Dressing for a
professional
photoshoot
TOP TIPS for photoshoot dressing
(I've also created seasonal inspiration boards for you)
SPECIALIST IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN + BABY PORTRAITURE
The first few weeks will pass in a blur and you will be amazed how easily you forget things you expected to remember forever
I typically photograph newborn babies between 5 and 14 days after birth, when they are still sleepy and curly from the womb. Newborn babies change incredibly quickly and you will be amazed to see how much they have grown when you come back for your viewing session. Booking is essential and I recommend you contact me early in your second trimester to secure your session. All of my newborn sessions take place in the studio. You will have access to my full range of props and newborn baby clothing. This includes a large range of beautiful vintage style knitwear, bonnets and wraps as well as lovely headbands and halos. Many of my props are sourced internationally, but I also love to buy local and support our talented New Zealand artisans. Grandparents are welcome to join us and my images of proud grandparents cuddling their newborn baby are always treasured. I have been fully trained in the safe handling of newborn babies as well as the technical aspects of newborn posing. This is something you must insist on when choosing your photographer, as newborn posing should not be undertaken without the right training, safety practices and equipment.
EXPERIENCE A NEWBORN STUDIO PORTRAIT SESSION
Newborn Session Video
No one likes walking into an unknown situation - so make life easier and check out a newborn session in action. You will get to see how we wrap, soothe and photograph newborn baby Arthur, while using props and simple classic backgrounds using my newborn posing bean bag Spot how Lynley stays close to Arthur at all times, ensuring he is safe and comfortable, so you can sit back and relax (more than one Mum has taken a nap!) and enjoy watching us work
Please note
This was filmed in our previous studio, prior to COVID, hence we are not wearing masks - we hope to be able to update the video and show our new studio at some point in the future
QUALIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
I have been a Qualified Newborn Photographer with the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) since 2018
The accreditation process includes submitting a newborn portfolio for critique + achieving 100% in an exam on the safe handling of newborns
I am also an Accredited Professional Photographer with the New Zealand Institute for Professional Photographers (NZIPP)
To become accredited I submitted a portfolio for critique by recognised NZ photographic leaders. I also demonstrated that I had met technical, creative and business standards, adhere to the Code of Ethics + undertake regular professional development
in 2022 I achieved my Associate Accreditation with the International Portrait Masters, joining just a handful of New Zealand photographers to hold this qualification
To reach Associate I built a portfolio of 50 Awarded Images, based on scores from the Portrait Masters judging panel. The judges on the panel are all internationally recognised photographers who specialise in portrait photography across a range of genres
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When is the best time for my maternity session?We recommend holding your maternity session at around 30 weeks. At this stage your bump is nicely formed, and you will still have enough energy for the session.
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Do I need to book in advance?Yes. We recommend booking as early as possible in your second trimester to avoid disappointment. We have a limited number of sessions available each week.
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I don't normally enjoy having my photograph taken and I don't know what to do in front of the camera.If you are feeling worried about being photographed — don't — I am very experienced when it comes to photographing mothers-to-be and will guide you throughout the session. I use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs of your pregnancy that you will love and treasure.
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Can my kids join?Absolutely! We also have clothing for kids up to age seven.
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My husband / partner doesn't want to come?That's not a problem at all. For most of our clients, the purpose of a maternity shoot is to capture some beautiful images for themselves. Something they can look back on to remember their pregnancy experience. You can come alone, or a bring a friend.
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Do I need to buy anything to wear or bring any props for the photographs?We have a wardrobe full of beautiful maternity gowns, body suits to suit all tastes and figures. We also have lovely fabrics for draping and styling creatively. Some clients do choose to bring some items from home - such as a family korowai and we can incorporate these into your session. You may also like to bring along some relaxed clothing such as non-maternity jeans and a white shirt. We do recommend you bring a range of underwear, including smooth natural coloured pants and bra, a strapless bra, and some more lacey items if you wish them to he photographed on show. We have clothing for children up to age 7. We recommend men bring along their own clothing options. Simple white or black fitted t-shirts and jeans photograph nicely and work alongside most gowns. If wearing a collared shirt, please ensure it has been ironed.
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What is the cost?Our pricing starts at $1,250 (including a $250 creative fee which is payable on booking). This includes 8 printed images, matching digital images, a keepsake box. a display easel and $200 product credit that can be put towards our portrait boxes, story book albums and story frames. If you want to purchase additional images from your gallery they are $125 each. If you would like more images I do offer a larger gallery and I can tell you about this if it is of interest. There are links at the bottom of this email that will take you to my detailed pricing and other pages that might be of interest. Subject to the minimum collection sizes, how much you spend is entirely up to you. Most of my clients choose to purchase some beautiful wall art, portraits boxes or an album in addition to their image collections. There is no pressure to purchase, I want you to love the experience as well as your images. You can find more detailed information on the pricing and what to expect HERE
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Can you organise hair + make-up?Yes we can - please enquire when you book as our favourite stylist is very popular and we need to book her early. Most clients for a maternity session book the hair and make-up add on. While absolutely not a requirement, it does add a little polish to your images and enhances the overall experience. Many clients have commented that having their hair and make-up done professionally helped them feel beautiful and confident and ready for an awesome portrait session. You might like to book a lovely lunch or dinner to follow while you are all glammed up!
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Do you photograph outside?No. We shoot in the studio where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. We like to keep our clients warm and comfortable and to make the session really easy for you. The best outdoor light is either at dawn or dusk and, in our experience, this isn't the best time for pregnant women. We prefer to structure our sessions to ensure everyone is fresh and relaxed (or as fresh as you can be while in the latter stages of pregnancy), don't have to walk far, have easy access to a bathroom, and can count on your session going ahead even if its wet and windy. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection.
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When is the best time for my newborn session?We aim to hold the session while your baby is very new and still used to being tucked up inside — usually between days 5 and 14 after birth. Because we can’t predict when your baby will choose to make an entrance, we make a provisional booking on your due date and update this to a confirmed appointment time after they have arrived. We know it can feel daunting to leave the house with a brand new baby, so we have made our studio easy to access, with parking at the door, and very comfortable with everything you might need.
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Do I need to book in advance?Yes. We recommend booking as early as possible in your second trimester to avoid disappointment. We have a limited number of sessions available each week.
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Are family photos included? I don't enjoy having my photograph taken and I don't know what to do in front of the camera.Yes, family photos are included with all of our collections. If you are feeling worried about being photographed so soon after pregnancy — don't — I am very experienced when it comes to photographing mothers and I will guide you through the session. I use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs with your new baby that you will love and treasure. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity for professionally taken family photos — even if you feel nervous about it. As a parent you will take lots of photos of your children, but so often we end up with very few photos with ourselves in them. When I look back at the photos from my own children's newborn sessions, my favourite images are the family ones. I have them on the wall of our living room and they bring me (and the rest of our family) joy every day.
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Can my kids join?Absolutely! We also have clothing for kids up to age seven.
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Do I need to buy anything for my baby to wear or bring any props for the photographs?You don't need anything. We have a wardrobe full of beautiful newborn clothing, bonnets, headbands and wraps to suit all tastes. We provide all of the props and you only need to bring yourselves and whatever you need to feed your baby. Some clients do choose to bring some items from home - such as an heirloom knitted blanket, family korowai or a special toy and we can incorporate these into your session.
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What is the cost?Our pricing starts at $1,250 (including a $250 creative fee which is payable on booking). This includes 8 printed images, matching digital images, a keepsake box. a display easel and $200 product credit that can be put towards our portrait boxes, story book albums and story frames. If you want to purchase additional images from your gallery they are $125 each. If you would like more images I do offer a larger gallery and I can tell you about this if it is of interest. There are links at the bottom of this email that will take you to my detailed pricing and other pages that might be of interest. Subject to the minimum collection sizes, how much you spend is entirely up to you. Most of my clients choose to purchase some beautiful wall art, portraits boxes or an album in addition to their image collections. There is no pressure to purchase, I want you to love the experience as well as your images. You can find more detailed information on the pricing and what to expect HERE
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Can you organise hair + make-up?Yes we can - please enquire when you book as our favourite stylist is very popular and we need to book her early.
-
Do you photograph outside?No. We shoot in the studio where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. We like to keep babies and their families warm and comfortable and to make the session really easy for you. The best outdoor light is either at dawn or dusk and, in our experience, this isn't the best time for families. We prefer to structure our sessions to ensure everyone is fresh and relaxed (or as fresh as you can be with a newborn), don't have to walk far, have easy access to a bathroom, and can count on your session going ahead even if its wet and windy. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection.
COMMON QUESTIONS
NEWBORN BABY PORTRAIT GALLERY
