MATERNITY
Maternity sessions are captured between 32-36 weeks.
When preparing your maternity photo outfit, consider the desired look for your final photos. Opt for attire that makes you feel confident and beautiful, whether casual or formal. Prioritize comfort and simple colours to showcase your baby bump. Maxi dresses and stretchy fabrics are ideal choices. Neutral tones like whites, blacks, and jewel tones work well. Avoid baggy clothes and opt for solid colours or simple floral patterns over stripes. For partners, neutral attire like jeans and solid-coloured shirts is recommended. Consider going barefoot or choose comfortable footwear. As an option, I also offer a variety of maternity gowns, bodysuits and fabrics for use during your session (ask me!).
Professional hair and makeup can elevate your look. For DIY makeup, opt for natural styles and avoid heavy shimmer shadows, which can highlight fine lines. Translucent powder helps minimize shine. Keep your makeup light. Pay attention to your nails as they’ll feature prominently in photos—choose a neutral polish to complement various outfits.
I love involving family members in maternity portraits! Parents, partners, and children are all welcome to join. While the focus remains on you, it’s a special time for them too, capturing their anticipation for the new arrival.
Incorporating meaningful items into your photo session adds sentimental value to your portraits! Consider including family heirlooms, ultrasound prints, favourite baby blankets, or other significant items. These mementos enrich your pregnancy photos, telling your unique journey into motherhood.
Let’s create memorable maternity photos that highlight your beauty and joy!
NEWBORN
In the early weeks of life, your newborn is mostly sleeping or eating, providing a precious window to capture their tiny form before they become more active. It’s crucial to book your studio newborn portrait session in advance to secure this fleeting stage. Sessions are captured between the first 14 days once the umbilical cord falls.
During your studio newborn session, I aim to capture both your baby on their own and the special connection you share. I allow ample time for settling in, feeding, and cuddling during your session timeframe.
Parents often wonder what to wear for a newborn session. The key advice is to wear what makes you feel comfortable. Here are some tips: opt for solid colours to avoid drawing attention away from the baby; popular choices include black, gray, cream, or coordinating tones of one or two colours.
Remember to pack snacks and water for yourself, your pets, and any siblings accompanying you, as photoshoots can be long. Don’t forget to bring entertainment for siblings too. It’s wise to have at least one change of clothing on hand for any accidents. Ensure you have everything necessary for changing and feeding the baby, including special creams and products. If your newborn has hair, a brush is handy. If your baby uses a pacifier, bring it along as it can help soothe them into poses and aid in getting them to sleep, but if you’re not comfortable with it, don’t worry—it’s not essential.
Prioritizing sibling images at the beginning of the shoot ensures their immediate involvement and maintains their patience. I constantly engage them by seeking their opinions and advice during the session, fostering a sense of importance and cooperation. I understand the significance of making children feel valued and included, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable photography experience. Ensuring the safety of your newborn and children is my top priority. It’s unrealistic to expect toddlers to hold poses for extended periods or manage their newborn siblings during a session. I advocate for practices that align with previous work and refrain from attempting unfamiliar poses or situations during the session.
My priority is to ensure your baby’s safety and comfort while capturing the best possible images in a soothing environment. While I welcome family members to observe, limiting extra guests at the session is preferred to maintain focus and minimize distractions that may hinder the quality of the photos. If you are looking to add extended family into your session, I offer this as an option. Please let me know who you want to incorporate into your photos when your are booking your session!
All props, headbands, wraps, and outfits in the studio are available for your session. You don’t need to bring anything for your baby to wear, but bringing their favourite blanket for snuggles is recommended.
Most importantly you can be rest assured that your newborn baby portraits will stand the test of time and be enjoyed by many generations to come!
FAMILY
Prepare for your photoshoot with a few key steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Avoid bloating by watching your diet beforehand, and keep snacks handy, especially for children. Have everything ready the day before, including outfits, to avoid last-minute stress. Avoid major hair changes right before the shoot and try on your outfit in advance to ensure comfort. Brief your children about the session beforehand to ease any anxiety.
Resist the urge to splurge on new outfits; instead, wear what you already love for comfort and confidence, especially for kids. Consider the location and opt for practical attire to ease movement. Stick to your usual style rather than experimenting.
Solid colours work best, with neutrals as a base and subtle accents for interest. Avoid tight clothes that draw attention to unwanted areas. Prepare for the weather with appropriate outerwear. Coordinate outfits without matching entirely to ensure individuality. Build family outfits around a single base outfit for cohesion. Avoid character-themed clothing for kids and ensure they can move freely.
For outfit inspiration, check Pinterest or ask me for guidance. When unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for advice!
Prepare for a fun and relaxed photoshoot with these extra tips and tricks! My shooting style is all about capturing natural moments, so I won’t pose you too rigidly; instead, I’ll give you directions and let you make them your own. I capture a variety of shots, so feel free to add kisses, hugs, or tickles for extra authenticity. Expect silliness—on my part and yours—as we aim to capture your family’s unique personalities. Remember to be yourself and don’t worry about trying to mimic Pinterest-perfect poses. Arrive on time to make the most of our session, and if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I can’t wait to capture beautiful moments with your family!
CAKE SMASH & MILESTONE
Plan your baby’s cake smash/milestone session by selecting a theme or colour scheme that matches their birthday party or opt for any theme you prefer. It’s recommended to book 2-3 months in advance to allow time for theme planning and ordering necessary items for the set.
For your session, I offer a variety of props depending on your chosen theme and colour scheme, such as styled backgrounds, a cake stand, decor, and optional outfits from my client closet. However, you’ll need to provide your baby’s outfit and headpiece if not using items from my closet, as well as puffs or small treats that your baby enjoys, and a water cup.
If you’re booking a cake smash, I offer packages which includes the cake. I communicate with you and my baker to ensure you have the perfect (and most delicious) cake for your session. If your cake requires any modifications such as egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free or gluten-free, let me know!
If you’re picking up your own cake, please remember to take it out of the refrigerator a few hours in advance so that the icing can soften. A hard, cold cake is no fun to smash! Please avoid red icing, sprinkles, confetti candy, and chocolate cake. Fondant is beautiful, but you’ll need to keep an extra close eye on baby during the smash because fondant is difficult to chew and could present a choking hazard. (This also goes for any decorative details on the cake, including things like toothpicks and wooden dowels.)
Your session is going to be messy — really messy. So be sure to bring an extra outfit for baby and possibly one for yourself too! If you have included a bath clean-up during your session, please bring a towel for your baby.
It’s common for one-year-olds to react differently during cake smash sessions—some may enthusiastically dive into the cake, while others might be hesitant or even dislike the taste of sweets if it’s their first experience. Remember, every baby is unique, so don’t feel discouraged if the reaction isn’t what you anticipated. Regardless of their response, we’ll still capture beautiful images that highlight this significant milestone and showcase your baby’s personality.
If cake isn’t your thing, no problem! You can bring your little one in to smash anything you’d like. I’ve done doughnut, strawberry, watermelon, and pasta smashes myself, but I’ve seen some other really adorable ideas!
PETS, HEADSHOTS, GRADUATION
PETS
If you have an active pet, it’s a great idea to exercise them before their photoshoot. Prepare your backpack with essentials for your pet’s photoshoot to ensure everything runs smoothly. Pack plenty of your pet’s favourite treats, opting for different levels of value to maintain their motivation. If toys are more enticing, bring along a selection of favourites. Remember to bring your pet’s regular collar and leash, favouring thinner leashes for easier editing. Additionally, consider any accessories you’d like your pet to wear in the photos for added fun.
Don’t forget the basics like water, poop bags, carry case, a brush, and a hand towel for any messes. Finally, get creative and bring along any extra props or items that could enhance your photoshoot experience.
HEADSHOTS
Effective communication is crucial for a successful headshot session, allowing you to convey your desired look and expectations clearly. Prioritize rest the night before to appear fresh and relaxed in your photos, enhancing your overall appearance. Plan your shoot day, avoiding scheduling conflicts to ensure punctuality and focus during the session. When selecting attire and accessories, opt for classic styles and avoid distracting elements like reflective materials or excessive jewelry. Bring two outfits with you – one casual, one classic. Keep hair and makeup natural and simple, avoiding dramatic colours or sparkly products.
Preparing the night before involves getting adequate sleep, skincare, and haircare routines to wake up refreshed and confident for your photoshoot.
GRADUATION
Choosing the right attire for your graduation photos is essential as your neckline will be visible in the pictures. While the gown typically doesn’t cover casual clothing like t-shirts, it’s customary for guys to wear a shirt and tie, while ladies often opt for a tank top or low-collar shirt that won’t be concealed by the gown. Remember that your hands may be visible in some shots, so ensure your fingernails are neat and tidy. Consider accessorizing with a stylish watch, favourite jewelry pieces, or even a graduation ring for an added touch of sophistication.
I provide the gown, sash, cap with the current grad year pendant and accessories – artificial roses and ‘diploma’.
Additionally, think about who you’ll be sharing these photos with, including your family members—keeping your loved ones in mind can help ensure everyone is pleased with the final results, especially your mom!
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