A guide to your session.

Types of sessions.

Sessions usually run between one and two hours and are built around your family's pace. Whether we shoot in the studio or on location, the idea is the same — give everyone room to relax so the photographs look like the people you actually are.

Newborn

Newborn portraits capture your little one in the first days of life — candid moments at home, with mum and dad, or in soft studio poses. These are best within the first nine days; see below for timing notes.

Up to one year

Photos of your baby can happen at home or somewhere meaningful to you. Bring a favourite toy, a blanket, or a piece of clothing — small props help the personality come through.

Toddlers and older

For children older than one, the great outdoors usually wins. There's space to wander, light to chase, and plenty of opportunity for candid moments of wonder.

Birthday & cake smash

Children and birthday cake make for unforgettable moments. We start with a few clean portraits, then we hand over the cake and let the rest unfold.

Newborn timing & prep.

Booking is best around two months before your due date. Once baby arrives, we'll lock in a date — newborn sessions photograph best before two weeks, and ideally within the first nine days.

In those early days, infants are less fussy, sleep more deeply, and aren't yet affected by infant acne — all of which makes a real difference to the kinds of images we can capture.

Where

Newborn sessions are held in my home studio, twenty minutes north of Brisbane. I work with studio lights and natural window light to keep everything soft.

Before you arrive

• Feed, change and settle baby just before the session.
• Bring any special props or family items you'd like to include.
• Crank the heat at home that morning so baby arrives already cosy — a warm baby is a sleepy baby.
• Skip new lotions or creams that day; they can sometimes irritate skin under studio lights.
• Pack an extra shirt or two for parents (newborns being newborns).

During the session

Sessions are unhurried. Tense parents tend to make tense babies, so the best thing you can do is relax — we'll happily take the time we need to feed, change, comfort and settle baby back to sleep. Posed sessions usually run about two hours; lifestyle sessions anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. Plan to be with me for two to three hours all up.

What to expect.

Each session is tailored. Before we shoot, I'll ask about your children's temperaments and personalities, answer all your questions, and walk you through the day so you arrive relaxed. The photographs are the goal, but the experience is what you'll remember.

Timing around your family

I plan around mealtimes, nap times and your children's moods at particular times of day. Children appearing happy and well-rested in their photos starts well before the session does.

Pace and breaks

Children set the pace. Snacks, nappy changes, outfit changes — please take your time. I use only positive reinforcement and encouragement; if the children aren't happy, it shows in the photographs, so let's keep it light.

Outdoor weather

For on-location sessions, we'll stay in touch as the date approaches. If the forecast turns, we either reschedule or move indoors — there's always a plan B.

What to bring

For newborns and babies: wipes, nappies, a towel, extra milk or formula, a pacifier, a soft blanket and an extra shirt for each parent.

For older children: a comb, snacks, juice or water, wipes, sunscreen for outdoor sessions, a small toy or two, and a change of clothes.

For parents: water, a brush, a small make-up bag, sunscreen, a phone, and an extra shirt.

What to wear.

The aim is timeless. Group everyone in the same tone — not necessarily the same colour — and you'll get coordinated portraits that won't date.

A few do's

• Simple, loose-fitting solid colours photograph beautifully and stay timeless.
• Jeans, khakis, overalls and sundresses are reliable classics for children.
• For boys, plain tees and jeans work well; for girls, simple sundresses (weather permitting).
• Bare feet are lovely. If shoes, please clean and unscuffed.
• Hats, scarves and well-chosen accessories add character.
• Bring a few outfits and we'll choose together on the day.

And a few don'ts

• Avoid stripes, busy patterns, plaid, large words and logos.
• Limit white, which often reflects strongly under studio light.
• Skip bold logos, even for kids' fashion brands.

Props with meaning

Choose pieces that mean something — a musical instrument, a book, a piece of jewellery, even a family pet. Anything that reflects a hobby, a history, or what you love makes for richer photographs.