The portrait session

My studio is your home, a garden or a park, or wherever the light is best. I only ever use natural light and a reflector.

Please don't make a big deal about ‘the photographer’ coming; that will only make your littlies anxious. Just say mummy or daddy’s friend Hilary is coming with her camera and will take some pictures.

Depending on the children’s ages I will ask them to give me a tour of your home and their rooms so that I can get to know them a bit and decide where we can best do the photography.

When photographing a family group,  a group of friends or colleagues, my aim is to capture the nature of the group and the way in which individuals respond to one another.  Family members react differently to each other than they do to friends or to colleagues and it is this dynamic that I try to expose and home in on.

Photographic sessions vary in time depending on the number of portrait locations (e.g., at home, or in the park or elsewhere) as well as on how many people are to be photographed. If one of your children ‘loses it’ half way through a session, then it is often best to spend time with another child and let the moment pass. If they don’t re-gain their composure we can always re-schedule. But remember, family life isn’t always about happy smiles. And sometimes, if tears or a little tantrum can be captured on camera the resultant image can end up being one of your favourites.  At times like this, I often hear ‘that is so like her, that’s such a Sophie look!’

Often you need more than one image to tell a story and many of the images I will prepare for viewing will be a combination of two (diptych) or three (triptych) photographs.

 

What to expect after the portrait session

 

I strive to get a portrait that provokes an emotional reaction.  I love it when mums and dads shed a tear when they first see my images of their loved ones. It means I’ve done my job and given them the WOW! factor.

The viewing session usually occurs about two weeks after the photography. This gives me enough time to edit your images and select the best 40-50 shots. Viewing is by arrangement, preferably during normal business hours.  Selecting and ordering the pictures you like best can take an hour or more, so it is best not to bring your children with you.

Orders are to be made and paid for at the time of viewing. Prints will usually be ready for collection within 3-4 weeks, but please allow 5-6 weeks when ordering framed images. After viewing, the images will be available on my website for 7 days (you may choose the days) to allow for inspection by family and friends. An extension of the viewing period can be arranged for a pro-rata payment of $50 per month. Additional orders can be purchased through my website.

Sessions + pricing

 

Weekday sessions: up to 4 children, Tues-Friday, 9-5pm       $150                                                                           

Weekday sessions: large family group, Tues-Friday, 9-5pm  $195                           

Sessions on a Saturday or on weekdays after 5pm                    $220                                                              

Sunday appointments are only available by special arrangement

Bump & Baby images:  2 sessions (pregnancy and newborn): $350                           

Baby’s 1st Year: 4 sessions (newborn, 3 mths, 6 mths, 12 mths): $900                         

Travel in excess of 100km is charged at 50c/km

Prints start at $75 for a matted 7x5 inch enlargement.

Large print collections available with or without framing starting at $850. Small print collections coming soon…

 

Sessions include:

 

• Photographer’s time and expertise for up to 90 minutes at one, or more, locations
• A viewing session of up to 60+ minutes
• No limit on the number of images taken
• Access to a private online gallery for 7 days after the appointed viewing date
• All images selected will be given a final re-touch prior to mounting or framing to enhance their beauty (* some conditions apply)

 

Your wedding- A love story- My approach

Having achieved Double Master status within the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, I thrive on capturing the real you, simply, beautifully and naturally! I use natural light or reflective light because they are the most flattering.

I limit the number of weddings I do to about 20 per year.  I never do more than one wedding per day and a maximum of two on a weekend. So if you want me as your photographer, it is wise to make an early booking.

As a full service photographer I spend much time and thought on your wedding photography, album design and presentation. You will never feel that you are part of a production line; everything is considered. On occasions, I may use an additional photographer to capture a second point of view and I always use an assistant. We are always very unobtrusive and you are often completely unaware of being photographed. This proves to be a wonderful surprise when you view your images for the first time.  I make it my job to remember everyone’s names and to respect the dignity and happiness of the day.  And, of course, I and my team are always dressed appropriately.

 

Your proofs and initial album design are usually available by the time you get back from your honeymoon, i.e., around 2 weeks after the wedding.  I absolutely guarantee that the final product will be ready for collection within 3 months of the design being confirmed.

I don’t have packages with my wedding photography. Each quote is based on an individual’s needs, as expressed during our pre-wedding consultation.  Your investment is dependent on many things including my time and expertise, logistics on the day, whether you want an album, what type of album or handcrafted book you prefer and whether or not you want any of the many additional options I have on offer (e.g., a DVD slide show, Thank You cards, a Coffee Table Book, etc.,). Costs vary according to needs, but normally fall within the range $3000 - $7500.