I'm so glad you're here! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture these treasured moments for you. I am so excited to meet you and your newest family member! It really is such an honour for you to have asked me to come and capture your little bundle and all the love and emotions that fill your newborn love-bubble.
This is a wonderful, beautiful, exhausting, messy and crazy time in your family’s life. Whether this is the start of your family, or baby number 6, there is no time quite like the first few weeks after your new family member arrives. You will be feeling a lot of different things, all of which are completely fine. Your session is not about making you look like anyone but you, exactly as you are; my job is to show you just how beautiful that really is. I will guide you throughout the whole session and will never ask you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.
I want you to come into your session feeling at ease. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourselves. Where you can love on your baby and connect as a family. When I arrive I will take a little walk around your home and scope out the best light. After we have chosen the best spots, I might rearrange things a little or move some distracting objects out of the way (usually phone chargers, etc.), but that is not your responsibility. You have just had a baby! You can chill. We will take things nice and slow so you don’t feel rushed.
There will also be opportunities for some more intimate shots, feeding, skin on skin, etc. if that’s something you’re interested in. Please let me know in the questionnaire.
When to book your newborn session: Newborn photos are best taken within the first 14 days after birth, while your little one is still tiny and spends a lot of time sleepy. However, I know those early days are a blur, and having had premature babies who spent the first few weeks of their lives in the special care nursery, I know that things don’t always go to plan and this isn’t always possible. That’s okay! - Bub may be a bit more awake for the shoot, but this still makes for just as adorable images and it also is a part of your story! We will pencil you in within 2 weeks of your due date and remain flexible to work around you.
I am so excited to create a memorable experience for you, and to capture this beautiful time
of your lives and such a huge part of your story!
Below I have outlined:
1. Questionnaire
You would have received a questionnaire alongside your invoice. Please set aside 10 minutes to complete it for me. This will help me get to know you and will help personalise your session.
3. Planning emails/call
Not everyone will need or require a call, however if you would like to schedule a phone call to help us plan your session, I'd love to chat, otherwise we can communicate via email if that is preferred. Here we will discuss locations and clarify any questions you may have
4. Photoshoot
The ultimate goal is for your family to enjoy the experience. Try not to think about how you want your photos to look and focus on having a lovely time with your family. You will receive plenty of gentle guidance. The more you can be present in the moment, the more naturally the moments will unfold and the more meaningful your images will be. I will also get lots of images of your bub on their own.
5. Gallery Delivery
Within 3-4 weeks of your shoot date, I will send you a link to your online gallery where you will be able to view your images and select the Gumnut Collection, or upgrade to the Banksia or Waratah Collections. Within your gallery you will also have access to my print store. You can access the store via the Shop tab. It is filled with beautiful and quality products to choose from. All handmade in Australia and you have the ability to order directly through the gallery.
So you’ve booked your session
The majority of my newborn sessions happen within the comfort of your family home, where you are most at ease. If this isn’t possible or if you’d prefer, we could arrange for a session to take place outdoors.
I will take a look around your home to determine which spots have the most ideal light, but I usually take your photos in the master bedroom, living room and nursery (if you have one ready).
Newborn sessions are usually held mid-morning, around 10am, but this is not concrete and can be changed to suit your new schedule or if you feel your home gets better light in the afternoon we could do that too.
Your baby is perfect just the way they are! A neutral and plain, well-fitting onesie with no graphics or words is ideal. I do have a few options if you prefer them as well. I like to try to having bub asleep or at least settled for some shots of them on their own, but sometimes babies don’t want to be put down, so this isn’t possible. In those cases, we have to go with the flow!
If you have any favourite swaddles, blankets or items of sentimental value you wish to use, please have them handy. I will bring a selection of wraps and a basket or two, however my style is more organic and loosely wrapped with limited props.
I recommend having the home nice and warm, to help bub keep calm and sleepy as well as giving them a good feed about 15mins before I am due to arrive. Feedings and changing can happen whenever necessary throughout the shoot, so don’t worry if this doesn’t work out.
I know, toddlers have a short attention span at the best of times, let alone a long newborn shoot where most of the attention is focused on their newest little sibling! I try to capture the main “whole family” and sibling images early on so that they’re free to go and play when they start to lose interest. They are then welcome to pop back in and out as they like. I will never force them to do something they don’t want to do, and will let them take the lead when it comes to their level of involvement. To prepare them for the session, let them know that a friend is coming over to take some photos of the family to avoid surprising them.
Let me put it this way, the more comfortable you are, the more naturally beautiful your images will be. Wear something that makes you confident, and something you can move, sit and lie in. When it comes to style for your newborn session, neutral colours and simple patterns are best. Think earthy tones like dark greens, tan, mustard, creams or white and avoid patterns that are bright and bold as they can be distracting. Complementing each other is better than matching each other, so think about colours that look nice together. If you are unsure I am happy to talk through wardrobe choices before our session.
Please don’t feel the need to match everyone. I find that if you stick to a bit of a colour palette, working with complementary colours or varying shades of the same colour, this works really well. e.g. if you put everyone in either blues, whites, creams, and browns, you can play with shirts in different shades of blue or white, or a dress with blue and white patterns, mixed with denim or tan trousers, etc. so you’re all coordinated, but not too matchy.)
I'm all for it if you feel like dressing up for the occasion. Beautiful dresses look amazing against nature, they add texture and movement and can be quite the contrast
I am partnered with Mama Rentals, who hire beautiful gowns for mums to wear in photoshoots. If you would like 15% off gown hire (excludes accessories, men’s & children’s clothing), please use the code LISAJAYNE at checkout.
www.mamarentals.com.au
Example 1: Neutrals/Earthy colours
Neutrals always work well. Natural, earthy colours compliment every background. They are timeless and always work effectively to create pictures that never go out of style. Think about texture, layers, movement and complimentary patterns.
Example 2: Pastels
Pastel colours always provide a beautiful contrast to the natural surroundings. Think about texture, layers and complimentary patterns. Tulle skirts for twirling always add a gorgeous element of movement.
Example 3: Vibrant
If you’re a colour lover, please dont feel you have to mute your vibe for me. The only thing I suggest is to be a little considered about what colours you’re all wearing. Too many bold patterns can be overwhelming, but if one of you wears a pattern, you can pull on some of the colours from that pattern for the other people to wear.
Big distracting logos, licensed/character t-shirts or overwhelming clashing patterns. We want your family to shine in your photos, and we dont want a t-shirt or loud pattern to steal the spotlight. I am not saying to avoid patterns all together, just not everyone in pattern. If you have something in mind and want to run it by me, I'm happy for you to email me a photo and I can let you know what would work and what doesn't.
Patchy fake tan. I love a bit of a glow myself, but please don't overdo it with the fake tan. It makes my job a little tricky when I'm trying to balance and even out skin tones in my edits.
Smart watches. For truly timeless images, I recommend not wearing smart-watches. These can date a photo and also be a distracting piece.
Bulky pockets and hair ties on wrists. I will have a bag with me for you to put phones, wallets, keys, hair ties, etc. in before we start the session.
Please follow @lisajayne_photography on instagram.
I am so excited to meet you and create new memories with your family! I'd love if you'd follow along on my instagram, get to know me a bit more and see what your session could look a bit like!
insta: @lisajayne_photography
FB: lisa.jayne.photography.sydney
hello@lisajaynephotography.com.au
