The Studio
Where are the sessions held?
Sessions take place in our beautiful home studio in Hillpark, Manurewa, with easy access from the motorway. When you arrive, simply follow the driveway to the studio on the lower level of the house. Inside, you’ll find comfortable couches for parents to relax on, as well as a kitchenette where you’re welcome to help yourself to tea or coffee. The studio is kept warm for the comfort of newborns, so please keep this in mind when choosing what to wear.
Do you have all the baskets, hats, etc.?
We have a large collection of boxes, baskets, buckets, hats, wraps, and headbands—everything needed for a newborn session. If you have a special item, such as a family heirloom blanket, you’re very welcome to bring it along. Otherwise, there’s no need to provide any props, as everything is taken care of for you.
What to Wear
Wear Similar Tones
When choosing outfits, aim for clothing in similar tones rather than identical pieces. A little variation helps ensure you don’t blend into each other—for example, if everyone wears black, it can look flat. White works well as it naturally creates shadows and separation between people. Great combinations include grey, navy, and black, or white, grey, and light blue.
Avoid Bright Colours and Dominant Patterns
Bright colours and bold patterns—especially florals or clothing with large graphics—can distract from the most important part of the photo: your faces. For the best results, keep outfits simple and timeless. A small, subtle pattern is fine, as long as it doesn’t overpower the image.
If You’re Unsure About Clothing
We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to email, text, or call if you’d like to discuss clothing options. You’re also welcome to bring a few choices along on the day, and we can guide you on what will work best.
For Newborns
We have a wide selection of wraps and outfits available for newborns, so there’s no need to bring clothing for your baby (up to around 10–12 weeks old).
For Babies
Bringing a few outfits for your baby can add nice variety to your photos. Keep these simple—plain colours work best, avoiding bright tones or bold graphics. While little shoes are very cute, they often don’t photograph well when a baby is sitting; bare feet are a lovely option, as those chubby toes make for adorable images.
In the studio, we also have knitted rompers and a small selection of dresses for babies from newborn up to around 1 year old.
Hair, Makeup, and Nail Polish
Please come with your makeup done and your hair styled nicely. If you have long hair, wearing it down often photographs beautifully. If makeup isn’t really your style, that’s absolutely fine too—the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself in your photos. It’s also a good idea to bring a hairbrush, especially for children, as hair can need a quick tidy during the session.
You’re welcome to wear nail polish, but we recommend keeping colours neutral. Bright or chipped polish can be distracting in photos—this is especially true for little girls, as it tends to stand out.
Newborn Session Information
Keep Baby Awake Before the Session
We recommend trying to keep your baby awake for 1–2 hours before leaving home. We understand this isn’t always easy with a newborn, but it helps your baby sleep more easily during the session. They may fall asleep on the car ride, but the pre-session awake time makes them easier to pose and more settled. Please note that a strict feeding schedule won’t work for a newborn session—your baby should be fed when you arrive and may need a top-up during the shoot. If your baby usually follows a schedule, consider pausing it for the day.
Feed Baby When You Arrive
pon arrival, we ask that you undress your baby, leaving only the nappy on. With your baby just in a wrap to keep warm, please give a full feed. Once your baby is satisfied and comfortable, we’ll wrap them and begin posing. Sometimes babies aren’t fully asleep at first, which is fine—this often allows us to capture a few beautiful eye-open shots. If you need to feed your baby before leaving home, a small top-up is ideal so they don’t get too full.
Breastfeeding / Bottle Feeding
Breastfed babies: We ask that you breastfeed on the day of the session unless advised otherwise by your midwife. We can provide privacy for feeding. Breastfeeding helps prevent an unsettled stomach that can occur if a baby who isn’t used to bottles swallows air.
Bottle-fed babies: Please bring extra milk in case a top-up is needed, as most babies require more than usual during the session. A bottle warmer and boiling water are available in the studio kitchenette.
Dummy / Pacifier
f your baby uses a dummy, please bring it along. Dummies can help keep your baby asleep and settled while we position them. We also have brand new sterilised dummies available in the studio for short-term use—they won’t cause your baby to become dependent.
Baby Session Information
Consider Sleep Times
It’s helpful if your baby or young child has had a good sleep before the session. If you’re more than 20 minutes from the studio, it may be best to try to get them to sleep in the car. If you arrive early and they are still asleep, let them rest as much as possible. Well-rested children are usually happier and more comfortable during the session.
What to Bring
Food / Bottles
Young children, especially babies, tend to be happiest when they are fed. We’re happy to take breaks during the session for feeding, so your child is comfortable and content. It’s common for babies to need a feed as soon as they arrive—this isn’t a problem, and we’ll work with what’s best for you and your family.Dummy / Comforter
If your baby uses a dummy or has a favourite comfort item, please bring it along. These can be helpful to keep them happy and settled between photos.Bribery / Incentives
For children old enough to understand incentives (usually around two years and older), it can be useful to bring a small treat or toy to encourage cooperation. For example, offering a small reward after the session can make the experience smoother.Toys
If your child has a favourite toy or something that makes a sound they respond to, feel free to bring it along. These can be helpful to capture their attention during the shoot.
Parents and Children
Will my children be photographed on their own?
Yes. We take individual photos of each child, group photos of the children together, as well as full family photographs.Do you include parents in the photos?
Absolutely! Parents are always included in the family photos. Often we also take photos with just Mum and the children, and Dad with the children, to capture special moments with each parent.
Viewing the Photographs
After the session, we will do a basic edit on the photos, which takes about 30 minutes. You can then view the images approximately 30 minutes after the session. You’re welcome to stay in the studio and enjoy a tea or coffee, or if your children need a break, you can visit the nearby park. There’s also a fantastic bakery just up the road (closed on Mondays).
It’s best for both parents to be present at the viewing so you can decide together on the prints and products you’d like to order. Payment can be made by Credit Card or EFTPOS. Payment plans are available if you’d like to spread the cost over 2–3 months.
Social Media
We often share a selection of images on our social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram) after you’ve received your photos. It’s always appreciated if you tag yourselves in these posts, but there’s absolutely no obligation to do so.