WHAT TO EXPECT

You already know that I don't do super posed, baby-in-a-basket studio sessions.  That's why you booked! Instead I like to have a more relaxed approach, with unplanned authentic moments captured in the comfort of your home.​ I enjoy capturing the perfectly imperfect and the beauty of the every day.


baby and daddy

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I show up. We chat. I get my camera out. Start shooting. That's it in a nut-shell. ​

Basically, I'll look for the light and guide you guys to where will work best. I might start with some shots of baby by themselves or I might start with family photos. Each session is guided by the baby and their mood.   ​If you think that baby will be mid-nap when I get there, plan ahead and get them changed into their outfit before putting them down. If you are really wanting sleepy baby photos, then I would suggest bathing them an hour before I get there, dressing them in the shoot clothes and then giving them a full feed before putting them down.

We might shoot in multiple locations around the house. The key rooms I usually use are the living room, the baby's room and the master bedroom.  

Note: I don't edit out things that are lying around so if you don't want your nipple cream that's sitting on the nightstand in the shot then do a real quick run through before I get there.  I'm not saying make your home look like it's not lived in. Because it IS lived in, and it should reflect your life as authentically as possible.   

Here's all you need to do.  

  • 1. Make beds. 
  • 2. Throw washing in the laundry and close the door. 
  • 3. Grab a washing basket, whip through the rooms and chuck anything in it that you don't want in the shot. 
  • 4. Hide the washing basket.  

Boom. 'Clean' house in 5 minutes.  

THE BEAUTY IN THE EVERY DAY.


In my opinion, the little every day moments are where it's at. Things are going to change SO QUICKLY and I love being able to provide a snap of the special moments that will help my clients remember the time that they have with their little ones. Feeding, changing & soothing are what makes up so much of your time now, so let's get some of that on camera. Feel free to bath your baby when I get there (if you have a cool farm house sink, you should totally use that!) as it provides lots of beautiful moments of connection between you.



YOU MADE A BABY

Guys, YOU MADE A BABY.  You got jiggy with it and then you created an actual human. OR someone else did the rude things, created a human and you are making a loving home for the little one.  Either way, you are in the baby's life. So you will be in some of the photos. I don't care if your hair needs a touch up, if you are feeling a bit frumpy or if you just don't like photos.  You are a parent and your little one will want to see these photos when they are a big one.  Also don't be surprised if I ask you guys to get a little romantic with each other (in a non-gross way of course). Your relationship just changed big time, and I want to get some snuggly images of you two to mark the occasion.  

FAMILY OR FUR BABIES

Grandma is visiting? Let's get Grandma in a shot.  Fur baby that has recently been replaced by a real baby? Bring 'em in. Older kids at school? Get them home early and involve them.  Totally fine by me. Just remember - this isn't a studio session, I do not expect your kiddos (or doggos for that matter) to be perfect and smile for the camera. I will do my absolute best to get them involved and get them to have fun and cuddle their sibling (bribes might be handy to have on hand), but please don't stress out about it, particularly if they are really little. There are plenty of times in the future to get some CUTE sibling pics - like when I come back to do your family photos next year.

One thing to note - if you do have a toddler please make sure that the shoot is the only thing planned that afternoon or morning. Keep them home from preschool (at least until after the shoot!) as they can come home tired and cranky and you might end up spending lots of our time tending to their needs.

NUDIE? MAKE IT TOASTIE 


Okay, let's make this clear. Adults are not to be nudie at my shoots. In fact the term 'nudie' can only be applied to little kids.  So if you were planning on stripping down for the session, you need to find yourself another gal. This has happened exactly zero times, but I just thought I'd put that rule out there.   

Now that we got that out of the way. If you are planning on bathing bubs or having any nudie shots of them (I actually keep the nappy on and cover up with a swaddle - I've been peed on so.many.times.) then you want to have the room nice and warm.  It's just nicer for them and they will be more settled.

THE FABRIC OF LIFE

Just a couple of notes on clothing.

Be yourself, but wear something that you love. However, I do have a couple of rules to help you to get the most out of your photos:​

Please. No logos. I'm talking to you dads. I get a lovely photo of your little one, snuggled up to your chest...right by that Blackcaps or Ford logo. It ruins it. Just wear something plain okay?  So that means no sport tops.  Choose something with a maximum of two colours in it if you can. The plainer the better.  Thanks!​

Think about your surroundings. If you think we'll be shooting on your bed and your head-board is black, maybe don't wear a black top etc. Steer clear of fluorescent or really bright colours - they tend to colour cast on faces, necks and hair. I always recommend versions of primary colours. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal). The boho-beige look is totally awesome too and a personal fave of mine. ​

Avoid clothing with thin stripes or checks. These can produce a wavy Moiré effect and is very distracting


Dress baby in plain clothes. While that little darling dress or overalls look super cute, in photos they often look a bit bunchy and distracting. Just a plain onesie is totally fine. And maybe a hat. Because babies with hats are delicious.​

BLANKETS AND SWADDLES.

We will probably end up shooting on your bed at some stage, I’d recommend you choose a neutral and photogenic linen for the beds and bassinet. I like to use what is on hand so if you have some plain swaddles and blankets, keep them handy. Did your nana knit you something special? Or do you have a blanket that was yours when you were little? Let's use them. It will give you all the feels.  

YOUR HOME


I'm just gonna say this now - I don't care if your home is insta worthy or not! Your home does NOT need to be perfect. Whether you are in a tired rental or your beautiful forever home, it is where your story is being told right at this moment. Remember we are capturing connection and emotions and that beautiful baby of yours - that's what is important!

AFTER THE SESSION

After the session, I'll go through the images and edit the best ones.

 I'll send through an invoice after the session, which will need to be paid in full before the photos are released. 

When I've finished editing your images (around 2 - 3 weeks) I'll send you a link to your online gallery via email. If you have a package with a limited amount of images, you will be prompted to choose your favourites. I'll then release your chosen images to you for download and share. If you have the unlimited package, you will receive a link to the full gallery of edited images for you to download. ​

​You can then print your images with your chosen lab. You can also order high quality prints, and fine art products directly through your gallery.

If you have a family film, you will receive both a link to an online version as well as an MP4 via dropbox.

USB drives are available for $30

THAT'S ALL FOLKS

That's it. Actually one more thing. Relax. It's all going to work out well.​

See you soon!

Raves

Kelsie

Hi Tegan! Just wanted to say a huge Thank you so much for the amazing photos of our Whanau, they were all so fantastic.
They are amazing, you really made us all look amazing. So glad you could do all four newborn photo shoots for us. We all had fun (especially the kids! They loved having their photos taken) we'll definitely get you back to take our next photos when the kids are older ❤️ thanks again