'll have your preference of date, location, the styling of the session.
Packages are all-inclusive, and start from $2600 for the entire gallery of digital images. Families who choose this experience want to print beautiful images to enjoy in their homes every day. If you spend over $3200 on heirloom artwork to display in your home, you’ll receive the entire gallery of digital images complimentary as well.
*70+ images provided with a family composed of three or more family members.
- The entire gallery (over 70+ images*) $2600
- Artwork & Digital Image Packages start from $3200.
- 5 digital images are $790
- 15 digital images are $990
I'm on a budget, do you offer payment plans?
Yes! No Interest Payment Plans are available via a PayRight. Let’s discuss your options early in the process so there is transparency for all parties involved. I recommend a Little Moments Mini Session if this is the case!
Don't worry about making a commitment right now! Just wait until the exciting portrait reveal, and then you can decide what's best for you. And remember, I'm here to guide you in your choice. We'll work together to create a package that suits your needs. But, fair warning – my clients fall in love with their photos and can't help but choose them all! So, get ready for an amazing experience and some truly unforgettable memories.
Do I have to choose my package when I book?
No! I want you to see your photos before I help you choose your images and package. I don’t require the purchase of a predefined “collection” or “package”, and I certainly don’t make you choose your package upfront. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose how you wish to invest in your memories.
How Many Images Will I Get To See?
Depending on your session choice, I'll create loads of variety, and as many images to choose from as possible without making it an arduous process for you.
A fully customised, immersive Masterpiece Portrait session with at least three family members (two parents and a child or one parent and two children) produces approximately 70+ photos.
Your shorter Little Moments Mini Sessions produce approximately 40+ photos.
When will I choose and pay for my package?
Don't worry about making any commitment before deciding to book! Just wait until your exciting portrait reveal, and then you can decide what's best for you, when you can see your family in the photos.
And remember, I'm here to guide you in your choice. We'll work together to create a package that suits your needs. But, fair warning – my clients fall in love with their photos and can't help but choose them all! So, get ready for an amazing experience and some truly unforgettable memories.
How Long Will My Session Go For?
Your session time will depend on what session type you’ve booked. I am also very baby and child-led, and will follow their lead - as long as they are happy and willing!
- Family Masterpiece Sessions are approximately 1 hour
- In-Studio Newborn Masterpiece Sessions are approximately 2-3 hours
- Extended Family Masterpiece Sessions are approximately 1-1.5 hours
- Little Moments Mini Sessions are 15 minutes
- In Studio Little Moments Sessions are approximately 15-30 minutes
- Maternity and First Birthday Masterpiece sessions 30-45 minutes
What Is Required To Book My Session?
All sessions require a non-refundable session fee to take your booking. This is your session booking fee and is separate from your package purchase.
After your session, you’ll buy the photos you love, in a format that works for your family.
Little Moments Mini Session fees are $50
Masterpiece Portrait Session fees are $150
How Long Will It Take To See My Photos?
We will book you in for your ordering session at the conclusion of your photo session. This will depend on your availability and ours, but typically we have our clients return to the studio for their photo reveal approximately 1-4 weeks after the session date.
What Should I Wear To My Session?
While it might feel easiest to go out and buy new outfits for everyone, there’s no need to – coordinating your outfits from the clothes you have in your wardrobe is perfectly acceptable. And they don’t have to be designer clothes!
The goal with your clothes is to ensure that they complement and aren’t distracting. Wear clothes that flatter your body and that make you feel comfortable and that you know your kids will be okay in.
For your Maternity & Studio Sessions, I have a large client wardrobe of flattering outfits for the whole family, and everything needed for babies.
When you book, you'll receive a comprehensive PDF guide on how to choose what to wear. I'm also here to assist with the process as well and will talk you through the choices!
What If My Children Are Shy And Need Time To Warm Up?
I am very good at working with children with all sorts of attention spans, temperaments and energy levels. I'll always work to get the best out of your children whatever their mood. Your photo sessions is child-led with a focus on play, which works well for family members who are reluctant to have their photos taken. Sometimes it can take up to 5-15 minutes for children to appropriately warm up to someone they’ve just met but I'm very good at connecting with kids and helping them to relax.
I Want Photos Of Us All Looking and Smiling For The Camera, Can You Do This?
Absolutely, in every session, it is my goal to get photos of you looking and smiling at the camera as well as playful and interactive shots. However, if you’re more set on these traditional-looking photos, I may not be the right fit for you. My style of photography is to capture genuine, authentic magic moments, through a relaxed play-based directed manner and having you interacting with each other and your environment.
What Is The Best Location For My Photo Session?
My studio is located in MacGregor. I have a number of locations already scouted in Canberra, to suit a variety of needs. I'm constantly on the lookout for unique, special and beautiful locations that factor in good lighting and are tactile so that kids can explore and play easily. I have a range of locations that I will suggest after consultation with you for your Masterpiece Portrait session, based on your personal aesthetic and vision. If a particular image of mine resonates with you, let me know, as certain images have been taken at certain locations and times of year.
Little Moments Mini Sessions will feature the best look in the foliage for that weekend. The location will be predetermined and chosen a couple of days out from your session. If you'd like more control over the choice of location for your session, please choose a Masterpiece Portrait Session!
What Time Is The Best For An Outside Session?
Your on location session will be booked for 1-2 hours before the sun sets. Why? Because that’s when the lighting is soft, flattering and golden. The sun is low in the sky, which means there are no harsh shadows on people’s faces and we can get that gorgeous warm glow that will make your photos look magical. Morning Sessions are also available and will be booked for 1-2 hrs after the sun has risen.
What Is The Best Time For A Maternity And Newborn Session?
For your comfort and mobility, I recommend your maternity shoot be at your 30-35 week mark.
For newborn sessions, you have a choice between a posed or lifestyle look or a blend of both. I recommend your baby be between 1-3 weeks if your preference is more posed or up to 6 weeks of age if you’re looking for a more lifestyle look.
Newborn Masterpiece sessions are perfect for babies up to 3 months because I allow for plenty of time to keep baby settled and happy.
Little Moments Mini Sessions are suitable for babies from birth, through to 12 months and beyond
What Are Your Rescheduling Policies?
Check out my terms and conditions regarding rescheduling to be across all of the details. I will absolutely accommodate you in the instance of genuine need - ie sickness. I do ask that you communicate with me so I'm able to accomodate your needs.
Weather
I know you’ve got everything crossed for good weather on the day of your session, however, I can’t control the weather. I can only read the forecast and make decisions based on that information. I have seen skies clear on rainy days and thunderstorms come out of nowhere, therefore I will make a call on whether we need to reschedule your session at the last possible moment. We may end up changing the location to work around the weather.
What to
Wear
Your mini-makeover isn’t limited to just hair and makeup, it also includes access to my exclusive wardrobe that is full of clothing that is simple, timeless; and guaranteed to fit you, no matter what body type you have. I also have a full range of clothing for kids under 2 as well.
Special Project Details
Why Is This By Application?
I want to make sure that you're fully prepared for the special experience coming your way!
I want this to be special for you. I want to create photos that your family can see of you. I want to make sure that you can see how much your family loves you in return.
I want to tell your story.
I want to make sure you and your loved ones exist in tangible, printed photos...
Should you not be successful in being selected, you're very welcome to book a session at any time! You can find info here about the experience.
Meet Your Photographer
Mother of two fierce, highly rambunctious, primary school girls and award-winning Canberra family photographer.
I've been capturing Canberra families of all shapes and sizes since 2014.
My mission is simple. To hold a safe space for your family to be your true authentic selves. To tell your story, to capture your little magic moments. To fill your home with photos that show how loved you are, and how much your family loves you in return...
I, along with my team, am neurodivergent. It certainly makes for a creative, fun if not sometimes chaotic workplace!
Janet
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