PROFESSIONAL NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
~ Capturing Your Special Moments and Turning Them into Art ~
WHY KRISTY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY?
PROFESSIONAL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
GALLERY
RECENT POST
Sitters are one of my favourite ages to photograph. But a common question I get asked is – What is a sitter session? I decided to take a moment to discuss what a sitter session is and why I think you all should capture your baby at this special time. Sitter is actually just a term used for babies that are at that ‘sitting’ age. Generally between 6 and 10 months of age. Every baby of course is so different in regards to how active they are so age can vary quite a bit. The perfect time is when they are sitting confidently unaided, but not walking yet. Some babies are like this for quite a few months and others it’s a matter of weeks before they are off. So I always suggest booking a session for within a month of when Bub starts sitting confidently, unaided.
Newborn Vs Sitter
If you know my work you would know how much I LOVE my newborn sessions. But I know that not everyone for different reasons can get those first few weeks. Time gets away or labour everyone is too exhausted. The next best time to photograph your baby is at that sitter age. And for those who have had a newborn session by this sitter age they are so so different so a completely different shoot. Not only are they super adorable and full of cuteness, I find its a great age to capture those first moments of their personality starting to blossom. From big cheeky smiles, chubby legs and arms, to more serious faces, sitters have it all! Much different to a newborn sessions and much shorter too so can also work perfect for a mini session too WHICH I am announcing tomorrow night (October 14th) at 7pm.
A few other reasons sitters are a great age for photos. At this age they are usually more tolerant of strangers. After about 1 years of age, they can go through that all I want is Mummy (or Daddy) stage making it more difficult to capture their personality. And if anyone has tried taking a photograph of their 18 month old, you would know it’s more of a game of chasing. Which of course can be fun (best done outdoors) but really is more lifestyle.
About My Sitter Sessions & the Difference between MINI Sitter and Full Sitter Session
I always have sitter full session available but I am planning on releasing some mini sessions every 8 weeks or so. These will be slightly cheaper than a full session but do have restrictions so please read over whether a mini session or a full session would be better for your baby.
My mini sitter sessions are only suitable for Bub and aren’t for siblings or family photos as I have my setups designed just for bub with no time for changing. Family can be incorporated into a full sitter session but the session is still worked around baby.
If you would like individual shots of siblings as well, then a family session would be more suitable for you and your family.
For my mini sessions, I will release a 2 day period where I will offer different time slots (up to 6 per day). My full sessions are available any time of the month according to availability.
Mini Sessions are time restricted and will be capped at 20 minutes long. This allow for one quick change and 2 setups. If you would like more time to allow for feeding or more setups then a full sitter session would be more appropriate for you and your baby.
Obviously being time restricted it’s important to feed bub before your session, even if they aren’t actually due for a feed. We all know a full tummy usually makes for a happy baby. So arriving a few minutes early before your set time and feeding is a great idea.
Mini Session Pricing
You have 2 options when choosing a mini session.
$75 for 1 high resolution digital image OR 1 8×12 professional print
$150 for 3 high resolution digital images OR 3 8×12 professional prints
Upgrades will be available after the session at $75 per image or I do a discount for all images which price varies depending on how many images you have in your gallery. Galleries will be ready for viewing within 2 weeks of your sessions and you can download directly to your device.
Full Session Pricing
Sitting Fee $75
Ala Carte Print Menu available with $200 minimum spend
Digital Packages available from $495
The Baby Summit 2018
Each year I invest in my professional development to become the best photographer I can be. I thrive on learning, gaining knowledge and being inspired by others in the industry. This year, like last year I invested in 4 days in Queensland to attend The Baby Summit . I learnt, I laughed (a lot), and cried. And I met new amazing photographer friends and I was inspired more than ever before.
Kelly Brown – Little Pieces Photography, Elena Shumilova Photography, Noelle Mirabella Photography and Jerry and Melissa (to name a few), one word – AMAZING! They are truly inspiring and such incredible teachers and so much gratitude for them all for sharing their knowledge so openly. I’m so sad that this was the last Baby Summit for Australia. But for now I am forever grateful for being able to embrace it these last few years. I truly believe that as professional photographers it is part of our job to keep on learning, keep on perfecting our art. After all it is the art, the memories that will be treasured by our clients families for generations to come. We have a pretty special job.
Please excuse the poor phone camera quality images BUT I was 100% focused on learning and not photos this past week. I did manage to snap a few (or steal them from friends). After a few days of trying to let it all sink in and getting home after a whirlwind trip. I am feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to go create some beautiful art!
Kristy xx
If you would like more information about a session with Kristy please use the contact form below.
My Mummy and Me sessions were a huge success with soooo many Mum’s getting in front of the camera with their babies. This made me so extremely happy! Even made me want my very own Mummy and Me session with my babies. Seeing Mum’s relax with their kids, play with them, snuggle with them and just the connection they have without even trying. My heart just exploded these past few weeks. It may be my new favourite thing to photograph!
Corinna and Jay
My beautiful friend Corinna and her gorgeous girl Jayla were no exception! I’ve known them for a number of years now as Jay is friends with my youngest daughter and Corinna is part of our ‘Mum’s’ group which I must say is incredible. All Mum’s need a group of friends who never judge, can have a good time together and just get it and Corinna is one of those and I love her dearly for it. Not only for that but her fun loving nature. She always has the biggest smile on her face, is always the first on the dance floor and Jay is a little mini me making this session soooo much fun!
Mummy and Me sessions have sold out for 2018 but due to a reschedule I do have room for 1 last session which will be ready for Mothers Day this week. Get in contact ASAP if you would like to secure this spot. Due to the high demand these sessions have had, I have decided to sell 5 gift cards at the same discounted rate for Mothers Day 2018. Contact me today if you would like to secure one for you loved one. OR if you would like to treat yourself with your babies to create some life long memories.
Kristy xx
Meet Mr Ezra who totally rocked his newborn session! He was the most adorable thing you have ever seen with rolls to die for! I mean rolls on babies are always adorable but combine rolls with lushious lips and fine hair eeeek. Pure perfection in every single way. I was so excited to meet them (like any new family that comes through my door) BUT I had shot Ezra’s twin cousins as babies and I LOVE it when I get extended families coming in. It is that extra bit special and I know it sounds weird but I almost feel like a part of their extended family! 😉 I could see the family resemblance straight away. Such and incredibly beautiful family both inside and out! I was also super excited when Mum Ana asked if they could incorporate Dad’s firefighter uniform into the session. I love it when families bring along something special to them to make their session unique.
Newborns are now booking right through to December 2018! I know crazy right! Some months are already almost booked up so I highly recommend booking your spot ASAP. If you would like more information be sure to check out my Newborn page for further details. As well as my Investment page 🙂
Kristy xx
So last week I commenced my Mummy & Me sessions. The sessions I decided to hold especially to celebrate Mum’s for Mothers Day. They are now in full swing with my outdoor sessions almost sold out. Even though I am a Mum myself and I have been doing this for years, these sessions have really touched my heart. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because my babies aren’t babies anymore and are growing up so fast so it’s a reminder to me of the things I now really miss. Or maybe I’m just becoming a big softy as I age (gracefully of course). I think it was a real reminder that these magical moments are too often lost in time and become just old memories and I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to capture these for others to cherish for life.
Seeing the way the Mum’s interact with their babies, the way they look at them, the way they make them smile and giggle. It’s seriously making me all gooey inside!!! I thought I’d bring together a few of my most recent sessions to show you what I mean! With many more to come, and a mix of ages too I seriously am LOVING these sessions. If there is enough demand I may try and fit a few more outdoor sessions in before Mothers Day in May with still a number of studio spots left for school holidays. And keep an eye on my facebook page to see the precious slideshows that come with all upgraded sessions. Be warned if you’re a softy like me you may need a tissue because they are just beautiful.
Kristy xx
Kendall & Poppy
Leah & her girls
Renee & her girls
Haley & her babies (studio)
It’s always special to welcome a new family member to the family and it’s even more special when I get to spend time photographing them within that first week of life. Meet my newest great nephew Chase who came into the world on the 23rd of March 2018. He has the most adorable head of hair and that look of an old wise soul. Some babies just have it, when I look at them I just get the feeling they have been here before and are taking everything in.
Chase was a little star for his session, the perfect little model. He insisted on giving me gorgeous little grins (I know I know they were windy smiles) BUT I always like to think they are smiling for the camera. Mr Chase is certainly a beautiful addition to the family and I will be looking forward to my hugs every time I see him.
Are you expecting? I am now taking bookings right through to December. Each month spots are strictly limited so booking as soon as possible is recommended to avoid missing out. See my newborn page for more details. Or use the tab below to contact me today.
Kristy xx
As a Mother myself to now teenagers,I know that feeling when you look back over photos from over the years and more common than not there is always someone missing. Yes you guessed it, Mum! It’s a heart sinking kind of feeling. And let me ask you this – how many photos do you have of you and your own Mum growing up? I feel this ‘missing mum’ happens for many reasons. Firstly we are usually the one taking the photos but over the years for me, and I know many other Mum’s we were waiting for the time that we didn’t have those bags under our eyes. Waiting until we lost those last few kilos, waiting until the kids were a better age. Waiting for a time we weren’t so harsh on ourselves. Even with this outdoor Mummy and Me shoot which was my beautiful sister, she said to me I have to lose 6kg before I get photos (BUT she loved them!) We are SO hard on ourselves! And we are busy and sometimes we are always ‘going’ to do it.
Whatever it is, we are always waiting! It wasn’t until quite recently after some tragedies flashed across our news that I really realized how precious these photos are. We NEED to be in the photos with our babies, and if it’s not for us then do it for your babies. Stop putting it off. It’s not just the gorgeous smiles we want to remember, it’s how they hold your hand, how they look into your eyes, how they hug you so tightly you think your eyes are going to pop out! When they are older they will LOVE looking back at that special connection you had. And what better time than Mothers Day!
Last week I posted a video announcing the impending release of my Mothers Day outdoor sessions with a sneak peek from my first Mummy and Me session for 2018. I have been inundated with enquiries from lots of Mothers wanting to know more so thought a blog with a run down would be the best way to cover all of the common questions.
I will be running both studio and outdoor Mothers Day sessions during the month of April and possibly into early May (dates for May will be released at a later date if they go ahead). They will be a little different (outdoors to studio) so it’s important to get a good understanding of each and what will best suit you and your child/children. They are only for Mum’s and children at this stage. I really want to make an emphasis on Mum so sorry Dad’s, family photos can be done another time or feel free to book a full family session and who knows I may do some Daddy and Me sessions for Fathers Day 🙂
STUDIO SESSIONS
Studio sessions will be set up especially for my Mummy and Me sessions (as seen here). The will be available as mini sessions meaning I have some smaller and shorter time frame options available (15 minutes or 30 minutes).
They are suitable for all ages however best suited to younger children/babies due to the set up (as seen in these images). Babies under 6 weeks of age are not suitable for either these studio or outdoor sessions due to the time restrictions (if this is you, you can incorporate Mummy and Me images via a full session for newborns).
For babies under 6 months, or children (or Mum) who are extra shy I recommend the 30 minute session so you both have more time to relax into the session. Anyone wanting more than 1 digital image, it will work out more economical to book a 30 minute session, so something to think about when selecting what is right for you.
Studio sessions will be shot during the daytime with the latest timeslot being 4pm. Multiple dates (some during the school holidays) will be announced.
There will be 2 options available when booking.
- 15 minute session – includes 1 digital image with print release, they will be $75
- 30 minute session – 3 digital images with print release and will be $150
Options for upgrades after you have viewed your gallery will be available. For full digital upgrades, a slideshow will also be included.
OUTDOOR SESSIONS
With my outdoor sessions, my emphasis is really to capture the personality of the children and that connection with the parents (or in this case Mum) in fun environment. Outdoors allows more freedom to play which of course bring some gorgeous natural images. They tend to tell more of a story and when brought together the images make for a beautiful keepsake.
My outdoor sessions are always very popular with my Christmas mini’s selling out in record time. However I have made a decision since then (after much deliberating) to scrap my ‘mini’ sessions for outdoors out and this is for a few reasons. With the 15 minute sessions, I just found between fighting with trying to time the sunset and that lighting I want for every client. I just feel like I wasn’t capturing the whole story for each and every family in that short time frame. So as a professional photographer capturing the story is the most important thing to me. I have made the decision not to do this with my outdoor sessions again as it just wasn’t congruent with what I want for my clients. So for these reasons, sessions will be classed as ‘full sessions’ and run for approx. 30-45 minutes with no time limit as such. This way I can concentrate on capturing the beautiful connection without worrying about the lighting and timing for my next client. This also give the clients more options with different locations available depending on what you would prefer and what is best suited for your family.
Because I am so passionate about getting more Mum’s in front of the camera with their babies, I am doing them at heavily discounted rates compared to my full sessions just for Mothers Day. They will be strictly limited due to the time of day they are shot (close to sunset), meaning I can only fit 1 session in per date.
Outdoor sessions will be $195 which will include 3 hand crafted digital images with print release
2-3 location options will be available within the Rockingham area
Those who book an outdoor session will be given the option to upgrade to all images before the session at a discounted rate.
I hope that this gives you a better understanding of what session might be best for you and your family.
HOW DO YOU BOOK?
Sessions will be released tomorrow morning the 15th of March in my Facebook VIP group with all left over dates going live on my facebook page 7pm Thursday the 15th. You will need to comment with your preferred date and time (for studio sessions) and then message me. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact me direct.
Session fees are due within 48 hours of booking. Any session not paid for within this time will be released back to the public. 50% deposit for outdoor and 30 minute studio sessions is suffice if needed with remaining to be paid before your session.
I hope to see you in front of my camera for my Mothers Day Mummy and Me Sessions.
Kristy xx
I know it’s hard Mama.
I know it can be hard to get up every day and have these little people rely on you.
I know it’s hard to feel like sometimes your world is so small.
I want to remind you, you are the world. You are the world that those little ones revolve around.
You are their nurture, their home, and their comfort.
You are everything to them, and I hope even on your hard days you know how special you are.
Especially to your little people.
– Author Unknown
Portfolio Sessions
So it’s 2018 and you don’t have to be an expert to know that online and home businesses has sky rocketed in the past 10 years. A number of reasons I’m sure but I have no doubt societies love of social media and being online is a huge contributing factor. Fact is, that it is now easier to grow a small online business than it ever has been before. How do I know this? Well I grew my photography business entirely on Facebook and word of mouth. But I have also helped grow a traditional business before the time of social media and there is a HUGE difference.
What are ways we can use this to our advantage? I believe that creating interesting, authentic posts is important BUT if they don’t come with high quality images then people won’t read the post because let’s face it – we NEED a visual to draw us in. So I think number 1 should getting the image right. We all like pretty things. So that is why more and more people are turning to professional photographers for portfolio or social media sessions. They are no longer just used for websites anymore but Instagram and Facebook posts which for many online businesses such as network marketers, instagrammers or just those who sell their hand crafted items online they can be the lifeline of their business. And so it makes sense to invest in a professional photographer to bring your visions to life.
Mary and Danny
I have done a number of these sessions over the years but the demand is growing. Mary and Danny were first off the rank for 2018. Mary and Danny are professional network marketers who work alongside a health and wellness company. They both work fulltime on their business from home with their beautiful little girl. They are all about keeping it real, keeping it fun whilst becoming the best version of themselves. Inspiring many along the way. Not only create the healthiest version of themselves. But also creating a life they love with the financial freedom to do things like working from home and raising their beautiful girl together all whilst travelling the world. Something many young parents would love to do.
I encourage you to all check their pages out.
Mary’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/healthandlifebymary/ and website https://www.facebook.com/healthandlifebymary/
Danny – Instagram @dannykruger_hbn
If you have a business and would like to discuss a portfolio session to suit your needs then feel free to use the tab below to contact me. Or of course give a call on 0401 502 844.
Kristy xx
Mini Sessions Versus Full Sessions, What is best for your Family?
I am often asked lots of questions in relation to my sessions and the difference between the mini and full sessions. I decided to write a short blog to cover some of the most commonly asked questions. A mini sessions versus full sessions rundown.
MINI Sessions
I hold mini sessions a few times throughout the year for a few different reasons. Sometimes it is to celebrate special times like Christmas (which are themed). Other times to celebrate Mother’s Day which are always the perfect gift for Mum’s and Grandmothers. And sometimes I will have them as a little special throughout the year.
Mini sessions generally will have a 10-30 minute time frame. In a 30 minute mini session I aim to capture a minimum of 10 images for the client (5 for a 15 minute session). However this can be higher if the session goes smoothly. Location is always selected by me depending on the time of year. And sessions are usually back to back so we have to run on time.
They are priced between $75 and $150 for the sitting which usually includes a print and or a few digitals.
Who are Mini sittings best suited to?
- They usually work well for families with toddlers with short attention spans however if your child is on the shy side. Or If they need extra attention for some reason such as a disability etc, I recommend a full session over a mini giving more time for your child to feel comfortable.
- Families who just want a few updated images.
- Those families with older children who can follow instructions easily, and aren’t shy or individual children.
- Families who are on a tight budget but are happy with just a few quality images for their wall.
Who are they NOT suitable for?
- Newborn under the age of 3 months due to time restrictions. I have offered this for newborns in the past but found they are too unpredictable to get good images for the parents.
- Families who would like a large combination of different images ie, siblings, family, Mum and kids etc as we generally don’t have the time.
- Those who would like to select their location and have more input on their session and have in mind exactly what they’d like from a session.
With my mini sessions, you are given the chance to purchase more images whether that be prints or digitals, however this is not a must. Everyone’s needs are different and some decide to purchase all of their gallery images where others are happy to select their prints and or digitals that are included in the mini session fee. Outdoor sessions and upgrades are a little more expensive than studio sessions due to the limited times I can shoot these and the extra editing involved in the galleries however they are always the first to sell out.
The session fee is paid before your session but additions can be purchased after viewings.
Full Sessions
Full sessions are perfect for families who haven’t had family photos for a while, those who have extra shy children or children with disabilities and or need extra attention. I don’t have a time frame on these sessions meaning we can take our time and make you and your children comfortable. On average they generally run for 45-60 minutes. I also never book in another session straight after a full session. This allows the flexibility and time freedom to get to know your children to get the best photos possible for you.
You also get creative input into the session and the freedom to create your ‘ideal’ portrait for your family. Whether your family is into the beach, studio or have another location in mind. I work with you to select a location that will suit your vision. We can even look at getting a stylist involved if you really want to go all out and get that extra special session. Attention to detail with clothing etc can make a huge difference in the final product. In a full family session I aim to get a minimum of 25 images for selection. However it’s not uncommon to get a lot more which usually includes combinations of family, Mum with kids, Dad with kids, individual children etc
SO I hope this short blog has helped clarify what my mini sessions are and whether they would be suited to your situation or not. It is important that you choose the session type that is best suited to your needs. I am always happy to discuss with you if you are unsure at all on what session type will best be suited to you and your family. Every family is different after all. I’m looking forward to releasing my Mothers Day Mini Sessions. They will be held over the first week of the April School Holidays and Dates will be announced soon. Further dates may be announced depending on when my booked newborns arrive.
Remember these mini sessions are extremely popular and sell out fast so booking as soon as they are released is a must. Release will be done first in my VIP group on Facebook (be sure to add yourself if you wish to get first look at booking dates and times) and then later on my facebook page.
VIP Group access – https://business.facebook.com/groups/1913144805367841/?ref=pages_profile_groups_tab&source_id=110887982385034
For full information on my standard Family sessions head over to my website https://www.kristyleephotography.com.au where you can find full package information and pricing.
Kristy xx
This week it was a real pleasure to have my nephew bring along his beautiful girlfriend Amy for a maternity session to celebrate her stunning tiny bump. Meaning of course I have another GREAT nephew on the way! Something I have struggled to come to terms with even though my eldest great nephew must be 3 by now! Great Aunt makes me feel super old! BUT it’s not all about me 😉
I have met the beautiful Amy a few times over the years and she is always super quiet (in saying that we have a really loud family so she probably finds it quite overwhelming) but even so I could tell she had a very gentle nature which I am sure will be an amazing quality when becoming a Mum for the first time in a matter of weeks! It is hard to believe she was 36 weeks here. I was worried this shyness would make my job that little bit harder however I was pleasantly surprised with how both Amy and Brent were together. I must say they may be young but they make the cutest couple and you can really see how much they love each other. Becoming a young Mum myself and meeting my now husband at just 15, I am excited to see them create a future together with their little family.
So now it’s time check out Amy’s maternity session sneak peek!
For more information on my maternity sessions or to see more examples of my maternity session images please visit https://kristyleephotography.com.au/maternity-photography/
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next »