Plan your belly / baby / little people / family photos

bellies:

Best time for a pregnancy photoshoot is between 34 - 38 weeks, remembering that every woman is individual.

Prepare in advance what you would like to wear / not wear and who you would like to include in the photos.

Choose a light area in your house and keep that available for the photo shoot, I can use a flash of course if a suitable area is unavailable. The photoshoot can, of course take place outside.

If you have any ideas or reservations, please discuss this with me before the photoshoot.

babies / little people / family:

Best time for newborn photography is between 4 - 12 days.

I always prefer to shoot in natural light as it does not disturb newborns / babies and older children, and therefore the best time for a photo shoot is in the morning due to the natural soft light and that is when most babies are at their happiest.

Make sure your new baby remains warm through appropriate dress or warm environment so they can remain happy.

Aim to schedule the photo shoot straight after your new baby's sleep and feed and endeavour to top up your baby throughout the photoshoot.

If your baby is sick, I totally understand, please try and re-schedule the photo shoot when possible as it's always better to have a happy baby and parents!

Prepare any blankets and toys you would like to have as part of the photo shoot.

About 1-2 hours before the photo shoot, bath and undress your baby and wrap in a blanket with a loosely applied nappy. This allows for a crease free nude photo shoot and the unwrapping does not disturb your baby if he or she is asleep as a normal outfit would.

If you have a beanbag; great! If not, using pillows, a doona or a simple couch to place your new baby on is also good.

Neutral colours are best but big splashes of colour and quirky patterns and hats are also great.

Clean hands and fingernails as there might be close up photos of your new baby's hands and yours also.

It's wonderful to have the parents involved in the photo shoot so be prepared.

It's best if parents and older siblings wear neutral or complementing colours also.

Neutral coloured clothing is best but bright and quirky outfits are also great.

Indoor photo shoots are great but have an idea of a local park, playground or beach where we can go for an on location photo shoot.

Ensure the children are not hungry, thirsty (bring snacks / drink to on location shoot) or tired as we all know what happens next!

And….

Most of all..

Relax, have fun and expect the unexpected!!!