Family Session
I am excited to capture you and your loved ones. Lifestyle photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get stiff and posed shots with everyone looking at the camera, but to capture the true essence of your family. I take a documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.
Location: Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. We can shoot in your home as long as your home has lots of natural light. Many Newborn clients prefer their home because of the intimate and personal feel it provides. I have many locations that I love to shoot at regularly but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality.
Time: If we are shooting in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. If we are shooting outdoors we will shoot either in the morning or in the evening. The light is typically too harsh mid-day. If your children are up for it, shooting one to two
hours before sunset provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some
downtime prior to their evening session.
Length Of Session: The good news is, I am super fast! My portrait sessions rarely last more than an hour. Don't worry, I can easily get a diverse and adequate gallery in that time.
What To Wear: Your clothing enhances the story of your pictures, in saying that, your wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. From a modern boho look with a mix of vintage and dressy with a touch of boho to the elevated casual look with a causal more laid-back vibe - try not to go to matchy matchy but rather coordinating - think complimentary colours, and pastels look amazing on the beach! Soft neutral, earthy, and jewel tones all look amazing. Once you have colour sorted, think of textures and layers - from cardigans to hats! For families start with mum because she is the queen of the house and coordinates with her. White on white also looks amazing if you wanted to go for a light & airy vibe.
I am happy to consult you directly on wardrobe. Just let me know.
Props: I do not use props during my sessions, however, if you have something in mind please let me know.
Your Children: Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural selves. Don't worry if your child is running about and active, most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child or hold the child and we go from there.
To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however, I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non-messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session.
Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them.
Please arrive on time or be ready to start on time: Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is important that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
I can't wait to capture you! Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have. See you soon!
NEWBORN SESSION
What To Expect From Your Lifestyle Newborn Session
I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn. Your newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is Lifestyle, which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life.
Day Of The Session: When I arrive, I will walk around your home and get our plan for the day. I often use the couch, master bed, and nursery for photos. I know what it is like to have a newborn. Please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos. I will start with siblings, then move on to baby and mum and dad - but remember these sessions are completely baby lead.
Your Baby: Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a white onesie that is form-fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means you will need a preemie or newborn-sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near-nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for the baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about fifteen minutes prior to my arrival. Please do not overfeed your baby. If your baby needs to eat again you can do that at any time whilst I am there. Newborn sessions can take some time, that is okay. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not do major posing or have any expectations on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.
Siblings: Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby, I have two of my own children, and I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.
Mum & Dad: You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. Remember that I am a mum too so I understand exactly what you are going through. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.
Wardrobe: I recommend neutral colors and comfort. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.
Feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Thank you and I look forward to capturing you soon!
MATERNITY SESSION
Pregnancy is so many things. It is joyful, beautiful, and often hard if we are being honest. You will never regret your decision to capture this time in your life as it goes by so fast. Now that you have booked your maternity session you may have some questions. Hopefully, these resources will help you feel at ease about your upcoming photo session.
As you have seen in my portfolio, my images are organic and natural, capturing who you are right now. My goal is to capture the beauty that is your pregnant body and to also capture the connection between you and the little soul inside you. We will also celebrate these last moments as a family of two, three, or whatever size your family is right now. I think it is special to have memories of what your family looked like right before the baby arrives.
Location:
Together, we will select the best location for your session. Most women want to take advantage of one of the many outdoor locations Gold Coast has to offer, however, some prefer the intimacy of their home. It is up to you.
Who is included in the session:
Your maternity session is for you, your significant other, and your children if this isn't your first pregnancy. Yes, fur babies are welcome too. If children will be included, please know that I am very experienced with working with kiddos of all ages. It is okay if they are active or silly.
Wardrobe:
I want you to feel your best. I find that long dresses seem to be the most comfortable and allow for easy moving, however it is entirely up to you. I also have a client wardrobe available and beautiful material we can drape over you for more creative photos. I am happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. What is important is that you feel beautiful.
COUPLES & ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
This is the time to Splurge a little!! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! You will cherish these images forever so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be extra confident during the shoot! Tip: If you are worried about looking tired or just want a little something special for your portraits, get false lashes that range from looking completely natural to look like Beyonce! I would lean toward the natural end of the spectrum!
Take a deep breath...You’re going to be amazing models! We always tell our couples that the BEST models are the ones who have never modeled professionally before! And I mean it! The couples that are usually the most nervous are the couples that totally rock their session!
For Engagement sessions...don't forget to clean your ring!
What to wear: the goal is to COORDINATE instead of MATCHING! I recommend avoiding both of you wearing white tops. This won't allow for any contrast in your images.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to capturing you during this very special time.
Nat
xox