FAQs

If you’re seeking a session experience that feels personal, authentic, relaxed and meaningful and skips the cringey, overdone poses and awkward smiles then hello, we’re going to be very good friends! My niche is beautifully blending raw, real moments with invisible direction, breathtaking natural elements, gorgeous compositions and ethereal lighting and colour, to create photographs that feel as rich and vivid as your life truly is. Therefore my perfect match clients aren’t looking for generic photos or trends, they crave striking, timeless, cinematic storytelling, and a photographer that is passionate about creating lasting keepsakes that overflow with heart and soul. You don’t have to love photos or feel confident in front of the camera (seriously, fellow camera-shy gal here), and you don’t have to be so-called ‘photogenic’. My job is making this experience truly enjoyable so I can focus on documenting the magic and capturing you at your best. My clients are keen to work with me to achieve the perfect session and happy to take guidance around timing, wardrobe, locations and more because they know it’s offered with the intention of delivering the best photographs and session experience I can give them.

If planning to book an outdoor session you’re someone who is happy to travel a little off the beaten track or brave an earlier morning or later evening session because you know the results will be completely one of a kind and you’re happy to trust in my expertise. My newborn sessions aren’t prop-heavy and intricately staged, instead I use my experience to help create and capture those heart-melting, true to life moments as beautifully and timelessly as possible while always keeping your little one’s comfort and safety as my first priority. I believe the best way to capture emotive photos is to make you feel at home, so I’m not big on formalities, I like to chat and laugh with my clients and families and hear all about you favourite things. I enjoy this so much more, and so do my clients. If you’re simply looking for those traditional straight to camera, formal poses, and you don’t care about the when, where, how or why then I’m most likely not the photographer for you.

I can offer guidance about everything from what type of outfits will produce the best results for your session, to poses, directions and making sure even the little things like hair and straps are all looking perfect on the day - that way all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience. I’m a big fan of documenting natural moments and real emotions, so I utilise invisible direction (intuitive prompts and gentle guidance that isn’t stiff or overly posed) to ensure your story is told as beautifully and cinematically as possible. You’ll never be awkwardly wondering what to do or where to look. This shifts your attention to enjoying the moment so you can forget about the photos and create beautiful genuine memories that emanate joy. Once your session is booked you’ll gain access to wardrobe styling guidance (for men, ladies and little ones) which will help you choose the perfect outfits for your photos - as well as a beautifully curated complimentary client wardrobe for women and newborns. I’m also happy to accommodate specific outfits or poses you have in mind and offer professional guidance on how to bring your vision to life.

I have a range of complimentary props available to cater to newborn/family sessions and can also recommend some bring-alongs that will really enhance the experience. I also offer complimentary hire of an extensive and beautifully curated range of dresses and garments from my Client Wardrobe for ladies and newborns. Access to the Client Wardrobe is provided upon booking a session. Sorry fellas, you have to dress yourselves! But I also send through a session guide which covers the best outfits to choose for everyone, and what styles and colours to opt for to compliment your location.

I have been doing outdoor photography in Victoria for almost ten years now, and one of the perks of this is that I know pretty much ALL the stunning, hidden spots around our beautiful state (and many interstate too). One thing that rings true is that the most beautiful locations are often a little off the beaten track so being prepared to travel - at least a little - is a must. Once I know where you’re based I’m happy to recommend a selection of locations for you to choose from that won’t be excessively far away. You can also request a specific location if preferred, although it’s always great when clients are open to alternatives if the occasion allows! Feel free to send images or describe the type of setting you’re hoping for if you have an idea (ie. ‘golden fields’ or ‘majestic forest’) in mind.

My collections are designed to be transparent from the beginning, with your session, editing and a beautifully curated, hand edited collection of finished photographs all included. There are no separate viewing appointments, hidden digital image upgrades or surprise "starting at" pricing revealed after your session. What you see on my pricing page is exactly what you can expect.

My philosophy is to invest time where it matters most: thoughtfully hand-editing your finished collection or the very best selections for your preview gallery, rather than batch editing hundreds of photos that don’t elevate your story. Every image is individually crafted without presets or AI, allowing me to give each photograph the care and attention it deserves while delivering your gallery with the focus on perfecting what’s your to keep, not what you need to buy.

Whether you're looking for a small collection of meaningful keepsakes, a more expansive gallery, or every stunning moment from your session, there's a package designed to suit. Many families who know they'll treasure every chapter choose the Signature Collection, which includes all the best moments from your session (unlimited by quantity, but no less than 45 images).

In the event that I feel a your story would genuinely be strengthened by including a few additional photographs beyond your chosen collection, I'll share a small preview of those images alongside your final gallery. You're under absolutely no obligation to purchase them, but if one (or several!) speaks to your heart, additional images can be added for $40 each.

Everything that makes nature so stunning and perfect for a shoot is also what makes it unpredictable! Don’t stress, I’ve been capturing outdoor sessions for many years now, so I’m used to working in the elements and also being flexible/reading the forecast to know what will work and what won’t. With every outdoor session that isn’t time-sensitive we book in a date that suits in advance and then I’ll touch base two or three days prior if anything isn’t looking suitable weather-wise. If this is the case we will rebook your shoot at the next available date that works for you. If your shoot can’t be rescheduled (weddings and elopements for example) don’t panic, cloudy, rainy or even thunderstorm days can often make for the most beautiful backdrops of all. If the location you’ve selected allows it I also always scope out shelter and less exposed areas to ensure we’re able to make the most of every second. Short of constant, steady rain, there’s very few types of weather we can’t turn to our advantage.

Every photographer has their own unique style, so hopefully you’re here because my style reflects your own, however with many years experience in commercial photography I know just how to achieve the mood and lighting for everything from professional business headshots to moody, cinematic portraits. And if you have a specific type of location in mind, whether it’s ‘enchanted forest’ vibes, scenic cityscape, or a desert-style backdrop, I know all the hidden gems around Victoria and interstate that will take your breath away. Reference and inspo pics are always welcome if you have a vision you’re hoping to achieve, and I’d be happy to share my advice and expertise on how to bring your dream shoot to life.

I most certainly do. Send me an email with the details of what you’re after and we can discuss whatever type of photography, inclusions, timeframe and location you have in mind. If this aligns with my photography and availability I’ll be able to share a quote for a custom package with you.

I do require a deposit to confirm your session. The deposit amount varies depending on the package you’re booking but is typically around $150 - $350 (excluding wedding and birth packages which are proportionally higher). This fee is non-refundable to cover your date reservation. If plans do change or obstacles arise, provided that the notice period indicated in your session agreement has not elapsed I’m always happy to reapply the deposit to a new session date if the new session is scheduled for a date within three months of your original booking. Just reach out to make this request as soon as possible. Final session payment (which excludes the amount paid in your deposit) will be due 48 hours prior to your session start time, or two months prior for weddings.

No! Children aren't meant to stand still, and I don’t need them to.

Children experience the world by moving.

They explore. They collect sticks. They climb rocks. They ask questions. They chase butterflies. They hide behind Mum's legs. They ask for one more cuddle. And sometimes, every now and then, they have a tantrum too! No biggie.

None of those things are problems.

They're childhood. And your child does not need to ‘perform’ or be perfectly behaved for beautiful family photographs to be captured.

Rather than expecting children to fit into my session, I've designed my sessions to fit around children. While there's certainly a place for more classic portraits (and I'm always happy to capture them), they're only a tiny part of the story. 

The photographs families treasure most years later usually aren't the ones where everyone is posed and looking at the camera. They’re the ones where your children are smiling or laughing in a way that only happens from beautiful, genuine connection and play with you.

Those are the moments that feel like home. And those are the moments I’ve tailored my sessions to bring about. If your little one/s don’t like standing still we’ll walk and explore. If they don’t want to sit and cuddle we’ll play cuddle chasey. If they want to be silly we’ll be silly. If they just want to flop we’ll play sardines! And if they just need a minute, or a snack, or a moment to pause that’s all part of the experience.

This doesn’t mean you won’t get lovely sitting or standing photos all together, you absolutely will. We’ll just ensure this happens in a way that allows space and time for your kids to be kids.
Connection over perfection. Always.

Once you book a family session you’ll also receive my session guide which includes all my advice and helpful tips (from capturing hundreds of family sessions) to have an amazing session experience and capture photos you’ll love and deeply treasure long after your little humans are all grown up.

Absolutely not. While my photography sessions prioritise real moments and memory making this doesn’t mean photos aren’t guided or expertly crafted. My approach to photography is considered cinematic and story-driven, I want to capture photos that feel inherently ‘you’ and I guide the session accordingly so you stay in the moment. This isn’t the same as a documentary photographer who typically captures only what their camera sees. And it doesn’t mean your photos will feel chaotic or unintentional. Every photograph is being thoughtfully composed with artistic precision, skill and care, I just don’t put the pressure of performing a pose on you. Instead I use immersive, natural prompts and guidance that allows everyone to relax into the experience and be themselves while capturing photographs that offer so much connection, emotion and effortless beauty that can’t be produced while you’re concentrating on posing perfectly. The prompts I give are designed to lead you into natural ‘poses’ organically, but the beauty is you and your family/loved ones are focused on the moment, not the camera, or how awkward you feel being told exactly how to stand and what facial expression to make like you’re back in drama class.

My clients also receive a questionnaire after booking their session, so if you do have something more specific in mind for a photo you’re always welcome to request this then and I’m happy to oblige. Questionnaires help me tailor the session to you, so this is the perfect place to share any hopes for the session or photographs, including requesting some more traditional (eyes to camera) portraits, or more precise help with direction/’posing’ - I’m happy to adapt to your needs. But if you’re envisioning every photo in your gallery to be a formal, static, looking-at-camera pose then I’m probably not the right photographer for you.

Fantastic question! Guidelines vary a little between photographers, but my recommendation would be to book your session to occur around the 28 - 32 week mark, which ensures your beautiful bump is on full display while also allowing for the unexpected - like your little one arriving early or bad weather that requires a reschedule. As a mumma who has had two prem babies and never got to capture maternity photos for myself I suggest booking the session on the early side, which also means you’ll still be feeling more comfortable and mobile so you can truly enjoy the session experience. If this isn’t your first pregnancy then the earlier 28 - 30 week window is ideal as you’re still riding the second trimester high and bumps tend to pop a little more with each subsequent pregnancy. Either way, reaching out as early in the pregnancy as possible is always advised to ensure I have availability to book your session on a suitable date within this recommended timeframe.

As with maternity sessions, I always suggest reaching out well before your due date, as bookings fill up quickly. Typically if traditional newborn photos are the goal we’ll tentatively book in a date within around a week of your due date, and then if anything changes (such as bub arriving earlier or later than expected, or you simply find you need a little more time to recover and settle in) then all you need to do is reach out before your original session date and we’ll reschedule your session to a time that works for you. No reschedule fees apply. I also regularly photograph older bubs outside the ‘10 days old’ timeframe that some photographers prefer to abide by. Bub might not be quite as snoozy at this stage but I truly believe older sessions can offer some of the most heartmelting moments of connection as your little one becomes more alert and interacts more with loved ones. If you are worried that you’ve missed out on newborn photos now that your little one is here it’s not too late I promise! Reach out about an older newborn session and I’ll be happy to accomodate you and capture your little love.

If you’re wanting a natural light outdoor session with me this will most likely occur either in the early morning or the hour before sunset. This isn’t just a personal preference, it’s because I want your session to be as beautiful as you deserve, and golden hour lighting is truly unparalleled.

As both a photographer with a decade of experience and a mum, my goal is always to set you up for success. So while I won’t compromise on good lighting, I do offer alternatives if golden hour feels daunting:

Pick sunrise: For most families (and most locations), this is a great bedtime-friendly choice.

Choose off-season: Autumn and winter sessions mean earlier sunsets and later sunrises, so your shoot happens closer to your normal routine and you still get to experience the magic of golden hour.

Close to home: Where we hold your session is something we can plan to ensure that if you are up for braving a later (or earlier) session, that you’re back in bed or in the comfort of home shortly after we wrap. I know all the best hidden secrets around Victoria so that we can keep our location more central to you.

Trust me to help: I’ll guide you through the process, make sure your kids are engaged and happy, and create an experience that feels fun and easy.

You can find all my tips and pointers for preparing little ones for a sunrise/sunset session at the link below, as well as a guide to session start times year-round: https://ellyford.photography/wild-elements-imagery-blog/2026/1/03/why-sunrise-and-sunset-are-the-secret-to-the-best-family-photos

As a majority of my shoots are in the outdoors (just the way I like it) I do not have a dedicated indoor studio space. However I regularly work in many of Melbourne’s best studio venues, so if a studio shoot appeals let me know and I can recommend a variety of studios that will be perfect for our session. Please note that studio booking fees will be in addition to my own session fee. Please feel free to enquire if you’d like to know more.

Nope! I’ll let you in on a secret, winter and autumn are often my all-time favourite seasons for location shoots. Not only do you get stunning misty mornings, epic sunsets and dreamy, soft light. You also often have the very best (usually busy) locations all to yourself - and as a bonus the sun sets earlier and rises later meaning golden hour happens at a much more family-friendly time. Whilst I do take a bit more care in checking the weather forecast and some flexibility is required for relocating or rescheduling if needed, those beautiful winter wardrobes comprising of chunky knits, beanies, scarves, long dresses, and beautiful coats make for the most beautiful wardrobes for photos and will keep you nice and snug for our cooler weather session. If you’re dreaming of photos that are truly unique, striking works of art, I would definitely recommend giving a ‘Winter Wonderland’ adventure a go.

Yes absolutely, any two or more sessions booked at the same time and occurring within 6 months of each other will receive a discount (a non refundable deposit must be received for both/all sessions to apply). I also offer $100 off EVERY future booking for my returning clients. There’s nothing better than getting to be your designated ‘life moments’ photographer, and this is my thank you to the clients and families who book me time and again.