Portrait photography

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have photographed is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” - A Siskind

Children and photography are my two passions in life - I realised this while studying photography and working as a nanny over the past 8 years. Capturing that special moment in time of a childs youth is so rewarding to me as it can be remembered forever. This is why I decided to specialise in Childrens Portraiture.

When you make a booking I will come to you to photograph your child(ren) – I like to capture the true spirit of your child and I have found that this is possible when they are in their own environment or one that they are familiar with e.g. the park, beach or a family members’ home.

I have had many years of experience as a nanny and photographer and from that experience I have found that the best images are taken when least expected! Therefore I like to work around your child to keep the photos as natural as possible. Although, if you have a certain pose you would like me to capture, then I am happy to do that as well.

I like to photograph with natural lighting, avoiding flash if possible, so an area of your home that has nice bright natural light is ideal. If your home doesn’t have this type of lighting available then flash may be need or you can chose to have your shoot at a family or friends’ home, which may have better light.  Alternatively, we can always venture outside into your garden, to the park or beach – weather permitting.

Photo Shoot Details

During the shoot I will take anywhere between 50-200 images. I will the chose the best 50 images for you, which will be included on a personalised CD*.

The session varies in time, depending on how many people are included in the shoot, it could last anywhere between 3/4hour – 2 hours. For under children six, 1 hour is ideal for them, as concentration becomes an issue! I will do my best to maximise our time – Please note that if you’re not having your photo taken I may ask you to assist me by interacting with your child to keep them calm, as a familiar face often achieves the best looks. I may also ask you to help me by holding the reflector to maximise the available light.

All images will be taken with a digital SLR camera. Film is available at your request – additional charges apply.

* CD of your photo shoot will be included when you order over $225 worth of prints.

Family and Pets

You are more than welcome to invite other family members along to the shoot – as they may love to watch and help get the best expressions from your child.

If you have a family pet/s you would like to include in the photos it/they are more than welcome to join in.

Time of day to book

The best natural light occurs in the morning between 9am-11am, which is often the happiest time of day for you and your child or after a sleep, approximately 2pm onwards. I am always happy to work around you and your family.

Advice for the shoot

Before the shoot

Have a think of the some of the poses you would like and talk it through with your partner, as two heads are often better than one. Talk about clothes, special mementos to be included in photographs, if you want to be photographed naked (discretely) with your baby, these types of things, so that you have a basic idea of what you want before I arrive – but don’t stress if you are unsure, I will be there to guide you through it all.

What to wear

Keep it simple! Basic colours work the best in photographs or for group portraits.  Stick to a theme, such as all in black, white shirts and denim jeans. Patterns, bold writing and images detract from your face and have the tendency to date your photo.

For colour photographs bright bold colours work the best or pastels for a more subtle look. For black and white images jeans, white & black clothing work the best.

If you are thinking of getting your child’s hair cut for the shoot please do so approximately 2 weeks beforehand so that it has time to settle, in case of a bad cut.

For newborns and young babies being photographed, naked is the most popular as they are only babies once! I will always do my best to, once again, be discrete and cover them where necessary. Other very cute looks are pretty little dresses, denim, jumpsuits or your baby’s favourite outfit. 

I will be constantly snapping away during the shoot, even though the main focus is on your child, you will most likely appear in some of the photographs and I would hate to capture you unawares, so please be prepared to be photographed - you are more than welcome to change clothes during the shoot, I can also edit you from any shots you aren’t happy with.

What to have at hand

If we are on location I suggest you have a change of clothes for your child, as you never know what may happen while we are out and about, as well as drinks and snacks.  Also favourite toys, soft toys, blankets and noisy toys are great to get expressions and capture their attention.

Peace of mind

I will work with you through the whole shoot to maximise the results – please don’t be concerned if your child happens to play up as children have a tendency to show off in front of the camera, which is fine – it’s a great way to capture their expressions.

Finally, to make sure the shoot goes as smoothly as possible, please have your child/ren well rested and fed beforehand so they are happy and willing to play.  Make sure you relax because your child can sense when you are even the slightest bit stressed.

Pregnancy Photos

I am also available to photograph stages of your pregnancy.

The best stage of your pregnancy is when you feel comfortable and ready to pose! But as a guide I would suggest around 30 – 36 weeks, as that is when your shape is well rounded – many women feel very tired and bloated the last few weeks.

Clothes that work the best to show off your belly is tight black dresses, lingerie, drapes of fabric, but the ultimate is nothing but skin! Jewellery is best kept simple to create an elegant timeless photo.

A natural look works best so please don’t feel you need to hire a make-up artist or go overboard although a trip to the hair dresser is often popular as well as manicured nails but certainly not necessary – however you feel comfortable is the best.

You are welcome to include your partner or other children you may have in the shoot as well.

If you would like to have a timeline of your pregnancy put together then I can design a package for you that includes 9 sessions (to have 1 image per month) and then a shoot once your baby is born. Or if you have another idea in mind, please let me know.

Payment

50% deposit is required before the shoot with the balance payable on the day or you can pay in full when the booking is confirmed.

Prints – 50% deposit is required prior to processing the order, with the balance payable on the day of collection, or it can be also paid in full when you order the prints.

Payment can be made by cheque, cash, bank deposit or via paypal.

Cancellation

As the unexpected can happen, such as bad weather (although can often make for some great fun shots) your child is sick or there is a family emergency, we can always reschedule.  If possible, 24 hours notice would be appreciated. If you cancel the shoot altogether, your deposit will not be refunded. 

Copyright & Image Use

I do hold the primary copyright to all of your images, but you have full permission to print them, e-mail them to your friends and use your photos in whichever way you wish.  If you submit them to a competition or magazine please notify me beforehand.

If you wish not to have your images used online or on promotional material, please advise me of this prior to the shoot.

If you have any further questions or if you would like to make a booking please contact me via e-mail or phone me on 0418 126 610