What to expect - outdoor sessions
During an outdoor session we’ll do a lot of moving around, seeking out a few of the perfect spots or nooks to work with in nature.
The way I shoot is natural and intuitive rather than a heap of cheesy poses. I’ll generally guide you over to the perfect spots, guide you to connect in with yourself/baby/partner and give you some suggestions and direction when needed. This is something we’ll also talk about on the phone before-hand. I’ll find out how comfortable you are in front of the camera and how much direction you want or need. Some people really dislike direction and ‘poses,’ and already know that they want which is great, and some find direction really helpful and aren’t so comfortable in front of the camera.
One of the reasons I love shooting in nature is to connect in with the environment around. Rather than just placing someone in an environment, we’ll look for ways we can work with nature, letting it’s wildness empower, hold and inspire us.
If you have other small children, our shoot might look a little different. When kids are about, I tend to take a lot more documentary-style photos, as there can be many moments of chaos and joy, as they remind us not to take life too seriously.
It’s best to let kids be kids and run about and explore the natural environment too, instead of trying to give them too much pressure and control throughout.
I want to create some amazing portraits with you that you can keep of this time, so if you have any burning ideas, or you really want to try something but feel nervous, now is the time! I highly recommend having a chat to me about it so we can give it a go.
What to expect - At home sessions
I love sessions at home. A home holds your story. Memories were and will be created here and little pieces of your life are all around. Because home is often so full of this rich story, I like to focus more on natural, documentary style shots here. Following you around as you cook a meal together as a family, or you doing something special you love to do by yourself. We’ll create images that hold real memories and capture the details that you’ll look back on and connect to.
For beautiful photos at home, a home with enough space and natural light is key.
We’ll make sure to find the best light and places within your home to create some beautiful portraits. This could be by a window, on your bed, in the lounge area. Even on the floor.
We can take a few photos outside if there is nature around, but this won’t be the focus of the shoot. I like to shoot in the first or last light of the day outside to work in beautiful soft light, but we’ll usually start around 9.30am if we’re shooting in your home.
Location
Choosing the environment for the session is something that will really set the feel and mood of the photos. One location, time of day, and season will be totally different to the next.
The photos above were taken in a range of different settings. From warm dark pine forest to open wild west coast beach, a calm east coast beach, a beautiful wild river on a cloudy day, to a cozy, modern home.
I love shooting in nature locations where nature is wild and untamed, and west coast locations with the last light of the day.
If you have a place you feel really connected to that you’d like to try - perfect. Creating in a space special to you can add another level of depth to the photos. They’ll feel even more meaningful to you.
A session at home might feel more relaxing, and I love this too. We can create rich photographs full of story.
Time of Day
Weather and time of day can also change the mood of photos dramatically. I love both perfect clear golden sunset days, and moody overcast days. Both have a magic of their own.
For golden hour photos on the west coast, we’ll start an hour before sunset, and for photos indoors, we’ll usually start in the morning, close to 9.30.
For other outdoors locations we might start further out from sunset.
FAQ
What happens if it’s raining on the day of our shoot?
We’ll postpone if it’s really rainy or windy, but I generally like to go ahead if the forecast is showing a little rain. Weather is the unpredictable element we have to work with when shooting in nature, but an overcast evening has an equal beauty to a clear day - sometimes even more so!
What if I don’t have anything to wear?
Unfortunately I don’t have a client wardrobe, but if you really want something special to wear, there are businesses who offer maternity dress hire.
We can talk about what you have and if there’s anything you want to try.
What can I do to prepare?
The biggest thing you can do to prepare is to give yourself time and space to feel into your body before the session
I’m not sure if I’d like to take nude or partially images yet.
If you think you might want to, but are unsure, you can totally decide on the day. We will only flow with what’s comfortable for you. If you do want nude, partially nude or artistically covered images, please be sure to let me know as I don’t want you miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to create the images you dream of.
Will you share my photos on social media?
I would love to share some images from our shoot on social media. It’s helps me to show others what I do, and I love to celebrate the magic of pregnancy, however I’ll always ask for permission before doing so, being extra sensitive with images with children or nudity.
~ The Process ~
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Fill out a questionnaire so I can get to know how I can best serve you in this session
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We’ll chat over the phone to get to know each other and talk plans and ideas
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Pick a date in my calendar
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Review and sign your contract
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A deposit of $150 will secure your place in my calendar
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The fun part!
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Within two weeks you’ll receive an online gallery of edited images!
Investment
The full Story
Cozy at home and portraits in Nature - for the mamas who want to capture it all.
60 minute shoot - at home in the morning
60 minute shoot - in nature at evening
All the best photos +200
$***
Mother Nature
A session in nature or cozy at home.
60 - 90 minute shoot - On location or at home
All of the best photos +80
$***
Mother Nature
A session in nature or cozy at home.
60 minute shoot - On location or at home
45 Edited photos
Option to upgrade to full album
$***