Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best age to photograph babies?
A: Beautiful baby photos are absolutely possible at every age. However, some of the posed, sleepy curly photos are much easier to achieve in newborns.
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Fresh newborns 5 days to 14 days tend to spend the majority of their time sleeping and drowsy through the day. This is the smallest they will be, so they fit into all the teeny clothes. They also are super relaxed which means that once asleep they are easier to wrap, more flexible, and stay curled up or posed asleep.
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Although fresh newborn portraits are the easiest stage to photograph, it obviously isn’t always possible particularly if a baby is premature, Covid restrictions apply or the first weeks just whizz by. Slightly older babies might be more easily startled, are experts at becoming Houdinis and bringing arms and legs out of wraps, a bit more wriggly or could be going through a rapid growth and eating phase.
That doesn’t mean I still can’t take gorgeous photos. Let’s face it, babies are absolutely beautiful no matter the age and although the sleepy curled photos might not be possible, you sometimes are able to capture cute little expressions that comes with being that little bit older and more alert.
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Another great age to photograph babies is once they can sit for themselves. There are lots of super cute poses at this stage, and if you are interested in tutus and baby ballerinas, they look absolutely adorable.
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Q: When is the best time of day to book a photo shoot?
A: I work from my home studio on Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am - 2:00pm. This is the best time to use the studio's natural light. Babies and children are often less tired in the morning, so I normally suggest a 10:00am start time. Upon request, I can open for a Saturday morning shoot which would run from 8:30am - 12:30pm, but this would incur an extra fee of $50.
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For outdoor shoots, I suggest as close as possible to sunrise or sunset, or the hour before or after. This is when the beautiful, soft light creates the most flattering photos.
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Q: How far in advance do I need to book?
A: For newborn shoots, I suggest you book while still pregnant, for a tentative time 7 days after your due date. I normally only shoot three newborn shoots per week, so it means I can be flexible and work together with you once your little bub arrives.
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Q: How long does a photo shoot last?
A: A photo shoot lasts anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours. My aim is to have a fun shoot for everyone and often newborns, baby, older children and adults alike get tired after two hours. However, with newborns it takes time to settle the baby and I am very much work at the baby's pace. With ample stops for cuddles and feeds, I am very happy to patiently wait until the baby settles and falls into a deep sleep. Therefore, the shoot can take longer. It is a good idea for parents to pack snacks for themselves as there is nothing worse than being hungry. My photo studio has a nice view, so it is quite pleasant eating while watching the shoot at the same time. Being in my home, I do have a fridge and microwave and there are two great cafes serving good coffee and food either at the top of my hill or down at the beach.
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Q: What do I need to bring to the photoshoot?
A: Apart from nappies, it is a good idea to bring a change of clothes for yourself in case of accidents before you are photographed with the baby. As noted above, snacks are good. You don't need to worry about what to dress your baby in or props to bring. If something is sentimental and you wish to have it photographed, just let me know beforehand so we can plan how best to include it in the shoot beforehand.
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Q: What should my partner and I wear to a photoshoot?
A: As new mums, sometimes we are reluctant to get in front of the lens, but your baby will thank you for doing it in years to come. Everyone loves to see what their parents looked like when they were babies. I am a great believer that it is something you wish you would have done in later years.
I suggest you dress in clothes that you enjoy wearing and that make you feel comfortable. Block or toning colours work well. Please avoid clothing with logos, pictures, logos or big patterns as it will take the viewer's eye away from your faces. For posing with the baby, I suggest either white, or dark t-shirts and jeans to not distract from the baby. Whether it is a newborn or large family shoot, we can spend time before discussing colour schemes and your vision before coming up with a joint plan.
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Q: I don't want fancy props, just photos of my partner and I with the baby. What package is best?
A: The Stylised Newborn shoot is more suited if you are interested in doing multiple poses with the baby using props, wraps, outfits etc. However, if you are interested in getting photos of the baby with its immediate family, plus one natural setup with shots of the baby on a plain backdrop, I would suggest the Baby or Family shoot. These are shorter in length and require less planning, washing and sterilising of props afterwards, hence the lower price.
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Q: What happens after my photo shoot?
A: After your photo shoot, I begin the selection and editing process. Most people are surprised to hear there are more hours involved after the session is finished than during the time taking the photos.
The process is quite specialised and time consuming, especially when paying attention to as many of the small details as possible. In newborn photography, much of the background often needs to be edited so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the picture and little details often have to be retouched. In order to photograph safely, there are some photos where the baby needs to be held in place in order to stay in the correct position. Afterwards the hands that are holding the newborn need to be edited out etc.
In addition, I take time to ensure any blemishes or skin flakes are removed or smoothed out, together to remove any of the reds and yellowish skin-tones that can be common in babies. In every photo, all of these steps need to be removed individually to ensure the photos are of the highest quality and suitable for wall-prints and enlargements.
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Q: How long before I get to see my photographs and receive my prints?
A: Within 7 - 10 days, I will send you a digital link to low resolution images of my selected top 20, 40 or 100 photos, depending on the package selected. From there, you can select your favourite photos to be further professionally edited. The professionally edited photos will be available within 10 days of your selection. Prints can then be ordered within 48 hours on your final selection after viewing the professional edited images.
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Q: What if I need to reschedule or cancel the shoot?
A: As per Momentary Magic's Terms and Conditions, there is no extra charge for rescheduling a session if you have given at least 48 hours notice. We completely understand that families or babies can wake up sick on the morning of the shoot and as per our Covid protocols and in the interest of health and safety we want you to reschedule. However, if the notice provided is under three hours (as I will have commenced studio/prop set ups), a $100 reschedule fee will apply to secure the next booking.
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Q: What happens after I make my booking?
A: You will receive an email containing a contract to sign and return outlining that you accept Momentary Magic's Terms and Conditions. Once that is received, I will send out an email containing more tips in relation to the photo shoot, what to wear and expect. I will send out a simple questionnaire to find out what your goals are in relation to the photoshoot, ie whether you are looking for artwork to print on your walls or just a selection of photos to keep for prosperity. We can either continue to correspond via email or make an appointment over the phone/team meetings to chat further about ideas regarding colour schemes, props and the types of photographs you have in mind.
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Q: Do you sell Gift Certificates?
A: Yes. I am happy to sell Gift Certificates for any amount. Please call me on 0415 685 712 or email me on kim@momentarymagic.com.au to arrange a Gift Certificate in the amount you want to spend and so I can organise a decorate Gift Certificate to send.
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