Tips for Booking your Gold Coast Maternity and Newborn Photography Photoshoot

These days, it seems that Victorian lockdowns have become a part of our normal day life. Even though us humans are incredibly capable at adaptation we really are living in strange times that we would of never of dreamt would be our reality in our entire lifetime right?

But, the beauty of being adaptable beings is that we learn to work around our current constraints.

The most heartbreaking thing I have seen is many Mamas missing out on their Wimmera maternity photography sessions - particularly last year when they were extended for most of the year.

As we find ourselves back in a "Circuit Breaker" June 2021 I think it is important to continue our resilience and not let these current circumstances put us off achieving the things we so dearly desire.

I know many of you will be feeling anxious about booking a maternity and newborn photoshoot right now, and I definitely don't blame you. But I have compiled a list of a few things to think about and consider to encourage you not to give up on the idea completely.

1. Book in Early

If your due date is looking to be around July / August / September this year the earlier you book it in the better. For example, normally I suggest shooting anytime after 32 weeks when your belly is nice and round. However, it help your chances of getting your pregnancy photoshoot completed before another shutdown I would suggest getting it done a bit sooner. At the end of the day, I can use my magic Photoshop skills to add a bit of depth to a smaller 28 week belly - rather than waiting and running the risk of it not happening at all.

2. Flexibility with Rescheduling

Last year I had to reschedule clients 3/4 times to work around the lockdowns. One of my beautiful clients I took her maternity photos at Werribee Mansion in the small gap whilst we could go outdoors. After her twins were born we were subject to yet another round of restrictions that meant we had to reschedule her session 4 times! It was only a week ago that I finally got to meet her beautiful twin boys aged 11 months old. The photos were gorgeous and I have no problem is rescheduling your appointment until we can successfully complete it.

Make sure, you check with the terms are for rescheduling as all businesses are different and have various policies.

3. Newborn Experience

If you are wanting to book an Gold Coast newborn photoshoot at the moment the most important piece of advice I can give you is to make sure your photographer is experienced at photographing newborn babies at different ages / milestones.

Some specialise in the 2 week and under window and may not have the experience to shoot older 6-12 week old babies. This later age group definitely presents a new variety of challenges and will overall give you a different "Newborn Style" of final image.

Last year, most of my clients had babies who were 6-9 weeks old. These bubbas move around much more, are generally more unsettled and awake. They need their own set of wardrobe as they don't usually fit into newborn sized outfits and sometimes do not like to be wrapped. Honestly - it takes a lot of patience and skill to get a beautiful set of photos for babies that are a bit bigger. See below for a few examples of beautiful little Yvonne (Aged 9 weeks) taken earlier this year.

4. Indoor / Outdoor / In-Home

You may remember, some of the restrictions eased and allowed us to do more outdoors? When booking your Gold Coast Newborn Photography session in these times, it pays to check whether your photographer can offer you the option of shooting outdoors or at your own home if the studio session in unavailable.

You might have your heart set on Pinterest worthy studio maternity photography, but at the end of the day, outdoor maternity photography is really beautiful and something I specialise in. The beautiful backdrops can give you an amazing result while you keep your allocated 1.5m distance apart.

Also, the same with In Home Mobile Newborn Photography. This service was my go to for years and years before I worked in other studios. With this service, I bring selected props your love to your home and we capture a candid less posed style of photography session. You can choose the looks you love for your baby before I come to your home, so you can be confident you are getting a gorgeous result even when the studio might be closed.

You might be feeling a bit worried to leave the safety of your home bubble so soon after a lockdown, so having the option to switch your photography session from the studio - to your home is certainly something to consider.

5. Lastly, Look for Covid-19 related policies in your photography contract

You need to know what happens if you, or your photographer is unwell and where you stand in terms of being notified. This should be outlined in your client contract - which is their to protect your best interests.

Last year, my partner had tonsillitis. He hadn't had a case since childhood and it was the WORST time for him to get it - right in between lockdowns when finally I could go back to work again!

Because he was tested, I too needed to be tested and both isolate until we got the results. I had an Gold Coast family photography session booked in the coming days. My contract clearly outlines my duty of care to inform the client in any instance that I have had to have a covid test or if I am feeling unwell in anyway (and vice-versa). My test came back negative as I had thought - but understandably the Client felt worried decided to cancel anyway.

Having a contract with your photographer protects you and your family in this pandemic. It helps to clearly define policies around the covid-19 situation / government regulation so everyone can stay safe and happy.

In conclusion, if you look for the above when booking in your Gold Coast Maternity Photography or Newborn Photography service you have the best chance for success in getting the beautiful photos of this special time.

Stay Safe, Stay Warm Mama!

Love Sera x

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Sera Williamson is a Gold Coast based family photographer that specialises in maternity and newborn photography for first time parents.

She has been working as a professional newborn and baby photographer for 9 years, in various studios and within her own business as an in-home baby photographer.

Recently, Soul Mama Photography has relocated taking the popular in-home newborn photography to the Gold Coast region in the popular spot of Paradise Point!

Sera travels for mobile Newborn Photography and Outdoor Maternity Photography and & is serving the entire Gold Coast areas and has been called the best Newborn Photographer in Victoria.

To book or enquire about a Pyrenees maternity photoshoot or In-home newborn photoshoot enquire here!