Session Guide

How to find me

  • Studio Address

    328 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North

 

  • Directions

    Look out for Distinction Hair Design on Broadway Ave. Right next to Distinction Hair you will see a driveway, the building entrance is down the side ally/driveway and through the red door. Go up the stairs and the studio door is at the top of the landing on the right. If you are unsure, send me a text, and I will come down to meet you. There is limited parking behind the building, just make sure you don’t park in one of the reserved car parks. Otherwise, there is parking on the street.

    Please aim to arrive at 10 am. You can text me on 027 275 6626 if you are running late, but don’t worry if it’s 5 to 10 minutes. However, if you are running more than 30 minutes late, we may have to reschedule.

    While I take the photos, it’s a time for you to sit back and relax for a couple of hours. I kindly ask you to refrain from taking photos or videos during the session. I understand how hard it is not to take a photo of every new moment, but I have them covered.

     You are welcome to bring some light snacks and a water bottle is recommended, as it does get warm (for your baby’s comfort).

 

What to expect

  •   Sessions are baby led

    While some babies may be content to be naked, or on their tummies, others may hate it. If there is a specific pose or set-up that you would love to capture, I will try my best, but I won’t force baby into anything that causes them distress. Like us, they all have their unique preferences.

  •  Best age to photograph newborns

    The best time to photograph your newborn is from about 4 to 14 days of age, while they are still curly and sleepy. I am also happy to photograph older babies, as I understand sometimes it’s not possible to come in until they are a bit older.

  •  Length of sessions

    The length of the session depends on the session you have booked and will be approximately 2 to 4 hours. The time each session takes is flexible and allows for plenty of time to feed your baby and tend to their needs, there is no rush, and every session is baby-led.

  •  When you arrive

    When you arrive, the studio will be nice and cosy for your baby’s comfort (parents, I recommend wearing light layers – it gets warm!). Once you arrive, your baby will be undressed and wrapped ready for photos, then you can give them a feed. After a feed your baby should be nice and sleepy for their photos.

  •  Settling baby

    Sometimes babies may cry and need extra support getting settled, which may result in extra feeds during the session. If you are formula/bottle feeding there is a bottle warmer and a limited kitchenette. Please bring more formula or milk than you think you may normally need.

    Pacifiers can be helpful to settle baby’s and can a useful distraction to help them settle in the studio environment, making the most out of our time. If you are using a pacifier, please bring it. If not, I have some in the studio (that are sterilised after every session). Don’t worry, they won’t learn the ‘habit’ of using one in this short time. Please let me know at the start of the session if you would prefer that one is not used.

  •   Session styling

    When you arrive, we will have a chat about ideas for styling and any colour preferences you may have. I have lots of accessories to choose from, so you don’t need to bring anything.

     

  • Sentimental items

    You are welcome to bring your sentimental items, such as a handmade shawl, heirlooms, cultural symbols, or special items. Please let me know ahead of time, I will do my best to incorporate these into the photos.

 

  • Preparation

    • Dress baby in loose, easy-to-remove clothing. If they are sound asleep when you arrive it means we can undress them easily without disturbing them too much.

    • The studio gets warm (hot) for your baby’s comfort, so please wear comfortable clothes. I recommend light layers. I will ask that you remove your shoes as you come in.

    • Make sure if you are bottle feeding or formula feeding to bring some extra along.

    • Please bring along some snacks and a water bottle for yourself.

 

Parent photos

These taken towards the end of the session, unless sibling and family photos planned.

 

  • What to wear

    I recommend wearing clothes that are cohesive and timeless. While not having to match perfectly. Ideal choices are in the same colour range and tone.  I recommend staying away from shirts/clothing that have logos or loud/busy patterns, as they tend to dominate the photo. Bring a couple of tops if you are not sure and as a backup if there are any accidents. Timeless clothing, such as simple t-shirts and jeans may not always the forefront of fashion – however, they will look great on the wall in years to come.

    If you would rather not wear the clothes you are going to get photographed in until you are ready for the photos – there is space to get changed.

 

  • Mums

    Make sure whatever you choose is comfortable. Light flowing fabrics are always good - whether you choose a dress or top and pants is up to you.

  • Dads

    Plain T-shirts are great, shirts with V-necks and some sleeves also look great in photos.

    Wear some comfortable neutral pants or jeans. They always look good and are timeless, meaning they will look great on the wall in years to come. You are more than welcome to get changed into them if you would prefer to wear something else (e.g. shorts) while you are waiting.

  •  Nails and hands.

    Please make sure you both have clean and tidy nails, as parents' hands can be incorporated into photos. If you are wearing nail polish, make sure it is a solid fresh coat to avoid chips.

  • Make-up and fake tanning

    Don’t go heavy on the make-up or try something new just for the photos.  Natural, light make-up always photographs the best.

    I strongly recommend not to fake tan before the photos. Fake tanning doesn’t photograph well and can make your skin tone look strange next to your baby/children.

 

Sibling(s) Photos

If you have chosen to get sibling photos, I try to get these done first. Please be patient, sometimes older sibling(s) may be a bit shy, and it could feel like it's taking forever, but these photos are worth it. However, sometimes older sibling(s) need a bit more time to feel comfortable, we may just get started on the newborn photos and come back to the sibling photos.

Once the sibling photos have been taken, I will move on to family photos. Lots of patience is required at this stage, as it can feel like it’s taking forever, but I promise these photos are worth it

  • Treats, and snacks

    Small non-messy snacks are great to bring along and can be fed slowly if needed. I am also a fan of bribery, so bringing a small reward/treat is also a great idea.

  • After sibling photos

    To ensure no one gets frustrated with the session have a friend, mother, or partner, come with you to the first part of the session and then your helper can take the older sibling(s) home or away for a few hours.  This is a great idea, especially for toddlers and preschool-aged children. The studio gets warm and needs to remain calm, which is boring for them.

  • Big sisters

    I have a small range of dresses in the studio up to about size 6. Otherwise, simple, plain, and light dresses work best. I recommend keeping hair natural or in braids.

  • Big brothers

    I don’t have any clothing for boys (yet). So, you may want to bring them along photo ready. Natural plain shorts or pants work well, think of jeans, or tan and brown along with a well-fitted top. Again, avoiding strong patterns or logos. Boys can also go topless if they are ok with it.