WHY YOU SHOULD PRESERVE YOUR FAMILY STORY THROUGH AN ALBUM - SYDNEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Why you should preserve your family photographs in a heirloom album. Heirloom albums hold a sense of nostalgia and tradition. They allow you to create a narrative, tell a story, and pass down precious memories through generations. Printed photographs and albums can evoke emotions and create a stronger connection to the captured moments compared to digital images that might get lost or forgotten in the vast expanse of technology.
If you’ve had a maternity, newborn or family photography session you more than likely valuable the tangible and lasting impact of printed photographs and heirloom albums, especially when it comes to capturing and preserving cherished family memories. While digital formats offer convenience and easy sharing, there's something uniquely special about physical photographs and albums that can be displayed, touched, and flipped through.
Heirloom albums hold a sense of nostalgia and tradition. They allow you to create a narrative, tell a story, and pass down precious memories through generations. Printed photographs and albums can evoke emotions and create a stronger connection to the captured moments compared to digital images that might get lost or forgotten in the vast expanse of technology.
Having these physical pieces as part of your home adds a personal touch and warmth to your living space. They become conversation starters and reminders of the love and experiences shared within your family.
Technology has changed the way we capture, store, and share images, but there's no denying the enduring appeal of physical photographs and albums. Balancing the convenience of digital with the sentimentality of print is key to creating a meaningful record of your family's journey.
Telling your children's story through an heirloom album holds a profound significance, as it taps into the core of human nature and the power of storytelling. Here's why it's so important:
Connection and Legacy: Humans are inherently wired for connection and storytelling. Sharing stories across generations strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of continuity. An heirloom album becomes a tangible representation of your family's journey, allowing your children to feel connected to their past and understand their roots.
Emotional Energy and Memories: Heirloom albums have the unique ability to capture not just images, but the energy and emotions of specific moments. Every photograph in the album carries a piece of the emotions felt during that time, which can be relived and shared when flipping through its pages. This emotional resonance helps children experience the love, joy, and care that surrounded their early days.
Documentation of Growth and Transformation: Children grow and change so quickly, especially during the early years. An heirloom album documents this transformative journey, preserving the milestones, quirks, and personalities that emerge as they develop. It becomes a visual timeline of their growth, allowing them to appreciate the progress they've made and the stages they've passed through.
Understanding Origins: Heirloom albums provide a window into the past, allowing children to explore their origins and understand the context of their early years. They can see where they lived, how their environment looked, and the people who were a part of their lives. This understanding contributes to a sense of identity and belonging.
Shared History and Tradition: Just as you have fond memories of looking through old albums with your parents, creating an heirloom album establishes a tradition that can be passed down through generations. Your children will have the opportunity to share these albums with their own children one day, creating a continuous thread of storytelling and connection.
In-Between Moments and Everyday Life: An heirloom album captures not only the major milestones but also the everyday moments that are often overlooked. These seemingly ordinary moments hold immense value as they reveal the essence of daily life, relationships, and the love that permeates day-to-day interactions.
Ultimately, an heirloom album is a tangible embodiment of your family's unique story. It transcends time, technology, and trends, offering a lasting testament to the love, growth, and experiences that define your family's journey. It's a gift that keeps on giving, fostering connection, understanding, and a deep sense of belonging for generations to come.
There is a beautiful sensory and emotional richness that comes from interacting with a physical heirloom album. The tactile experience of flipping through the pages, feeling the texture of the paper, and even smelling the unique scent of a well-loved album evokes a deeper connection to the memories captured within. Here's why this tactile experience is so meaningful:
Engagement and Presence: When you gather to look at an heirloom album, you're fully engaged in the moment. Unlike digital screens, there are no notifications, pop-ups, or distractions. This focused attention allows you to immerse yourself in the memories and stories being shared, fostering a sense of presence and connection.
Nostalgia and Tradition: The physicality of an heirloom album carries a sense of nostalgia and tradition. Memories evoke a strong emotional connection. By creating an album experience for your own children, you're passing down not just images, but a tangible link to your family's history.
Intergenerational Connection: An heirloom album becomes a bridge between generations. As you sit down together to explore the album, you have the opportunity to share stories, anecdotes, and personal experiences that might not be captured in the photographs themselves. This intergenerational dialogue further strengthens family ties.
Sensory Stimulation: The tactile nature of an heirloom album engages multiple senses – touch, sight, and even a subtle auditory component as pages are turned. This sensory stimulation enhances the overall experience and leaves a more lasting imprint on memory.
Treasured Ritual: The act of gathering around an album can become a cherished family ritual. It's a special time of togetherness and shared storytelling that creates lasting memories in its own right. This ritual can continue over the years, becoming a source of comfort and connection during various life stages.
Aesthetic and Emotional Impact: The physicality of an heirloom album adds a layer of aesthetic appreciation. The design, layout, and quality of the album contribute to the emotional impact of the images. It elevates the experience from merely viewing pictures to engaging with a curated and artistic representation of your family's journey.
In a world filled with digital distractions, the tactile experience of an heirloom album provides a respite – a quiet, intimate moment to connect, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of your family's story. It's a way of celebrating the tangible, the timeless, and the deeply personal.
The artful design of an heirloom album adds a layer of depth and emotion that enhances the storytelling experience and preserves your cherished memories in a truly captivating way. Here's why an intentional and thoughtful album design is so important:
Narrative Enhancement: A well-designed heirloom album transforms a collection of images into a cohesive narrative. Through careful arrangement and sequencing, you're able to journey through the pages, capturing the essence and emotions of each moment. The album becomes a visual story that unfolds with each turn.
Emotional Resonance: Thoughtful design choices, such as image grouping, layouts, and compositions, allow you to evoke specific emotions and energies. The album becomes a conduit for reliving the emotions experienced during those moments. Each page resonates with feelings and memories, creating a profound emotional connection.
Personalization and Identity: The design process offers an opportunity for personalization and reflection of your unique identity as a family. Choosing materials, personalization techniques, and design elements that align with your style and values ensures that the album is a true reflection of your journey.
Timeless Elegance: An artful heirloom album is a piece of art itself. The design elevates the aesthetic appeal of the images, creating a timeless and elegant presentation. It's not just about preserving memories; it's about creating an enduring piece of beauty that stands the test of time.
Transportive Power: A well-designed album has the incredible ability to transport you back to the heart of the moment. When you revisit the album years down the line, the design triggers vivid memories and allows you to relive the emotions and experiences of that time.
Curation and Focus: The design process allows for curation and focus. Not every image needs to be included; instead, you have the opportunity to select the most impactful and meaningful images that best tell the story. This ensures that every page contributes to the overall narrative and emotional journey. I will draft a copy for you and you have final approval.
Legacy and Future Generations: An artful album becomes a legacy that you pass down to future generations. Its design and presentation communicate the importance of these memories and stories to your children and their descendants, fostering a sense of connection to family history.
In essence, the design of an heirloom album is an art form that requires careful consideration and skill. It's about curating moments, emotions, and experiences into a tangible masterpiece that not only preserves memories but also elicits a profound and lasting emotional response. It's a testament to the value you place on your family's journey and a true celebration of the art of storytelling.
Air Force Blue in a calico presentation bag.
Preserving your family history through an heirloom album is a profound gift that extends far beyond your own lifetime. It's a way of ensuring that your stories, memories, and experiences are cherished and passed down to future generations. Here's why an heirloom album is a lasting and meaningful way to preserve your family history:
Understanding and Identity: As your children grow older, they naturally develop a curiosity about their roots and family history. An heirloom album provides them with a tangible connection to their past, helping them understand their identity and the journey that has shaped their family.
Safe and Lasting Preservation: Unlike digital formats that can degrade or become obsolete over time, a well-crafted heirloom album is designed to withstand the test of time. High-quality materials and archival printing techniques ensure that the images and stories remain intact and accessible for generations to come.
Tangible Connection: An album is a physical manifestation of your family's history. It allows future generations to touch, feel, and experience the memories in a way that digital images cannot replicate. The tactile experience of turning pages and interacting with the album creates a deeper and more lasting connection.
Cultural and Emotional Heritage: An heirloom album captures not only images but also the cultural and emotional heritage of your family. The stories, anecdotes, and personal insights you share within the album provide context and depth to the photographs, enriching the understanding of your family's values and traditions.
Continuity and Legacy: Passing down an heirloom album creates a sense of continuity and legacy. It's a tangible representation of your love, experiences, and milestones that will continue to be treasured by your descendants. It's a way of leaving your mark on the world and ensuring that your family's story is remembered and honored.
Bonding Across Generations: An heirloom album becomes a shared treasure that future generations can bond over. It fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness as family members come together to explore the stories, experiences, and images that have shaped their lineage.
Cultivation of Values: The act of passing down an heirloom album communicates important values to your descendants – the significance of family, the importance of preserving memories, and the beauty of storytelling. These values continue to influence and shape future generations.
In a world where technology evolves rapidly, an heirloom album remains a timeless and enduring way to safeguard your family's history. It's a gift that transcends generations, fostering a deep appreciation for the past and strengthening the bonds that tie your family together.
4 easy steps to ordering your family photography album. Designed together.
Investing in more than just digital files is a wonderful and meaningful approach. By emphasizing the value of heirloom albums, you're not only providing your children with a tangible keepsake but also preserving your family's story in a deeply meaningful manner. Here's why heirloom albums are so important:
Gift of Identity and Connection: An heirloom album becomes a gift that keeps giving. It bestows your children the opportunity to know and understand themselves and their roots. Through the pages of the album, they can trace their journey from the very beginning, fostering a sense of identity and connection.
Permanent Record of Milestones: Beyond just capturing images, an heirloom album creates a permanent record of the important milestones and moments in their family's life. It becomes a treasure trove of memories that can be revisited and shared across generations.
Multigenerational Bonding: The act of sitting down together to relive memories from an heirloom album fosters a sense of togetherness and bonding. It becomes a tradition that future generations can carry on, creating opportunities for meaningful interactions and shared experiences.
Elevated Experience: It elevates the photographs, transforming them from digital files to tangible pieces of art that can be displayed and shared with pride.
Preserving the Intangible: While digital files are convenient, they lack the tactile and sensory experience that an heirloom album provides. It's not just about preserving images; it's about capturing the intangible emotions, connections, and stories that make up a family's journey.
Symbol of Value: The intrinsic value of your family's story. It underscores the importance of preserving memories and passing them down through the generations.
By investing in heirloom albums, you're helping to create a lasting legacy that transcends time and technology. It's a powerful way to celebrate your family's story and ensure that it's cherished and shared for many years to come.
THE LONGEST SHORTEST TIME - A LOOK AT IN-HOME FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
I wanted to blog this in-home family photography session because it is such a great example of the things I love to capture at these in-home photography sessions. We started early on a weekday, Christine was coming to the end of her maternity leave and Barry was working from home for the morning. When I arrived Barry was on work calls while bottle feeding the baby - this is how I love to find families - relaxed and natural and doing what they would be doing if I wasn’t there. These make the best captures and are really the things you’ll want to remember. Life with a toddler and a baby moves pretty fast and most people apologise for the mess, the tantrums, the tears. I reassure them that they needn’t apologise - it’s the same for all of us and when you receive your images you’ll be so surprised that we didn’t capture those things, but we captured the love in your family and the way life is for you right now. These precious keepsakes of home will be treasured for years to come. They hold the details of your family story.
Sydney Family Photographer, Mosman Baby Photographer, Sydney Newborn Photography, Sydney Maternity Photographer, Sydney Newborn Photographer, Sydney Family Photographer, SydneyFamily Photographer, Sydney Family Photographer, Sydney Lifestyle Photographer, Highgate Family Photographer, Sydney Family Photographer.
KEEPSAKES OF HOME | SYDNEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Keepsakes of home family session. Check out my latest blog post if you want to see what sort of images you’re likely to get from an in-home session with me and why it’s a good idea to create a one year milestone keepsake. This blog also includes one of the best white shirts I’ve ever seen worn by Hannah AND the wallpaper Hannah and Philip have in their lounge in the UK that I also have in my house in Australia. Seriously though have a look just because Rafferty is truly divine! Don’t forget to create a keepsake of your now.
One of the nicest ways to celebrate almost a year with your little one is to have a keepsake family photography session before their first birthday. It’s great to do at home to create a capture of what the family home was like at that time. In some ways it rivals the newborn session, and is really another milestone session. You’ve probably started to adjust to being a parent and are feeling a little more confident with the ups and downs of caring for a little one. Partners have had a chance to bond more and you’re feeling a little bit of more of a unit again. Some babies never have newborn photos maybe because they were unwell, finances were tight, the parents didn’t even consider it then (many don’t consider it until baby number three!)….there are many reasons why, but as that one year birthday milestone approaches having family photos makes a lot of sense and can be a super special keepsake.
When I arrived at this home I was a little bit excited to see the beautiful wall paper in their lounge room, I also have it in my house! That’s when you do a little dance that you’re finding families who are like you. They value home, keepsakes and pretty things!
We spent just over an hour together and we took family photographs in the master bedroom, the nursery, the lounge room, the garden and the hallway which had a lovely little nook under the window. Oh and I almost forgot the bathroom had a pink feature wall so of course I had to use it! Relaxed and natural family photography is the what we’re aiming for so I encourage families to snuggle and cuddle and soak each other up.
In-home family photography is perfect for those who might be shy or reluctant and it’s just so convenient for families. All that aside these environmental portraits will be treasured by you and your children when they are older. They tell your story more than any beach or park could ever do. Don’t forget to create a keepsake of your now.
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WHY MY STYLE WORKS FOR THE SHY AND RELUCTANT - SYDNEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Embrace the relaxed and un-posed family portrait.
It’s such a common refrain from families. We’d love family photos but we feel so awkward or shy. Or maybe you’re worried about how your children might behave during the session. Sometimes when I arrive for a family photography session little ones greet me with open arms and willingly show me around and start chatting to me. They might even ask me to take their photograph and then of course to look at it immediately. Then there are times when children are reluctant, shy, having a bad day, or are just more reserved in nature. This of course is true for adults too. I’m very often hired by people who will say - we hate having our photo taken but we value family photographs, can you help?
As a family and child photographer I am very used to photographing children, and even adults, who perhaps would rather not be in front of a camera. My family photography sessions are extremely relaxed and ahead of meeting we will chat about your family and what I might expect. I always approach a session by matching the pace I am greeted with. You’ll never hear me say cheese, smile or even look at the camera. I always tell my families not to look at the camera, except if you feel it. For some portraits we do look into the camera, but I help you with how to do this best and when to expect it. Talking, touching and connecting with each other is a great way to relax and not feel awkward in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through it. Here are some ways that we get the best out of a session with those who are a little more reserved.
Start right with low pressure. My family photography sessions are about being relaxed and letting moments unfold naturally. It’s okay to let children warm up and I always try and match the pace of the family I am photographing. We don’t need to perform right off the bat. So first off I won’t get my camera out, I’ll chat with you and your children. The least successful sessions are when children are rushed to sit still and smile. When I hear these words I actually freeze up a little. It’s not my style of shooting and I know that for reluctant children these words are like a red flag. The more we push the less likely it is to happen. If your session is at home I will often recommend that you leave some of the getting ready for when I am there. This takes the pressure of everyone to be buttoned up and ready to go. I highly recommend in-home sessions for the very shy or reluctant. It’s a safe space where children can retreat to their comforts if the pressure feels too much. We typically thrive in our own spaces and children can be really proud to show me their room or toys.
Plan an activity. It can be a great ice breaker to bring a ball to the park or a frisbee and start out by playing. Worried about getting dirty? Bring a top to change into after we’ve run around. More often than not after we’ve let a little steam off we will find ourselves relaxed, curled up in laps and enjoying a snack and then if we play our cards right we can get that beautiful portrait together. I have a few tricks and if we give everyone the space and time to find their rhythm it usually works. At home we might do some baking together, read, do a puzzle, put on some music and dance! Whatever is your normal that’s where we’ll meet.
True reflections. It’s entirely possible that you won’t get everyone looking at the camera and smiling together, and you know what? That’s okay. Some of my favourite family portraits are the ones where someone is upside down, someone is laughing, someone is looking the other way. There is beauty in the chaos and the un-posed and letting people be who they are. Would you be happy looking at a portrait of your family and seeing a forced smile or would you much rather see the beauty in a face that beats to their own drum. A true portrait will reflect our personality and uniqueness. We’ll focus on the moments, the connection, your story.
So those are just a few ways we approach a session with those who prefer a more relaxed pace. To be honest, they are my favourite, they speak of real and true moments. So if you’ve been thinking about arranging family photography but are worried that your children might be reluctant, or your partner might not be keen, then maybe I’m the photographer for you. My family photography sessions focus on being together as you are and creating a keepsake of your now, however that may look. I’ve pasted just two of my testimonials from families with shy little ones. You can read more of my testimonials here.
If you have questions or would like to know more I’d love to hear from you.
“Katherine is a wizard. Not only did she have my shy and temperamental 5 year old chatting away and eating out of the palm of her hand. She also had my hubby relaxed and willing to have pictures taken. The pictures we have capture the real us, are relaxed and will be something we can treasure forever. I recommend to anyone who wants some real and gorgeous pics of their family.”
Doing an activity is a great way to take the pressure off and capture beautiful moments together.
“Katherine Millard is a magician! She took the most exceptional photos of our family and has given us the most beautiful pictures to remember this stage of our life. I was very apprehensive to get professional photos done because our daughter has special needs and we knew it would be confronting for her. Katherine made the whole experience so comfortable and fun for everyone! She captured the essence of each of our family and I’m so grateful for her vision and her laid back approach.
If I could give 10 STARS I would!
”
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SYDNEY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY - HOW TO PREPARE
If you’re thinking about having newborn photos here are a few things I recommend considering and to help you get a feel for what to expect. My newborn photography sessions are lifestyle & documentary which means I photograph you and your family at home and I do some verrrrrrrry light posing but mostly candid/documentary style photography. I don’t do heavy posing, wrapping or putting your baby into certain positions. For the most part, and especially post Covid, I will handle your baby as little as possible. Here are few things that might help you understand how it all works and what to expect.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY NEWBORN PHOTOS?
I recommend finding a photographer you love and book in at your 20 week mark. Calendars can fill up about 6 months in advance for me so it’s best to be on the radar. Once you’ve booked with me I mark your due date in your calendar and keep space on either side of that to accommodate you when your baby arrives. In terms of how old the baby should be for photos then 6 - 14 days is best for that very sleepy newborn look but many people prefer to wait until they’re a little older. I wrote another blog on the best age for newborn photographer. You can read it over here. Really there is no wrong time to create a keepsake, but by planning it advance, you can just drop me a line when the baby arrives and I will pop over. You might just prefer to wait until baby is here to decide when you feel ready. So find someone you can have an easy conversation with and book them. Then have them take the heavy lifting from there - send a message when baby comes and tell them if you’re feeling ready (or even if you’re not sure ideally you’ve formed a little connection with your photographer and can be like having a friend popping in for coffee!).
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
We’ll schedule the newborn photography session typically between 10am - 2pm. If you have older children I will suggest we pick the time that suits their schedule best, which is typically the morning. If it’s your first baby then we pick the time when you might have the chance to feel ready. We will photograph in 2 - 3 rooms of the house with the best light. This is typically the master bedroom, the lounge room, and some nook of our house where the light falls beautifully, like a stairwell or front step. Don’t worry about mess or anything like that. I won’t be photographing your laundry pile.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR TO OUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
It’s best to be comfortable and remember you’re at home so a relaxed dress or jeans and jumper is fine. Partners look great in relaxed tees or coloured shirts if that’s their norm. You want to feel good and cosy works so well for in-home photography. For baby simple white onesie looks lovely, knitted outfits, wraps, blankets, textured items all look great. Gather a few things in a pile and we can go through them when I drive. Simple is best.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE I ARRIVE AND WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE SESSION.
Try and dress the baby in their photo outfit and feed them 20 - 30 minutes before I arrive so they're hopefully in deep sleep when I drive and we can photograph them alone on the bed by the window. Now babies don’t know much about routines to begin with so if it doesn’t work out that way no problem. Try and have your home nice and warm so the baby feels cosy and sleepy. We'll likely spend 1.5 hours together, maybe up to 2 hours if you have older children. You can expect to stop for feeds, nappy changes or to settle baby in need. We keep it low pressure and relaxed and follow the lead of the little ones.
ARE SIBLINGS WELCOME AT THE SESSION?
Absolutely! Please also feel free to include grandparents or any special family members. It’s often helpful to have an extra pair of hands if there are siblings around too.
SHOULD I DO BREASTFEEDING PHOTOS OR SKIN TO TO SKIN IMAGES?
One thing you don’t always know before you have your first baby is that breastfeeding isn’t always easy for everyone and not everyone does it. So this is definitely a personal decision. I do love to capture intimate skin to skin and breastfeeding with either parent - it doesn’t need to be just the birthing partner. So I will gauge this with you based on our chat and ask you which photos you connected with of mine. I can generally read which type of photos each client likes from my style and I do a range. So the answer is yes - if you feel it.
I hope that’s helped give some insight about what to expect in your newborn photography session. If you’re looking for a family photographer in London I’d love to hear from you. You can also see my frequently asked questions over here.
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ABOUT BUMP TO BABY SESSIONS - SYDNEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
One of my most popular family photography packages is my bump to baby session. It’s two sessions; maternity and newborn session and includes all the best high resolution images from both sessions. You also receive an 8 x 10” mounted fine art print and a social media announcement image. It’s also possible to pay in installments over the pregnancy, a lot of people receive a voucher for their baby shower they can use toward a session with me.
These photos are from a maternity session which was an in-home session with 2 siblings and mum at 38 weeks. The newborn session was at 2 weeks and included dad.
It’s completely normal that some partners can’t make maternity sessions, either because of work or sometimes, it’s just not their thing. It’s very normal, I’m so glad when clients choose a motherhood session. These are keepsakes you won’t regret making! I know a lot of the time having photos with a newborn might not seem so appealing but don’t hesitate. These moments won’t come again.
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5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MATERNITY SESSIONS - SYDNEY PHOTOGRAPHER
Here are 5 things you should know about maternity photography and how to get the most value from a session you’ll never regret creating. x
SHORT IN-HOME SESSIONS
SUNRISE BEACH SESSIONS
HEY BABY. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MATERNITY PHOTOS.
MATERNITY PORTRAITS
PARTNERS ARE WELCOME
MATERNITY PORTRAITS
One of the most common things I hear from women who are about to have a baby is - I’m 30ish weeks pregnant and I’ve been thinking about having maternity photos done but I’m not sure…and I just wanted to ask about it. I know many people they feel a bit awkward having maternity photos done. Often partners aren’t keen to be involved, they have not yet felt the same connection and closeness, they often choose to wait until newborn photos. It might seem like an indulgent expense along with all the other costs involved in having a new baby. The thing you really need to know is - this time won’t come again. Of course you might have another child, but this one, and each one, is unique and special and never to be repeated. So if you’ve wondered about how it works, and why you should do it, here are my top 5 things you need to know about maternity photography.
SUNRISE SESSIONS
PETS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. IN-HOME MATERNITY PHOTO SHOOT.
THAT LACE. IN-HOME MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY.
SIBLINGS WELCOME
IN-HOME MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION
SUNRISE SESSIONS ARE PERFECT FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
Maternity session at home with partner.
MATERNITY SESSION WITH SIBLINGS ARE SUPER LOVELY
IT’S EASY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY MAKES A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT. A lot of women can feel awkward about having maternity photos done.Your body is changing on a daily basis and you don’t always feel your best. Find the right photographer for you and it will instead feel fun and special. Maternity photography styles range from flowing gowns at sunrise on the beach to relaxed in-home sessions with a cup of tea. Whatever your vibe find someone you feel comfortable with and create that maternity keepsake. Let your friends and family know you’re saving for a session and that you’d love to receive money towards pregnancy and newborn photos. There are lots of gift registry services available like Album Registry where you can start a page with your favourite photographer and have everyone contribute.
COMBINE MATERNITY & NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS TO GET BETTER VALUE. You might know you want newborn family photos but you might feel like the maternity part isn’t a must have. Maybe you don’t feel your best, maybe it’s too painful because your pregnancy journey was so long and you aren’t ready to enjoy it. I highly recommend combining your maternity and newborn sessions together to get the most value. I offer a bump to baby package and it combines the two sessions and you make a saving. You can also purchase your session via PayRight which means you can pay it off in installments. Having a maternity photography session before your newborn photography session is a great way to get to build a relationship with the photographer. Find a photographer who can grow with you so they come along for the journey. This makes the photos even more special and intimate. Seeing families every year is super lovely and special. The more you do family photos the more relaxed you become and the better they are.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS? I recommend between 31 and 35 weeks because generally you’re feeling good at this time. However, every pregnancy is different and we can chat about what is right for you. For example I have a maternity photo shoot coming up for an almost 40 week pregnancy. It’s a third time mumma and she loves the idea of a super big belly and her 2 other children and husband can join for an in-home session. It’s all about what suits you, the location and your routine too.
YOU DON’T NEED A SPECIAL GOWN FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS. Another common thing I hear is - I’ve been wearing the same dress my whole pregnancy I have no clothes. Maternity shoot outfits don’t need to be fancy. I promise you have something that works and if it’s at home you can wear underwear or swimmers, or a robe, your partners t shirt. It’s not about that and it’s my job to make it work for you. If you feel like buying something for the occasion I can recommend some things too.
YOU WON’T REGRET IT. EVER. Although in the moment it might feel indulgent I can 100% guarantee you that when you’re little ones are grown or even just 5 and they say - mummy, do you have a photo of me inside you? That you’ll be so happy to show them your keepsake of that time. Not just for them but for you. You’re about to embark on a life changing journey. Stop and take a moment to create something that in years to come you look back at and reflect on. It’s as much about your journey as it is your children. You want see any of the flaws you think you have now. If your partner isn’t ready to join, that’s totally fine and very normal, but don’t let that sway your decision. It’s one of those things that we don’t always understand how important it is until later down the track.
So that’s just 5 things that I hope will help you consider professional maternity photos . If you have questions or would like to chat about a session I’d love to hear from you. You might also enjoy this blog about when to scheduler your newborn photos.
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BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Sydney Newborn Photography
In-home newborn photography session - 6 days old
The most common question about in-home newborn photography sessions is what is the best age to have them at. The answer is that it’s really when suits you best and that there are lovely things about all ages of newborn photography. Lifestyle photography isn’t about posing the baby in curled up positions so that very sleepy newborn look isn’t essential unless you specifically want to capture that time.
In-home newborn photography session with sibling - 6 days old
I recommend between 6 and 12 days old for newborn sessions. You can plan it ahead of the birth and simply message me when baby arrives and we’ll agree a date within those first 12 days. On booking your session I take your EDD and keep a space for you during this period. Babies are generally more content at this age and it does make it an easier and calmer session. We can capture all those tiny details - little hands and eyelashes. Often partners are on leave at this time too.
In-home newborn photography session - 13 days old
Of course it’s possible to have a newborn session up to 12 weeks technically and I really love the 12 week stage. By this time you have found your feet a little more as parents, siblings are getting more used to the idea of having someone new at home and your baby is generally smiling and laughing. Sessions are interactive, partners have had more time to become involved and connected and we see lots of personality shining through. So even though those first 12 days are that quintessential newborn newness, you might prefer to wait until there is more engagement and everyone has had more time to adjust. Around the 9 - 10 week stage tends to be quite a contented time too with eye contact, smiles but still a snuggly bundle.
In-home newborn photography session - 9 weeks old
I do recommend avoiding the 6 week mark. Often babies are really unsettled at this time. Maybe it’s a wonder week, maybe it’s vaccinations, it’s hard to say but this is a time I suggest avoiding.
In-home newborn photography session - 12 weeks old
Really there is no wrong time to take newborn photos - I know some people who have their “newborn” shoot before the first birthday because they were a little preoccupied! The beauty of in-home newborn photography is that you’re at home with direct access to cups of tea and pillows! In-home is also wonderful as a keepsake of where your child first lived. In terms of time of day to schedule the session, well babies as we know have no routine at the beginning (or first 4 years for some of us!), so I recommend 10am or if you have a toddler then pick a time that suits their routine best. In-home newborn photography sessions are low pressure, relaxed and largely un-timed so we can stop for breaks - toddler to snack or to settle or change the baby. If you’re interested in knowing more don’t hesitate to contact me. You can see a recent in-home family photography session here on my blog. You can read frequently asked questions here.
In-home newborn photography session - 4 weeks old
In-home newborn photography session - 8 weeks old
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WELCOMING OLIVE - SYDNEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Portraits of home. Newborn photography at home is my favourite type of session. A few of my favorite images from this session to welcome baby Olive.
In-home family photography is my absolute favourite. You could offer me a million golden fields and I would still choose in-home family photography.
In-home family photography speaks of who we are. These environmental portraits, or as I like to call them - portraits of home - hold details about our family. Over time when families move or when children are grown these photographs become part of our history. Long after we’re gone these photos will tell the story of how you lived and where. The photographs will capture the love and connection in your home. Familiar chairs, rugs and paintings will be in them. The way your parents dressed and looked. Photographs are one of the tangible ways we can revisit otherwise forgotten moments.
Generally newborn photography is recommended in the first few weeks. I wrote another blog on when is the best time to take newborn photographs over here. Due to lockdown we didn’t get to do that but that’s the beauty of lifestyle in-home family photography. It’s always a good time to create a keepsake and the style means that we go with the flow of what is happening. There is very little (none if I can help it) posing or direction. I will give a little guidance now and again and will match the pace of each family. Some families like lots of guidance, others prefer not to have guidance. I always try to meet families where they are.
Portraits of home - London family photographer.
I love to be at home with families and this session is a perfect example of why I love newborn in-home sessions. Natural, relaxed and beautiful. I think I’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking. x
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5 TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION - SYDNEY PHOTOGRAPHER
My top 5 tips for what to wear to your family photo session including colour palettes and mood boards. Sydney lifestyle photographer.
The number one thing I get asked by clients is - what should I wear to my family photo session? The simplest and easiest answer to that is - whatever feels good and is authentically you. It’s often helpful to dress yourself first and once you feel great you can have everyone complement you. A lot of the time we can leave ourselves til last and end up panic buying something that we actually regret. So this time, for the photos with you in them, start with you. In the carousel of images you’ll see I’ve selected different family photography sessions - none of them the same style - they have all dressed to suit their style, but simply, and that’s what works.
Here are my top 5 tips on what to wear:
Choose 3 or 4 colours that look good together and use that as your base. Think about where you will be - in-home, in a green park (avoid red - it’s very easy to look Christmas themed wearing red in a very green park), or at a beach when picking your colours. Think about colours you actually like. Another thing to consider if you’re planning on printing and displaying your photographs in your home is what will work well with your interior. The colour chart below is a great guide to choosing a palette, it’s from a brilliant article by Geneva Vanderzeil on Collective Gen.
Don’t match. Unless you’re recreating a family photo from the 80s or 90s then jeans and white tees are no longer recommended for family photos. Be yourselves, show some personality. Your family photographs will be much more vibrant and engaging if you have pops of colour and different looks.
Limit patterns & avoid logos. While I do love prints, heavy plaid or patterns can distract the eye. Avoid slogans, cartoon characters or logos on t-shirts. They can be distracting to the eye and also means your photos won’t be timeless.
Add texture, layers and movement. Wearing textured clothing can add depth to your images and especially in winter and autumn chunky knits and fabrics look wonderful when paired with neutrals and pops of colour. Layering is a great idea too and can give you variety through your gallery. We can do some with jumpers and jackets and some without. Dresses or skirts are wonderful because they flow and add movement. A little breeze or moving from room to room and the photograph takes on a little magic.
Plan ahead and avoid last minute hair cuts! Life is busy and it’s easy to forget about planning but family photographs will last a lifetime and are an investment so do take the time to consider how you want to be captured. Treat yourself to a new dress or something that makes you feel great. Maybe wear your old faithful but get a blow dry the morning of your photographs, you don’t need to do make up but a blow dry always makes you feel great. Avoid last minute hair cuts, they are almost always regretted! Don’t worry about bumps, grazes, pimples. We can take care of those.
Most important of all is to be yourself and have fun. Some of my clients like to take photos of their clothing options laid out on the bed and send it to me for advice. I’m no stylist but as a family photographer I am happy to help and have a good idea what will look good on camera.
For more inspiration of some of my favourite outfits from sessions, and mood boards, you can check out my Pinterest board.
Colour chart via Collective Gen article by Geneva Vanderzeil on choosing a colour palette for your wardrobe.
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