Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney Newborn, Maternity & Family Photography — HelloBABY Photography, Oatley
Frequently Asked Questions by Our Clients
Planning your first professional photoshoot brings up a lot of questions — especially if it’s your first time in front of the camera with a new baby or growing family. Below we’ve answered the questions we’re asked most often, covering booking and studio policies, newborn sessions, maternity photoshoots, and family photography. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch — we typically respond within 30 minutes during business hours.
GENERAL & BOOKING QUESTIONS
How far in advance should I book my session?
For newborn and maternity sessions, we recommend booking during your second trimester (around 20–28 weeks), as we typically book out 2–3 months in advance. For family and cake smash sessions, 4–6 weeks’ notice is ideal, though we’re often able to accommodate shorter notice depending on availability.
How much does a session cost?
Our packages start from $650 for maternity and newborn Essential sessions, $750 for family and cake smash Essential sessions, with Complete and Premium packages available for larger galleries and added extras. You can view full pricing on each service page, or see everything in one place via our booking system.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes — sessions are secured with a $100 deposit (or full payment if you prefer, which comes with a discount). The remaining balance is due latest on the day of your session, giving you flexibility right up until session day, with many of our clients settling their balance one week prior to their session date.
How do I pay?
We can accept cash or credit cards on the premises by means of a mobile portable credit card device. A $100 deposit or booking fee is payable prior to your shoot , at the time of making a booking, and is deductible from the package you choose.
What days and times are you available?
Our studio is open Monday-Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Our morning sessions are generally start at 10:30am, and our afternoon sessions are scheduled for 2:30pm. Should you need a different time please get in touch, we are always happy to assist.
We have a small number of weekend spots available each month. If you wish to book for a weekend date please get in touch to discuss your options with us.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
Life happens, and we understand that — particularly with newborns and pregnancy, timing isn’t always predictable. If your baby arrives early or late, or if you or your child are unwell on the day, simply let us know as soon as you can and we’ll find you a new date. Flexible scheduling is built into every newborn and maternity booking.
Where is your studio, and is there parking?
Our studio is located at 42 Douglas Haig Street, Oatley, in Sydney’s South. Off street parking in available on the driveway, as well as plenty of street parking nearby. We also offer outdoor sessions at select Sydney beaches and parks for maternity and family shoots, if you’d prefer a natural setting over the studio.
What if it rains on the day of an outdoor session?
If you’ve booked an outdoor location and the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll simply reschedule to the next available date or move the session into the studio — no extra charge either way.
How many photos will I receive, and how are they delivered?
This depends on your package — our Essential packages include a set number of professionally edited images (typically 10), while Complete and Premium packages include your full gallery (usually 30–60 images, depending on session type). All galleries are delivered as high-resolution digital files via a private online gallery within 2–3 weeks, where you can view, download, share, and order prints.
Do you provide RAW or unedited files?
No — we provide professionally edited, print-ready images only. Every image in your gallery has been individually colour-graded and retouched to our studio’s signature style, which is part of what you’re paying for as a client. The subtle editing that we do to your images is part of our artistic style & therefore we are unable to supply unedited files, as is the case with all respected professional photographers.
Can I print my own photos, or do I need to order through you?
Once you receive your digital files, you’re welcome to print them wherever you like. That said, we have strong relationships with professional Australian printing labs and offer beautiful products — canvases, framed prints, albums, and folio boxes — through our online ordering system if you’d like archival-quality results.
Are you insured and safety-certified?
Yes. HelloBABY Photography is fully insured, fully vaccinated, and GST registered. I’m also trained and certified in safe newborn posing, and a member of the International Newborn Photographers Association and the Society of Portrait Photographers.
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs
What is the best age for newborn photos?
The ideal window is the first 5–14 days after birth, when babies are still sleepy and curl naturally into those classic poses. That said, we photograph babies of all ages beautifully — if your little one is a few weeks or even months old, we’ll simply adapt the session to suit them.
Is newborn posing safe?
Absolutely — safety is our number one priority. I’m certified in safe newborn posing techniques, and every pose is achieved through gentle guidance and, where needed, composite techniques, never by putting your baby in an unsafe position.
How long does a newborn session take?
Sessions run 1–3 hours depending on your package, and we go entirely at your baby’s pace. There’s plenty of time built in for feeding, settling, and soothing breaks — there’s no rushing a newborn shoot.
What should we wear for our newborn session?
For a timeless and natural look we recommend wearing whites, beige or soft pink colours for best results. It’s best to avoid busy patterns or large logos on your clothing. Less is always more, and this allows your baby to be the centre of the attention on the photos, as it should be. For mums we have a studio wardrobe full of beautiful dresses to choose from. For dads, a simple white shirt or jumper with a light coloured beige pair of chino pants are best choices.
What should we bring?
Just yourselves! We provide a full wardrobe of wraps, outfits, and props for your baby, plus a client wardrobe for mum. We’d suggest bringing nappies, wipes, a dummy, and bottles if needed for feeding during the session.
Can our other children be part of the session?
Yes — siblings (and baby’s parents) are included at no extra charge, and we love weaving in that family connection. We recommend our Complete or Premium package if you’d like plenty of time and images dedicated to family and sibling portraits alongside the solo newborn shots.
What if my baby cries or won’t settle?
Completely normal, and nothing to worry about. I’ve spent over a decade learning how to settle newborns, and the session is built around feeding and soothing breaks as needed — we simply follow your baby’s lead.
MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs
When is the best time for maternity photos?
Most of our mums-to-be shoot between 28–32 weeks — the bump is beautifully round, and most women still feel comfortable moving and posing. That said, any time you feel ready is the right time, and we’re happy to photograph earlier or later bumps too.
What should I wear?
You’re welcome to bring your own outfit, or choose from our complete client wardrobe of maternity gowns at no extra cost — many of our clients save $200–500 by using our wardrobe instead of buying a dress for one session.
Do you offer hair and makeup?
We don’t provide this directly, since it’s such a personal preference, but we’re happy to recommend trusted local artists if you’d like professional hair and makeup on the day.
Can my partner and other children be included?
Yes, always — partners and kids are included at no extra charge in our Signature and Complete packages, so you can capture this chapter as a family, not just a solo bump shoot.
Studio or outdoor — which should I choose?
Both are beautiful options. The studio gives us full control over lighting and styling with access to our wardrobe, while an outdoor location (a Sydney beach or park) offers a more natural, editorial feel. We’re happy to talk through which suits your vision during booking.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs
What should we wear as a family?
Coordinating tones photograph best — think complementary colours rather than exact matches. We send a full styling guide once you book, and mums are welcome to use pieces from our studio wardrobe too.
What if my kids won’t co-operate or sit still?
This is genuinely one of our favourite parts of family sessions! We work with your children’s energy rather than against it, and some of the best, most authentic images come from the silly, unscripted moments. We’re well practised with toddlers, tweens, and everything in between.
Can we include grandparents or extended family?
Absolutely — the more the merrier. For larger groups we’d recommend our Complete package and an outdoor location, which gives enough time and space for all the different family combinations you’ll want captured.
Where do family sessions take place?
Your choice of our Oatley studio, a Sydney beach, or a local park — we’ll help you decide what suits your family and the look you’re after during the booking process.
How long does a family session take?
Generally 1–2 hours depending on your package and family size, with breaks built in to keep things relaxed, especially with younger children.
THE HELLOBABY EXPERIENCE
A Session That Feels as Beautiful as It Looks
At HelloBABY Photography, our Sydney studio was designed specifically for maternity and newborn photography. The flooded natural light, the neutral backdrop, the curated props and furniture — every element has been considered to create images that are timeless, intimate, and genuinely breathtaking.
Our approach is always relaxed and guided. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to have done this before. You just need to show up — and we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll move through poses naturally, suggest the looks that work best for your body and your vision, and create a gallery that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
Whether you’re coming in solo, with your partner, with little ones in tow, or all of the above — your session will be completely tailored to you. That’s what makes each gallery unique.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to show up. We’ll handle the rest — and you’ll walk away with images that take your breath away.”
Still have a question we haven't covered? Contact us directly — we're always happy to help before you book.
GET IN TOUCH ⟶
📞 Call/Text: 0400 918 565
✉️ Email: contact@hellobaby.com.au
🕐 Response time: Within 30 minutes during business hours
OUR FULL CLIENT WARDROBE
Every dress below is available to wear at no extra cost as part of your HelloBABY Photography maternity session.
They are also available for newborn and family portrait sessions.
Scroll through, find your favourites, and we’ll plan your looks together.
The Cream Lace Open Gown
Sheer layered lace with an open front and dramatic bell sleeves.
Romantic and ethereal — perfect for bump-forward shots and silhouette work. Can be worn front open or closed.
The Ivory Halter Chiffon Gown
A flowing, open-back halter gown in the softest ivory chiffon. The high neckline creates an elegant, elongated silhouette while the sheer fabric drapes beautifully around the bump. Particularly striking when shot against the window light — the translucent layers create an ethereal, almost sculptural effect.
The Red Ruffle Chiffon Gown
For the mama who wants something bold. Deep red with tiered ruffles — absolutely striking against our white studio backdrop.
Can be worn as a two-piece showing your bump or as a one-piece dress.
The Cream Empire Waist Gown
Flowing from an empire waistline with gathered fabric that beautifully frames the bump. Light, airy, and incredibly elegant.
The Champagne Draped Satin Gown
A luxurious draped silhouette in warm mocha tones. Sophisticated, editorial, and stunning on all skin tones.
The Blush Draped Off-Shoulder Gown
Softly draped with a flattering off-shoulder neckline. A versatile classic that works for solo, couples, and sibling sessions.
The Pink Fitted Long-Sleeve Gown
A body-conscious silhouette in soft blush pink with long sleeves and an off-shoulder neckline. Sleek, modern, and incredibly photogenic from every angle.
The Cream Bishop Sleeve Gown
Full-length with dramatic puffed sleeves and a softly tiered skirt. Elegant and incredibly feminine — a studio favourite for comfortable and soft family portraits.
The Champagne Boho Ruffle Gown
Sheer champagne fabric with a dramatic off-shoulder ruffle neckline and long billowing sleeves. Can be worn as a two-piece beautifully showcasing the bump, or as a one-piece dress, both ways it photographs magnificently. One of our most versatile gowns — equally stunning in solo sessions, with a partner, or with an older sibling.
The Beige Two-Piece Crop & Maxi Skirt
A softly beige crop top with a flared off-shoulder sleeve paired with a flowing smocked maxi skirt. The bare midriff beautifully showcases the bump, and the two-piece silhouette creates a wonderfully intimate feel — especially in couple sessions where both sets of hands naturally come together at the centre. One of our most requested looks for partners-included shoots.
The Cream Bouclé Fitted Gown
A luxuriously textured bouclé knit gown with a subtle off-shoulder neckline and long sleeves that end in a gentle flare. The fitted silhouette shows off every curve of your bump beautifully, while the soft cream tone keeps the focus entirely on you. Effortlessly elegant — and incredibly comfortable to wear.
A stunning choice for warm family portraits as well.
The White Fitted Off-Shoulder Gown
A sleek, clean silhouette that puts every curve on beautiful display. The off-shoulder neckline is timeless and universally flattering.
The White Ribbed Knit Dress
Clean, minimal, and quietly stunning. This ribbed off-shoulder knit dress hugs the bump perfectly and photographs beautifully in both standing and floor poses. The crisp white against our studio's soft neutral tones creates a fresh, modern look that pairs particularly well for couple sessions — a simple knit or linen top on your partner is all you need.
The Beige Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Relaxed and feminine, this off-shoulder puff sleeve dress in warm beige linen has a smocked bodice and a softly gathered skirt that sits just above the floor. It's one of our most joyful, approachable looks — perfect for mamas who want something effortless and pretty without being too formal. The shorter length and puff sleeve detail give it a fresh, youthful feel.
The Ivory Halter Crop & Ruffle Skirt Set
A delicate ivory halter-neck crop top paired with a tiered ruffle maxi skirt in the softest sheer fabric. The open design puts the bump front and centre while the cascading skirt adds gorgeous texture and movement. Beautiful for floor poses, seated shots, and couple sessions alike — this set photographs with a dreamy, romantic quality that clients absolutely love.
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