Your preparation guide - IMPORTANT INFO (before, day of and after your session)
Please make sure you spend some time reading through this important information before your maternity, newborn or family session.
Before your session
I'll always check in with you a 1 week prior to your session. This is when we confirm location if you're doing a sunset session, or wardrobe for all other sessions. For a sunset session I bring the items along on the day, for the studio session it will all be here ready for you. Your wardrobe link has bra and undie recommendations so please make sure you spend some time planning out your options as there is no photoshop on bras/bra straps.
If you have sunburn, or anything you aren't wanting in your images please choose an item that covers this up, Please try to avoid getting sunburnt before your session as this is not something I photoshop.
Please no fake tan if you're using the wardrobe, there may be a cleaning fee if dresses are stained/ruined.
If you have a few children and your happy for me to choose something I can just bring age appropriate items along with me.
The day before your session I will send you a location pin if I haven't already.
FINGER NAILS - Please make sure your finger nails are free from nail polish OR freshly done as I do not photoshop chipped nail polish/grown out acrylics. I do suggest nude or natural as it is less distracting on the day.
SHOES - I recommend bare feet, you can bring slip on shoes for walking around on location. When you come to the studio we leave the shoes at the front door. Please have Dad wear white socks if he doesn't like bare feet.
NAPPIES - Please have a nappy cover if your child is wearing a dress.
BRA/UNDIES - please spend some time in the bra and underwear guide to make sure you have something suitable for what you have chosen to wear.
LIPS - It's a great idea to use lip balm before the session to avoid dry cracking lips, and if you will be wearing lipstick please be mindful or it rubbing off onto the baby, or other family members. A stay fast is a good option!
LASHES - If you are wearing false lashes please make sure to bring your glue to reattach them if they come loose.
CLIENT WARDROBE - You will find the client wardrobe link down the bottom of this page or in the drop down menu. I have clothing for both parents, older siblings & your baby. You will find it all via the wardrobe link. If you are wanting to purchase something for yourself instead of using the wardrobe your welcome to use the links as inspo!
LOCATIONS - You will find the location page link down the bottom of this page. Once you have chosen your favourite location I can give you the exact meeting time & the address for the day.
MATERNITY STUDIO - Please browse the studio link down the bottom of this page, or via the drop down menu. I have created a beautiful versatile space with so many gorgeous options for your session.
What to do on the day - STUDIO OR SUNSET
For your maternity session please arrive in loose fitting clothing (avoid ribbed knits) low cut underwear, to prevent marks on your belly, legs etc. If you are wearing an off the shoulder dress please come in your strapless or no bra to prevent bra strap marks on your shoulder.
Children - Please make sure your child has been fed!! A warm child with a full belly is ideal. I always bring knits along with me incase it cools down during our session. Please have a nappy cover for little ones if you have chosen a dress. If your child has a dummy/teddy they are attached too and you don't want this in your images please hide them or leave them in the car.
You are always encouraged to arrive to your sunset session a few minutes early if you need to organise the kids, hair/food/wipe their faces.
I love my girls with wild windswept hair, but how you have your child's hair is your preference. If you want it neat back off their face this is absolutely fine, please make sure you arrive with enough time to organise this.
Please bring wipes/tissues, warm change of clothes, towels if we are at the beach, and I recommend avoiding bringing snacks unless you don't mind them in your images.
Newborns - If baby uses a dummy/moisturiser it's always a great idea to bring them along with you. Please bring bubs in a nappy & zippy only as this will make changing them much easier.
We have plenty of time for feeds and changes on the day there is no rush, if you would like a nursing image please let me know when you arrive.
Hair, Makeup and Clothing for mum - This is your personal preference, my work is very natural and glowy so I always recommend the no makeup makeup look. Hair can be lovely to work with when it is down but if you love your hair up your welcome to do what feels right for you. The client wardrobe has a section on bra & undies recommendations so please spend the time to make sure you are prepared for the gown you have chosen. Please make sure nails are neat with no polish or fresh polish that isn't chipped.
Sickness - If someone is unwell please let me know asap and we will reschedule once they are feeling better.
Weather - I always check the forecast a few days before your session, I will let you know if there's any need to keep a watch out.
If you ever need to contact me on the day phone is always best.
MERMAID - What to do on the day
For your maternity session please arrive in the bikini you will be wearing with loose fitting clothing to prevent marks on your belly and legs.
You'll need a towel, water bottle, snacks, warm change of clothes and any bikini options you would like to use. Bring a flask of hot tea too for after if you like. Let me know If you like the fabrics, shells, flowers etc
It’s a great idea to have a nice warm meal an hour before your session, as this can help keep you warm and help you get lower in the pool if you like.
THE BEACH
The beach I use isn't wavy or above my head. It's very safe and wonderful spot for our photos.
THE POOL
Please choose below your preferred pool! Hire fee is non refundable for me, therefore non refundable for you. However the pools are flexible, understanding rain isn’t ideal for us. Last minute cancellations are a no, but we can be flexible with the weather if required.
POSING - I GOT YOU!!!! Please don't stress about this before you session. I have methods and techniques to guide you into the most beautiful posing for your session. We start outside of the water so you have a lovely variety of images to choose from and then once we are in the water we will work our way slowly and patiently through my go to poses.
Sometimes you can get water up your nose, get puffed out and just require a moment to rest! This is so fine and to be expected. We have plenty of time to repeat our posing until we get the shot I am after.
Everyone's body is different, and it can be a little harder to get to the bottom of the pool during pregnancy but please keep an open mind and trust in the process.
Please make sure you arrive on time as we have limited hire for the pool/ high tide at the beach.
If you do happen to be running late please don't freak out, stay calm and we will efficiently work our way through my workflow.
LAGOON POOL - GEELONG
OUR DELA CASA POOL - WERRIBEE
GALLERY DELIVERY TIMES
After your session....
After your session it will take 1 week to receive your selections gallery, then 3 weeks to receive your final images (as long as your invoice has been paid on time)
If your payment is delayed your images will be delayed.
If they are ready early I will let you know & if you require them earlier please had back to the pricing guide for the rush fee info. This is especially important with events like mother's day, Father's Day and Christmas, if you need them early the best option is to pay the rush fee.
You will then have 5 days to choose your images or your upgrade option.
There are payment plans for upgrade options too and your gallery email with have instructions on what to do.
Your prints that are included in your package will be ordered on the 1st of each month, they head to me first, then are sent onto you.
Please allow 8 weeks for your prints from when you have completed your selections. Example, if your selections are sent through on the 10th, they will then be processed in my order the following month on the 1st.
Prints and products are a beautiful way to display your images around your home, your final edit gallery will have a print shop attached. I never print at an instant/department store print shop because the colours and clarity is disappointing. Please browse the print shop for a large variety of prints and sizes and your always welcome to ask for a quote on something you can't find.
