~FAQ’S~

When should I book my session?
For newborn sessions, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant - usually in your second trimester.  I only take on a certain number of newborns per month and I hate turning people away, so please book in as early as possible. When you book, I note your due date my diary, and then when bubs is born, we book in a date for you to come in to the studio somewhere between 5-15 days after birth.

The best time to do a Cake Smash is between 11-12 months. It’s better if your baby is not walking, but if they are, it just adds to the fun!! I recommend booking in your smash at least 2 months in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred date.

Maternity sessions are best done around 32-36 weeks, while your beautiful belly is showing and you’re not too close to your due date. Booking in your maternity session is usually done when you book your newborn session. If you’re wanting a maternity session only, you can book it in a few months in advance to secure your preferred date.
Outdoor maternity sessions are usually done at Golden Hour, which is an hour before sunset. This ensures beautiful creamy skin tones, lovely light, no harsh shadows. These sessions are limited to only 2 per month, so please book early.

Where is the my session held?
Newborn, Cake Smash and Baby sessions are always held in my Ballan Studio.
Maternity and Family sessions can be either in my Ballan Studio, or at an outdoor location. Locations are discussed with you prior to your session.

What do I need to bring to a session?
As a mum of three children myself, I know all the things we need to keep your baby and family safe and happy.
For newborn sessions, all you will need to bring is yourself, baby, a couple of nappies (although I always keep some here) and if baby is bottle fed, a couple of extra bottles. If you are bringing siblings for the photos, I usually recommend bringing the iPad and a few of their favourite snacks to the session. We do have water, snacks and a dedicated toy corner in the studio, so if you forget it doesn’t matter too much!

For cake smash sessions, you just need to bring a nappy for hometime, and a bottle or snack. They don’t eat too much cake during the session, so make sure baby has been fed before the session - there’s nothing worse than a grumpy, hungry baby! Towels, outfits and everything else is provided for your session.

How long will the session take?
Depending on the package you choose, your newborn session can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. I always allow plenty of time for extra feeds and cuddles if needed. It can take quite a bit of time to pose and settle babies when they are naked, so I never like to rush the session and is why I only book one newborn a session a day.

Cake smash sessions are between 45mins to 1 hour long. Your baby will not last much longer than this before they get tired and overwhelmed. Same with Baby sessions.

Maternity and Family sessions are 1 hour which I usually find is plenty of time to get all the wonderful photos we need for you.

Do I have to pay extra for parent/sibling photos?
We have 2 newborn packages to choose from. Our Classic Newborn package is the one which includes family and sibling photos.

If you’re wanting a Family photo at a cake smash session, please choose Package 2 which includes a family portrait before the smash.

Do you work on weekends?
Yes, I work one Sunday per month. Because of this, weekend bookings are very limited and often sell out well in advance. It is best to book EARLY to guarantee your spot. I usually reserve these days for maternity, cake smash, sitter or family sessions, but sometimes hold a newborn session on a Sunday as well.

Can I bring my other children and family to a newborn session?
Yes, you can. The classic newborn package includes family/sibling photos, however even if you’re not including family photos, you’re welcome to bring your other family members along.
When siblings are included, I usually do family and sibling photos at the beginning of the session. This way, there is opportunity for someone (most likely dad) to take them out for a play at the local park, or an ice-cream etc for the remainder of the session. I don’t like to rush the sessions, and siblings can get very restless during this time so this is often a great way to allow us to keep the studio nice and calm. A relaxed atmosphere in the studio ensures baby stays settled.
We have a dedicated toy corner in the studio, so this also will also help keep your siblings entertained.

Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, I require a non-refundable deposit of $150 for each session booked. This secures your booking in my diary. The remainder of the session costs are required a week before your session.

How long until I get my images?
You will receive a selection gallery of all the best images from your shoot within 1-2 weeks. Once you have chosen your favourite images, I finalise all the editing within 10 days and send your password protected online gallery to you. I will let you know if wait times will be longer.

Can I buy extra digital images or prints?
Yes, you certainly can!! I offer extra digital images for $35 per image or there are options to upgrade your galleries.
Print prices are dependant on their size. You can message me for a quote or price list.

Do you give out un-edited images?
No, I will never give un-edited images of a session. What you see on my website and social media pages are a representation of the work I do, which includes styling, photographing AND editing of your images.

If you have any other questions about the sessions we offer, don’t hesitate to contact me!