How to Choose the Right Photographer for You
When you first decide that you want to get some family photos taken - whether that is for a new baby coming into your lives, celebrating a milestone birthday, or because your kids just keep growing so quickly - you will very soon realise that you have plenty of photographers to choose from! So how do you decide which photographer is going to best suit you, your family and your needs? There is the added pressure if it is a milestone session like a pregnancy, newborn, birth, or birthday that you may only have one chance to get it right!
So let's talk about how you can find the right photographer for you and get it right!
First Impressions Count
At first glance, you have gone on Facebook or Instagram, jumped on a few websites, asked your friends for referrals even. Now it’s time to review those photographer’s portfolios to assess their style and see if they align with your preferences. You need look at the different elements to find those that meet your own requirements and preferences:
- Location - Outdoor sessions (Beach, Parks, Urban, Gardens, etc.) or In Studio sessions
- Aesthetics - Light, bright and vibrant images vs Darker, moody and more dramatic images.
- Image Style - Candid, Posed, the client looks comfortable, and the range & type of images
- Look and feel of the Business - Branding, Colours, Messaging (do you connect with what they are saying), Do they have a website, are they accredited, reviews, great quality of work, your location, etc.
- Consistency in images quality and style
Once you have this initial look and you will have a few photographers on your short list and it is time to reach out them. Now it's time to narrow it down to the details. But you aren't really sure what you need to ask. Hence the saying - ”You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Here are some factors to consider when selecting your family photographer:
Personal Connection
For me, this is one of the most important factors! It’s essential to feel comfortable and have a good rapport with your chosen photographer. A personal connection can contribute to a more enjoyable and successful photoshoot. I know in the sessions I have had with my own kids, they loved their photographer every time. They connected right away, laughed, giggled, and it made the session super fun. As a newborn photographer, you need to make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice of photographer and trust them with your new baby.
Family shoots can sometimes be chaotic, especially when working with young children. A patient and friendly photographer who can connect with your family members (from toddlers to teenagers) and make them feel at ease will be able to capture more authentic and relaxed moments.
Good communication is crucial when working with a family photographer. Ensure they are responsive, listen to your ideas and preferences, and are open to discussing your vision for the shoot. A photographer who communicates effectively will be better equipped to capture the essence of your family. This is super important if you have children or members who have certain quirks or personalities. ie, is shy, overwhelmed easily, or have additional needs.
This is why it’s ESSENTIAL to CALL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER! Yes you can DM or email, but you need to pick up the phone and SPEAK to them. As you will discover very quickly if you gel or not. Equally important is to call them back if you miss their call.
Once you have connected then check the photographer’s availability and ensure they can accommodate your preferred date and time.
Recommendations and Reviews
This is one of the key factors that people look for when seeking recommendations from friends, family, or trusted sources who have worked with a family photographer before. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to gauge the photographer’s reputation and the satisfaction of their past clients.
These can be found on Facebook as recommendations or on Google reviews. Make sure you read the comments- the good, the bad and the ugly. You will quickly get a “feel” for the photographer when keywords keep coming up, “They made us feel so comfortable” “Our kids had so much fun with our photographer Bree”.
LifeStyle or Posed
Certain photographers specialize in the “Lifestyle” approach, which involves capturing candid and natural images. These sessions have a fluid and storytelling nature, aiming to document the precious moments shared between family members. The photographer focuses on showcasing the connections and relationships within the family, incorporating a variety of combinations. Whether it’s capturing the tender moments between a parent and child or the energetic dynamics of siblings, the goal is to reflect the unique personalities and connections within the family. The session may include a mix of close-up shots and environmental portraits, particularly when outdoors, to highlight the location’s significance.
On the other hand, some photographers specialize in posed and formal portraits. These sessions typically involve a more structured approach, with the photographer meticulously crafting and positioning each pose to perfection. The focus is on creating artfully composed portraits with precise attention to detail.
It’s worth noting that a session can incorporate elements from both styles. By communicating your preferences and desired outcomes, you can work with the photographer to strike the right balance between candid and posed images that best reflects your family dynamics and individual personalities.
The Photographers Experience
When selecting a photographer, it is important to find someone with specific experience in the genre you wish to be photographed. While a generalist photographer may excel in various genres, collaborating with a specialist in your desired genre generally yields better results. For instance, when it comes to family photography, the dynamics can be complex, and an experienced photographer understands how to work with children, manage group shots, and capture genuine emotions. Similarly, professional and experienced newborn photographers have done extensive training on safe handling and posing of newborn babies to ensure your precious baby is safe and comfortable throughout the session.
Experience holds significant value. With 10 years of photographing families, I have encountered and successfully navigated through a wide range of situations. This allows me to problem-solve swiftly and adapt to any circumstance, always prioritizing the best outcome for the individuals I am photographing. Such insight is acquired over time through practical experience.
Therefore, when considering a photographer, be sure to inquire or read their bio to learn who will be the actual photographer on the day of the session. If they are part of a photography “company,” ask specifically about the assigned photographer for your session to ensure you are aware of and comfortable with the individual who will be capturing your photos.
Location and Setting
Take into consideration whether you have a preference for an outdoor shoot at a specific location or an indoor shoot in a studio or your own home. It is important to discuss your desired locations and settings with the photographer to ensure they can accommodate your preferences.
It is worth noting that most photographers have their preferred and carefully chosen locations, kept confidential for the best possible outcomes considering the lighting conditions and suitable time of day for the genre being photographed. These locations are selected based on their suitability for the desired aesthetic and ambience. Therefore, it is considered inappropriate to contact photographers solely to inquire about their secret locations and then proceed to book another photographer.
Indoor studio sessions typically take place within the photographer’s studio or home studio, where everything is set up and readily available, including props, dresses, and equipment. This controlled environment offers a warm, cozy, and homely atmosphere for the shoot. However, for a more lifestyle and photojournalistic approach, some photographers may offer sessions in the comfort of your own home. You will need to discuss lighting options with your photographer when choosing your own home as a location.
If you are unsure about what would best suit your family, discuss this with your photographer who can guide you through different options to help you make the best decision.
The Photography Experience
You will quickly see that not all photographers work the same, there is no right or wrong way. Many photographers will offer a full photography experience as well as the opportunity at set times of the year to book in for a mini session. Deciding which experience will suit you best is important:
The Full Photography Experience Encompasses a comprehensive approach, starting with a design consultation to carefully plan the entire session and determine the desired outcome. During this consultation, discussions will revolve around various aspects such as location selection, clothing colours and choices, specific images and personalities to capture, and the involvement of different family members and their ages. Additionally, there will be a focus on understanding your goals for the session and what you ultimately wish to achieve. The photographer aims to shoot with the end products in mind, ensuring that the images created align with your vision.
While you may not have a precise idea of what you want, it is the photographer’s responsibility to help uncover your preferences and create something special and unique specifically tailored to you.
Once the photography session is completed, your photographer will guide you through purchasing your images, artworks and albums either in the comfort of your own home via an online gallery viewing or by coming back to their studio.
The Mini Session Experience typically refers to a brief 10-20 minute photography session, which is often priced significantly cheaper than a full photography experience. It follows a quick and efficient approach, capturing a few shots within the allotted time frame and then concluding the session. The process may involve an immediate selection of images on the spot or receiving a link at a later time to choose your desired photos. Mini sessions are commonly offered for specific occasions such as Christmas, Mother's Day, popup sessions, and similar events. It is important to note that experience plays a crucial role in successfully executing mini-sessions, as the photographer must work efficiently within the limited time available to capture meaningful shots and deliver a satisfying outcome. Mini sessions are usually at a prescribed time with a photographer and it is seen as discourteous to ask a photographer for an ad hoc mini session. Mini sessions do not usually involve consultation with the photographer about what to wear, specific details about your family or personalised props and locations.
Inclusions for the photography experience – Props, Equipment, Dresses, Hair and Make-Up, Outfits
It is advisable to inquire with your photographer regarding their provision of props, blankets, equipment, dresses, outfits, and other related items. Each photographer has their own approach and perspective on this matter. Some may have an extensive collection and setup to offer you a range of options to wear and use during the session. Conversely, others may encourage you to bring your own items, ensuring a more personalized touch that aligns with your unique story and style. Therefore, it is recommended to ask your photographer about the available options to determine what works best for you.
What do you want?
If you have specific ideas or preferences in mind, it is essential to communicate them to the photographer rather than waiting until after the images are delivered to express any missed shots. By proactively sharing your vision and desires, you can ensure that the photographer understands your expectations and can work towards capturing the desired images.
If there is a particular image that you truly desire, it is highly encouraged to inform your photographer explicitly. Avoid leaving it to interpretation.
For example, if you have a specific shot in mind of your kids looking at the camera with their big brown eyes, with nice smiles while standing up, it is crucial to communicate this to the photographer. As the photographer, they may have intended to capture the kids in a more natural setting with laughter and giggles.
Another example is I wanted an iconic wide shot, environmental landscape family portrait walking along on our local beach. The photographer could of just captured an image of us sitting down together at the beach in the long grass.
However, if the shot you envision is different from their approach, it is important to let them know by requesting, “Can we make sure we capture this specific style of shot, please?”
Open communication between you and your photographer is key to ensuring that your expectations are met and that the final images reflect your desired vision.
Printing your Digital files
It is crucial to exercise caution as a buyer. It’s important to note that these digital images are often calibrated specifically for the screens of the photographer and their preferred print labs. Consequently, when you print the images yourself at other print labs or through department stores, there is a higher chance of variations in terms of brightness, darkness, colour shifts (such as more blue, magenta, or yellow), and overall quality.
This is precisely why it is highly recommended to print your images with your photographer. While it may be more expensive than using a department store or generic print lab, the benefits are significant. Printing with your photographer ensures that the images are produced using their preferred print lab, which is calibrated to accurately represent the intended colours, tones, and overall look of the photographs. The investment in professional printing services provided by your photographer is undoubtedly worthwhile, as it guarantees the highest quality and fidelity to the original image.
By opting to print with your photographer, you can be confident that the final printed products will accurately reflect the artistic vision and intent behind the images, resulting in a superior and more satisfying outcome.
What are you going to do with your images?
As a client, you may have a clear vision of what you want and where you intend to display the photographs in your home. Alternatively, you may have no specific ideas and simply desire all the digital files. In either case, it is the responsibility of your photographer to ask the appropriate questions to understand your preferences and help guide you in making decisions. This information is crucial as it will influence the way the photographer approaches the session, considering the intended end products.
By asking the right questions, the photographer can gain insights into your desired outcomes, allowing them to tailor their approach and capture images that align with your vision. Whether you have specific ideas or require guidance, the photographer’s role is to facilitate the process and ensure that the photography session is conducted in a manner that best serves your preferences and intended use of the images. It is important to note that any questions asked be answered fully and in a timely manner before your session to ensure both you and your photographer as best prepared on the day.
For instance, let’s consider a recent session I had with my own family . I had a clear idea of wanting a collection of images showcasing the relationships within our family - each parent with each child, which would be displayed around our dining room table as white framed artworks of various sizes and orientations. Additionally, I desired an album to encompass all the other images captured during the session.
Session Fee / Booking Fee
Most photographers will require a session fee, booking fee, or retainer to secure your booking and confirm your intention to proceed with the session. This fee is separate from any finished products or files and covers the photographer’s time and expertise. Occasionally, you may come across special offers that include additional items. This arrangement allows you to have the session and make your selections for images and artwork after the session has taken place.
However, it’s worth noting that some photographers operate differently and may ask you to select and pay for a package/collection or artwork upfront, eliminating the need for a separate session fee. This approach streamlines the process, ensuring that all aspects, including the session and chosen products, are arranged and paid for in advance.
Pricing, Packages, Finished Wall Art and Albums.
Navigating through the various photography package options can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is essential to comprehend the inclusions of each package, such as the number of edited photos, prints, or albums, and ensure that it aligns with your budget.
To simplify this process, here is a breakdown:
All-inclusive: With this option, you pay a single amount and receive the agreed-upon number of fully edited and retouched images in digital format.
Packages/Collections: You will typically have a selection of 3-5 package options to choose from. Each package offers different quantities of images along with various additional items. These items may include loose prints, printed products, print credits that can be applied towards finished wall art, bespoke albums, and more.
Finished Artwork: Most Professional Photographers will have a selection of finished artwork for you to choose from. These products are sourced from the highest quality professional print labs and may include traditional frames, torn edge or glassless frames, canvas or boxed canvas, metal or wood art, and bespoke albums.
Understanding what your photographer offers and the differences between the products will help you make an informed decision about the type of package or finished artwork that best suits your preferences and requirements.
These options will also determine the price of your photography session with the desired outcome.
Please Note: The “Price” is in the creation, time, telent, skills, quality of service, insurance, editing, equipment, etc. So your “files” are the finished product and will be price accordingly.
Timing and delivery of images and products
The turnaround time for your images will vary depending on the type of photography session you have. Some photographers may be able to provide your images within a few days, while others may take a few weeks. It is recommended to inquire about the expected timeframe when discussing your session with the photographer.
When it comes to finished artwork, the production time is typically around 2-6 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on the specific products chosen and the time of year (end of year is always far busier), as some may be sourced locally while others may be sourced from overseas.
It’s important to consider these factors and discuss the estimated timeline with your photographer to have a clear understanding of when you can expect to receive the final artwork.
Contracts, Terms and Insurance
Before finalising your decision, review the photographer’s contract or terms of service. Ensure you understand the rights to the photos, any additional fees, cancellation policies, and any other important details. Also asked if they are insured too.
In summary…
Choosing the right professional photographer is a significant decision that involves considering several key factors.
- First and foremost, reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and understanding their style is crucial to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
- Experience in their genre of photography, along with positive recommendations and reviews, speaks to the photographer’s ability to work with diverse dynamics and capture genuine emotions.
- Effective communication and a personal connection with the photographer are essential for a successful photoshoot experience.
- Discussing location options, props, and clothing choices allows for customization and a better understanding of what to expect.
- Understanding the pricing structure and packages offered is important to determine if they fit within your budget and desired outcomes.
By taking these factors into account, you can confidently select a professional family photographer who will capture beautiful moments, create lasting memories, and deliver a personalised and enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones.
Checklist of questions you can ask your photographer
Here is a list of questions you can ask your photographer to get a better understanding of their products and services. You don’t have to ask them all just the ones that apply to you.
- Where are you located?
- What’s your availability?
- How many images will I receive from my session?
- How soon will I receive the images or artwork from my session?
- Are you the Photographer photographing us?
- Can I purchase artwork from you or do I have to purchase it on my own?
- How long have you been photographing in your genre?
- What happens if I need to reschedule?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Do you have a client closet?
- For maternity – can my partner and kids join?
- For newborn - are you training in newborn safety?
- What should I be bringing to a session?
- What do you bring to a session?
- How do I best prepare my family for our session?
- What time of day do you recommend for my family?
- What do you suggest for clothing choices?
- What are your suggestions about locations?
- How long does the photography session go for?
- Do you have a Working with Children Check?
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What happens if it rains on the day of our session?
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When do I get my images back?
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Do I choose the images or does the photographer?
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How far in advance do I need to make a booking?
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Do I have to sign a contract? What if I don’t want my photos on social media?
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How many outfits can we bring?
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What colors should we wear/ not wear?
CRM - What is it and Why do you need it for your photography business?
So you have started a photography business. Or maybe you have been in business for awhile and you are quickly realising that taking photos is only about 10% of the work in running a newborn and family photography business. But that’s the part you love! Managing all the other aspects of your business can be a challenge - there is responding to enquiries, booking and scheduling shoots, managing client information such as contracts and questionnaires and chasing payments. It can feel really overwhelming.
That's where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system comes in so that you can be organised and on top of everything. Meaning you can spend more time doing the part of the job that you love the most.
I converted from a very long and unwieldy excel spreadsheet to Studio Ninja in the second year of my business and it changed my life! Seriously! All of a sudden everything was in one place, systems were streamlined, my client communications were much more professional but still personal, and tracking where every client, job, enquiry and lead was up became so easy. Which meant more time for taking photos and spending time with my growing-too-fast family. I was almost at the point of burnout when I switched over to Studio Ninja and it really saved my business and my sanity. It helped me regain some balance in my life and took away the overwhelm.
With a CRM, as your business grows, you can easily keep track of all your clients, leads and jobs, as well as invoices, contracts and tasks.
So, what is a CRM system? Simply put, a CRM system is a software that helps you manage your interactions with clients and keep track of their information. It can help you stay organised, save time, and provide a better experience for your clients.
Here are a few reasons why you need a CRM system for your photography business:
- One main client database - A CRM system allows you to keep all of your client information in one place. You can store contact information, names and ages of family members, shoot details, contract information, and more. This can help you stay organised and save time when you need to access your client’s information. I especially love that I can include a photo of my clients in the database because after 9 years it quickly jogs my memory about who they are and what their past session was like.
- Automated workflows - A CRM system can automate tasks such as sending emails, invoice and payment reminders, and following up with clients and leads. This can help you save time and ensure that you never miss an important task.
- Improved communication with clients - A CRM system can help you stay in touch with your clients and provide a better experience. You can send automated emails, share galleries, and communicate with clients directly through the system. Your client can access their own client portal where all of their invoices, contracts and questionnaires are stored making it easier for them to find what they need too.
- Better insights into your business - A CRM system can provide valuable insights into your business, such as which clients are most profitable and which services are most popular. It can tell you where your leads are coming from so you know where to direct your marketing or what marketing efforts are working best. This can help you make data-driven decisions and improve your business over time.
Overall, a CRM system can help you stay organised, save time, and provide a better experience for your clients. With so many options available, it's important to choose a CRM system that meets your specific needs as a photographer.
My CRM system is Studio Ninja, which I have used since they launched in 2016. They are constantly improving, innovating and giving me a better experience as well as my clients. You can get 20% off your subscription when using the code BR4352Y. So why not give it a try and see how it can improve your business?
Favourite Mum Poses
Last week, I wrote about My Favourite Dad Poses for newborn sessions. And equally important are my favourite Mum poses. For mum's newborn portraits can fill us with dread. We have just spent 9 months watching our bodies change and grow as we carried this precious tiny human inside us. Then there was birth, and now you are faced with sleep deprivation and round the clock feeding. Your body is going through huge changes at a very rapid rate, not to mention the hormones.
I know. I have had 3 babies. I remember those early days, the fog, the fatigue. I also know how fleeting this time is, and I am passionate about getting mums in front of my camera and capturing them with their beautiful new baby.
It is my job to make you feel and look comfortable and beautiful and to capture the overwhelming love you have for this tiny baby. So here are my Go-To-Mum-Baby-poses for a newborn session.
- Mum kissing baby whilst baby is lying on the bean bag – This is a perfect pose to start for Mum’s who are little nervous, as the baby is already posed and settled on the bean bag. All Mum has to do is come over to the bean bag, lean over and interact with their baby. I use prompts such as, “Kiss your baby; smell that babies beautiful head; touch your nose to babies nose; think about one thing you cannot wait to teach your baby; close your eyes and breath that baby smell in.” This pose can work with baby wrapped or unwrapped, posed on their back or on their tummy. I always check with Mum's how they are feeling before we do this pose, to make sure they are ok to get down to the height of the beanbag and lean over baby.
- Kisses with baby in Mum’s arms – Baby can be wrapped or unwrapped and it is an easy transition from baby on the bean bag to Mum’s arms for this pose. I make sure I place baby quite high up in Mum’s arms so that Mum can easy turn her face down towards her baby to kiss and interact with her baby. Again I use prompts such as, “Kiss your baby; smell that babies beautiful head; touch your nose to babies nose; think about one thing you cannot wait to teach your baby; close your eyes and breath that baby smell in.” If baby is awake and settled this pose can lend itself to some beautiful interactions between Mum and Baby. This pose works well if baby is wrapped or unwrapped.
- Holding Baby against Mum’s chest – Some Mum’s find this a really natural way to hold their baby and others can really struggle. But when it works it is just beautiful. Make sure that baby is nice and high on Mum's chest, sitting above her breasts and just below her chin ensuring that Mum can interact with Baby from above with kisses and snuggles. This is also a great pose to bring Dad in on once you have some photos of Mum alone with Baby, and Dad can come in to cuddle both Mum and Baby.
- Hands - Tiny baby hands or toes and Mum's hand or finger, or just Mum hands on their tiny baby. I love the contrast of these poses and for the very reluctant Mum they are perfect as the focus is purely on their hands.
- Curled up in Mum's Arms - This is wonderful pose to capture Mum's and Baby's faces close together. I ask Mum's to close their eyes, breathe in their new babies smell, exhale and then open their eyes. They are usually already smiling from smelling that beautiful baby smell. Again this is great pose to bring Dad into, wrapping his arms around both Mum and Baby for a family shot. Baby can be wrapped up or naked, or egg wrapped to have their little arms and legs exposed.
Those are my favourite poses for Mum's with newborns. Of course, there are a whole host of other poses which I do with Dad and Mum, with Mum and older siblings, and some others with just Mums and their babies but these are my go-too-poses in nearly every session. I think there is something simple, beautiful and natural about these poses, leaving the focus on the beautiful connections and bonds between these new Mum's and their new babies.
Book in for your newborn session today.
Favourite Dad Poses
Favourite Dad Poses
When it comes to Dad's and newborn babies, a lot of Dad's feel head-over-heels in love, but also a little overwhelmed, at a loss as to what they can do, and sometimes terrified. I see so many Dad's come into my studio with their adored newborn, but just not quite sure how the photo shoot is going to go, what they are going to do, and feel really awkward in front of the camera.
It is my job to make them feel relaxed, at ease, and help them love the experience. There is nothing better for me, then when a Dad says at the end of the session, "Wow that was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I felt really relaxed even though I was dreading this."
So here are a few of my go-too-Dad-poses for a newborn session. They are my favourites for a number of reasons, they are simple, they show so much connection between a Dad and a Newborn, they involve little movement which helps Dad's feel more at ease, and they perfectly show the contrast in size between a Dad and his new baby.
- Dad kissing baby whilst baby is lying on the bean bag - This is a perfect pose to start for Dad's who are little nervous, as the baby is already posed and settled on the bean bag. All Dad has to do is come over to the bean bag, lean over and interact with their baby. I use prompts such as, "Kiss your baby; smell that babies beautiful head; touch your nose to babies nose; think about one thing you cannot wait to teach your baby; close your eyes and breath that baby smell in." This pose can work with baby wrapped or unwrapped, posed on their back or on their tummy.
- Kisses with baby in Dad's arms - Again this is a great one for Dad's who are feeling unsure, awkward or a little nervous. Baby can be wrapped or unwrapped and it is an easy transition from baby on the bean bag to Dad's arms. I make sure I place baby quite high up in Dad's arms so that Dad can easy turn his face down towards his baby to kiss and interact with his baby. Again I use prompts such as, "Kiss your baby; smell that babies beautiful head; touch your nose to babies nose; think about one thing you cannot wait to teach your baby; close your eyes and breath that baby smell in." If baby is awake and settled this pose can lend itself to some beautiful interactions between Dad and Baby. This pose works well if baby is wrapped or unwrapped, and again shows that beautiful contrast between Dad's hands and the tininess of their new baby.
- Holding Baby against Dad's chest - Some Dad's find this a really natural way to hold their baby and others can really struggle. But when it works it is just beautiful. Make sure that baby is nice and high on Dad's chest, just below his chin ensuring that Dad can interact with Baby from above with kisses and snuggles. This is also a great pose to bring Mum in on once you have some photos of Dad alone with Baby, and Mum can come in to cuddle with Dad and Baby.
- Baby up on Dad's shoulder - this is the burping pose many Dad's naturally put their babies into after a feed. It works well in just this instance during a session when Baby has had a feed and needs a little burp. Again it can work well for awake or asleep babies and really captures the connection between Baby and Dad.
- Hands - Tiny baby hand or toes and large Dad hand or finger, or just Dad's big hands on their tiny baby. I love the contrast of these poses and for the very reluctant Dad they are perfect as the focus is purely on their hands.
Those are my favourite poses for Dad's with newborns. Of course, there are a whole host of other poses which I do with Dad and Mum, with Dad and older siblings, and some others with just Dads and their babies but these are my go-too-poses in nearly every session. I think there is something simple, beautiful and natural about these poses, leaving the focus on the beautiful connections and bonds between these new Dad's and their new babies.
Book in for your newborn session today.
5 Tips for Settling Your Newborn
In many of my newborn sessions, new parents ask me if I can come home and help settle their baby, especially at night. As a mum of 3, I remember those early days of parenthood, with a brand new human at home with us and trying to get it all right. Especially the settling and sleeping.
I remember pacing the hallway at all hours of the day and night, bouncing on a yoga ball, or going for long drives with Brahms Lullaby playing. Anything to get this tiny human to settle and go to sleep.
I remember my first baby who would only sleep for 20 minute intervals during the day, and my second baby who wanted to be fed every 2 hours, even when the previous feed had taken over an hour to complete! I remember being more tired than I had ever been in my life.
After 3 babies, 3 very different babies as far as sleeping and settling go, these are my top 5 tips for settling your newborn that really made a difference for me.
1. Feeding
When you’re breastfeeding it’s hard to know when your baby has had enough. Trying to keep them awake long enough finish a feed fully can be a real challenge in those early weeks. A few things I did to help make sure they had a good feed:
- Clothes off. A warm baby is much more likely to fall asleep when feeding so taking their clothes off helps. I didn't want them to be cold, but stripped down to their nappy and warm against me whilst they fed, was just enough sensation to help keep them awake.
- I tickled their feet as they fed to just stimulate them a little.
- Changing their nappy halfway through the feed helped to wake them back up if they had dropped off to sleep.
2. Burping
Babies don't always burp straight away after a feed, it can take a little while and they all have their own unique little preferences about how best to get that burp to come up. My husband was best at burping our babies and found holding them up on his shoulder and patting their back or bottom was the best way to get them to burp.
I found sitting my babies on my lap with their little head supported in my hand worked best for me. Or even lying my babies across my knee and patting their backs.
It can take a little while to figure out what works best for you and your baby so don’t be afraid to try a few different things until you find what works for you and your baby.
3. Swaddling
My first baby had such a strong relaxation response to being swaddled it was adorable to watch. He could be crying and angry and beside himself, but as soon as his first arm was wrapped securely next to his body he started to calm, his eyes would begin to close and he would have calmed down by the time I had him all wrapped up.
My 3rd baby loved to be in her Love to Dream Swaddle with her arms up by her face, and she too started to relax and calm as soon as she was in her swaddle. I just wish I had of had these zip up swaddles with my first 2 babies, it made the exahusted-middle-of-the-night swaddling so much easier!
There are lots of different techniques for wrapping, so find the one that is easiest for you but always remember to wrap firmly so they can’t escape too easily. I found that stretchy fabrics worked best for swaddling and this is especially true in my studio as well.
If you have a winter baby it’s easier as summer babies can get quite warm so it is best to use a lighter wrap in summer.
4. White noise
I use white noise in all my newborn sessions. It has put all my newborn clients to sleep and even a few parents! I used white noise with my first baby as well, and with my subsequent babies it was definitely a must with all the noise their older siblings created.
Having sound playing while your baby sleeps means that they are less likely to wake at a loud noise. Keeping the house completely quiet was never an option for me and would usually lead to even the quietest noise causing my babies to wake crying.
5. The 4 S's
When my first baby was brand new, and we were totally overwhelmed, our paediatrician gave us a video about the 4 S's of settling our baby.
- Swaddle
- Suck
- Side
- Swing
It literally changed our lives. When all else failed we would make sure these 4 things were done and we would soon have a happy, sleepy baby.
We would swaddle our baby, give him a dummy to suck, hold him on his side and we would swing or rock him back and forth. We had a rocking chair which was perfect for exhausted parents, but walking around with him in a carrier or sling, or going for a walk with him in the stroller or even a drive in the car, all served the same purpose of creating movement for our baby.
Babies are in constant motion in the womb, and recreating this movement really helped to sooth our babies in those early days, weeks and months.
Bonus tip!
One final bonus tip for settling your newborn! Brushing your finger gently down your babies nose or over their eyes can help them drift off to sleep in those final moments when they are fighting sleep with all their might. I do this a lot during my newborn sessions and this natural reflex still amazes me.
Do you have a new baby? Book in now for your newborn portraits. Capture this precious new baby before they grow any bigger.
New Canva Tools for Newborn and Family Photographers
We have some new Client Guide templates available for Newborn and Family Photographers. Simple, downloadable tools to help build confidence in your business and achieve a simple, beautiful, natural client experience.
The Client Guides
Baby Sitter Welcome Guide Template
This new Canva template is the perfect tool for newborn and family photographers to take their client experience to the next level.
This preparation also educates your clients in the value of ordering products and leaves them feeling truly cared for even before your session has begun.
This customisable Canva template contains all the information and headings needed to ensure you to cover all of the topics needed, along with many pages of pre-written text with information that I have collected from over a decade years of running a successful newborn & family photography business.
Your guide can be delivered to clients digitally, or printed as a booklet to post out to clients to prepare them for their shoot. Who doesn’t love receiving snail mail! The downloadable templates are delivered immediately and only require a Canva account which you can set up for Free here.
The Welcome Guide template includes:
- 44 content pages.
- Tips and prompts on each page to ensure you are giving your clients all the information that they need.
- Pre-written sections take the overwhelm out of creating your own perfect client welcome guide and are fully editable.
- Fully customisable pages give you the ability to adjust fonts, colours, page order and layouts to suit your brand and business.
- Image boxes allow you to drop your own gallery of images easily and seamlessly into the layouts.
Pre-Written topics include:
- Why you should choose Professional Photography
- Why you should hire a Professional Photographer
- Preparation Tips for your Baby Session
- What to Expect Before, During & After Your Baby Session
- What to bring with you to your Session
- What to wear and how to style your family outfits
- Frequently Asked Questions (& their answers)
- When to book your session
Once you purchase, simply download your templates into your Canva account and start customising!
Buy the Sitter Client Welcome Guide
Pricing Guide Template
This Pricing Guide template is quick and easy to edit in Canva, helping you professionally present your services and pricing and providing a client journey that will go above and beyond the ways that most photographers serve their clients.
This 12 page template is designed to prepare your clients for their upcoming portraiture experience with you. It ensures they feel at ease with you and that your session runs as smoothly as possible. This guide sets clear expectations, making it easier for clients to understand the value of booking a portrait session with you, highlighting your unique approach and providing a detailed pricing breakdown.
This preparation educates them in the value of ordering products and leaves them feeling truly cared for even before your session has begun.
This customisable Canva template contains all the information and headings needed to provide your clients with a clear outline of your different packages and products from digital collections, prints and albums.
Your guide can be delivered to clients digitally, or printed as booklet to post out to clients to prepare them for their shoot. Who doesn’t love receiving snail mail! The downloadable templates are delivered immediately and only require a Canva account which you can set up for Free here.
What’s included in the Pricing Guide Template:
- A Welcome & introduction – helping clients connect with you
- Clear Package outline – helping clients understand the options that they have available to choose from, making it clear and concise for them.
- Product details – detailed outline of what products you offer so clients can plan for how they want their photos displayed in their home.
This Canva template is has pre-written that’s designed to resonate with portrait photography clients, saving you hours of work. Simply customize with your photos, colours, and branding to create a pricing guide that works for you and your business.
Once you purchase, simply download your templates into your Canva account and start customising!
*Product required a free Canva Account*
Buy the Pricing Guide Template
Coming soon - The Client Wardrobe, Styling & What to Wear Guide Template, Session Checklist Templates, Family Session Welcome Guide Template and more.
Previous Guides & Resources for Newborn & Family Photographers
Newborn Welcome Guide
This Newborn Client Welcome Guide Magazine will take your business to the next level, with a client journey that will go above and beyond the ways that most photographers serve their clients.
This 40+ page magazine prepares your clients for their experience with you, ensuring they feel at ease and your session runs smoothly.
The customizable template contains pre-written copy to take the overwhelm out of completing each section. Your guide can be delivered to clients digitally, or printed as a booklet to prepare them for their shoot.
Topics include:
Why you should choose Custom Photography
Why you should hire a Professional
Preparation Tips for your Newborn Session
What to Expect Before, During & After Your Session
What to bring to your Session
What to wear
Frequently Asked Questions (& their answers)
When to book your session
*Product required a free Canva Account*
Buy the Newborn Client Welcome Guide
Presets
Do you want to create beautiful crisp white edits? Do you want consistency in your editing style? Do you struggle to keep your whites white and your skin tones bright and fresh?
These Lightroom presets are created specifically for natural light photographers who shoot in a white studio space.
The White on White Studio Presets for Lightroom give you a beautiful bright, crisp white look. Suitable for newborn, sitter, cake smash or family photography.
Designed to work with RAW files in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC.
Buy the White on White Studio Presets
Free Downloads
Free White Balance Guide
Let’s talk white balance. Specifically, setting custom white balance for natural light photographers.
White balance refers to the process of removing or neutralizing color casts in your images. All light sources produce a color cast. And while our eyes are pretty good at correcting for this in real time, a camera captures the subject as it looks in life.
Color casts prevent you from capturing accurate, true colors in a scene and they tend to look bad - messing with portrait skin tones, creating muddy shadows and sickly highlights, and they can create unwanted moods in your photos.
You can adjust the white balance of your images in two ways:
In camera, before taking a shot
Afterward, in post-processing
Read my free white balance guide to help you get one step closer to better photos.
Download the free White Balance Guide
Free Family Posing Guide
Learn the top 6 poses I use with my family portrait clients in every session. These poses ensure that you get a full and varied gallery to present to your clients, capturing real emotion, connection and laughter.
One of the key components of running a succesful family photography business is mastering posing. If you can master your posing and your posing workflow, you can deliver consistent results every time.
Learning how to pose families for their family portraits is essential in being able to offer a full and varied gallery to your clients. One full of connection, emotion and joy. Posing can ensure you capture these crucial aspects for every family.
In this Family Posing Guide I detail the top 6 poses I use with all my family portraits clients ensuring that I deliver the best gallery possible with every client.
Download the Free Family Posing Guide
Harnessing AI for Newborn and Family Photographers
As technology continues to revolutionize the photography industry, it's essential to stay ahead of the game and leverage the tools available to enhance the services you have on offer for your clients.
ChatGPT is an incredible resource that can elevate your newborn and family photography business to new heights, saving you time, enhancing your communication and assisting with your marketing and advertising.
Read my top three ways you can incorporate ChatGPT into your newborn and family photography business today in my Harnessing AI for Photographers Guide.
Download the Free Harnessing AI for Photographers Guide
FAQs About the Bree Hulme Education Products and Resources:
What programs are these presets compatible with?
Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic.
What camera will these presets work with?
Any digital camera. These presets have been designed to work best on RAW files but they can also be used for JPGs or camera phone photos - ones that can be imported into Lightroom!
How do How do I download the presets and guides?
Once you purchase and complete the checkout process, you will automatically be sent to a confirmation page with your download link at the bottom written in grey font. Simply click on this link to download your purchases.
What programs are the client guides compatible with?
These guide templates require a free Canva Account. You can set up your free account here.
What is the refund policy?
All sales are final. There are no refunds as I have no way of proving that the download/s weren't installed and used. Please be sure that any product you purchase is compatible with your software or camera files as there are no refunds, exchanges, or returns for incompatibility.
Can I share the presets/welcome guides with a friend?
You are not permitted to share, distribute, copy, transfer, sell, or re-license any of these products.
I have lost my guide/presets. How do I download them again?
Please contact us at bree@breehulmephotography.com.au with your proof of purchase, and once verified, a replacement product will be emailed to you to download.
Top Baby Names for 2024
NSW has released their 2024 Top Baby Names! Did your babies name make the Top Names list?
2024 NSW Top Names – Boys
- Noah
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Luca
- Henry
- Leo
- Hudson
- Charlie
- Lucas
- Elijah
2024 NSW Top Names – Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Mia
- Isla
- Chloe
- Harper
- Hazel
- Evelyn
- Sophia
Here at Bree Hulme Photography, we had so many newborn babies come through our door last year, and even more babies up to 1 year old. Here is our list of 2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Names for newborns who visited us last year!
2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Boys
- Nathaniel
- Cohen
- Lukas
- George
- Louie
- Charlie
- Finley
- Hudson
- Vincenzo
- Oskar
2024 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Girls
- Rita
- Mila
- Rey
- Marley
- London
- Millie
- Ava
- Serena
- Halle
- Savanna
And here are a few of our other favourite names of the beautiful babies who visited us for their sitter sessions or 1st birthday cake smash sessions or family sessions in 2024:
- Remy
- Will
- Finn
- Noah
- Tyler
- Ruby
- Grace
- Ivy
- Lily
- Ava
Are you choosing your baby name right now? What are some of the names on the top of your list? Already in 2025 we have seen a few new names with the babies who have come into the studio for newborn portraits.
Let us know your favourite baby names! And if you are planning a baby name, don’t forget to book in for your newborn portraits session! You can see some more of our newborn portraits in the Newborn Portraits Gallery and contact us to book in for a session here.
Is your baby already here? Then book in for a Sitter session or some family portraits whilst they are still chubby little babies! You can see some of our older baby portraits here!