Warmth & Comfort

Babies love to be warm — especially for those sweet, bare-skin moments.
If your session will be held at home, please make sure the space feels cosy and comfortable.
If possible, have a portable heater nearby (I can bring one along if needed — just let me know beforehand).

Timing & Baby’s Rhythm

For very new little ones (around 10 weeks and under), try to keep baby awake for an hour or two before your session if possible — this often helps them settle into that beautiful, sleepy stage once we begin.

For older babies, follow their natural rhythm. If they’re happiest after a nap or feed, we’ll aim to start soon after that.

If your baby uses a pacifier, white noise or has a favourite comforter, please keep these close by.

Family Wardrobe and Styling

If your session includes family portraits, neutral tones always photograph beautifully.
Think soft, natural and timeless: beiges, whites, creams, earthy browns, olive greens, ochres and light denim.
Avoid strong patterns, logos or dark clothing, which can draw focus away from the connection we’re capturing.

When coordinating outfits for more than one person, aim for colours and textures that sit harmoniously together rather than matching exactly. Soft layers, simple silhouettes and natural fabrics tend to photograph best and allow everyone’s connection to remain the focus.

You can find inspiration on our Pinterest mood board for examples of how to coordinate looks in a simple, organic way:
https://au.pinterest.com/wildelementsimagery/session-outfit-inspiration/

If you’d like personalised advice, Elly is always happy to help with styling or colour guidance — just send us a few outfit ideas before your session.

You are not only welcome, but encouraged, to choose items of your own — pieces that you’ve tried, worn and feel comfortable in. These photographs are lasting keepsakes, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident on the day.

If you’re feeling like you don’t quite have the right piece, Elly is delighted to offer a range of versatile, beautiful client wardrobe options for Mums and Newborns as part of your session.
These pieces are designed to photograph softly and naturally and are intended as a supportive option rather than a requirement.
(See the images below for a few examples. Please refer to your package inclusions for T&Cs and included allowances for client wardrobe.)

Newborn Wardrobe and Styling

To help keep your session calm and beautifully considered, Elly has curated a refined collection of timeless newborn pieces — thoughtfully selected for their quality, comfort and understated elegance. These pieces are chosen for their beautiful natural fabrics, exceptional craftsmanship and gentle feel against newborn skin, and are designed to photograph softly, creating a clean, elevated and enduring look.

She brings along a carefully curated range of versatile and sweet outfit options in newborn sizing, with most pieces suited to babies sized 00000–00, and you’re warmly encouraged not to worry about dressing your little one for their session. Making use of these considered pieces allows the experience to feel effortless and unhurried, keeping the focus on your baby and the connection we’re capturing.

Of course, if you have a special outfit or something particular in mind, Elly would love to hear from you and is always happy to thoughtfully incorporate meaningful pieces where possible. Otherwise, please rest assured that she will bring along everything needed — including beautifully coordinated outfits and a curated selection of heirloom-style props such as soft blankets, wraps and baskets — to ensure your images feel cohesive, elevated and every bit as special as this magical chapter of your journey.

For Classic and Signature sessions, you’ll have the opportunity for two (possibly three) outfit changes — such as one swaddled and one non-swaddled look, or a romper and bare-skin moment.
You can see examples of these looks and newborn wardrobe pieces and props below, and we’ll finalise details together on the day.

Session Flow & Timing

Every baby is different, and I let your little one set the pace.
I allow plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and resettling as needed, so sessions sometimes run a little longer than expected — especially when older siblings are involved.

For this reason, I suggest keeping your schedule open afterwards and avoiding back-to-back plans.
My goal is to create a calm, unhurried space that allows your family to truly relax and enjoy the experience.

Creating a Beautiful Space

If we’re photographing at home, small touches can make a big difference.
Light, neutral bed linen (white or cream doona covers and pillowcases) creates a lovely, timeless backdrop — even if we only use your bed for a few close-up images with baby.

Before I arrive, try to remove any large or brightly coloured items from the rooms we’ll be using, but please don’t stress about making everything spotless — your home doesn’t need to look like a display home. I’ll gently guide you on what we might shift when I arrive.

Lighting & Flexibility

Natural light is key to the soft, glowing look you see in my images.
When I arrive, I’ll take a moment to assess which rooms have the most beautiful natural light — often near windows or open doorways.

If that’s different from where you first imagined shooting, please know that a little flexibility will help us create the most flattering and emotive results.

Phones, Photos & Presence

I kindly ask that you and your family refrain from taking photos or videos during the session — including on phones. This helps everyone stay relaxed and fully in the moment, and ensures the final images reflect that calm, connected energy.

Final Thoughts

Most importantly — please don’t stress about how things will go.
Your baby doesn’t need to “perform” or be perfectly settled. I've been though the newborn phase twice myself so I'm right there with you. I’m patient, adaptive and will gently guide the session to flow with your baby’s needs.

These sessions are intentionally flexible and peaceful — a space to simply be with your new little one.
My hope is that you’ll look back not only on the photos we create, but also on the experience itself — remembering how cozy, beautiful, and love-filled it felt.

I can’t wait to capture this precious chapter for your family.
If you have any questions (or just need reassurance before the day!), please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always happy to chat.