Newborn studio in Oatlands

For a very long time, I travelled to clients homes for newborn sessions. There are some advantages to this. The main advantage is that Mum and Dad don't have to worry about packing up and heading out the door for their photoshoot. However, there are many advantages to the studio model. The main advantage is that I can have consistency of light. By using my lights, I know and control the space to produce the best lit images possible. Another advantage is that all of my props, hats, blankets and accessories are available should anyone ask for them. For these reasons, I am formally shifting my newborn focus from that of an on-location photographer, to a studio based one. My home studio is located in Oatlands. Most people haven't heard of Oatlands. It's a small, leafy suburb nestled between Carlingford, North Rocks, Dundas and North Parramatta. It's a short drive from the Inner West, including Concord, Canada Bay, Picnic Point and the Hills area, including Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills.

In the short term, I will still continue to service Sydney as a mobile Sydney newborn photographer. When the studio is established, I will make a decision as to whether or not this is a service I will continue with.

I look forward to bringing you some progress photos of my little studio coming to life. We will be having a mini version of "The Block" going on here. In the meantime, I've been practicing using the space with some little clients.

This is sweet baby Lewis. Lewis came to the studio with Mum and Grandma, and he was a dream for my inaugural studio newborn shoot. I hope you love Lewis' images as much as I do.

Beautiful baby Jessica

Around two years ago, I photographed a stunning baby girl. I was so excited to be contacted to be asked to photograph her newest little cousin, Jessica, who also lives in Sydney's North West. Their Grandma was at each of the shoots, and it was lovely seeing their family grow. A couple of days before this session, I bought a new prop. It's an old style school desk. Ordinarily, I am not a very "proppy" photographer. I tend to keep photos natural and minimal with only a few props like baskets and my hammock. However, this beautiful desk stood out to me and I had to purchase it. I brought it along to my session, not too sure if I would use it. When I arrived, I learnt that Mum is actually a school teacher. I knew I needed to go and get my new prop to use at Jessica's shoot. She was a little unsettled, so I had to be very patient and slowly lower her into position. It probably took 5 minutes to lower her into place. I am glad I persevered though, as I love this image.

I also love the 'newborn sack' image that we did and then we progressed to the other snuggly poses on the beanbag.

Some time ago, one of my friends from Perth posted a photo on Facebook of four generations of her family. Each person was holding a frame. I thought it was a lovely way to represent four generations. Jessica's Grandma, and great Grandma were at the shoot, so I thought I would try this shot with them. I love how it worked out. I would like to credit the photographer that my friend went to, as this image wasn't my idea. Her business is Karin Gethin Photography.

Behind the scenes…Sydney Newborn Photographer

I bought this sweet silk sack from the very talented prop maker, Little Noggins, and I couldn't wait to use it. When you hold it against your cheek, it's so soft, you almost can't feel anything! My style is very natural and neutral, however, there's a small amount of Anne Geddes inside me somewhere! When I photographed this sweet newborn in Carlingford, I pictured her in a silk sack, in earthy brown tones. Of course, newborns cannot sit and support themselves, and newborn safety is a priority. Actually, it's more than a priority, it's the most important thing in the shoot. Their safety and comfort cannot be compromised. That is why Mum is holding her the entire time. The magic of making this shot is in photoshop.

My beautiful friend and client saw this image on my screen and asked how I did it. So I thought I would share a behind the scenes look at how I photographed my 'baby in a sack' image.

This is the image:

And the making of 'Baby in a sack'