Top Baby Names for 2022
NSW has released their 2022 Top Baby Names! Did your babies name make the Top Names list?

2022 NSW Top Names – Boys
- Noah
- Oliver
- Leo
- William
- Theodore
- Jack
- Luca
- Henry
- Thomas
- Charlie

2022 NSW Top Names – Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Isla
- Olivia
- Mia
- Ava
- Ella
- Matilda
- Sienna
- Willow

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 2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Names for newborns who visited us last year!
2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Boys
- Maverick
- Cruz
- Austin
- William
- Theo
- Edward
- Jack
- Henry
- Harry
- Fraser

2022 Bree Hulme Photography Top Newborn Names – Girls
- Henri
- Isla
- Lily
- Scarlett
- Evie
- Millie
- Audrey
- Sienna
- Ellie
- Josephine
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 2022:

- Remy
- Will
- Mack
- Arthur
- Tyler
- Oliver
- Austin
- Darian
- George
- William

- Emily
- Sophia
- Alice
- Claudia
- Skye
- Ruby
- Grace
- Ivy
- Lily
- Kiara
Are you choosing your baby name right now? What are some of the names on the top of your list? Already in 2023 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!
Should I buy the digital images from my photographer?
When deciding on and booking your family photography session this is a question many of my clients ask. Should they buy the digital images or physical prints and tangible products like albums and wall art? Or do they get both?
The first question to ask yourself is: Do you print your own photos on a regular basis or are all they are they all just sitting on your hard drive or phone?

Have you and been meaning to print out some photos for ages?
Are you terrified that if something happens to your hard drive or phone that you will lose all your photo as you have never got around to printing them?
Have you had time to put together albums of all of your kids photos?
Did you find the time to complete their baby book with all their baby milestones?
The true reality:
Most of our photos these days are sitting on our hard drives on our computers and never get printed. When you go to a professional photographer it's a perfect opportunity to get some beautiful photos printed and framed to go on your wall or beautifully printed into an album that you can flick through in years to come. This will mean that your family will be able to enjoy those photos every day, and treasure them forever.
The digital files are generally one of the most expensive options on the photographer’s price list. You've got a bear in mind that that the photographer is giving you full print rights to print from those photos which means you can go print photos as many times as you would like. This may sound great but the reality is that most people will never get around to printing their photos and so you end up paying for an expensive product that you never actually do anything with. Those digitals just sit on your USB or hard drive or phone for years.
It may seem like a more expensive option to get the photographer to print it for you but you've got to remember that your photographer is using a professional printing lab, beautiful archival paper that will last your family a lifetime, all their framing is also archival and will last a lifetime.
Ask for your photographers help:
Your photographer is regularly helping their clients with how to best display their photos on their walls, so they have the best knowledge in regards to what will work in your home and your space. Ask them if you can take some photos of the rooms you would like to hang your photos and they will be able to help you with the correct sizing for the space you are wanting to display them.
So should you buy those digital images? I think in this digital age, digitals images are important to us, but don't lose site of also getting some beautiful professionally printed and displayed portraits for your walls. You have invested in family portraits, don't you want to show them off in your home?
Plus displaying family portraits can boost your child's self esteem! Read more about this in my recent blog post.
Family Photos Boost Children's Self Esteem
As a parent one of the key things we all want to achieve is children with good self esteem. Did you know that by simply displaying your family photos in your home, you can help to boost your children's self-esteem?

Psychologist have long been studying the links between photographs and self esteem. Family photos create a sense of belonging and emotional connection. When children see photos of themselves with their family members, it reinforces their identity as part of a loving and supportive unit. It reminds them of the positive emotions associated with shared experiences, fostering a sense of security, comfort, and love.

Psychologist David Krauss says, “I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit. It is so helpful for children to see themselves as a valued and important part of that family unit.” A family photograph helps create that family unit, and when those photos are displayed, the child can physically see themselves as a part of that unit.

Family photographs help children learn who they are and where they fit, understanding their own identity and history. They learn their genealogy and the uniqueness of their own family and its story. Family photos can help your child feel safe and like they belong. By seeing themselves in the context of their family, children develop a stronger sense of who they are and where they come from. This understanding of their roots and heritage can enhance their self-esteem and provide a sense of pride and belonging.

Displaying their own photos validates a child's importance and worth within the family. It sends a powerful message that their presence and contributions are valued and cherished. This validation can boost their self-esteem, reinforcing their sense of self-worth and significance.

Family photos capture moments of happiness, achievements, and love. When children see these positive aspects of their lives reflected in the photos, it reinforces their self-perception in a positive light. It reminds them of their abilities, strengths, and the support they receive, which can enhance their self-confidence and overall self-esteem.

Photos in the Digital Age
In the modern era, we may take more photographs than ever before, but we tend to store them on our smartphones or in online photo albums. While you may have thousands of photos of your child being adorable, your child won’t see them very often. Having family photos displayed for the child to see without having to turn on a device shows the child that they are important, unique and loved. It boosts their self-esteem to see that you consider them special enough to have a place of honor on your walls for all of the visitors of the home to see.

Family Photos Are More Than Just Memories
Your family photos are fantastic memories that let you relive your child’s development, but they are so much more than just keepsakes for you. These photographs tell your child that they are important and that they are loved. As a parent, we always want to give our children the best advantages that we can manage, and something as simple as having their photo on the wall can be one of those advantages. It can be the boost of self-esteem that they need to live life confidently.

5 Tips for What to Wear
What to wear for your family photos is one of the most common questions I get asked. So here are my top tips for what to wear for your family photos that will ensure we keep the focus on your beautiful family connections and also have beautiful images.

Coordinate Colours and Styles
Choose a colour scheme that complements each other and suits the location of the shoot - are we shooting at the beach, in the bush or in the studio?
Opt for soft, neutral tones or pastel shades for a simple and timeless aesthetic. Avoid busy patterns or loud colours that may distract from the family's connection and overall beauty. We want the focus to be on you and your gorgeous family!

Embrace Natural Fabrics
Select clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. This will help to achieve a relaxed and effortless look. These materials not only feel comfortable but also photograph beautifully, adding texture and depth to the images. Subtle patterns in knits, lace and embroidery add some beautiful interest to your clothing.

Consider Location and Season
Keep in mind the specific location and season that we are shooting in. Here in Sydney we have beautiful warm summers, but also chilly times of the year. If it's a beach shoot, opt for lightweight and breathable clothing such as flowy dresses or linen shirts in summer.

In the cooler months add in those beautiful knits and jumpers to make sure everyone is warm and smiling. For a park or urban setting, choose smart-casual outfits with a touch of sophistication.

Accessorise Thoughtfully
Enhance your outfits with carefully selected accessories to add visual interest without overpowering the overall look. Consider delicate jewelry, scarves, or hats that reflect your family's style and personality. However, remember to keep it minimal and coordinated so that the focus remains on the beautiful faces of your family.

Prioritize Comfort and Mobility
Family photo shoots often involve movement and interaction, so ensure everyone's outfits allow for comfortable mobility. Avoid restrictive clothing - longer skirts and dresses allow for more freedom of movement and play than short skirt lengths. Comfortable footwear that still coordinate with your families outfits will ensure natural posing and freedom of movement. If we are on the beach, ditch the shoes! When family members feel at ease, their genuine connection will shine through in the photographs.
If you are still stuck on what to wear for your family portraits, send me a snap shot of what you are thinking or ask about my growing client wardrobe which is available for Mums. I also recommend looking at the amazing collection of dresses specifically for photo sessions which are available for hire over at Mamarentals.com.au.
I cannot wait to see you for your family photos!