Photography Session Information

Thank you for booking a photography session with Captured Hearts Photography. I can't wait to take some stunning photographs for you!

The Studio:

My home studio is in Emerald. For your comfort, it has both heating and cooling. During baby sessions, the room is kept quite warm to keep your baby comfortable and settled.

I work with continuous studio light, which means no harsh flashes.

The studio is a comfortable space, with plenty of room for outfit changes, parents to relax during a newborn session, and room for both children and dogs to play and feel settled when needing a break in-between photographs. There is a bathroom, plus ample room outside for dogs to relieve themselves when needed.

Outdoor sessions:

Even when sunset lands close to bedtime, I find little ones thrive in the excitement of being outdoors and having a “special late adventure”! It is still best to plan ahead and provide an early dinner, and also bring along clean snacks just in case (out of sight but there if needed. Think bananas, rice crackers, muesli bars). Outdoor sessions during Autumn and early Spring have an earlier start time, so providing a substantial afternoon snack will be fine. 

Families who are having their dog/s included in their session, please use a simple lead. If a harness or halter is usually required to control your dog, we can start with them on and then take them off once we are ready to capture your portraits.

What To Bring:

Newborn & Baby Sessions:
Please bring your nappy bag including everything you would normally need at home. e.g. nappies, wet wipes, moisturiser, and items needed for feeding. Please also bring a dummy for newborns even if bub isn't currently taking one or you prefer not to use one - these can honestly save a session!
Please bring some snacks for yourselves as it is especially important for Mums to keep their energy up (water provided)!

All sessions:
If young children are involved in your photography session, please bring along some clean snacks and a small reward (choice at parent's discretion, but great if needing to bribe!)

Water for outdoor sessions. Bowl for water when including dogs.

Walking shoes for outdoor sessions.

Jumpet/jacket (a photo worthy option is great, otherwise one to just throw on for a few minutes if it gets cold, or once we finish).

Sentimental items:
Please bring anything sentimental you would like in the photographs. This could be anything from jewellery, a toy, or a blanket.

Prepping Toddlers:

It's common for Mum and Dad to be nervous when a toddler is involved in their photo shoot – whether it be an older sibling to a baby or part of a family photography experience. The toddler stage can be quite challenging, but it is also very adorable and worth capturing for future memories!

    Over the years, and with toddlers of my own, I have learnt a few simple tricks to help achieve the best results:

  • Schedule a session time that works in with their naps. If having an outdoor session and the session time lands near a nap, sometimes using the drive to the location for a nap can be a good option. Some parents also choose to leave early so they can have a longer nap time in the car.
  • Bring along clean snacks and a small reward, at your discretion. Sometimes bribes can go a long way!
  • Toddlers love to have something in their hand and it tends to keep them settled. Bring along a small toy or something similar that you don't mind being in your photos – matchbox cars, little hair bows, stickers, etc.
  • Prepare your toddler by talking to them about the photo shoot in the days leading up to it, so they aren't taken by surprise on the day. Getting them excited about the event and maybe even practise some sibling portraits beforehand, especially with newborns (have them lying down with bub).
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What To Wear:

Firstly, it is best to select clothing that you feel comfortable in and allows you to move freely (especially when chasing young children and dogs!). It is up to you to decide if you prefer a more casual or formal look, and ultimately it is your decision on what you wear because they are your portraits, but I'm here to guide you as much as you would like.

Choose your colour palette

When deciding what to wear, pick a palette of 3-4 colours. Think in terms of tones: blue tones, warm tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. Sometimes starting with one person's outfit and then pulling colours from that to match everyone else can be the easiest way.
Tops are most important as this is what I see most of. Feel free to dress co-ordinated if this is your style. This can be as simple as all wearing a similar coloured top. Please be reassured that I am always open to giving advice on clothing and feel free to ask me as many questions as you wish regarding this! Ultimately I want you all to feel comfortable, so what you wear is your choice. However, please keep in mind that the clothing you select can have a big impact on how great your portraits look!

Outdoor Sessions:

Please avoid wearing black, dark green, dark and navy blue, or red. White always looks great as well as creams, denim, light greys and light browns (tan). PASTEL colours such as grey, blue, pink and peach also look great.


Studio Sessions:

For white and beige backdrops, I recommend to wear clothing that is white, off-white, or lighter shades/pastel colours.
For the charcoal backdrop, I recommend wearing black or darker shades such as navy blue, dark green & dark grey.


Glasses:

If you or your child wears prescription glasses, please refrain from wearing self-tinting glasses as these will go dark in the studio lights as well as outdoors and I won't be able to see your eyes!


Feeling self-conscious:

It's common for people to be self-conscious. If you are worried you will look 'fat' in the photographs, simply wearing a light cardigan or jacket over a top/t-shirt will look more flattering. Also pick clothing that fits loosely rather than tight on your skin.


Shoes:

Shoes are not too important as I don't often see them, and I usually suggest barefoot in the studio. However, avoiding bright colour is still advisable. For outdoor sessions, please wear enclosed shoes and comfortable walking shoes (not heels).




Clothing To Avoid:

No clothing with big logos, patterns, stripes, checkers, pictures, writing or bright colours. In particular, fine stripes create a 'moire effect' so please avoid this. If you are unsure, feel free to bring a few options and I can go through these with you.

Soft patterns are ok, as well as a punch of colour, if you prefer this. Please just choose wisely

Baby Outfits Provided By Me:

I provide a selection of outfits and for newborns and babies. I also have a vast variety of different coloured wraps that I can dress your baby in. Most families will bring along one outfit for their baby and also use one of mine. Newborn babies will mostly just use my wraps and blankets.

Backdrops:

I provide a few different backdrop options. A white backdrop is the default option unless you request otherwise. You can also choose a charcoal or beige backdrop. If you can please let me know your preference before your photo session it would be much appreciated.

Simple Rules

Children are to be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times.
No photographs or video to be taken by the client during the photo session.
No camera or lighting equipment is to be touched by the client or their children.

Illness

If you or someone involved in the photo shoot becomes sick please contact me and reschedule your photo shoot as soon as possible. (If you do not re-schedule and arrive sick, unfortunately you will be sent home and the session fee is forfeited. If you or a family member are suffering just a minor cold please contact me to discuss).

What Happens Next?

On the day of your photo shoot we will organise a day and time for you to come back to the studio for an Ordering Session. The Ordering Session is booked for approximately 1–2 weeks later. I do not provide online galleries!

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THANK YOU!
CAPTURED HEARTS PHOTOGRAPHY HOLDS PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE AND IS COMMITTED TO A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AT ALL TIMES.

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