Frequently Asked Questions…..
My kids won’t sit still, I’m worried they will have a tantrum and ruin the photos….
A. I’m a mum of four, including three very energetic boys. I get it, the more you tell them what to do, the less they want to do it! I usually start with a few ‘everyone look at the camera’ shots and then the rest of the session is relaxed and follows your children’s lead. I might give some suggestions for things to do, or more photogenic places to go, but generally I just let the kids play and explore. Often the best photos are when your kid is doing the thing that makes them most happy! And if meltdowns happen (and they will!) I may take an adorable photo of that, and then we can have a little snuggle, tickle or head off on a different adventure. Please rest assured, nothing will shock or surprise me, I have seen it all!
Should I wait until I lose weight, or life is less chaotic?
A. Is family life ever quiet, or less chaotic? Your kids want to see you, with them, so they can have those memories. They do not care about your “mum tum” or double chin, (which most of us have,) honestly. You may never lose those 5 kilos, you may never have a spotless house, and that is okay. The idea is to have an accurate reminder of your reality, right now. Your kids don’t care, time goes fast, don’t wait.
So how does it work? Where do we start?
A.We start by reaching out and filling in my contact form or booking form. This will provide me with an email address and your details. Then we have a conversation around picking a date, time, location and package that suits you. Following this, I will send you a link to an invoice, contract and family questionnaire for you to complete. This is all simple and easy and attached to one link. I do require a 15% deposit to lock in your date and time. You will also receive a Welcome Pack and Guide to What to Wear, so that you are completely informed and prepared for your amazing session. I am always open to receiving a message or email with any questions or comments that you may have, so that we can make your experience super easy, relaxed and seamless.
What days/times do you do sessions?
A.I try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to picking a time that suits. I can be available most days, given notice, and have allowed for an outdoor session to be booked on any given evening of the week. For a newborn in-home session, these will be booked at this stage, on a Monday- Wednesday morning, as these are the days my children are at school or cared for. However, given notice, this can also be adjusted.
Where can we do the shoot?
A.I absolutely love photographing families in places that are special to them, whether that is your family home, or the beach or park you always go to together, if the place is special to you, the photos will also be that little bit more special in the years to come. If it’s just a photogenic location for your sunset session you need, then let’s chat and I’m happy to recommend some options around the Shoalhaven area.
What if the weather is bad or we are sick on the day?
A. Cloudy skies make for great photos, but I certainly don’t want to get stuck in a storm and drenched littles ones is no fun! If it looks like it may rain and this will affect our shoot, I’ll be in contact in the days prior and we can decide if we should reschedule. I do try to leave this decision to the last minute, where possible, as so much can change during the course of the day.
If you or your little ones are sick, please try to give a least 24 hours notice, and we can reschedule when everyone is feeling better, as soon as possible.
How much does it cost? What is included?
A. I currently charge $555 for my outdoor sessions, $575 for in-home newborn sessions and $345 for a mini session. This includes between 30 minutes to 2 hours of photography, where you get my undivided attention. Following our session, I will send you an email link to a private online gallery which includes all of your fully edited, high resolution images. You are then free to download and share the images as you wish. Your gallery is included in the cost for the session. A 1hour session includes up to 70 images and a mini session includes up to 40.
Do you photograph extended families?
A. Yes! I have done quite a few of these and they always turn out to be amazing! There are so many different personalities and dynamics, that there are always lots of laughs to capture. The relationships between cousins, grandparents, aunts is truly special and many families gift a session to a loved one for special occasions. You are welcome to also split off into separate family groups for photos also, any and all combinations of family members are included in the one session. you photograph extended families?
Will you travel?
A. Yes! I have quite a few families that I photograph in Shellharbour and surrounds. I am more than willing to arrange a time that is mutually suitable for a session. I do charge a $50 travel fee for any location that is further than 30 minutes from my base of Nowra. This is simply to cover my time and travel costs.
When should I book my newborn session?
A. If you want to capture your bub when they’re brand new, book a session as soon as you can. My sessions however are very relaxed and don’t require bub to be asleep to perform any crazy positions, so even if your bub is 4-6 weeks old by the time you are feeling up to photos, they will still capture all that new baby love. It is entirely up to your personal preference.
What if my baby arrives early or late? Can we reschedule?
A. Yes, absolutely! Often babies don’t like to stick to their due date and that is fine. I usually recommend booking your session for around 1- 2 weeks after your due date, depending also on your individual circumstances and if you happen to have a caesarean planned etc. If bub comes early or late we can work out an available date to move the session, at no extra cost to you.
How do I best prepare my family for a session?
A. After we have locked in a date for your session, I will send out more information around what to expect and how best to prepare. Honestly, there is not a lot involved in preparation on your end! The aim is to make everything as stress free and relaxed as possible. There are a few simple things that I suggest, depending on which style of session you have chosen. The biggest thing that you need to do, is relax, connect, interact and love your amazing family!
Do you also do business branding sessions?
A. Yes, absolutely! This is an area of photography that I am incredibly passionate about. I consider it vitally important to showcase your brand voice, your values, your story and your uniqueness. After all, YOU are what makes your business stand out. I make every effort to do this is a completely authentic, real and relaxed way that is true to you and the business that you have worked so hard on. Feel free to send me an email to get the ball rolling. I would love to chat with you and work together to bring your business to life!
Kind words from my families…
Had the most wonderful experience as a huge family unit (almost 30 of us) gathered for a weekend to celebrate my Mums 80th birthday. Sarah took photos for us. They were simply stunning. Divine.
She was so easy to work with. Not sure she’d say the same about our motley crew (haha)! Her feathers never ruffled. Nothing was too much trouble. And now we have the most incredible heart warming deeply personal photos to remember a special weekend.
In fact, they were so good, I booked Sarah for a photo shoot at my work - Starfish Store - and once again she knocked it out of the park. She captured exactly what I was after.
Cannot recommend Sarah enough.
Worst thing, once people cotton on, we’ll have to wait in line - as we will only ever work with Sarah now.