Frequently Asked Questions
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Experience
What is the booking process like?
After contacting me via my website or email, I’ll send you a brief questionnaire to fill out. This allows me to get some details and a sense your preferred communication styles. I’ll get back to you within a few days to chat about your enquiry. If you contact me via my socials, I’ll message you instead of sending you the survey. Once you decide to book, we’ll pencil in a time, date and location. When I’ve received your non-refundable retainer (amount is dependent on the service you’re after) and you’ve signed the contract, I’ll lock you in my calendar. The remainder of your fee will be due a week before your session.
Do we have to meet in person beforehand?
Not if you’d prefer not to. I’m all about customising the experience to suit your needs. I find sessions go smoother and feel more comfortable when we know a little bit about each other. If you’d prefer not to meet, I can give you a call or send you a questionnaire to help me with this.
Will you travel?
I will! Anywhere within 50km of Mount Gambier is included in my packages, distances between 50km and 150km will incur a small fee per kilometre. Would you like me to travel further? Enquire with me, I’m happy to consider requests.
How far in advance should I book?
That is completely up to you. If the date you’re after is free, you’re welcome to have it. However, the earlier you contact me, the more available I’ll be. If it’s a wedding or once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s best to be prepared.
Is this a legal business?
Yes! I have an ABN, business name registration and see an accountant to ensure I am meeting all government requirements. I am insured with public liability insurance and am completely legit.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. To secure your session, you will first need to pay a non-refundable retainer (amount dependent on session type). This is to keep the date / timeslot free for you.
What other safety measures do you have in place?
I always have a current Working with Children Check and First Aid certificate. While we never want things to go wrong, it’s important to plan for it! I keep a basic first aid kit in the car, as well as a few other essentials for those moments where things aren’t going to plan.
What payment methods do you offer?
You may pay for your session via direct deposit or by using a credit card. Please note that using a credit card may incur a small fee.
The Session
Do you pose us? Or are photos more candid?
This is pretty dependent on what you’re after, but generally, a bit of both. My heart is in lifestyle and documentary photography. For lifestyle, I’ll guide you with positioning and lighting, then prompt you with an action that will get you interacting naturally (e.g. give me some smoochy snuggles, let's play aeroplanes). However, I know the photos of you together and smiling at the camera are important too. I'll be sure to get a few, especially if they're important to you. Documentary a more immersive approach for if you’re wanting your everyday life captured. I can fully customise your experience, just let me know.
Where will the session be?
Wherever you like! I love capturing moments in places that hold meaning to my clients. Your home, a family property, or somewhere you’ve made meaningful memories together are all excellent choices. We are so lucky to have a variety of backdrops in our incredible region. Whether you prefer the beach, the pines, dirt roads, lakes, or a park, there are plenty of options close by. If you get stuck, I can always help you narrow down choices and find the perfect location.
When is the best time of year for a session?
People tend to gravitate towards the warmer months, but personally, I love the cooler ones just as much (if not more!) Our region is so diverse throughout the year, it really depends on the vibe you’re after.
What times do you shoot?
If we’re outside, I much prefer to have sessions within a few hours of sunrise or sunset. The gorgeous lighting when the sun is close to the horizon is fondly known by photographers as ‘Golden Hour’ - and for good reason! The lighting is less harsh and covers the world with a beautiful golden glow. If we’re lucky, the sky will even put on a show for us. If we’re inside, the best time for photos will be a little more dependent on your lighting situation. We can have a chat to figure out what will produce the results you’re after.
We feel awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
Of course! I think most people do to start with. I love to meet with my clients first to get those ‘meeting me’ jitters out of the way before your session. This isn’t a mandatory step, but I find things run a bit smoother if we at least have a chat first. Either way, I’ll do my best to keep your session light and fun. If you have any specific worries, just let me know.
What if my kids / partner / animals aren’t feeling too cooperative?
I’m a mum, a pet owner, and a wife - I get it! We get so stressed about how our families might behave in unfamiliar settings. Lucky for you, I’m also a teacher. I’ve worked with hundreds of kids and their families over the years, each with their own personalities and quirks. I love kids and have always got a few tricks up my sleeve to help them have some fun. Your partner might even find themselves having a laugh by the end of the session! If you have any specifics you’re worried about (disability, neurodiversity, a particularly rambunctious / grizzly / uninterested family member), just let me know. I’m very confident we can help you feel at ease and get some amazing shots.
What do we wear?
The most important thing is that you’re feeling comfortable. Real moments and connection come more naturally if you’re feeling good! I offer assistance with styling and colours if you’re feeling lost or want some reassurance that you’re on the right track. I’m here to help you feel great.
What if the weather is bad?
I will eagerly be checking the weather for outdoor sessions on the lead up to the day. If light showers are predicted, (let’s face it, in the Limestone Coast that’s over 50% of the year), I’ll encourage you to rug up and brave the weather with me. We can have a great time, even with a sprinkle of rain. If it’s going to be a bit heavier, we will reschedule or relocate outdoor sessions. Once-in-a-lifetime event? Let’s make the most of it!
What if we’re sick?
That’s alright, these things happen! If you’re unwell, give me as much notice as possible and we can reschedule your session. I do my best to be accommodating and only ask that you give me at least two hours notice if your session is local.
What if you’re sick?
I will always do my best to prioritise my session with you. As long as you’re comfortable, a cold won’t stop me from being there. If tiny humans are involved, I’ll take extra precautions (e.g. masking up, keeping some distance) or reschedule depending on risk factors. If I feel like it’ll compromise my service at all, we will reschedule or work another option out. If it’s your wedding or another once-in-a-lifetime event? Hospitalisation will occur before I bail on you. I will always give you options and allow you to choose what’s best for you.
Do we need to bring anything?
Just yourselves. If you have a baby / toddler, you may want to include a favourite toy or some snacks. For the most part though, I provide everything needed for fabulous photos.
The Photos
What’s included in your packages?
The pricing, length and images included in each session varies and can be found under the ‘services’ tab. These are base inclusions for each session and additional time and images can be added to them.
Can I get more photos than the package includes?
Absolutely. I’m a chronic over-shooter and, quite frankly, agonise over culling a gallery. If you’re like me and love lots of memories, you can definitely upgrade to a larger gallery.
What is your editing style?
I aim to deliver images that will stand the test of time. Trends and styles come and go (remember when colour selection was the big thing in 2010?), but your memories should be forever. My editing style is natural and true-to-colour. I’m not generally manufacturing colours, skies or backgrounds that weren’t there on the day. I want you to feel like the evidence of this moment in your life is authentic and true.
Will you edit outside of your style?
Yes. I love having fun and experimenting with different styles, after all, photography is a form of art. If there is a specific style you’re after (e.g. light and airy, vintage, moody, cinematic), let me know. I’m happy to discuss editing outside of my typical style. At the end of the day, my goal is to give you an experience and product that you're ecstatic about!
Will you edit our bodies?
Absolutely not, especially if you haven’t asked me to. Now, if one of your kids got a scratch on their face the day before your session or you have some pimples that just won’t quit, I can definitely help you out. But if you want me to make you look younger or thinner, the answer will probably be no. My aim is to help you feel comfortable and look good in the body you have. It all comes back to creating genuine moments of the incredible life you live.
How do the photos in my gallery get chosen?
Generally, I will collate your gallery with a range of diverse images from your session (trust me, you don’t want them all!) It will include different framing types, compositions and focal points. If you let me know the kind of images you’re most interested in, I’ll be sure to include them. You are welcome to help me select your gallery, however, this will need to be done in person. In a world of technology and AI, it’s so easy to remove watermarks and use images that haven’t been paid for. As much as I’d love to be so trusting, I need to protect my work.
How long until I receive my photos?
This will depend on your session type. For a shorter session such as immediate family or couples, expect them within two weeks. The larger session like newborn or extended family may take a bit longer. For weddings, eight to twelve weeks. It all depends on your needs. Get in contact if you’d like a more accurate estimate.
How do you keep your files safe?
My primary camera is dual slot, meaning it saves your files on two separate memory cards. This mitigates the risk of your photos not saving properly or memory cards failing. Once I get home, I immediately back your photos up - twice - on different hard drives. I do not delete your photos off of the camera memory cards until your gallery is delivered. I guarantee to keep copies of your delivered gallery for at least one year from your session date. Mistakes can happen and technology can fail, but I do everything in my power to protect your files.
Can I have all of the unedited photos?
Nope. I’m an over-shooter, always striving to get that perfect shot of your kid giving you a cheeky grin or your dress doing the most fabulous twirl. In doing that, I end up with a lot that just aren’t ‘it’. You can trust me to make sure the photo of you with a weird facial expression or a booger up your partner’s nose will never see the light of day. I also shoot in RAW, which are BIG files, designed to capture as much data as possible, they can’t even be viewed without special software. They don’t reflect what your session actually looked like and require editing to look their best.
How do we receive our photos?
You will get a ‘sneak peek’ within a few days of your session. This is your opportunity to give me feedback on the images and editing. If you're happy with them, you're welcome to begin using them! Once your final gallery is ready, you’ll get emailed a link to download them. I highly recommend downloading them as soon as you can. Your gallery will remain open for one year and you’ll receive a notification before it is taken offline.
Can we print the images you send us?
Yes. You can use your images for anything that can reasonably be considered ‘personal use’. This includes posting on social media, sharing with family and friends, and printing them for your own use at home. However, not all printers are made equal. If you want to be guaranteed quality, I’d recommend getting your prints through me.
Products & Printing
Can I order prints and albums from you?
Yes, yes, YES! How many times have your precious memories sat on your phone / computer / a USB for years before you’ve had the time or energy to print them? Let me make your life a little more convenient by handling this step for you. You can be rest assured that the quality will be difficult to beat and they will look divine.
What is the difference between printing products through you and doing it ourselves?
In short, a lot. I work with Atkins Photo Lab in Adelaide, a family-run business that have been doing their thing (and doing it well) since 1936. They are the elite of printing companies and only work with approved professionals. Plus, their products come with a life-time quality guarantee. My computer is specially colour calibrated to their system to ensure that your prints look exactly how they were intended to look. Unless colour calibrated, phones and computer screens are not true-to-colour. Many big box printing companies try to correct this, but often, the results aren’t great. When you order physical products through me, they may not match what you see on your phone exactly, but they will match what I see on my computer when I carefully edit your gallery, and they will look amazing.
Fresh 48 / Newborn FAQ
What is a fresh 48 session?
Fresh 48 sessions are designed to be captured at the hospital within the first 48 hours of birth, when your new arrival(s) are as fresh as they could possibly be. In the session, I photograph those first snuggles and the little details that it’d be a crime to forget. I keep these sessions shorter so that I can get you some gorgeous memories without taking too much time from you during this vulnerable period.
What if I don’t feel up to having photos taken within days of giving birth?
I promise to be so accommodating of how you’re feeling. Those first few days can be tough, the last thing you need is to feel like you have to dress up or put on a fake “I’m not completely exhausted” face. I’m there to capture the raw and honest side of those moments, not make you feel like you have to perform. No dressing up, no fake cheeriness or smiles, just the realness of your family growing and pausing moments in time of your baby/ies at their smallest.
What do I wear for a fresh 48?
Whatever makes you feel comfortable. A human just came out of you, you feeling safe and secure is the most important thing. Whether that’s in a hospital gown, your favourite sweater, a dress, or your underwear. If you’re after some guidance on outfits and colouring, I’m happy to help, but it’s super important that a fresh 48 doesn’t feel like more pressure on you.
How do your newborn sessions work?
A newborn session is generally done in the first two weeks following birth and I capture these sessions in your own home. I offer newborn photos in lifestyle sessions, with the focus on your new baby/ies and how they’re settling into their new home. There will be lots of snuggles and I’ll be sure to capture their tiny, perfect details. These sessions are longer to accommodate the unpredictability of newborns and allow us to take out time. No pressure, just capturing pure memories of when your new arrival is so tiny.
Why don’t you offer posed newborn sessions?
There are two main reasons I only offer newborn images in a lifestyle session. The first is that they are more natural. I prefer the connection and relaxation that comes from being comfortable in your own home at such a vulnerable time. The second is that posed newborn photos should never be undertaken by someone without specific training. Many of the popular poses you see online are done by supporting bubs in different positions and combining multiple photos. I’m not willing to compromise the health of your baby to get a nice photo.
How do I book when I don’t know when I’m having the baby/ies?
It’s nice and simple! We book you in for your due date and once your bundle(s) of joy arrive, you let me know. We’ll arrange a time within the next two days for me to come to the hospital for a fresh 48, or in the coming weeks for your newborn session in your home.
Where will the sessions take place?
Fresh 48 sessions are done in the hospital, newborn sessions are done in your home.
Does it matter if my home is messy?
Absolutely not. You’ve just been through something huge and are probably running on minimal sleep. The last thing I’m concerned about is the state of your house. I’m really good at making myself at home and moving things around to get the best images, you don’t need to stress. We’ll have a chat about exactly what vibe you’re after and what you’re comfortable with, then I’ll make it happen.
Are my other children welcome?
Absolutely! Siblings of your little one(s) are welcome to join in.
Can I get a session for my baby if they aren’t a newborn anymore?
Certainly! I can tailor a session for you, regardless of the age of your baby. Just get in contact.
Are you vaccinated?
Yes. I’m completely up to date with vaccines. I take the health of fresh babies seriously. If you feel more comfortable with me masking up as well, just ask.
Family FAQ
What will our session be like?
That depends on what you’re after. I offer a lifestyle or documentary style session for families. Lifestyle is a mixture of posed and candid images, focusing on prompts or activities that will allow you to relax and connect with your family. We’ll get some photos of you all smiling at the camera, and plenty of you enjoying each other’s company. If you’re interested in a more documentary style, there will be minimal posing to give you maximum authenticity. This style of session is designed to be a snapshot of your real life, a real pause in time.
How many people can be included in an immediate family session?
Family structures are so diverse and I aim to be inclusive to all. For most, this will look like you and / or your partner with your kids. It doesn’t matter if you have one child, five children or eight. If you are a grandparent / relative caring for dependent children, long-term foster carer, or your family dynamic looks less typical, you can absolutely still have a family session with me. If you aren’t sure if your family structure will suit an immediate family session, just contact me.
What counts as an extended family session?
Once we start moving into three generations or multiple family units (e.g. two adult siblings and their families), an extended family session will be what you’re after. I schedule more time and include more images in the base package of extended family sessions to ensure we get all the combinations of people that you’re after. Pricing for these sessions is dependent on the number of family units included. The time and workload required for three family units is very different to ten!
Can my pet(s) be included?
Yes! After all, they’re family too. Just let me know when booking if you’d like to include pets, what they are and how many you have. If we’re looking at a lot of pets, we’ll chat about your vision for the session and personalise it for you.
Wedding FAQ
How do you go about shooting a wedding?
I offer a hybrid style of shooting. This is probably the only time everyone will be together for a while and I know the posed pictures of everyone together are probably important to you. I will pose you, your family and your friends for some photos. However, I also aim for a more documentary style and won’t spend all day bossing you around. Your wedding day is yours and it’s so important to live in the moment. I’m there to capture the candid, real moments as they unfold.
We’re feeling nervous about being in front of the camera all day, can you help?
Absolutely! You’ll already have so many feelings building up inside, I’m here to help you feel as comfortable as possible. For weddings, I really like to meet with the happy couple at least once before the day. You don’t need to be getting to know your photographer on your wedding day. If you’re particularly nervous about the camera, I’d highly recommend an engagement session to loosen up and get everyone in the groove.
Can you help with the timeline of our day?
Yes I can! If you’re unsure of the best way to structure your day, I’m here to help.
Do I need two photographers?
No. Whether you want a second photographer or not is completely up to you. There are two purposes of a second photographer: to get multiple angles of the same special moments (e.g. walking down the aisle, your first kiss) and to strategically split our time up (e.g. one of us with each of you getting ready or one focusing on you while the other focuses on details). As there’s two of us, you’ll also get more photos. Don’t worry though, I can capture your day beautifully on my own.
What happens if you’re sick or have an emergency?
I will always do absolutely everything in my power to prioritise your wedding. If something terrible happens and we can’t work around it, I know plenty of other beautiful and kind photographers. I will do my utmost to find someone that can capture your day on my behalf. I will still do your post production work myself. Touch wood, I’ve never needed this safeguard before!
Can we provide a shot list for you?
I encourage it! If it’s important to you, I want to make sure I capture it. It’s especially important for family portraits to ensure no combinations are forgotten the day of. Part of the reason I like to meet couples beforehand is to get a better sense of who you are and what you’re after. You don’t need to spend time writing a massive list of what to cover for the entire wedding, just things that are really important to you.
Will you capture elopements or destination weddings?
I’ll certainly consider requests to do so! If it’s something you’d like, contact me for more info.
Do you offer custom wedding packages?
I do my best to customise your experience as much as possible. If my advertised packages aren’t quite what you’re after, let me know what suits your needs and I’ll see what I can do.
How long until we get our images?
Wedding galleries are big and require more time to edit than other sessions. You receive 2-5 images no later than two days after your wedding. That way, you can announce your nuptials on socials with gorgeous images. This is also your time to give me any feedback on editing and ensure you're happy before I continue with your gallery.
