You’re going to receive images that will stand the test of time and be passed on to your children. These images are the start of a new visual history for you, and you’ll cherish the photos and share them for generations to come. These images will become part of your family’s legacy.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
If you are booking your session in advance, I recommend booking your maternity session for the 30 -35 week mark. Your belly will be full and round, but not so big that you are uncomfortable moving around. Don’t hesitate to contact me ASAP if you have missed this window, so I can fit you in before bubba arrives!
Book your session on a day that you, your partner and your children (if they are going to be in the session) will be relaxed and well-rested. Weekday sessions are available.
WHERE WILL YOUR SESSION TAKE PLACE?
I provide two types of maternity sessions. Outdoor sessions or studio sessions. Let me know your preference when you book. Only session participants should be present at the session to prevent distractions.
WHAT TYPE OF IMAGES WILL BE CAPTURED AT YOUR SESSION?
An important component of the session is your relationship with your growing family. Images with mum, dad, siblings (human or furbabies!) form a standard part of your gallery. I’ll also capture beautiful individual portraits of you to celebrate your beautiful body.
If we are in the studio, your session can also include fine art nude portraits. I’ll provide you with the opportunity to do during the studio session if this is something that appeals to you.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
On the day of your session, plan to relax and take it easy. Plan to get your hair and makeup done, have a manicure and pedicure, take a long, hot bath, or just take a nap before your appointment. You want to be well-rested, relaxed and comfortable for your session.
If you would like to include images with the bubba’s siblings (human or furbaby), bring them along at the beginning of the session, then make arrangements for someone to occupy the children/ren while I take your photos. That way, you will have the remainder of your session uninterrupted for individual and couple images. A child minder can come with you to the session, stay while the children are being photographed with you, and then take them away so we can finish shooting more intimate images without disturbance. This goes for if we conduct the session in the studio as well.
GOWNS
If you see any particular gowns on my website you like, please let me know. If there is a particular image of that resonates with you and you’d like to replicate, let me know when you enquire, as different images are taken at different locations.
WHAT TO WEAR
I provide a selection of gowns that will be appropriate for your colouring and size. If we are outside, I provide a very handy pop up tent for privacy so you can change gowns and clothes.
If you would like images in my range of gowns, wear a strapless nude bra and undies, as some gowns are quite sheer. If we are shooting on location, it is in public, so please let me know if you are not comfortable whatsoever…
When choosing what to wear, keep in mind what your dream photos look like.
Are they are soft and elegant? Choose neutral colours with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, cream, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues.
Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colours (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colours, such as hues of grey with yellow or bright red accents.
Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a twist and flair to your images.
I also recommend that clothing choices do not feature licensed items (ie Disney, peppa pig ect) visible logos or writing, as this will distract from the subject’s faces. Avoid writing on clothing too, as there is nothing I can do to edit out such choices after the fact.
- The best colours for the environment we will be in are jewel tones for autumn and winter- so navy, mustards, greens, purples etc. Lighter tones for spring and summer – pinks, blush, creams. Solid, neutral colours are best for in the studio
- Avoid clothes that have writing, prints or logos on them. Your eyes will be drawn to your clothes instead of your beautiful faces.
- Avoid too many people wearing patterns. As a general rule, no more than one in three people should wear a patterned item.
- Avoid being matchy – matchy, instead use a complementing colour palette with a range of colours to coordinate.
- Add layers and texture, jewellery and items of interest.
- If you have long hair, wear it down but clipped away from your face, or pulled back loosely.
- Wear your make-up slightly heavier than you usually would.
To ensure that the children are happy and at ease during photos, let them pick their own clothing. They’ll pick something that shows off what their preferences and interests are.
If you are worried about what they’ll choose, try selecting three or four main outfits that you would be happy with your child wearing for a photo. Let them choose from the outfits you’ve selected; they’ll still feel like they got to make the decision.
Footwear is a really important consideration. Photography sessions and high heels don’t mix well. I want you to feel very comfortable. Sessions are full of movement, often on uneven ground and grass. I want you to feel free to move, to run, to chase after your family and give them tickles. Choose footwear that you’re comfortable moving freely and running around in!
Watches these days are amazing. They’re smart, and they keep track of your life. The trend these days is large watches, with large faces. These can become very distracting in a timeless portrait. Please leave these at home, as they can’t be edited out after the fact.
Please leave your phones in the car. Phone Photography is not permitted during your session, as it can be very distracting for everyone involved, particularly if I’m trying to photograph your family, and they’re distracted by the person using the phone to photograph at the same time.
This is your time to be present with your family. It’s your time to take a step back from the whole world and to be present with your family.
Guys, this one is for you in particular. Phones in pockets, particularly in front pockets, can look like other things!!! Unfortunately, isn’t easy to edit these choices out after the fact.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
If we are on location, the session will be dependent on whether or not it’s raining. Rest assured that on the day of your session I’m monitoring the weather very closely! I will be in contact on the day (the night before if a morning session) if the weather is threatening rain. Wind is great, it introduces a wonderful movement to your images. If we do reschedule, we will go for the next most suitable day weather and schedule-wise if you want an outdoor session, or come into the studio if it’s available.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M UNWELL?
I take your family’s health and safety very seriously, and your session will not take place if I’m unwell. If this is the case, I will let you know at the soonest opportunity and will reschedule your session for when I am better. Your family’s safety is my first priority. Particularly important is that my whooping cough, COVID and flu vaccinations are up to date.
WHEN WILL I GET TO PURCHASE THE IMAGES FROM MY SESSION?
I’ll schedule your ordering session at the end of your session. It is usually within 1-4 weeks of your session that I’ll be able to get you in the diary, depending on your availability aligning with mine.
Please note that ordering sessions are held during the week, as weekends are held for photography sessions.
Your ordering session is where you will view amazing images I’ve captured for you for the first time. These will have been narrowed down to show you the best of the best from your session.
I will help you shortlist your favourite images, discuss your requirements and use visualisation software to show you how your images will look best on your walls.
You’ll choose a variety of heirloom quality products including albums, folio boxes and wall pieces. I’ll expertly guide you through the best products for your lifestyle. Your ordering session is where you will choose your printed products and digital images; and make payment for your purchases.
This is not a hard process! Time and time again, clients have told me how easy I’ve made this process for them. The only hard part will be choosing your favourite images.
I realise that it can be difficult visualising the size of your products in relation to where you’d like to display them in your home. I use software that makes this a breeze, simply take a photo of an A4 size piece of paper against the wall you’d like to use, and send a photo to me. The software will do the rest for us!