Newborn Photography Melbourne

💛 SIBLINGS & SESSION FLOW

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• If siblings are joining the session, please note that newborn photos will be captured first. Sibling and family photos are typically scheduled around 1.5 hours into the session, depending on how settled baby is.

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• To achieve the best results and get the poses and setups you're hoping for, it's important to start with the naked/unwraped photos first. 

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• If we wrap the baby for family/sibling photos beforehand, bubs is less likely to cooperate for the naked/unwrapped shots later on.

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• I recommend dropping Mum and baby off at the studio and taking siblings to a Park, McDonald's, or a Play Center. 

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• Waiting in the studio for too long can leave toddlers or siblings feeling restless and bored. By the time it’s their turn for photos, they may have lost interest and be less cooperative, making it harder to capture those perfect moments.

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👧 SIBLING & FAMILY PHOTOS

 

• Sibling shots are absolutely cherished, but they’re not always guaranteed. Toddlers can be unpredictable, and it's important to remember they’ve also been through a big emotional shift in the past few weeks.

 

• We’ll do everything we can to capture those special sibling moments, but try not to stress - little ones can pick up on tension, and a relaxed approach often leads to the best results.

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• Please bring along a few “bribes” (aka their favourite snacks or treats) to help keep things fun and encourage cooperation when it’s time for their photos.

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🍼 DON’T FORGET BOTTLES & BACKUPS

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Bring Backup Feeds

• Bring extra bottles and formula if you are formula feeding. Babies often feed more than usual during the session due to the warmth of the studio and all the extra activity.

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Flexability Is Key
• A full baby is a sleepy baby! Be open to demand feeding - babies often need extra feeds during the session to stay settled and sleepy

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Bottle Feeding / Mixed Feeding

• If breastfeeding, try to avoid spicy or gas-inducing foods the day before.

• If possible, bring a bottle of expressed milk as a backup - or formula if you are mixed feedin

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🕘 SESSION DAY ESSENTIALS​

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• Please ensure you feed bubs RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. it’s important to wake them for a quick top-up feed even if they are not due. This helps them arrive in a sleepy, settled state ready for the session. That said, if thiings dont go exactly to plan, that’s okay — there’s always time built in for extra feeds and snuggles 🥰

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• Give baby a sponge bath the morning of your session and don’t forget a little lotion to help with dry or flaky skin. Avoid Nappy Cream and Baby Powder.

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• If your baby falls asleep in the car - perfect! If your drive is under 15 minutes, a slightly longer route can help them settle. But don’t stress if they stay awake - it just means more cuddles for me (and trust me, I’m not complaining!)

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• Please dress your baby in a slightly larger zip-up onesie, ideally one that zips at the front - it’s the easiest to remove without disturbing them. 

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• Avoid singlets or clothing that needs to be pulled over the head, as this can unsettle your baby before the session begins.

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• If your baby is in a capsule car seat, please bring them into the studio still in the capsule. If not, carry them in wrapped snugly in a blanket and held close to your body to help keep them calm and settled.

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📌 IMPORTANT STUDIO NOTES

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• Newborn sessions are usually scheduled for 9am start at my Clyde Studio.

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• Plan ahead by using google to calculate the distance from your home to my studio and add additional traffic conditions for peak hours etc.

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• Your session is exclusive to TWO adults only. Due to limited studio space and session policies, we request that all other friends and relatives stay at home

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🎒 WHAT TO BRING​​

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Makeup Touch-Up Kit

• Just in case you need a quick refresh before your photos. Studio lighting can sometimes pick up shine or smudges, so it’s great to come prepared.

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Spare Clothes for Parents

• Babies are adorable… and unpredictable. Change of clothes is always a good idea in case of little accidents during cuddles or feeding.

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Lotion or Baby Oil

• If your baby has dry or flaky skin, a small amount of gentle lotion can help soften those spots before we start.

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Snacks & Drinks

• Sessions can run for a few hours, so bring snacks to keep your energy up.

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Entertainment for Sibling's

• iPads, books, colouring pads - anything that will keep them happy and occupied while they wait for their turn.

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Sibling Bribes (Yes, Really!)

• Think lollies, small toys, or anything they love. These little “rewards” can work wonders when it comes time for sibling shots.

 

🍼 DUMMIES ARE YOUR SECRET WEAPON

 

• Even if you’re not planning to use a dummy long-term, I recommend bringing one  or I do have brand-new, sterilised Tommee Tippee dummies.

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• Dummies can help settle your baby quickly, keeping the session flowing smoothly without needing to fully rewrap or reposition.

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• Some poses may not be possible if we’re unable to settle your baby at the right moment — a dummy often makes all the difference in achieving those sweet, sleepy setups you see in my portfolio.

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📸 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION

 

• Newborn sessions usually last about 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and changing setups to keep everything calm and relaxed.

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• As a full-service studio, I’ll handle nappy changes, clean-ups, and settling your baby, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

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• The studio is kept warm (around 24°C to 26°C) to keep your baby comfortable, especially during nude poses. Please dress in light, comfortable clothing — you’ll be able to change into your outfit for family photos when needed

 

• I take great care in positioning every tiny finger and toe to create beautiful, natural images of your little one. Your baby's comfort and safety are always my top priority. With over 15 years of experience, thousands of newborns photographed, and professional training in safe newborn handling and posing, you can feel confident your baby is in expert hands.

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• Just a heads up: Your baby will probably pee or poo on my props — and quite possibly on me too. Honestly, it happens daily in the studio, and my washing machine and dryer are basically part of the team at this point. No stress — it’s all part of the newborn experience!

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• No need to bring any outfits for your baby. Most clothes tend to overwhelm newborns, and I believe the true beauty lies in capturing their pure, natural innocence.

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💤 SAFETY, COMFORT & BABY-LED POSING

 

• Every session is completely baby-led. While I aim to capture a beautiful variety of setups and poses, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. Some drift off easily and settle into poses without a fuss, while others may need a little more time, cuddles, and flexibility. I work gently, patiently, and always follow your baby's cues - allowing them to guide the flow of the session in a way that keeps them calm, comfortable, and happy.

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• I will only ever place your baby in positions that are completely safe and comfortable so no matter what pose you may have seen or hoped for. Their wellbeing always comes first.

 

• I will never persist in trying to achieve a specific pose if your baby shows signs of discomfort.

 

• With over 15 years of experience, I’m able to read and understand your baby's cues and movements, and I always let them guide what we do to ensure they stay safe, relaxed, and happy throughout the session.

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🧸 PROPS, SETUPS & PINTEREST REQUESTS

 

• I provide all of the backdrops, props, hats, headbands, and wraps needed for your session.

 

• While I’m always open to new ideas, please understand that I will never use anything that could harm, irritate, or look awkward or uncomfortable on your baby.

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• In your booking questionnaire, I ask you to send me 5–8 images from my portfolio that reflect the styles, poses, or setups you love. I set up everything the day before your session, so it's essential that I receive your inspiration images at least 2 days before your booking.

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• Please note that changing setups or adding new requests mid-session is generally not possible. I follow a carefully structured newborn workflow to keep your baby calm and settled, and once we move past certain stages, it’s not realistic to go back. For this reason, please make sure you send through all the poses and setups you are hoping for ahead of time - so I can plan and prepare the perfect session for you.

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• I’m always happy to take inspiration from Pinterest or other ideas you love, but please keep in mind that not every pose is safe or achievable for every baby. I will also stay true to my own style when creating and editing your images. Every photographer has a different artistic approach - from studio-posed, to lifestyle, documentary, boho, or the classic white, clean look. Because of this, your final images may not look exactly like the inspiration you’ve seen elsewhere, but they will reflect my professional style and your baby’s unique beauty.

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☕ TAKE A BREAK - YOU DESERVE IT!

This is your time to sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance during the session as I have my own trained assistant on hand. Many parents use this time to enjoy a moment of peace - read, reply to emails, scroll Instagram... I’ve even had parents sneak in a nap on the couch (no judgement - I’d do the same!).

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​👚 STYLING GUIDE FOR YOUR SESSION👖

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Remember - Simplicity is Chic!

• For your family images, nothing looks more beautiful than white and cream — they’re timeless, soft, and elegant. I also love beige and taupe for their warm, neutral tones. These shades photograph beautifully and create a clean, cohesive look that keeps the focus on your family. While these are my personal favourites, you’ll find a full list of recommended neutral colours below to help guide your outfit choices.

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Dress to impress (from the waist up)

• Typically we only photograph your top half so dont stress too much about what you are wearing on your bottom half.

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Shoes:

• Shoes aren’t required. Siblings will be photographed barefoot, and unless you’ve requested full-body images, shoes typically won’t be seen in your final photos. 

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Avoid:

• Logos, Patterns, Graphics, Bold Florals and Bright/Neon colours.

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Recommended Neutral Colour Ideas:

• Cream / White
• Greys

• Oatmeal/Beige

• Sage Green

• Olive

• Taupe

• Dusty Blue

• Denium Blue

• Dusty/Blush Pink, Mauve , and Soft Peach​

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👗 TIPS FOR MUM

When it comes to dressing for your session, comfort and confidence are key - soft fabrics like cotton, linen, or light knits photograph beautifully. I recommend starting with your outfit first, then coordinating the rest of the family around it. This ensures you feel confident and comfortable, while creating a cohesive and polished look for your photos.

 

I typically photograph from the waist up, especially for new mums who may still have a postpartum belly - so no stress about what’s on the bottom unless you want full-body shots

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Tops

• Plain Tshirt or Top, Soft Blouses, Off-the-shoulder or Wrap-style tops are especially flattering and photograph beautifully

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Dresses

• Always a great choice—opt for flowy maxi or midi styles with sleeves or relaxed straps. Wrap or empire waist dresses are perfect for shaping gently without clinging.

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Bottoms
• Aren’t usually needed, as I mostly photograph from the waist up, but if you prefer, leggings or soft skirts are ideal.

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💕 Gentle Note to Mum
I know you may not feel quite like yourself just yet — and that’s completely normal. But I gently encourage you to be in a photo with your new baby while they’re still so tiny and fresh. This portrait isn’t just for you — it’s for your child, who will treasure that memory for a lifetime.

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• Please don’t worry about how you look. I’ll guide you into the most flattering angles and soft, natural light. Worst case? You don’t love the photo and never print it. Best case? It becomes one of your most cherished keepsakes.

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👔 TIPS FOR DAD​​

When choosing an outfit for Dad, stick to soft, neutral tones that photograph well and keep the focus on your family.

 

Tops

• Plain T-shirt (long or short sleeve), a button-up dress shirt, linen shirt, light knit jumper or sweater, or a polo top.

 

Bottoms

• Chinos, fitted trousers, cargos, slacks, khakis or clean denim jeans (without rips or distressing) are ideal.

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👔 TIPS FOR SIBLINGS

Keep their outfits simple, comfy, and neutral to match the soft, timeless style of your session. Neutral colour ideas are listed above to help make choosing outfits easy. Happy, comfortable kids mean much smoother photos - and much bigger smiles!

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👕 The Boys

Keep outfits simple, neutral, and comfortable. Choose soft tones and clean, classic styles that complement the timeless look of your session.

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Simple & Classic:

• White or cream tee or shirt

• Neutral chinos, capri pants, or shorts

• Denim jeans or shorts (no distressing)

 

Smart Layers:

• Neutral-toned hoodie, cardigan, or jacket over a plain tee

• Linen-blend button-up with chinos or jeans

• Optional accents: suspenders or a small bow tie

 

Shoes:

• They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes.

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👗 The Girls

I have a beautiful selection of dresses available in-studio (sizes 1–6), featuring soft neutrals in tulle, cotton, and lace - perfect for a timeless, classic look. You'll also have access to my full wall of headbands to perfectly complete your little one’s outfit..

 

If you prefer to bring your own, here are a few ideas:

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Princess Glam:

•  Tulle or lace dress in blush, lilac, white, or sage

• Neutral leggings or tights if needed

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Simple & Sweet:

• Soft cotton or linen dress in cream, blush or sage

• Light floral prints or watercolour tones also work beautifully

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Chic Layers:

• Romper or skirt + bodysuit combo

• Add a cardigan, shrug, or denim vest to complete the look

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Shoes:

• They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes.

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💄 HAIR & MAKEUP TIPS​

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Prefer to leave it to the Professionals?

👉​ Hair and Makeup Artists

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Whether you’re doing your own hair and makeup or booking a professional, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty and help you feel confident and radiant.

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💋 Tips for doing your own Makeup 
When it comes to portrait photography, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty—not mask it. The camera tends to soften makeup, so a little extra coverage goes a long way in helping you look polished and glowing on camera.

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Foundation:

• Medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish works best. Blend into your neck.

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Set It:

• Use translucent powder or setting spray to reduce shine, especially on the T-zone.

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Features:

• Add soft bronzer, blush, and a touch of highlighter.

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Eyes:

• Stick to neutral tones (browns, taupes, soft golds). Avoid heavy liner or shimmer.

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Lips:

• Choose nude lipstick or tinted balm (avoid super glossy finishes).

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 🎀 Tips for doing your own Hair ​

When it comes to portrait photography, soft and natural hairstyles always work best. If you prefer loose waves, soft curls, or straight and sleek - go with a style that feels like you, just a little more polished.

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• Loose waves, curls, or straightened hair are perfect.

• Avoid tight or overly styled updos.

• Keep it clean, smooth, and lightly styled.

• Use a light mist of hairspray to tame flyaways.

• Bring a hair tie and bobby pins just in case.​