Find A Photographer Australia put together their Top 10 photographers in various genres each year and these are decided by the real experts – clients who use the services we provide. Only the photographers who receive the highest number of searches, views, click throughs and engagement on their platform of professional photographers are featured. Their Top 10 lists are not paid promotions and are based on analytics from their site in 2021. 

I feel just a million bucks to be selected as one of the TOP FIVE! There is so much talent in Brisbane when it comes to newborn professionals and to be named #3 in the TOP FIVE newborn photographers in Brisbane is just a dream!! I am still pinching myself!

Capturing that love and connection during my newborn sessions, is well, just magical. To be able to capture these moments, that are oh so fleeting is just beyond a dream. Over the years I have strived to perfect my work, build my studio and form relationships with clients who bring their babies to me again and again. I have my Certificate in Newborn photography, which ensures that I am trained in all safety aspects around photographing newborn babies. I also hold my blue card, and first aid. I am professionally trained and complete workshops regularly. Newborn sessions are held in my purpose built studio in Burpengary Meadows, and are relaxed and stress free. I am told that I am a baby whisperer, and have the patience of a saint. However its just having the experience and training that really ensures for a smooth session, and an understanding of newborns.

To book your newborn session contact me now. Newborn sessions are best booked a few months before your due date to avoid disappointment. 

Pick up your phone, scroll through your photos. Count how many photos you have of yourself that ARE NOT selfies. Now compare that to the amount of photos you have of everything else.... did you see a big difference? I bet if you are anything like me all the photos are of everyone else, your children, grandchildren, family and loved ones.

That's why existing in photo's means so much....When is the last time you had a professional portrait taken of yourself? Be honest. Many times when I have asked my clients just that they reply with "on my wedding day". If its been that long its time for YOU to exist in photographs.

Why?

Because - years down the track, when your children are grown and they go to look back at photographs what are they going to see? Sure its great to see fun selfies, but wouldn't you want to leave a beautiful portrait? One that can be passed on for generations to come? One that your family will cherish of YOU!! So book those family sessions mumma, be in photographs with your loved ones. Have something to leave behind for generations to enjoy. I love looking back at old photographs of my grandparents, which takes me to my next point - PRINT THOSE PHOTOS!! Don't leave them on a phone, computer or USB - years from now those images wont be accessible, technology changes so frequently. Don't loose those moments, print them, hang them on the wall, make a beautiful album so that they can be enjoyed for years to come.

To book your next session email [email protected]

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Are you taking care of yourself?

It was a typical morning around the house. Between dressing and feeding the kids and making herself look presentable, this mum wondered if she even knew who she was anymore. She enjoyed her children, but always felt like she lived in the mummy fog and had no time for herself. She felt guilty about being away from her kids even for 30 minutes here or there, but sometimes she asked herself, “Where does a mother go to resign?”

Between endless laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning spit-up and spilled milk, keeping up with schedules, bath time, chasing children, and preparing meals, many mums wonder exactly when they will get time for themselves. They feel that if one more person says, “In the blink of an eye they will be grown, so cherish every moment,” they aren’t sure how they will respond.

Self-care in pregnancy and motherhood pretty much doesn’t exist. It’s so easy to get very busy when there is a little one on the way. Taking care of yourself is so often the last thing on the list and is easy to neglect when life gets busy. You’re not the first (or won’t be the last!) mum to-to be who hasn’t bought a new outfit since 2013.

Taking care of YOU mama is just as important as your job caring for every other member of your family, they all need you, and you are the core in all that is your family. 

A mums role is not easy. But remember, mums have needs, too. If you want to care for your family well, take good care of yourself. Believe it or not, that is what will help lift you out of the fog and prepare you for whatever comes next.
 

Start with these …

Fresh air and sunshine

So simple. You can definitely do this one! It doesn’t even need to be for long. Walk outside and sit on the patio in the sun. 5 minutes is fine. The vitamin D and fresh air will do you wonders.

Do something daily that fills your soul and makes you smile. 

There are lots of options, from enjoying the outdoors to silently soaking in a tub. Believe it or not, this will help you feel better about yourself and your parenting.

Get enough rest

Don’t over do it mama! Growing a baby takes an enormous amount of energy. Power naps on the couch are amazing if you are that kind of girl. But even eyes closed and feet up for 15 minutes will help, even if you can’t get to sleep.

Reduce your stress

You have enough going on! Now is a great time to setup your boundaries, say no to things that don’t serve you and ease up on the commitments.

Basic Beauty

If you’re not doing the basics when it comes to taking care of your body, it’s a good time to start! It doesn’t have to be a hardcore or expensive routine. Just get into the habit of using a nice moisturiser or treating your hair once in a while.

Avoid wishing away the moments. 

Life is short. Instead of wishing time away, embrace where you are and make the most of every moment. Every season has its challenges. Instead of viewing the challenges negatively, surround yourself with people who can help you walk through them, embrace them and successfully reach the other side.

Go easy on yourself

Just slow it down mama. Rome wasn’t built in a day and even though you have lots to do, if you’re not taking care of yourself, no-one will! Ease up and enjoy the experience. Your baby will be here before you know it and there is a lot to look forward to. But in the haze of nappy changes, breast pumps and loved up cuddles on the couch, don’t forget to love yourself too!

Get moving

Play, run around. Go for a short stroll, have a dip in the pool. Whatever it is, its so important to move your body.

Email [email protected] for session information

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Every year I get super excited to read the top 100 baby names, having a look to see what the popular names of that year were and if I photographed any babies with those names. I photographed a few babies from the top ten last year, a Leo, Mia, Sophie, Grace, Harper, Olivia, Amelia, Charlotte, Jack, Oliver, Theodore and a William! Its so much fun finding out how many children were named a particular name, and which names have stayed most popular. Isn't it funny how some names can be popular again and again!

I thought it would be kinda cool to share this list with families expecting their new babies, something to give you some help when trying to think of some names for your little one. It can be a little daunting at times when trying to come up with that perfect name.

I know that teachers and childcare educators in particular would find it very hard to hear a name and not put a particular student you've taught to that name. When coming to choosing a name I know that was something that I found a but tricky being an educator before starting my business full time meant that a lot of names that were being chosen by my husband for my daughter were names from students that I remembered and not always for their "good" behaviour haha. We went with Lola, and the reason her name was extra perfect was because I hadn't met a little Lola before.

So here it is, the top ten boy and girl names in Queensland 2020 and how many there were....  

Girls                                           Boys

 1.Charlotte 359                 1. Oliver       524     

 2.Olivia        320                 2.Noah         383   

3. Isla           319                 3.Jack           324  

4. Amelia     295                4. William    322      

5. Mia          256                 5. Henry       307    

 6. Ava          247               6. Theodore 283      

7. Harper    227                 7. Elijah         273   

 8. Willow    226                 8. Leo            267   

9. Grace      222                 9. Thomas    266  

10. Sophie    206               10. Hudson    263   

To see the top 100 names follow this link....

https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/top-100-baby-names
 

Are they not the cutest? Finn was such a dream to photograph, and is so lucky to be very much loved by his big brother Nate. I am over the moon that this gorgeous bunch asked me to capture this special time for them and I hope to see them again, and again, and again!! <3

Capturing those precious moments of your baby throughout their first month will create lasting family memories for generations. And more often than not, we only have the camera on our phones handy during those beautiful, spontaneous moments. Photographing those first cries only happens once. This is their beautiful beginning, their very first life experiences. And you need to capture it. I love nothing more than posing a brand new baby and photographing them in my studio. But, being a mother myself to one amazing child, some of my most treasured images have been captured on my phone. Images that show their personality, the mess that they make and the everyday craziness I never want to forget.

Here are some tips to capturing those incredible moments in your baby’s first month…

1. Look for the light. Watch as it falls across your baby. Touching the screen on your phone to adjust your exposure.

2. Take photos in the morning as I find babies are usually happier at the beginning of the day.

3. Get down nice and low to view the world at their level.

4. Try to avoid unflattering angles, as a photographer I always avoid shooting up babies nose, play with different angles.

5. Babies tend to sleep a lot in those first few weeks of life. So to capture those sleepy peaceful moments make sure your baby is warm, well fed and feels secure.

6. Come in nice and close to capture all those perfect little baby features, their hands, tiny feet, and beautiful faces.

7. Exist in photos with your baby. Take turns with your partner to photograph those special moments when you’re interacting with your baby while they’re awake or when you’re rocking them off to sleep. When they’re older they’re going to love looking back at these amazing memories.

8. Turn off your flash. It can be very unflattering to your baby.

9. Don’t forget to look at what’s going on in the background. Busy backgrounds can be distracting so keep it nice and simple.

10. Edit your photos using apps like Lightroom Mobile for a more finished look.

11. Then share your images. Upload them to social media and share with friends and family around the world.

12. You can also create beautiful video slideshows and remember to print your photos so you have them forever.

13. Most importantly - Have fun!!!

14. Keep it simple. There is no need to add lots of elements to an image, just baby is perfect. 

14. And lastly, don’t forget to backup your photos for safe storage. 

Safety!

It has taken me years of training and practice to pose babies in props and certain positions, please do not try to recreate images in props or positions you are not sure of. Make sure if you have a camera that is heavy, that you always wear the strap around your neck, and keep it simple and safe.

Ruby was an absolute dream to photograph, and is just so beautiful. She is so lucky to have a big brother and sister to look after her. I really hope to see this adorable family again one day soon.

Brayden is absolute perfection and was a dream to photograph. I loved seeing them all again, and am so glad that I got to capture this special time for them all. Asha is one very proud sister.

I hope to see them all again very soon.
 

I so hope I will get to photograph you again soon one day sweet boy <3

I so loved photographing all the love in this family, and so love that grandma even came along and got some shots with Alex. So beautiful!

There was just so much love in the room, I could have photographed them all day long! I really do hope to see them all again one day when they come back to Brisbane for a visit! 

Little Skyla is absolutely stunning, and was such a dream to photograph. Her big brother Kobi wasn't as keen for photos, but we worked really hard to make sure we captured some beautiful shots of him with his brand new baby sister. I really loved capturing all that is Skyla at only a few days old, and I really hope I get to see them all again one day! 

This is not an easy task, there are so many photographers out there - all I can say is LOVE your photographers work. Go through their portfolio and ensure it is consistent. These are after all images that you are going to have for a lifetime, and you want to fall in love again and again every time you see them. Ask them questions - not just about price but questions about immunisation, safety, the environment they are photographing your baby, and their years of experience. It is so so important picking the right person for you and your family, you need to feel comfortable and you also need to know that your baby is going to be safe, content and secure during their session.

I have been working with children my whole life, and started newborn photography in 2013. My goal was not only to be able to capture beautiful images for you to hold dear forever, but also to ensure that I kept newborns safe and secure at all times. I attend training's and workshops to ensure I keep up to date with my posing and newborn safety - this is so, so important!

I feel so, so lucky to have this talent, and pinch myself that I get to be a part of families lives in this way. There is so much joy in the arrival of a baby, and I am honestly so grateful I get to capture this special time for families.

 My studio is the perfect environment for photographing newborns. I keep it cosy and warm, and you are able to relax whilst watching me photograph your tiny baby. All family members are included in my sessions, and I highly encourage parents and siblings to have their photos taken too. Its such an amazing and important time! 

Once you have made contact, I will pencil in your due date. This is so I have an idea of when we will be photographing your baby. Of course I completely understand that babies come on their own time and I am 100% flexible too. I also offer to do a maternity session as part of your newborn package, as I do love to meet families before the session so that they feel that little bit more comfortable at the newborn session (especially young children) 

Once your baby arrives and you contact me, we set up a date that works for you and your family to do the session. Usually around the first 6 - 12 days after baby is born. Why so early? Well it unfortunately doesn't take long for your brand new baby to grow! As the weeks go on, it becomes harder to get them nice and sleepy, and then it becomes harder to pose them. You also miss out on capturing when they are just so teeny, and can fit in your hands, they are only ever this teeny once after all!

I then send out a preparation email letting you know everything that you need to bring along, a run down of the session and the studio address etc. 

When photo day arrives, I have my studio nice, cosy and warm, drinks ready in the fridge and little set ups ready to go for your little one. When you come into the studio I will ask you if you have any colour preference or poses that you would particularly like so that I can ensure I try to get those for you. I discuss the process, if there are siblings we photograph them first always. I discuss the importance of letting your little one lead the session, and that I never push a baby into any poses. 

I have a workflow that I follow to ensure I am capturing all those beautiful poses and also those little details, such as eyelashes, fingers, toes and lips. If your little one is a little unsettled then I spend plenty of time settling and soothing, I also take opportunity for awake shots, as these are a real favourite!   

Your gorgeous bub will spend most of the session undressed (hence why I keep the studio warm) and a nappy-less baby does sometimes come with accidents. Don't stress, it happens! I do put a nappy on for sibling shots, family shots and wrapped shots though. We have plenty of time during the session to sooth, feed and cuddle your baby. I want everyone relaxed and happy, that is so so important.

Once the session is complete, I then work on your images. This takes up to 3 weeks, as each image is created to become a work of art you would proudly display in your home for all to see. 

You do however receive your beautiful birth announcement video in a matter of days, this allows you to share with friends and family some beautiful shots of your little one whilst they are still brand new.

Thank-you for taking the time to read a little about me, and my process when photographing babies. If you have any questions please feel free to ask, my email is [email protected] - or you can contact my through my website or on Facebook. 

I look very forward to hearing from you, and possibly capturing this amazing and oh so exciting time for you.