how to
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
MATERNITY
Your maternity session is all about celebrating this special time and capturing the beauty of your growing bump. To help you feel relaxed and confident, a little preparation goes a long way! From choosing the right outfit to feeling comfortable in front of the camera, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know so you can focus on soaking up the moment and creating beautiful memories.
CLOTHING
You’re welcome to wear your own outfit or browse through our Studio Wardrobe — I have a lovely selection of drapes and dresses available for you to borrow. Feel free to try them on and see what you love best!
Some mums-to-be enjoy capturing a bare belly shot — it’s such a beautiful way to highlight this special moment.
For a more casual look, you can bring along a pair of jeans (non-maternity) paired with a cute bra or top.
I recommend wearing light or nude-colored underwear, and you could even treat yourself to something pretty to make you feel extra special!
HANDS AND NAILS
Take a few minutes to pamper yourself and tidy up your hands
and nails. If you love having your nails done, consider a fresh set before the shoot since your hands will naturally feature in the photos.
If Dad is joining, it’s a good idea for him to neaten up his nails and give his hands a quick clean too — those close-up shots will look even better!
HAIR AND MAKEUP
If you like to get your makeup done consider soft, natural makeup and relaxed hair for your maternity session — they tend to photograph beautifully. Loose waves or a simple blowout can add a soft, effortless touch.
If Dad is joining, a quick hair touch-up and trimmed facial hair can help him look polished in the photos too.
The goal is to feel comfortable and confident — your natural glow will shine through!
SIBLING AND PARTNER
Everyone is welcome! Clothes without pattens or logo, are best suited. Neutral, and whites are best, but feel free to choose whatever outfits make you and your family feel comfortable and confident.
POSING
I’ll gently guide you and your family through natural, flattering poses that highlight your bump and make you feel comfortable.
Simple touches like placing your hands on your belly, soft smiles, and relaxed body language will create beautiful, timeless images.
Just relax and enjoy the moment — I’ll take care of the rest!
IMAGE SELECTION AND ORDERING
After your session we will show your images, and you can choose your favorite images. Together we can design you're the perfect package to suit your needs
NEWBORN
I know having a baby can be stressful and you can feel sleep deprived. And because of this I don't ask you to change your routine. Just turn up with bub and I will do the rest, if bub needs feeding before the session, we will always have time. This is why I allow up to four hours for a newborn session, cause there always time for a cuddle.
WHAT TO BRING
Your nappy bag,
Bottles – If you’re bottle-feeding, bring along a couple of extras. The warmth and stimulation during the session can make your baby a little hungrier than usual.
4 nappies, sometime as baby requires more food due to the warmth and been handle more. This can mean they will go to the toilet a little extra.
Pacifier – Even if your baby doesn’t usually take one, it can really help soothe them during the session, especially with all the handling involved in getting those perfect shots. Don’t worry — we’ll only use it briefly and won’t include it in the photos.
Special Items – If you have something special that you would like photographed with your baby, please bring it along
CLOTHING
A loose, easily removed sleeper or jumpsuit (nothing that goes over their head) are ideal clothing choices. Loose-fitting clothing should eliminate red marks on baby’s skin and is less distracting for baby when pulled off for your session.
No need to stress about outfits! We have a beautiful collection of wraps, headbands, and outfits for your baby, so you don’t need to bring anything unless you have something special in mind.
SPECIAL ITEMS
Special Items – If you have a sentimental item you’d like to include (like a blanket, stuffed toy, or heirloom), feel free to bring it along — it’s always lovely to add a personal touch to your photos.
SIBLINGS
If this isn’t your first time, you already know how things go — but with an older sibling
in the mix, things might feel a little less calm this time (and that’s totally okay!).
PREPARE THEM
Have a chat with you children and let them know that you are coming to have photos done. Keep it relaxed and calm and try not to hype it up.
ON THE DAY
Sibling photos are usually done first, that way they can relax and have something to eat without worrying. But will depend on your child, some children need a little more time to warm up. And some won't want to participate at all. This is where we can use props to incorporate the two children into the one photo.
POSING
I’ll gently guide you and your family through natural, flattering poses that highlight your bump and make you feel comfortable.
Simple touches like placing your hands on your belly, soft smiles, and relaxed body language will create beautiful, timeless images.
Just relax and enjoy the moment — I’ll take care of the rest!
CLOTHING
Neutral, soft tones – Think white, cream, beige, gray, or soft pastels. These colors keep the focus on the baby and photograph beautifully.
Simple styles – Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bright colors — they can distract from the baby.
Comfort first – Make sure outfits are comfortable and easy to move in. Happy kids make for better photos!
Textures over patterns – Soft knits, linen, and cotton work well and add a cozy feel.
MUM
To help make the session as smooth and stress-free as possible, here are some simple tips to help you feel prepared and relaxed. Remember, this is about capturing real, natural moments, so don’t stress about perfection — just focus on soaking in these precious moments with your baby.
CLOTHING
When picking outfits for your family’s photo session, start with something that makes you feel amazing! Once you’ve got your perfect outfit, use that as a guide to coordinate everyone else’s clothes.
For studio sessions, lighter tones always look beautiful. If you’re wearing something with a pattern, pull colours from that to help choose the rest of the family’s outfits. Natural and neutral shades usually work best.
And don’t stress about shoes — they’re hardly ever visible for Mum or Dad!
HAIR AND MAKEUP
For your newborn session, aim for a soft, natural look with your hair and makeup — but most importantly, do what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
HANDS AND NAILS
Even if you don’t want to be in the photos with your newborn, your hands will be — so a quick tidy-up of your nails or a light, neutral polish can help keep things looking clean and polished.
DAD
Alright, Dad — don’t stress, this’ll be easy! You don’t need to do anything fancy, just be yourself. Whether it’s holding the baby, having a cuddle, or just backing up Mum, I’ll walk you through it all so you feel comfy and relaxed.
Easy as!
CLOTHING
Wear something plain and simple – in similar or complimentary tones to the rest of the family - no logos or text please. Plain, cotton shirts and chinos are a great option!
GROOMING
Consider getting a haircut about a week before the session for a fresh, polished look. Clean, neatly trimmed nails and beard are always a nice touch.
WATCHES
It’s best to leave your watch off for the session. Watches can draw attention away from the baby and the natural connection between you. Plus, they can leave marks on your wrist that might show up in close-up shots. Keeping it simple helps the focus stay on those sweet, intimate moments with your baby
MILESTONES
Your little one is growing so fast — let’s celebrate it! Milestone sessions are perfect for capturing those sweet moments as your baby learns to sit, crawl, and show off their adorable personality. And when it’s time for the big first birthday, a cake smash session is a fun and playful way to mark the occasion! From messy smiles to joyful giggles,
CLOTHING
Around 3 to 6 months, a cute romper or bloomers with a small headband or bow adds a sweet touch.
For older babies who are sitting or standing, a matching set or a simple dress keeps the focus on their expressions.
For a first birthday, a "one" onesie or a soft dress with bare feet looks adorable. Soft, neutral tones like beige, blush, and light blue photograph beautifully, and simple textures like cotton or knit help keep the focus on the baby.
NAP TIME AND FEEDING
It’s important to make sure a baby is well-rested and fed before a photoshoot, especially for a cake smash, to keep them happy and cooperative.
Give them a nap before the session to avoid them been tried.
Feed them about 30 minutes to an hour before the session so they’re full but not overly full or sleepy.
For a cake smash, avoid giving them too much food right before — you want them to have enough room (and interest) for the cake!
WHAT TO BRING
Bringing the baby’s favorite toy or stuffed animal can help them feel more comfortable and might even create a sweet, natural prop in the photos.
Including sentimental items, like a special blanket, heirloom outfit, or custom cake topper, adds a meaningful and personal touch to the session.
Plus, what you would normally bring in your nappy bag
IMPORTANT - FOR CAKE SMASH
Make sure your baby has tried and handled the food we’ll be using for the smash ahead of time. Many babies dislike the feeling of messy hands and might lose interest quickly if it’s unfamiliar. If they’ve already touched it, tasted it, and enjoyed it, they’ll be much more comfortable — and we’ll have a better chance of capturing those happy, messy moments!
FAMILY
Capturing family moments is all about preserving love, laughter, and connection. Whether this is your first session or you’re a seasoned pro, here’s what you can expect during your family photography experience.
LOCATION OF YOUR SHOOT
The right location sets the mood for your session! We can shoot at a location of your choice, between the two of us, we can find the perfect location for you. Weather it is in a park, beaches, field, or urban spots offer beautiful natural light and scenery. Look at the gallery HERE
If you prefer a clean, classic look with controlled lighting, a studio session may be ideal.
WHAT TO WEAR
Your outfits play a huge role in the overall feel of your photos.
Coordinate, but don’t match. Stick to complementary colors rather than identical outfits.
Soft, neutral, and earthy tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family.
Avoid busy patterns, logos, and neon colors as they can be distracting. Comfort is key! If you’re comfortable, it will show in your photos. Dress for the weather and for natural movement. CLICK HERE to have a look at Pinterest for some colour suggestions.
PREPARING THE KIDS
Talk to them about the session in a fun way! Tell them it’s an adventure, not a chore.
Bring a favorite small toy, blanket, or snack (non-messy options like gummies work best).
Make sure they’re well-rested and have had a snack before the session to avoid crankiness.
Don’t worry about perfect behavior—kids being kids makes for the best candid moments!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE SESSION
Guided Posing – I’ll provide gentle direction to help you feel comfortable and natural.
Candid Moments – The best photos often come from real interactions—laughing, playing, snuggling, or even a tickle fight!
Movement is Key – We’ll incorporate natural movement like walking, twirling, or lifting your little ones for playful and organic photos.
PETS
Pets bring so much love and joy to a home, and including them in newborn and family photography sessions makes the memories even more special. With the right preparation and patience, you can create timeless images that celebrate the bond between families and their beloved pets.
I love when furry friends join in on the fun — after all, they’re part of the family too!
Just keep in mind that pets can be unpredictable, so it’s helpful if they’re well-behaved and comfortable around your new baby, people and settings.
A little treat or favorite toy can go a long way in keeping them happy and focused. With a bit of patience (and maybe some extra cuddles), we’ll capture some sweet moments of your whole crew together!