Session Planner - Motherhood

Let's talk about when to have your session.


every age and stage is so beautiful to document.


A motherhood session is an opportunity for you to get in the picture with your little one/s. Now is the prefect time. Don't wait till you have lost the weight, had that hair appointment, they drop their nap or stop teething. Just book the shoot. These photos will be a reminder of this incredible journey and the amazing mother you are.


Trust me it will be worth it.


What can we capture during your session?


Important milestones:


~ Breast feeding

~ Baby sitting and crawling

~ Toddler walking

~ Birthday

~ Parenting journey

Next thing to think about is where you would like your shoot to take place?

Outdoors


Lighting and location will have a massive impact on the look of your images. I highly recommend choosing an outdoor location and having your session during sunset known as golden hour.


I do have a location guide to help you choose a location suited to you and what you're are dreaming of. Beach, hills, field?


Please feel free to ask me about locations and timing if you're not quite sure, I'm here to help. If you're brave enough for a sunrise the lighting would also be stunning! Or perhaps you would like mid morning or an afternoon session because thats when your little one/s is the happiest.


The options are endless for a motherhood session.



At the studio


New studio space in Blenheim opening from Jan 2025

In home


If you have a beautiful home with great natural lighting you can absolutely have a session in your own home. Generally the best time for an in home session is mid morning. This is a great opportunity to have some really natural relaxed images, sitting on the couch, laying on your bed and your little one/s playing the comfort of their own space. We can also get more creative with lighting and potentially get some outdoors too if you have a cute front door or garden area.

Once you have decided where you would like the session that will help deterime what time of day/day of the week suits best. We can always reschedule if you want to change your original booking for example from an outdoor sunset session to an in home mid morning session. Also know that you are welcome to have the session on a location that is not on the guide.

What to wear for your session?


For mum I suggest having something that is beautiful and comfortable for you. It is an opportunity for you to dress up or keep it more casual. Honestly these are your photos I want you to feel good for you. I have a client wardrobe that you are welcome to use, a lot of the dresses fit a range of sizes and are quite neutral colours. You can also mix and match and wear some of your own pieces.


If you (mum) wanted to have two looks you could do an outfit change half way through.



Style guide for kids:


For your little one/s the general rule for photos is to wear neutral or earthy colours. I suggest avoiding colours like bright blue, red, yellow, black and crisp white or anything that has large words/logos across the top.


Paring neutral colours like off whites, creams, pastels, browns, earthy colours and including different material textures is really great. I do have a small range of small kids clothes in the client wardrobe.


I recommend having your kids stick to 1 outfit and definitely making sure they are warm enough. Maybe have an option if they want to change their top or add a cardigan. When there is more than one kid involved we don't want to waste time or momentum by having them changing too. Especially little ones, they don't like getting changed at the best of times so let's do out best to keep them happy.


If you would like any advice or to request a client wardrobe item try on please let me know.

What does a motherhood session look like?

my workflow

I typically start the session with mum each child (if you have more than one) then all together etc. A nice portrait of your kid/s to make sure we have the key shots nailed then encourage play based prompts, keeping things moving and fun. I really want this session to be focused on you enjoying time with your little one/s. Capturing you connecting with them, playing, giving kisses and cuddles. We can tailor the session to what you would LOVE to capture.

How to make the session feel like you?

  • Wear nice clothes and bring their FAVOURITE toy along.
  • In home session, doing some of your favourite activities? Baking, reading books, playing under the sprinkler.
  • Seek inspiration - have a look on Pinterest and if you see an image that speaks to you and want to put your own spin on let me know in the questionnaire.
  • Enjoy the session, you're allowed to laugh, make silly noises, pull faces and use all the quirky things that make them giggle. Make each prompt I suggest your own.