Newborn Session FAQ

Can we get parents & sibling pictures during our session?

Yes. I will typically set up sibling portraits as soon as you arrive for your session.

It’s unlikely a toddler or even an older child will be able to stay quiet & calm during a lengthy newborn session & they are often most compliant first thing. This also allows Dad to take your older children to the park or for a walk, or even drop them off to school or daycare, whilst we complete the individual newborn portraits.

It also means we can circle back to sibling & family portraits towards the end of the session if we didn’t get the desired images & cooperation the first time, giving your older child time to warm up and get used to the studio environment.

Due to the lengthy nature of a newborn session it is recommended that you bring some snacks, and a quiet activity to keep your older child/ren occupied whilst completing the portraits that they are not involved in. Books, colouring-in or a favourite show on a iPad are all recommended activities.

Should both parents attend the newborn session?

If possible it’s helpful to have both parents at the shoot. This is a special time in your new babies life. I love capturing the connections between you, & also the contrast in size between parents & newborns is so striking at this early age.

Can I bring other people to the shoot to observe?

Based on experience we find that it’s better if only parents & siblings who are involved in the session attend the session. Newborn sessions are often lengthy & require a calm, quiet environment in which we can keep baby asleep & occasionally calm him or her if they are fussy. Lots of extra time is needed for nappy changes & feedings too. Unless the family members are going to be included in the photoshoot we ask that they remain at home. Please discuss with us any additional family members you do wish to include in your session ahead of time. The studio is small & can be very warm and cramped with more than two adults.

Can we get the RAW files?

No. The RAW files are the equivalent of a baker’s ingredients or an artist’s paints.

Every photo you see in your final gallery has been edited to reflect the creative vision I had in mind when I took the photo. Manipulation of tones, contrast, light, colour & clarity are just a few of the many steps I perform on every image in your final gallery.

Can I edit the digital files myself?

No. Digital images are provided for you to print for your personal use & share with your family and friends via social media and email. No filters or personal edits, crops or alterations are permitted under our contract agreement.

Will I own the copyright of the images purchased?

Any images purchased are supplied with a a non-exclusive perpetual personal-use license for Personal Use Only. Personal use means non-commercial use of the photographs for display on personal websites and computers, or making image prints or video copies for personal use only. Bree Hume Photography retains copyright of all images taken & supplied. A commercial copyright license can be purchased for a fee.

What does the session fee include?

The session fee covers your home-studio newborn session, including use of the extensive range of wraps, hats, headbands, props & accessories. You will also have full access to the client wardrobe of dresses and robes to use during your session. Your session will incorporate a mix of newborn portraits, parent-portraits, family-portraits and, where requested, sibling portraits. Your session fee is non-refundable. By paying your session fee, a date and time are exclusively reserved for you.

Can we include our fur-baby?

Fur babies are always welcome. However the studio is small & the session takes several hours. When including your fur baby, we will do these photos first so that one parent can either take your pet for a walk or drop them home. For safety reasons, all images of pets with a baby will be achieved as a composite image in post production.

What should we wear?

Styling your newborn portrait session & choosing what you & your family should wear should be one of the best parts of booking a newborn shoot. However having to decide on a style, coordinating colours, outfits & pieces that flatter can be stressful.

My photographic style entwines timeless beauty with natural light, with a focus on sweet & organic details. I love to keep it simple & classic with neutrals, soft patterns, & colors that flow well together.

• Choose soft, subtle neutrals, whites and pastel colours.
• Textures can add some soft beautiful details – think lace, embroidery, wool and textured weaves such as linen.
• For older siblings keep it simple with classic styles – dresses, collared shirts & soft colours are key.
• Avoid large prints, graphics, characters & words on clothing.
• Look through the Bree Hulme Photography Mama Wardrobe.
• Consider hiring a dress from Mama Rentals if you still are not sure what to wear for your newborn session.
• Feel free to reach out to me and ask for more suggestions or send through your outfit ideas for my recommendations.

How long after the session will I get my photos?

We love seeing the end result of your beautiful portraits as much as you do, as such a sneak peek of your session will be emailed through or posted on social media within 48 hours of your session. Your complete gallery will available for viewing within 2 weeks of your session. Sometimes, such as during the peak season at the end of the year, this may take a few extra days. If this is the case, we will stay in contact so you know when to expect your gallery to view your beautiful portraits.

Once your order is placed, digitals and prints take 1-2 weeks to be delivered.  Albums, canvas art and framed wall art take between 4-6 weeks due to the handmade nature of the products.Again these delivery times may change during the busy season and there are cutoffs for placing orders in December as my print lab has a shut down period over the Christmas and New Year period.

Are you vaccinated and insured?

Yes! Newborn health and safety is our primary concern. We are fully vaccinated, including for covid-19, influenza and pertussis (whooping cough).

Bree Hulme Photography is a registered business and we are insured.

What if my baby arrives early or late?

No problem. Our schedule is designed to allow the flexibility needed when considering the often unpredictable nature of a babies birth. We can shuffle your preliminary session date to accomodate an early or late baby as needed.

What if my baby has already been born?

We always get a few last minute bookings, so do not worry if you did not manage to organise your newborn session before your little one arrived. Even if you baby is older than our recommended 2 weeks of age, we will still capture some beautiful portraits for you. Every age is special and deserves to be captured on film.