When is the best time to book a newborn session?
The best time to contact me for a session is as soon as you have cleared your first trimester. I'm usually booked a few months in advance so the sooner the better.
Do I need to bring anything?
My studio has a large selection of newborn props. All you need to bring are a few essentials (nappies, etc.) which are on your contract, and prep guide once you have booked (which will be emailed to you).
How much is a newborn session?
My minimum spend is a basic digital package starting at $795 for 15 display-worthy images. Please email me for a detailed price list hello@alijonesphotography.com.au
What are the payment options?
Bank transfer or Cash. (Booking fee can only be transferred)
Do you only do studio sessions?
Yes, I have a beautiful studio which is filled with gorgeous props at the rear of my property located on the in Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley. My studio is comfy, warm and the perfect sleeping environment for newborns and sleep-deprived parents.
How many images do you take?
After you have decided to book, we will have a chat about which package you are considering to ensure we get enough setups to accommodate what you're after, I often take enough photos for any upgrades that include albums or additional files.
Session Information and Guidelines for Your Visit
We're excited to welcome you and your little one to your upcoming photography session at Ali Jones Photography! To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please take a moment to review the following guidelines:
Arrival Time: Sessions start at 10 AM, which should give you plenty of time to avoid traffic and arrive on time.
Bathing Baby: Please bathe your baby either the morning of the session or the night before to ensure they are fresh and comfortable.
Feeding: Feed your baby as per your regular schedule. If you need to feed before leaving home, feel free to do so. Alternatively, if the timing works out, you can feed your baby as soon as you arrive. Please don’t let this information stress you out; just do your best to arrive on time, keeping your baby's needs in mind.
Late Arrival: If you're running late, kindly let me know in advance. It helps us make any necessary adjustments to the schedule.
Clothing: Please dress your baby in a front-opening romper. Avoid any clothing that requires pulling over their heads, such as singlets or short-sleeve underwear rompers. If you're concerned about keeping your baby warm, a blanket is a great option. This request is very practical, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping us create a comfortable and successful session! I can't wait to capture beautiful moments with you and your little one.
Capture the Moment Together!
I wholeheartedly encourage you to be a part of your baby's images during the session! You may not feel your best at the moment, but I assure you that years from now, these photos will be cherished not only by you but also by your child.
Don’t worry about feeling sleep-deprived—Photoshop is fantastic at enhancing your natural beauty! To help you look and feel great in the images, here are some tips:
Keep Makeup and Hair Simple: A natural look often translates best in photos. Feel free to enhance your favourite features, but remember, simplicity is key.
Clothing Options: Most family shots will be taken from above the hips or waist, so the bottom half of your outfit may not be as prominent. I recommend wearing colors in the mid-tone range. Please avoid black and white tops, as they can be quite stark on camera.
Mum & Baby, we have plenty of dresses/outfits you can select from our Client wardrobe, but for the rest of the family Here are some suggested colours and styles:
Soft pastels (light pinks, blues, greens)
Earthy tones (tan, olive, rust)
Warm neutrals (beiges, creams, soft browns)
It's all about creating a cohesive and flattering look for your family photos! If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Remember, shoes are not going to be worn in the studio and won't be visible in the images, therefore, that's one less thing to worry about coordinating. In fact, it's most convenient to arrive in thongs, especially if it's raining. Shoes aren't worn in the studio.
When is the best time for a Maternity Session?
We love to see a 3rd trimester belly, nice and round, but not too low. I often find for single pregnancies, 30-36 weeks is great. For multiples from 25 weeks, depending on how you are carrying.
How do you book the due date in? What if my baby comes early/late?
I only accommodate a certain amount of newborns per month for that exact reason. I will pencil your due date in and it allows me to accommodate late/early babies. This strategic scheduling allows me to accommodate your baby in the first few weeks of birth.
How long do sessions last?
I am a ‘baby led’ photographer. Your baby is in charge.. They will govern how long sessions take depending on if they are cluster feeding, settled, unsettled, etc. Generally, most sessions can take between 1-2 hours but don't worry we will focus on beautiful connections if baby is awake and then when baby goes to sleep we will capture some posed images.
When do I need to pay the minimum package?
The $200 session fee is paid as soon as you secure your booking. The minimum package is due 48 hours before your session. Any upgrades over and above that can be done after you have viewed your gallery I often offer an exclusive printed product deal at the session.
Can myself, my partner as well as our other children be in the images?
Yes, absolutely! Usually, I will shoot siblings together, then parents, and then family shots. Once they are captured, I then ask that Dad takes siblings out while we concentrate on your newborn images.
Are you immunised?
I am up to date with all baby-relevant immunizations that are required when handling newborns. I am also very vigilant when it comes to hygiene. I have trained family and friends on the importance of passing on viruses, stomach flus, and colds etc. If they are unwell, they know and respect not to come into contact with me. I also ask all of my clients to consider this when they are doing any type of session with me. I would rather reschedule a session in order to keep all my newborns that I come into contact with, safe – including yours. If toddlers are not well, even on the morning of the session, please let me know immediately so we can reschedule.
What to Bring for Your Photography Session
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your session at Ali Jones Photography, please remember to bring the following items:
Extra Nappies: Pack 4-6 extra nappies to ensure your little one stays clean and comfortable throughout the session.
Dummy/Pacifier: A dummy or pacifier is a must-bring item, especially for soothing your baby. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask for more details.
Food and Snacks: Don’t forget to bring lunch and snacks for yourself! Sessions can last a few hours, and it’s important to stay nourished and energized. You’ll already be juggling a lot, so having sustenance on hand will help you cope with the day.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing or layers that you can easily remove. Our studio is maintained at approximately 27 degrees Celsius to accommodate unwrapped babies, so dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable throughout the session.
Thank you for preparing these essentials! We want your experience to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Can we take photos and videos during our session?
For copyright reasons, any footage taken during a session needs to be captured only on my equipment so I am more than happy to allow you to use my phone to capture some behind the scene footage which I can view, select and share with you.
Where do we park?
The studio is located at the rear of our property and has rear lane access, which is both convenient for you and there is a parking pad which can fit 2 cars comfortably if needed.
I do not give out my address until the days leading up to the session for privacy reasons.
