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 packages were created to cater to a variety of needs; from those just looking for a sweet collection of memories for themselves, to an extended and artfully curated snapshot of life, and all the way up to the full story-telling experience, including an extensive preview gallery (available with the popular Signature sessions) to give you the freedom to choose your own included selections or upgrade to the whole gallery if you so desire! All of these packages focus on quality over quantity so that each photograph you walk away with is the masterpiece it deserves to be. However for those who just KNOW they’re going to want a larger collection of images I’m happy to chat about customising a session to meet your exact needs.

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 a message and we can discuss whatever type of shoot, inclusions, timeframe and location you have in mind.

I do require a deposit to confirm your session. The deposit amount varies depending on the package you are booking but is typically around $150 - $300 and is non-refundable. This ensures that if I’ve booked out my schedule for your shoot and it isn’t able to go ahead I haven’t lost a full day of income. If for whatever reason you need to reschedule your shoot, as long as notice is provided in email prior to the timeframe indicated in your session agreement I will happily credit your deposit to any session re-booked within 3 months.

No! Let me tell you a secret… candid photos are by FAR the best photos you can have! Whether you’ve got shy kids (or partners!), or wild, mischievous little ones, finding ways to capture the magic of those real life moments is 1000 times better than any stiff and awkwardly staged poses could ever be. My background is as a dance photographer so capturing images on the go and people in motion is my area of expertise. I will offer some little bits of guidance so those candid shots get captured aesthetically but whatever level of chaos ensues I can adapt with ease and know that the end results will be gorgeous and one of a kind, just like your family.

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, this 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 had two prem babies and never got to capture maternity photos for myself I always 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 28 - 30 week mark is perfect as you’re still riding the second trimester high and our bumps tend to pop a little quicker the next time around! Either way, reaching out as early in the pregnancy as possible is always advised to ensure we can book in a date that suits you within this 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 rescheduling if it ends up predicting all-day rain), 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.