FAQs

Lifestyle photographers aim to capture authentic moments and connections. You won’t find a lot of perfectly posed, hairs all in place type of photos here. What you will find is photography which tells a story through the lens capturing the organic, natural moments that occur when nobody is looking. I aim for pure, organic, natural light photos from the heart, with lots of laughs, love and cuddles. Of course, I will try to get a family photo where everyone looks into the camera. With newborns, we try to pose the baby to get the really cute details in the photos and I will take the time to guide you into those genuine moments.

Get in touch via the contact form to book a session with me as your newborn, maternity or family photographer. Your session is confirmed as soon as you’ve paid the deposit and completed the session agreement. From there, we will chat to work out exactly what you’re after including locations, outfits and timelines.

I’m based in Carrum, Melbourne, Victoria and can travel up to 2 hours. I love taking your photographs in your beautiful homes or outdoor locations across all of Melbourne. I am happy to go where you are – homes, beaches, hills, fields and farms. Let’s chat and work out the places that are important to you. If your location of choice is more than 2 hours from St Kilda, I am happy to discuss options.

Maternity = 2 hours
Family = 2-4 hours
Newborn = 2-4 hours
Fresh 72 = 1-2 hours

Our session will be really relaxed. I like to focus on the connections and natural interactions within your family. You guys will have fun, we’ll do lots of cuddling and snuggling and you’ll basically be loving on your family and I’ll be there with my camera. We can play, go for little walks, etc.

As a lifestyle photographer, I am all about taking time to guide you into authentic moments with your loved ones during your shoot. I will not be focusing on the “look-at-the-camera-and-say-cheese” types of images during our shoot. I typically capture a few of these for you, but it is just to capture the more generic posed images one might want for a holiday card, to send to relatives, or for more professional use. Truth be told, you’ll only have to look directly into the camera if prompted to do so! I’m here to calm your nerves and I ensure even the most ‘camera shy’ individual will ease into relaxation to capture beautiful moments. I will direct you into pretty light, ask you to walk hand-in-hand, suggest you all tickle the littlest member of your family, or cuddle up. I will get silly with your kiddos during the shoot and will encourage them to fully unleash their unique personality. I love when families take over after one simple prompt and allow their interactions to unravel honestly. Sitting back and capturing these moments and natural connections happen in front of my camera is my favourite. While I can guide you, I love watching your personalities mix, and defined characteristics of relationships with each other reveal themselves. Be assured, I also know when to step back in to continue to guide the session, if needed.

It all depends on what feel and look you are after. I have listed some options covering indoors and outdoors here [link to locations page] but I am happy to discuss any ideas you maybe have.

On the day of the shoot, I will meet you at the location we agreed on. I normally get there a bit early to scan the place for nice little pockets. If it’s in your home, we will have time to have a walk around and pick the rooms together that are most suitable.

What time of day would my shoot be?

Outdoor photo shoots are just before sunset during the golden hour, using this natural light gives your photos a stunning look!

Indoor sessions can be planned a bit more freely. We still need to work with the available light, before the shoot I will have a chat with you about the windows available and the way they facing to understand the best time of day to get maximum light e.g. if your windows are East facing we would look to do the shoot in the morning.

Outdoor photo shoots are just before sunset during the golden hour, using this natural light gives your photos a stunning look!

Indoor sessions can be planned a bit more freely. We still need to work with the available light, before the shoot I will have a chat with you about the windows available and the way they facing to understand the best time of day to get maximum light e.g. if your windows are East facing we would look to do the shoot in the morning.

The idea of picking out a wardrobe for you and everyone else who will be part of the shoot can seem a little overwhelming. I completely understand and have put together some helpful tips to make selecting outfits easy and enjoyable.

First, for in-home sessions, I want you to think comfortable and like you’re just hanging out at home. Think bare feet, comfortable clothing, and remaining true to you! Think fresh white linen or if you want warmer photos go for warm tints. I have put together an Pinterest board if you want some ideas I can send you a link upon booking.

For outdoor sessions, try to coordinate your outfits by colour palette and try to avoid being overly matchy. Remember the cards in the 90’s where everyone would wear blue jeans and white t-shirt? That’s exactly what we want to avoid.

Styling tips

• Stick with light pale, neutral colours-avoid fluorescent or bright colours. If you want pops of colours go for earth yellow, bronze orange -autum colours.
• Layer your clothing and jewellery to add depth and texture – think hats, vests, scarves, bow ties, belts, suspenders, etc.
• Be comfortable – avoid heels or clothing that is too tight. You want to be able to move around and feel good.
• Flowy dresses work beautifully on women and girls – they show motion and move with you as opposed to staying rigid.
• Plain v-neck t-shirts are always great for boys and men – polos and collared shirts can leave guys looking a little stiff. No logos or words – stay timeless by avoiding words and logos that will date the images. Avoid wearing black/very dark colours

When is the best time for maternity or newborn sessions?
For your maternity shoot the best time is around your 32-36-week mark as you are still able to move around comfortably and your bump is gorgeous!

For newborn sessions, I love photographing them at their most sleepy and cuddly, so I recommend between 1-2 weeks old. Over 2 weeks old we can still do a session but they are not as sleepy and curled up. Please ensure you book these sessions in advance as I would hate for you to miss out if I am already booked. I understand the little ones can turn up on their own schedule so I will be as flexible as possible.

What I really ask from you is that you really allow yourself to be just that– yourself. I’m here to capture you at your most honest self. That’s the version of you your loved ones know and that we are looking to preserve in our session.

Please, show up open. Don’t be afraid to love and dote on your babies or your partner as if no one else was there. I want you to laugh wildly, snuggle tightly, slide your fingers affectionately through their hair, tell them with passion and purpose how much you love them, and to keep connecting with each moment.

You will never have to ask, “is this okay?” because if it feels natural to you and how you connect with those you are being photographer with, then it is okay with me.