Commonly Asked Questions
FAQ's Newborn Sessions and Due Date Bookings
DON'T RISK YOUR BABY'S SAFETY!
WHY CHOOSING A SKILLED, EXPERIENCED, SAFE AND TRUSTED NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER IS CRUCIAL....
It’s important to note that newborn photography is an UNREGULATED INDUSTRY, what does this mean?
In the world of Newborn Photography, it’s alarming but there is no formal qualifications or legislation governing this field. This means that anyone can pick up a camera and claim to be a professional, regardless of their experience or knowledge. For parents, this can be a scary reality.
Don’t let the desire for beautiful newborn photos or the allure of cheaper photographer options diminish the critical importance of safety and professionalism in this unregulated industry.
Many parents (in fact all that I have asked in my studio) assume that photographers, especially those who market themselves as "Professional Newborn Photographers," have the appropriate qualifications/credentials. However, this assumption can lead to dangerous oversights. A lack of regulation means that some photographers may not be equipped to handle and pose newborns safely, potentially putting your baby at risk during a session.
Imagine entrusting your most precious little one to someone who lacks the necessary training to ensure their safety? Without longtime experience and knowledge, there is no guarantee that a photographer understands the critical aspects of newborn safety, such as proper handling, safe posing techniques, and recognising the signs of discomfort or distress in infants. Most importantly, an untrained photographer might place your baby in poses that could obstruct or restrict their lungs, jeopardising their breathing. Are they qualified and experienced enough to prevent this from happening?
Choosing the wrong photographer can result in not only disappointing images but also a stressful experience for both you and your baby. It’s crucial to prioritise safety by choosing someone with demonstrated expertise and a strong understanding of newborn care.
When researching newborn photographers, it’s essential to prioritise those who have long time experience in the Nebworn Industry. It's also beneficial to read reviews and testimonials from other parents to gauge their experiences.
Lastly, don't hesitate to ask potential photographers about their experience with newborns, safety protocols, Newborn Workshops that they have completed.
WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH ALANA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes, Alana is fully trained on posing newborns safely.
When you book a newborn session with Alana Taylor Photography, you're choosing a photographer with over 14 years of experience in the Newborn Photograhy Industry. Alana has photographed over 3,000 newborns and is the most sought out Newborn Photographer in Melbourne.
Your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priority. I am fully trained on how to pose a newborn safely and posing newborn safely in props. I use an assistant during my sessions to ensure your little one is well cared for and safe throughout the shoot. In fact, I also train other photographers on the safely posing newborns.
In addition to my experience, I am fully vaccinated, including for whooping cough and COVID-19, and I hold a Working with Children Check. My studio is a fully registered and insured business, providing you with a professional and trustworthy environment. Many parents often ask if I have children of my own due to how naturally I handle newborns, but my experience with thousands of babies speaks for itself.
You’re choosing a professional who understands the delicacy of newborn photography and takes every precaution to ensure a safe, stress-free session.
WHY SHOULD YOU AVOID CHOOSING A CHEAP PHOTOGRAPHER?
Choosing a "Cheap Photographer" may seem tempting and appealing, but it often comes with significant risks. They may lack the necessary training in safely handling and posing newborns, jeopardizing your baby's safety and comfort. Additionally, lower-priced options often result in dissapppionting results and inferior quality photos. Remember, low/cheap prices don’t guarantee quality; just because its cheap doesn’t mean it’s good. It is extremly likely you will end up with images that don’t meet your expectations and with such a small window for newborn photos hiring another photographer may not be possible. Investing in a qualified photographer ensures that you receive beautiful, high-quality photos while prioritising the safety and well-being of your newborn during your session.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?
We recommend scheduling your newborn session when your baby is between 5 and 21 days old. To avoid disappointment in securing a spot after your baby is born, we suggest booking while you are still pregnant—please reach out as soon as you know your due date. Since we accept a limited number of bookings each month, it’s important to act early. Newborn sessions are usually held on a weekday, starting at 9am. Occasionally, a 1pm session may be available if multiple babies are born close together, but these 1pm sessions can not be requested unfortunately.
ARE YOU AND YOUR ASSISTANT VACCINATED?
Yes, both my assistant and I are fully vaccinated, including for whooping cough and COVID-19. We also hold current Working with Children Checks and Police Checks. My casual assistants and staff are required to meet the same standards.
WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO LOCATED?
I have a purpose built home photography studio. Im located in Clyde, in the South East Suburbs of Melbourne.
CAN WE HAVE OUR SESSION ON THE WEEKEND?
Sessions are held Monday-Thursday during school hours. I do not work on weekends or travel to customer homes
HOW LONG DOES THE SESSION TAKE?
An average newborn session takes 1-2 hours however your baby will not be rushed if they need a little more time! There will be plenty of opportunity for comforting and feeds when needed.
CAN I TALK TO YOU OVER THE PHONE?
I operate as an email correspondence studio only. This allows me to manage my time effectively - especially as a Mum - while ensuring I can respond to all your questions in detail. Please feel free to email me with any inquiries, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Thank you for your understanding!
HOW MANY SETUPS/ POSES ARE DONE FOR MY NEWBORN SESSION?
This is a common question I receive, and the answer can vary because every baby is unique. Newborns are little individuals with their own Big Personalities, and they will certainly let me know if they disapprove of a pose! During a newborn session, I adopt a baby-led approach, following their cues and needs to ensure a more successful outcome.
I aim to complete as many setups as your baby allows. Keep in mind that not every baby will enjoy the more complex poses, and that’s perfectly fine! I like to compare it to how some people prefer to sleep on their stomach while others find comfort on their sides. Everyone is different and has their own unique preferences—even when it comes to touching their toes!
Some newborns sleep peacefully through the entire session not making a single peep, making it easier to transition between setups and poses, while others might wake up at the sound of a camera click. Sessions can range from 1 to 2.5 hours depending on your baby’s mood, and I’m here to go at their pace, ensuring they feel safe and secure and get all the cuddles and snack breaks that they need.
I strive to achieve as much as possible during our session time, tailoring the setups and poses to your preferences while considering your baby's capabilities. However, please understand that we are at the mercy of your baby's mood and cooperation on the day of the shoot. I recommend bringing along gripe water, gas drops, and any other items that might help soothe your baby during the session.
NEWBORN EXAMPLE GALLERIES
Newborn, Sibling/Parent Gallery
CAN I CHOOSE SETUPS, POSES, AND COLORS FOR MY NEWBORN SESSION?
Absolutely! After we have scheduled your session date and time, I will be sending you a Questionnaire and Preparation Guide. In this, I’ll ask you about your preferred colors and any you’d like to avoid. I’ll also request that you send me 5-8 screenshots of my images that inspire you for the session, including a mix of wrapped and unwrapped shots.
You can find more information about this here:
Sending Inspiration Pics for your Session
ATTENDING SIBLING/S FOR NEWBORN SESSION - WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE?
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If siblings are attending to have photos, please note that newborn photos will be taken first, with sibling and family photos scheduled for about an hour later, depending on how cooperative the baby is.
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To achieve the best results and get the poses and setups you're hoping for, it's important to start with the naked and the more challenging newborn photos first.
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If we wrap the baby for family or sibling photos beforehand, bubs is less likely to cooperate for the naked or unwrapped shots later on.
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I recommed Mum and baby off are dropped at the studio and Dad/Relative take siblings to a Park, McDonald's, or a Play Center.
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Waiting in the studio for too long can leave toddlers or siblings feeling restless and bored. By the time it’s their turn for photos, they may have lost interest and be less cooperative, making it harder to capture those perfect moments.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN OUTFITS, PROPS AND ACCESSORIES FOR BABY?
Not at all! I have a studio fully stocked with props and accessories, thanks to 14 years of collecting and prop shopping addiction, means you'll have plenty of options to choose from for the session.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You can see my Newborn Prices and Packages
Newborn Prices and Packages
CAN WE HAVE A FAMILY/PARENT PHOTOS? AND SIBLING SHOTS DURING THE SESSION?
Yes of course! As a matter of fact we encourage parents and siblings to get in the photos! If you would like to do parent or sibling photos you will just need to select the Family/Sibling package. Remember though its for immediate family only, Mum/s, Dad/s and siblings of the baby.
CAN GRANDPARENTS/FRIENDS OR OTHER RELATIVES COME TO THE SESSION? AND CAN THEY HAVE PHOTOS TOO?
Unfortunately not Im sorry. Your session is exclusive to TWO adults only. Due to limited studio space and session policies, we request that all other friends and relatives stay at home. The session is for Mum and Dad of the baby only (and siblings of the baby if any) I dont do other generation photos during a newborn shoot.
DO YOU PROVIDE HAIR AND MAKEUP?
Makeup and Hair is not Included. Hair and Makeup is not a service I provide. This will need to be done or organised by you prior to arriving for your session. Here are some details for some Hair and Make Up Artists that may suit your needs
Hair/Make Up Artists Recommendations
DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?
Yes, a non-refundable booking fee/deposit ($50) need to be paid to secure your booking. Balance to be paid on the day of your session
CAN YOU DO A BETTER PRICE IF WE BOOK OTHER SESSIONS WITH YOU?
I dont do discounts on my sessions but I do have a few package options that come with savings.
HOW LONG WILL EDITING TAKE?
Your Proofing Gallery will be sent approx 7-10 days after your session so you can select your images. Editing usually takes approx 7-9 days. For a Full Gallery edit usually 2 weeks.
WILL MY CHOSEN IMAGES BE WATERMARKED?
No chosen images will be high resolution and will not be watermarked
CAN I BUY EXTRA DIGITAL IMAGES OR PRINTS?
Yes, Extra Digital images can be purchased, please see
Newborn Prices and Package Add-On's
CAN I HAVE ALL THE RAW IMAGES?
Absolutely not! While I understand the desire to have all the raw images, it’s important to note that these unedited files don’t reflect the quality and artistry of the final photographs. Think of it this way: asking for all the raw images is like asking the chef for all the leftover ingredients from your meal! The editing process is crucial for enhancing the images, ensuring they look their best and truly capture the moments in my unique style. Plus, raw files often require significant adjustments to be presentable, and sharing them can lead to misinterpretations of the work. Instead, I provide a carefully curated selection of beautifully edited images that highlight the best moments from your session.
DO YOU HAVE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Yes, I am fully insured for public liability through RACV Business Insurance.
HOW DO WE BOOK A SESSION?
If you already know your due date – now is the time to book your session. Please contact us we woould love to hear from you!
