Why Sitter Sessions are the Best!
Did you miss out on newborn photos, but you still want to capture some gorgeous photos of your baby, and you just aren't sure what is the best stage or age? Or maybe you have had your newborn photos and you’re wondering, what’s next?
Don't worry! You don't have to wait long! The next best age for capturing your little one is when they are between 7-10 months old. This is the stage when your baby isn't quite walking or crawling yet, or perhaps they have just started to be on the move. Portrait sessions at this stage are called ‘Sitter Sessions’, simply because it’s the time when your little one can sit independently. With my natural style of photography, we’ll capture some gorgeous photos of their big eyes and tiny toes, giggly smiles and chunky thighs!
Older baby sessions are one of my favourites, as there is just so much to love that marks this stage for your baby.
Exploring – whether they can move around or not, their curious natures is on full display.
Learning to clap and play peek-a-boo.
Laughing at their parents being silly!
Playing with their tummy and toes, and showing us their big bright beautiful eyes and smile.
At a sister Session you can capture just your baby or combine it with some family photos as well. It is completely up to you.
So, when should we book?
As soon as possible! My diary can fill up between 6-8 weeks in advance, so it’s really important to book in as soon as you can.
All shoot dates and times are flexible. If we book a date in and then a month before you realise it coincides with your baby’s current nap time, don’t stress! We’ll simply adjust the date/time as needed.
Book your Sitter Session today!
Christmas Mini Sessions Are Open!
I am thrilled to announce that Bree Hulme Photography is once again offering Christmas Mini Sessions & Bookings are now OPEN!.
This year we are thrilled to be offering a beautiful new Christmas Tree Farm location for gorgeous outdoor portraits, as well as the much loved Studio sessions.
The Studio sets this year are two gorgeous new themes - Pine Arch & Christmas Wreath. These bring all the feelings and joy of Christmas to your family portraits.
Sessions are 20 minutes and your session fee includes your choice of 5 digital images. Additional images and prints can of course be purchased at our special Christmas prices.
Sessions are $250.
Bookings are strictly limited to two dates in November - Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd! Get in quick to secure your Christmas Mini Session this year!
Book now using our live booking calendar.
For the Christmas Tree Farm location sessions BOOK HERE
For Studio sessions BOOK HERE.
We can't wait to see you all!
Bree & Rachel
1st Birthday Family Portraits
Celebrate your babies 1st Birthday with some gorgeous 1st Birthday Family Portraits at Bree Hulme Photography!
Is your baby turning one? Would you love to have some family portraits to mark this important milestone? But perhaps you are not too sure about the whole cake smash concept? Maybe the idea of giving your baby a cake to destroy just isn't your idea of the perfect family photos. But you do want to find a way to celebrate and mark this occasion.
The in-studio 1st Birthday Family Portraits are the way to go. Full of fun and play, capturing all the beautiful, tiny, precious details of your 1 year old baby, and the beautiful love and connection between your family, this style of session is perfect for you.
Having this session in studio is perfect for this age group. For those babies who are still crawling, it is warm, bright and clean, and for those who are just starting to walk, but might be a bit unsteady on their feet, the floor is flat and even for easy toddling around the studio.
We can capture all the beautiful little details of your baby - those chubby wrists and fingers, those gorgeous baby eyes, and those big smiles.
Games and play form the basis for these session, lots of cuddles and tickles, some peek-a-boo in the curtains and even a little play with a favourite stuffed toy.
If you love the idea of the "splash" at the end of the cake smash session, then we can incorporate the fun bubble bath at the end of the session as well. Bubbles and water always bring out the most beautiful smiles and pure joy with babies.
Cuddles and kisses are definitely a huge part of the session.
So let's celebrate your babies 1st birthday with some beautiful, simple, natural 1st Birthday Family Portraits at Bree Hulme Photography. Book your session now!
Choosing Your Newborn Photographer
"That it will never come again, is what makes life so sweet."
~ Emily Dickinson
The newborn stage is so very fleeting, and often so blurred with sleep haze and overwhelm. Choosing to have a newborn shoot is an investment in your family and your memories. It will be a way to look back at this time in your newborns life, when they are so tiny, so new and all the emotions that come with new life and new parenthood. These images will last more than a lifetime, and they will still make you smile years later.
Every day your newborn baby changes and grows. Their little toes get bigger, their cheeks start to fill out and they generally lose that fresh newborn look. This is why it’s so important to capture these moments with the right photographer for you. There are a range of newborn photographers out there, all with slightly different styles and approaches to what they do.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the options, so I’ve written a few questions that you can ask yourself to help make your decision easier.
Do you love their work?
If you can imagine a photographer’s work displayed on your own walls, then they’re the right fit for you. After all, you wouldn’t purchase a piece of art that you didn't like! Look at their lighting, the colours that they use and the style of the images. Ask yourself if you can imagine these photos still on your wall in 20 years’ time - are they timeless? Imagine your family in these photos and if you feel inspired, find out more!
At Bree Hulme Photography, I focus on using whites and other natural colours, with minimal props to ensure that your baby is the focus of every image. Giving you timeless pieces of art for your home.
Newborn safety and comfort
A professional newborn photographer will know how to handle your newborn safely and have all of the skills needed to create a set of beautiful images of your family. It’s good to look through their portfolio and ask yourself, ‘does this baby look comfortable?’ If the answer is yes, then it’s likely that they are experienced and know exactly how to capture your baby at this age. If the babies look uncomfortable, with screwed up hands and limbs forced into awkward positions - they may not be the right photographer for you.
Ask your photographer about how they run their sessions. Does every baby get put in the same position regardless of their comfort and positional preferences? Every newborn has slightly different preferences about how they like their bodies, often this is reflective of their position in the womb- do they like their head to the left or right, are they comfortable on their tummy?
At Bree Hulme Photography I achieve my images with a baby-led-approach. We are led by your babies preferences, pace and needs. If they don't like their tummy that is ok, we focus on images with them comfortable on their back. If they prefer their head in a certain direction then we rotate them to suit their comfort. Every baby is different and we move slowly to make sure they are content and happy.
I do not do constructed newborn poses, as I don’t think it’s natural to see your baby propped up on their hands or sat bolt upright. Although some photographers do these poses well, they’re just not for me.
Are they passionate about what they do?
When you talk to a photographer, you’ll be able to tell whether they are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s in person, over the phone or via email, they will tell you everything you need to know, answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. It’s essential to find someone who is completely transparent about their pricing, as you wouldn’t want to be surprised with any unexpected costs.
As well as being passionate, it’s crucial to find someone who is also professional. They will be able to show you a varied portfolio with lots of different babies, and have reviews from previous clients for you to read. If they don’t have all of these things then steer clear - don’t waste this precious time in your life on someone’s hobby.
Have they been recommended?
You wouldn’t hand your newborn baby over to a stranger, so it’s important to choose a photographer that has either been recommended by a friend, or who has plenty of reviews that you can read online. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - a professional photographer will be happy to answer them all and put your mind at ease. It’s ideal to find someone who is not only good at what they do, but is someone who you are drawn to as a person.
At Bree Hulme Photography, people arrive at my studio as clients and leave as friends. For me, it’s important to build a good relationship with my clients in order to provide them with the best experience possible - both at their shoot and in the future.
How would you like to display your images?
These days, digital images are increasingly popular. You may think that this is what you’d like to take away from your session, but consider this - what if in years to come, your files become corrupted and you can’t open them, or they end up on devices that become useless over time (anyone remember floppy disks?!).
After your newborn session, it’s important to ask yourself how you’d like to display your images. Do you want them on the wall for all to see, or would you prefer an album that you can pass round your friends and family? Ensure that your photographer offers the product that you would like at a high quality, as your images will last for generations to come.
As a society, we’re in danger of having children with no printed record of their lives (see this amazing project by Julia Boggio here). We take so many photos, but they stay on our phones and other devices. Imagine the difference it will make to your child if they grow up surrounded by photos of their family - showing them how much they are loved every day, just by seeing their photos on the wall.
How much are your images worth?
There are a range of prices that you can pay for newborn photography. The newborn stage is so fleeting that you can’t afford to choose a sub-standard photographer based solely on price. By the time you’ve received your images back, it’s too late to re-shoot if you’re disappointed. It’s a moment in time that you’ll never get back, so it’s worth investing in something that you know you will love.
Professional photography can be expensive, but this is because most of the work is done when you’re not there. From all of the training, to equipment & studio costs and all of the behind-the-scenes work - everything takes time. It takes years for a photographer to get to a place where they’re confident in the service they provide, and can really put their clients’ needs first by creating a relaxing experience in what is otherwise an intense time in their lives.
While money can’t buy happiness, it can buy quality. Choosing to have a newborn shoot is an investment in your memories. These images will last more than a lifetime, and when your children show them to their children, they will still make you smile all those years later.
At Bree Hulme Photography I have over 10 years of experience as a newborn and family photographer, I am a mother of 3 and aunt to 9.
Don’t let these precious moments pass you by. It’s recommended to book your newborn shoot whilst you’re still pregnant to ensure that your photographer is available around your due date. For more information on the shoot experience, please get in touch.
Choosing a Cake Smash Outfit for Your Baby
Cake smash portrait sessions are such a beautiful, fun way to celebrate your little one's 1st birthday. Last week I wrote a couple of blog posts about choosing the decorations for your little boy's or little girl's cake smash session. Today I am writing about choosing the outfit, or outfits for this milestone portrait session.
Cake smash sessions are split into 3 parts:
- The Birthday Portraits
- The Cake Smash
- The Bubble Bath
I recommend choosing one or two outfits for the session - one for the birthday portraits and one for the cake smash.
The Birthday Portraits
This part of the session is when we capture some traditional portraits of your little baby. I recommend babies wear a little party outfit, perhaps a little party dress for little girls or a collared shirt for boys.
For Boys
There are so many sweet options for little boys when choosing an outfit for the birthday portraits. Collared shirts, bow ties, and suspenders are all adorable. Cute overalls, knitted rompers and even teddy bear onesies are perfect and you don't need to look too far in the shops these days to find something special that matches the colour scheme and decorations you have chosen for this special day. Even Best & Less and Big W have adorable little outfits.
If you are still unsure, don't worry, I have a growing wardrobe of little boy clothes perfect for birthday portraits, including handsome onesies, overalls and rompers. My preference is always for outfits that are both very cute, but don't overwhelm your adorable baby. The clothes should never be the star, your baby is what we want to focus on.
For Girls
And for girls, the choices are just as gorgeous. Party dresses and gorgeous little rompers, sweet little onesies and simple little skirts are all ideal, and there are so many options to match with your colour scheme and decorations. Special party dresses are definitely the favourite outfits for these portraits, but a sweet little romper or onesie can be just as stunning, simple and beautiful. Again we don’t want to overwhelm your baby, we want them to be the star.
Accessories for little girls are so sweet as well, and I have many different little headbands and tiebacks here in the studio which we can use during the session to help tame that wild hair. Once again, if you just aren't sure if you have anything for your little one to wear, don't worry, I have that growing wardrobe of little girl party dresses and rompers which are perfect for these birthday portraits.
I love how the lace of little Colette's dress below adds so much texture to the beautiful detail photos that I love to capture during a session. Lace is one of my favourite fabric choices as it adds textures without taking away from, or overwhelming, your little baby.
The Cake Smash
Now for the fun part! Getting messy with the cake smash. For these portraits, I recommend to my clients that baby shows a little more skin. After all, they are going to be covered in icing by the end of this part. For some clients that is as simple as removing the little shirt or top that went with the cute little pants or skirt they were wearing for the Birthday Portraits. For other's it is a whole different outfit. And for other clients they choose that their little one will stay in the same outfit for the whole session and that is gorgeous as well.
For Boys
Knitted shorts with suspenders are a definite favourite outfit of mine for little boys and the cake smash portraits! And they are just everywhere in the shops at the moment. I love how these add some beautiful knitted textures, but still give us that adorable baby belly, show off those baby thighs and allow baby to get really messy and covered in icing!
Of course, there are lots of options for little boys, including a cute pair of shorts and even overalls, all make for adorable little outfits for a cake smash. And accessories should never be overlooked either, a sweet little beanie or a bow tie can add just the smallest little colour pop, or texture without overwhelming your baby boy.
For Girls
Once again the choices for girls are never ending! My biggest tip for choosing an outfit for little girls is trying not to get anything that is too big it overwhelms your little one. That giant fluffy tutu is super cute, but if your baby can't walk or crawl in it they will soon get frustrated and upset. Less is more when it comes to 1 year olds and outfits.
A sweet little romper, perhaps with a soft floral pattern or lace details is perfect. Maybe just a lace tutu skirt or a simple party dress. Accessories again are adorable at this age and can help to add a little detail, but many babies of this age will only tolerate so much on their heads, and large party hats are often only tolerated for a few seconds. A soft headband or tie back might be all you need, and I have plenty for you to try on if you aren't sure what to get.
Rest assured if you just aren't sure what you want your little one to wear for their cake smash I have lots of options available for you to choose from. Little rompers, overalls, onesies and simple skirts are all here ready for you to use if you wish. And that saves your clean up afterwards as well! So it is a win-win.
The Bubble Bath
No clothes required.
For more cake smash inspiration, you can see my Pinterest Boards and my Cake Smash Gallery. Are you ready to book your cake smash session in? Contact me here.
What Happens If... Your Questions Answered
So you have booked in for a portrait session with Bree Hulme Photography! Woohoo!
But what happens if......?
I know you have so many worries running through your mind, and what does happen when something does go wrong? Here are all the answers for you.
What happens if my baby gets sick?
I understand. I am a mum of 3 and I know how often little ones get sick. If your baby is unwell we will postpone and reschedule your session. A sick baby is not at their best, even if you can give them some Panadol to help them feel better. When little ones are sick coming to a new environment with a new person and asking them to have photos is just a little too much for them. Let me know as soon as you can that your little one is unwell (or any member of the family) and we will find the next available date for you. Trust me, it is better to wait a few days or a few weeks and photograph a happy and well baby than trying to get them to a shoot when they are unwell. You can always tell in a photo if your baby is unwell.
What happens if I get sick?
If I get sick, I will let you know as soon as possible and we will reschedule your session. I do not want to be sharing any of my germs with you and your family, so I have always used caution, especially with newborn babies, and rescheduled if I am unwell.
What happens if my baby arrives earlier than expected?
This is not a problem. Let me know that your little one has decided to surprise you with an early arrival, and then once you are both doing well we can reschedule your session. Some babies who arrive early need to spend some time in the NICU whilst others come home at the expected time. We can work together to find a new date for your session which suits you and your babies needs. I have photographed babies at every age and stage, even some who have come home from hospital still with a feeding tube. It is completely up to you when you are both ready for your session and I will work with you to find the best time.
What happens if my baby has scratches on their face? Or baby acne? Or a bruise on their face?
This happens more than you may think. Newborn babies are prone to baby acne, milk rashes and scratching their faces in those first few weeks. And older babies manage to bang their heads just in time for the photo session! There is rarely a baby or toddler who walks into my studio who has perfectly flawless skin. The magic of photoshop can help us remove many of those unwanted marks and blemishes. I approach editing with the moto that if it won't be there in a week or a month, then I remove it - pimples, scratches, bruises. But if it is a more permanent mark, such as birth mark or scar, then I leave it be (unless you tell me you would prefer to have it removed). Of course, some of my clients prefer not retouching on their photos and that is absolutely fine as well, just let me know.
What if my newborn cries or is unsettled?
Newborn sessions are scheduled to take between 2-3 hours. This is so that there is plenty of time to feed, cuddle and settle your baby as needed during the session. There is no rush. Whilst some babies are more unsettled than others, some need to be cuddled a little more, or have an extra feed to help them be calm and relaxed, we can take our time and meet the needs of your little one. My sessions are baby-led, so whatever your baby needs is what we do. This means that every session is different and you many get different photos depending on what your babies preferences are. Some babies only want to be wrapped up and cuddled, so we focus on those images within your session. Some babies only want to be on their back and so we focus on images where they are comfortable and relaxed.
What happens if my toddler just won't cooperate or is shy?
Many babies and toddlers who come into my studio can feel a little overwhelmed and apprehensive about this whole photo shoot scenario. As a mum of 3 I know it can take time for your little ones to warm up and feel comfortable. So we take our time, maybe we need to read a book or play a little game before they are ready to get into a photo. I have lots of tricks and games and stickers to help little ones feel more at ease.
I hope that helps answer some of your questions about what happens when the worst happens. Don't worry, we will work out what is best for your family and your photos.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Newborn Portrait Session
I couldn’t be more excited to be capturing your newborn portraits, the most precious moments of you and your family. It’s a big deal! You’re trusting me to photograph a moment in time you won’t ever want to forget. Those first few weeks with your new baby are so precious and fleeting, and this is the exact reason why newborn photography is so important - it’s a chance to capture the moments your tired eyes may not fully remember.
If you’d like to get the most out of your newborn session, here are my 7 top tips for newborn portraits that you need to know:
1. Perfect your styling
What you wear during your newborn portraits photoshoot is SUPER important. Before your shoot, I will send you a welcome guide with lots of advice and inspiration on what to wear and how to style each member of your family.
For your beautiful baby - I have it all covered. You don't need anything. At this tiny stage clothes tend to swamp your beautiful baby. We will have them swaddled up in one of my beautiful newborn wraps or shawls, or with a beautiful knitted nappy cover on for some unwrapped portraits or naked. Your beautiful baby is perfect just as they are.
When dressing your baby to arrive at the studio, pop them in an outfit with zips or buttons at the front so that we can transfer baby straight onto my beanbag, avoiding anything we have to pull over their head.
For mamas, I have a range of beautiful dresses picked specifically for mums in those postpartum weeks. You are very welcome to borrow any of these during your session. Please have a look at what’s available here. I am only an email away if you need any help with clothing options. If bringing something from your own wardrobe, soft pastels, neutral and white work perfectly. Think about textures for a little bit of detail - linen, muslins, lace, embroidery and knitted fabrics are ideal. Midi and maxi dresses work wonderfully for newborn portraits.
For siblings and dads, dress them in simple colours, often pastels and muted neutrals work really well, so that the focus remains on your beautiful family and your connection. We don't want the clothes to overwhelm. Dress as if you are heading out to a lovely Sunday lunch. Not too dressy, but not too casual. Avoid logos and graphics, but prints and textures can work beautifully. Again think linen, muslins, ribbed fabrics and subtle embroidery for textures.
2. Bring the essentials
As an experienced newborn photographer, I have almost everything you could need at my studio. However, there are a few things that it’s useful for you to bring:
• Feeding and changing essentials with spare everything (nappies, milk etc)
• Snacks in case you get peckish!
• For siblings, bring some small toys or books to keep them occupied, and an iPad with their favourite pre-downloaded tv show for after their photos! It can be a long time to ask little ones to sit and wait for their new sibling to have their photos.
3. Something sentimental
Do you have a favourite teddy, or a blanket knitted by Grandma or the blanket that you were brought home from the hospital in? If so, bring it! I love to include something extra in your images to add that personal touch.
4. Prepare to be present
There are very few times in life when we are completely switched off from the outside world and totally present with our children – make your newborn portrait session one of those. Take this time to breathe them in, enjoy them, be present, and remember why you’re doing this. You’re preserving memories, making your kids feel loved and adored. No expectations, no worries about the end result, pick your outfits and turn up – I’ll handle the rest.
Be up for doing silly things, playing games and having fun. The best sessions are the ones where mum and dad get involved, creating all those natural smiles that we love.
5. Controlling small humans
I love having siblings at newborn shoots! However, as a parent myself I know some parents feel apprehensive about bringing them along, and I’m often asked “but what if they don’t behave?!” Well , I don’t expect them to! Children are wild and that’s part of their magic. I am a pro when it comes to getting older siblings involved, however there are a couple of things you can do to help me along the way.
Firstly, try not to over prep your older children. Mention to them that we’re going to take some photos of their new sibling, and that I will of course need their assistance. But you don't need to do much more than this. I keep the session simple and relaxed. I don't ask anyone to "say cheese" or "smile". I will create little games that create those beautiful moments naturally.
Please do not worry, I don’t expect your little ones to be perfectly behaved or for them to sit still either. I’m here to tailor the session to their individual personalities, engage their attention and create natural photos with no stress, so don’t be afraid to relax with them and go with the flow.
I always try to get the photos with big siblings first up, then if they need to go for a little walk with Dad whilst we capture those moments with just your newborn, they can be excused for a little while.
6. Work out where you’re going
Within all of your prep information, I will send you the address of the studio. It’s a good idea to pop this into Google Maps before the day of your shoot, so that you have an idea of where you’re going, how long it will take and you’re less likely to get lost!
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes early for your session. If you’re going to be late, don’t stress! Please just let me know via text if you’re running behind – I will send you my phone number before your shoot. I know what it is like trying to leave the house with a newborn. That poo explosion happens just as you are about to step out the door. Please don't stress. Just let me know when to expect you.
7. Prepare in advance
In order to make arriving at your newborn shoot go as smoothly as possible, I recommend packing a bag with your outfits and everything else you might need before you give birth to your baby. This means that when the day of your shoot arrives you can simply roll out of bed, grab the baby and go!
Ok I’m kidding, we all know it’s totally not that simple getting out the door with a newborn!! But being prepared in advance will give you one less thing to have to worry about on the day. You can literally arrive at the studio in your PJs and bring your makeup with you.
I’m all about making the process as relaxing and stress free as possible for you and your family.
I hope these tips for newborn portraits help to set your mind at ease and prepare you for your session. I am always here to answer any questions you might have and to help with anything you might need.
If your shoot is coming up soon, I can’t wait to meet you and your new arrival! Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
Why Baby Portraits are Gorgeous at Every Age
Before the years of Covid-19 Lockdowns here in Sydney, I predominately photographed babies who were under 2 weeks of age. This is the newborn photographers "magic age" as newborns at this age are at their most sleepy, they're most curly, and they're most tiny.
But after a 4 month lockdown all the newborn babies I had scheduled in whilst we were in lockdown and unable to work, grew quite a lot! In the months after reopening and being able to shoot again, I photographed babies aged from 10 days to 4 months old, and every single session was beautiful, precious and so worth capturing. I loved what every baby, every family brought into my studio, and I loved capturing their unique and precious family memories.
