Questions & Answers
Planning a newborn or family photography session naturally comes with plenty of questions.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby, organising updated family photos, or simply wondering what to expect from a professional photography experience, you’ll find the answers below.
I’ve photographed Melbourne families for over 15 years, and these are the questions I’m asked most often. If there’s anything I haven’t covered, I’d love to hear from you.
Before You Book
Where are you located?
My studio is based in Altona Meadows, making it a convenient choice for families looking for a newborn or family photographer in Melbourne’s west.
Outdoor sessions take place at a carefully chosen selection of beautiful locations throughout Melbourne’s west.
After booking, I’ll help you choose the location that best suits your family and the look you’d love for your photographs.
How far in advance should I book?
Most families book around 6 – 8 weeks in advance, although this can vary throughout the year.
I intentionally photograph a limited number of families each month so every client receives the time, care and attention they deserve.
If you already have a particular date or season in mind, I recommend getting in touch as early as possible.
And if you’re looking for newborn photography in Melbourne, booking during pregnancy gives you the most flexibility.
When should I book my newborn session?
The best time to book your newborn session is during pregnancy, ideally during your second trimester.
Rather than booking a fixed session date, I reserve space around your due date. Once baby arrives, we’ll simply choose a day that works best for everyone.
This means you never need to worry if your little one decides to arrive earlier or later than expected.
What age is best for newborn photography?
The ideal time for newborn photography is within the first two weeks after birth, while babies are still naturally sleepy and love being curled up.
That said, beautiful newborn photographs can absolutely be created after this stage too. Every baby is different, and I always tailor the session to suit your little one rather than forcing them into poses they’re not comfortable with.
If you’re unsure whether it’s “too late”, please don’t let that stop you from reaching out. Beautiful newborn photographs can be created well beyond those first two weeks, and I’d be happy to chat about the best option for your family.
What if my baby arrives early or late?
Don’t worry – babies rarely arrive exactly when expected.
Your booking is made around your due date rather than a specific session date. Once your baby has arrived and you’re settled at home, we’ll organise your actual newborn session date together.
The flexibility is all built into the process.
How much does a session cost?
Session fees begin at $200.
Digital image collections begin at $800, with most families investing between $1,200 and $2,500 on their complete portrait experience.
Every session is fully personalised, so you’ll only ever purchase the collection and artwork that best suits your family.
You can view more information on my Investment page or request the full pricing guide before booking if you’d like to explore all collection options.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes.
Creating beautiful artwork for your family shouldn’t feel stressful.
Flexible payment plan options are available, and I’m always happy to discuss what might work best for you.
Preparing For Your Session
What should we wear?
This is one of the biggest worries families have – and one of the easiest things for me to help with.
After booking, you’ll receive a detailed styling guide, along with personalised advice if you’re feeling unsure.
I also have a carefully curated client wardrobe available for mums, babies and children, making the whole process even easier.
The goal isn’t for everyone to match perfectly. It’s about choosing colours, textures and outfits that work beautifully together while still feeling like you.
What if my children don’t cooperate?
Honestly?
This is probably the question I get asked most when it comes to family photography.
The good news is they don’t need to.
Children aren’t expected to sit still, smile on command or perform for the camera.
Sessions are relaxed and built around how children naturally behave. We play, cuddle, explore and take breaks when needed.
Some of the photographs parents treasure most come from those beautifully imperfect in-between moments.
We’re awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
Absolutely.
In fact, most families tell me this before their session.
You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands.
I’ll gently guide you throughout the entire session, giving just enough direction to help you feel comfortable while leaving plenty of space for genuine connection and natural moments to unfold.
Can I include the whole family in my newborn session?
Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it.
Your newborn session isn’t just about your new baby – it’s about celebrating your growing family. Parents and siblings are always included, and we’ll capture a beautiful mix of family portraits, sibling moments and individual newborn photographs.
Years from now, these are often the images families treasure most.
Can grandparents, siblings or our dog be included?
Absolutely.
Immediate family is always included.
Grandparents are welcome by prior arrangement, and well-behaved dogs are welcome for outdoor sessions depending on location or at the studio by prior discussion.
If you’d like to include anyone special, just let me know while we’re planning your session.
What happens if it rains for our outdoor session?
For outdoor sessions, I’ll monitor the weather closely leading up to your session (right up until the morning of our session).
If the forecast isn’t suitable, we’ll simply reschedule for another available date.
Because weather decisions can’t be made until close to your session, I recommend discussing this possibility with any hair and makeup artist you book, as those appointments generally remain your responsibility if we need to postpone.
What should I bring to my newborn session?
You don’t need to bring much at all.
I’ll guide you before your session so you know exactly what to pack. Usually this includes extra nappies, bottles if you’re bottle feeding, a dummy if your baby uses one, and anything else your little one might need.
My studio is stocked with wraps, blankets, headbands and everything needed for your baby’s photographs, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
During Your Session
How long does a session take?
Every family is different, so I don’t rush.
Most maternity, milestone and family sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes.
Newborn sessions allow up to around 2.5 hours so there’s plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, settling and whatever your baby needs.
The goal is always a calm, enjoyable experience – never watching the clock.
What actually happens during the session?
You’ll spend far less time looking at the camera than you probably imagine.
We’ll chat, cuddle, play games, go for little walks, laugh and simply spend time together as a family.
I’ll guide you when needed and quietly step back when genuine moments naturally unfold.
The result is a gallery full of genuine moments that feel like your family, rather than photographs where everyone is simply looking at the camera.
After Your Session
When will we see our photographs?
Around 1 – 2 weeks after your session, you’ll be invited back to the studio for your in-person viewing appointment.
Together we’ll watch your slideshow, view your gallery and I’ll help you choose the photographs and artwork you’d love to take home.
It’s genuinely one of my favourite parts of the whole experience.
Why do you offer in-person viewing appointments instead of online galleries?
Because choosing your family photographs should feel just as special as creating them and I care deeply about how your final gallery of images turns out.
Rather than emailing hundreds of images and leaving you to sort through them on your own, we’ll sit down together, enjoy your gallery together as a slideshow and carefully select the images that matter most.
I’ll also help you visualise wall art, albums and keepsakes that suit your home and your family.
Do I have to purchase printed artwork?
Not at all.
There are no minimum order requirements, and you’ll only ever purchase the images and artwork you genuinely love.
Digital image collections are available on their own if that’s what suits you best.
However, many families choose to include professionally printed artwork because photographs deserve to be enjoyed every day – not forgotten on a hard drive.
I’ll never pressure you into purchasing anything, but I’ll happily guide you through the options if you’d like help creating something beautiful for your home.
Why do you believe printed photographs are so important?
Phones fill up.
Hard drives fail.
Technology changes.
But the photographs hanging on your walls quietly become part of your family’s everyday life.
They’re the images your children grow up seeing.
The album they reach for years from now.
The memories that become part of your home rather than hidden away in a folder.
That’s why I believe these moments deserve to exist beyond a screen.
Long after phones have been upgraded and files forgotten, your photographs become part of your family’s story – hanging on the walls, sitting on the coffee table, and reminding you every day of the people you love most.
Can you help us choose where to display our artwork?
Yes.
One of my favourite parts of the experience is helping families choose artwork that truly suits their home. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room, a gallery wall for the hallway, or keepsake albums to enjoy for years to come, I’ll guide you through the options during your viewing appointment.
My goal is to create artwork that doesn’t just look beautiful on delivery day, but becomes part of your family’s everyday life.
How long does artwork take to arrive?
Most artwork is ready within approximately 4 – 8 weeks after your order is placed and payment has been finalised.
As every piece is professionally produced to order, turnaround times vary slightly depending on what you’ve selected.
Still have a question?
Every family is different, and no question is too small.
If there’s anything you’re wondering, I’d love to hear from you.
Simply get in touch, and I’ll happily help you decide whether this experience is the right fit for your family.