Preparing for your shoot

Preparing for your shoot should be straight forward and exciting, I've listed some things for you to consider below. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Everything you need to know

Preparing for in-home shoots

We will shoot in the parts of your home that has the best natural lighting. Ahead of your session have a think about which parts of your home this might be (is it your lounge room, bedroom, sunroom etc?).

You may also like to consider styling for the area in which you'd like your photos captured, i.e. cushions or throws over your lounge, a plant in the corner etc. This will all vary depending on what your style is.

If you'd like more of a studio vibe in your home do let me know, I have beautiful props that I can bring along to your session.

I also bring a newborn posing bean bag with me for all the newborn shoots. We can capture lots of images of bub on this.

Keeping your home warm during winter sessions is important so we can ensure bub doesn't get cold during photos. I will bring a portable heater if you don't have heating available, please let me know.

Styling for bub

I have bub covered! I will bring a gorgeous selection of knits, wraps, blankets, rompers, bonnets and booties for your shoot (many of which are handmade pieces - love!). Head over to my Instagram page to have a look at some of the items I have for little ones featured in my photos @sarahesenphotography.

If you have a particular outfit in mind at home, please feel free to take this out and I will happily capture bub in it for you.

Outfit considerations for the whole family

Wear something comfortable and stylish. For mums who have just given birth, you might want to consider a comfortable flowy dress during the warmer seasons, or a chunky knit during winter. I'm also a huge fan of beautiful linen pieces to create a timeless look.

My aim is to create timeless photos you will love in the years to come, therefore we want to steer away from bright colours, logos, patterns and clothes with writing on them.

When selecting outfits both for yourself and your family consider white, neutral or earthy colours, these work best with my editing style.

Pick outfits that move and flow easily with you. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, or wool photograph beautifully.

For in home shoots, or shoots on the beach don't worry about coordinating shoes for your outfit (and ditto for the rest of the family).

Outfits for Mum

Did you know I have a client wardrobe available for mums and some items also available for kiddies! Head over to the 'Client Wardrobe' tab to see the beautiful pieces on offer. Why shop for an outfit you're only going to wear once when you can borrow a stunning dress or robe from the client wardrobe. There are dresses in there catering from size to 6 to 20.

Of course we don't all have the same taste when it comes to outfits, if you prefer to wear your own outfit that is totally ok too.

You can also consider hiring an outfit if you'd like some more options. These are two stores I would recommend having a look at:
@mamarentals - https://mamarentals.com.au/
and
@glamcorner - https://www.glamcorner.com.au/

Getting hair and make-up done

This is totally up to you! You do you!

I do think putting on some make-up and getting our hair done make us feel a million dollars! I'd recommend going for a look that is a little more natural (as opposed to full galm), as we know trends and fashion change. You will want to look back on your photos and still love the look you chose.

For outdoor sessions, it would be worth checking your hairdresser's &/or makeup artist's cancellation policy (in the event it's wet weather and the shoot gets cancelled on the day).

I would highly recommend getting a manicure or giving your nails some at home love before your session. Hands do play at the forefront of so many photos, especially while your holding bub. It pays to spend a little bit of time on your nails before your session.

Recommendations for Dads

A fresh hair cut goes a long away, are you with me?

For dads, keep their outfit simple, a nice linen shirt, or a plain t-shirt with some jeans or chinos.

When picking dads outfit look for colours that complement what you plan on wearing along with any siblings. By compliment I mean colours that work well together, for example white, beige and brown.

Steer away from pin striped shirts and logos as these can detract from the picture.

Siblings outfit ideas

Big sisters; a beautiful white or neutral linen dress, or some plain tights or stockings and a chunky knit.

Big brother; matchy matchy with dad is always a winner. A plain white t-shirt and some jeans or chinos.

The main idea here is to keep your outfits as cohesive as possible for your images. Go for colour pallets that work well together (e.g. brown, white, beige, cream).

Outdoor shoots

Outdoor shoots are always done during 'golden hour'. The hour before sunset, and is also known as a photographers best friend!

Outdoor shoots are done at an agreed location, depending on where you live and how far you are willing to travel.

If your outdoor shoot is at the beach, don't worry about coordinating shoes for your outfits (one less thing to think about).