Frequently asked questions | Emma Pender Photography

Top Melbourne Newborn & Baby Photographer

When is the best time to do my newborn session?

After nearly 8 years photographing the most adorable babies in Melbourne, we’ve found that the best age to do a newborn session is 7-10 days old. At this stage, babies are still very sleepy during the day (maybe not so much at night!) and very supple which is essential for newborn photos with props.

What if I don’t know when exactly my baby will arrive?

We only take a certain amount of bookings per month so that we can be flexible with babies arriving before and after their due date. We just ask that you let us know within a day or two of baby’s arrival and we’ll arrange the session date from there. If you haven’t made a booking and you’ve had a baby, still feel free to contact me and we’ll do our best to fit you in.

Where will the newborn session be held?
The session will take place at our cozy Sunbury studio, where we have all our dresses for mum, over 300 knitted bonnets, headbands, blankets, props etc

What type of newborn sessions do you offer? Posed newborns or lifestyle shots or both?
We photograph both posed and lifestyle newborn sessions and have packages to suit both styles of photography.

Can I incorporate sibling and family photos with my baby?
Yes, definitely! We offer two packages that includes immediate family. The gold package is really focused on the family and is more of a lifestyle session. The platinum package (our most popular package) has baby posed in newborn props and also photos of the family in our lifestyle setting.

What happens if my baby needs feeding during the photoshoot?
If baby needs a feed, you are more than welcome to do so in our studio. We encourage you to take your time feeding and we do not rush this process. For your privacy, we leave the studio while you are feeding. For the session to be successful, it is essential that baby is content. You may be concerned about how baby will cooperate at the session, but we have a lot of experience dealing with newborns and only 2 in 700 babies have needed to return to the studio another day for a second attempt.

What happens if I miss the newborn stage?
I highly recommend contacting me as soon as you decide to have a photography session. Every age is beautiful to capture and there are always options for a session.

On the Blog | Melbourne Newborn & Maternity | PhotographerEmma Pender Photography

Melbourne Newborn & Family Photographer

Melbourne Best Newborn Photographer | Emma Pender Photography

Platinium newborn session | Emma Pender Photography

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Family Photographer Melbourne | Emma Pender Photography

Relaxed and FUN FILLED family session in Melbourne

I just loveeee family sessions as I find it adorable how parents interact with their little ones and make them burst out with laughter. In this particular session, mum spoke of her desire to fill her house with beautiful photos that would bring joy to her home. This is why I do photography! My aim during the sessions is to capture the rawness of each family, the craziness, and love for each other. I strive to freeze those genuine moments that showcase the unique bond and connection within your family. The end goal is to create timeless images that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart for years to come.

Grace, you are just too adorable | Melbourne Newborn Photographer

The Newborn stage is just the sweetest

Why is so important document the newborn stage?

Absolutely, capturing the newborn stage is crucial. It is a fleeting moment that passes by all too quickly. Through photography, we can freeze these precious moments in time, allowing you to cherish and relive them for years to come. Emma Pender Photography is dedicated to preserving these priceless memories for you and your family. Feeling an overwhelming sense of pride as I hold our newborn in my arms, gazing lovingly at my partner. In this moment, our hearts are full, knowing that we have created something so precious together. This love and pride we share bind us together in ways we never imagined. Embracing the simple yet profound joys that parenthood has brought into our lives, we find strength and solace in the unity of our family. The beauty of these fleeting moments captures the essence of new beginnings and everlasting love.

Storytelling With Your Child | Melbourne Family Photographer

capturing the pure innocence and joyful spirit of children

At Emma Pender Photography, we understand the profound significance of capturing the enduring essence of true love for your children. Our goal is to freeze those fleeting moments that define your unique family story, creating timeless photographs that will serve as a cherished heirloom narrating your journey for generations to come.

Through our lens, we aim to encapsulate the deep bonds and emotions that form the foundation of your family's love. Whether it's a shared glance, a warm embrace, or a playful moment, we strive to immortalize these connections in images that will stand the test of time.

By entrusting us to document your family's love, you are investing in a legacy that will be treasured by your children and their children after them. Let us help you create a visual narrative of love, joy, and togetherness—captured in photographs that transcend time and speak volumes without words.

As a parent, there are moments when time seems to slip by too quickly. Those fleeting seconds when you wish you could hit pause and soak in the beauty of your children as they laugh, play, and grow right before your eyes. It's in these instances of stillness that the weight of your life's journey settles upon you, and you find yourself reflecting on the path that has brought you to this point.

Every smile, every hug, every shared experience becomes a treasure to hold onto tightly. The chaos of daily life fades into the background, and all that matters is the love and connection you have with your little ones. These moments of pause are the ones that etch themselves into your memory, serving as a reminder of what truly matters in life.

So, as you gaze upon your beautiful kids, feeling the warmth of their presence envelop you, take a mental snapshot to cherish. Let time stand still for just a moment longer, savoring the purity and innocence that radiates from them. For in these simple moments of togetherness, you'll find the true essence of happiness and fulfillment.

Emma Pender is a Newborn & Maternity Photographer based in Melbourne, Australia

©2024 Emma Pender Photography

Melbourne Newborn Photography | Emma Pender Photography

The First FEW Weeks with your newborn baby

During those initial weeks with your newborn, you navigate the delicate balance of sleep deprivation, fluctuating emotions and unfathomable love for your baby. The essence of motherhood is a magical journey filled with precious moments shared with your partner and little one. Bringing a baby into the family also strengthens the connection you have with your partner as you navigate the joys and challenges of raising a family together.

True love and joy overflow in every corner of your new life as a parent, bringing with it a sense of fulfillment and profound happiness that knows no bounds.

The sweet smell of a newborn baby is a delicate mixture of innocence and purity. It evokes feelings of warmth and tenderness, drawing loved ones closer to breathe in this precious aroma. This scent is a reminder of new beginnings and the miracle of life unfolding before us. The sweet smell of a newborn baby is a gift that fills the heart with love and gratitude, imprinting memories that last a lifetime.

Real Connection in Family Photography | Emma Pender Photography Blog

Immortalizing Family Love and Joyful Bonds at Sunset

We are absolutely thrilled to hear about the wonderful session with Danielle and her beautiful family. The feedback about the evening weather being perfect, providing that coveted golden hour glow, warms our hearts. Our goal is always to capture those candid moments of pure happiness and love, especially when children are carefree and joyful. These are the moments that we strive to freeze in time, creating forever memories that encapsulate the genuine connection and love within a family. Thank you for entrusting us to document these cherished moments in your family session.

We strive to capture the raw and authentic essence of motherhood, love, and the unique bond that exists between a mother and each of her children. Through our lens, we aim to portray the powerful emotions and connections that define this special relationship.
Every motherhood journey is a distinct and profound experience, and we are dedicated to honoring and celebrating the individual love and bond that exists between a mother and each of her children. Our photography seeks to encapsulate the genuine moments of tenderness, joy, and resilience that embody this extraordinary connection.
At Emma Pender Photography, we understand the deeply personal and sentimental nature of capturing these moments, and we approach each photo session with sensitivity and respect. Our aim is to create images that reflect the pure and unfiltered beauty of the mother-child relationship, preserving these timeless memories for generations to come.
Through our lens, we’re to capture the authentic and timeless bond that unites a mother and her children, allowing these cherished moments to be frozen in time and savored for years to come.

How to prepare for your newborn session? | Emma Pender Photography

How to prepare for your session? 

What should I bring to my newborn session? 

Newborn sessions go for about 2-3 hours in general so there are some essential items that you’ll need to bring.

They are:

• enough milk if you are bottle feeding. You don’t want to run out of this! Babies tend to feed a bit more during the session as their sleep is more disrupted.

• Nappies

• Dummy 

• Snacks and drinks for mum and dad

How to encourage my sibling to be in the photos? 

Prior to the session, we recommend talking to your child about where you are going and what you’ll be doing. Always talk really positively about it. The more aware they are about the session, the better! 

I also find having a little surprise or treat for your child for after the session, to be really helpful 

How to prepare for the session? 

We highly recommend trying to feed your baby really well, just before the session. That way we should be able to go through all or nearly all the session without baby becoming unsettled. A lot of clients love our photos of babies posed in props and they need to be really sleepy to pose them in this way. 

Another tip is to try to keep baby awake for an hour before making your way to the session. 

And lastly, relax and enjoy it :) 

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The sweetest baby in the studio | Melbourne newborn photographer

Baby Adaline | Melbourne newborn PHOTOGRAPHER

Baby Adaline and her lovely parents Holly and Matt made the big trip across to Melbourne from western Victoria for her newborn session. It really is amazing and so appreciated that clients are happy to travel such long distances so that we can capture these gorgeous moments for them. Holly and Matt decided to go with the platinum package for their newborn session, which enabled them to receive beautiful photos of Adaline alone in props and also timeless photos as a family in our boho setting.

Jess and Dan's Maternity Session | Emma Pender Photography

When the lighting is just perfect….. | mELBOURNE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Capturing the Beauty of Maternity in Warm Weather

There is something truly enchanting about capturing the joy and anticipation of a stunning mum-to-be and her loved husband as they await the arrival of their little one. The warmth of the weather seems to imbue the air with an extra sense of excitement and vibrancy, mirroring the emotions of the beautiful people in front of the lens.
The beauty of a maternity photo shoot lies not only in the visual aesthetics but also in the genuine emotions that unfold during the session. There's an undeniable sense of joy and warmth as the expectant mother and her loved ones come together, celebrating this special moment. Laughter and heartfelt conversations fill the air, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the unique bond shared by the soon-to-be parents.
As the mum-to-be basks in the glow of motherhood, her radiance is further accentuated by the gentle caress of the sun's warmth. The golden hour becomes a magical backdrop, enhancing the beauty of this momentous occasion.
Each photograph becomes a testament to the depth of emotions experienced during this time from the quiet, tender moments. These images serve as a time capsule, capturing not just the physical beauty of the moment, but the raw and profound emotions that come with the anticipation of a new life entering the world.
In the gentle embrace of the warm weather, amidst smiles and loving glances, we immortalize the beautiful journey of awaiting the baby's arrival. It's a celebration of life, love, and the remarkable strength of a mother as she awaits the most precious gift - a testament to both the innate beauty of maternity and the joyous emotions that come with it.

Jess and Dan’s maternity session was so much fun! We spent the evening laughing and enjoying ourselves, which I think shows in the photos :) This particular location is in Sunbury and it’s so quiet which makes clients feel at ease. This is essential for maternity and family sessions as no one wants to be watched while they are being photographed!

Beautiful Ellie and Lily | Melbourne Newborn Photographer

Motherhood Session in the studio | Emma Pender Photography

Those beautiful Autumn sunsets in Macedon Ranges | Emma Pender Photography

Family sessions in autumn with Emma Pender Photography

Although Summer is definitely the most requested season for family sessions, my personal preference is Autumn! The light is absolutely gorgeous and sets in the most perfect spot behind the trees. Secondly, the sun sets earlier, which means we can start sessions just before 4pm rather than around 7.30pm in summer. Anyone with kids knows that this can be a difficult time to get them to cooperate. While we’re talking about start times, you might be wondering why we have to start close to sunset. Of course we could do a midday session, but we find the soft light at the end of the day really flattering, rather than the bright afternoon sun which will create dark shadows and overexposed highlights on your faces.
Autumn certainly is a bit more chilly than Summer, but I personally think that layers and knitted clothing look amazing in photos…so don’t be afraid to rug up :)

Melbourne Family Photographer | Emma Pender Photography

Melbourne Best Family Photographer

This session was so much fun with Nadia, Goran and the boys! They are also photographers at @shutterviewphotography.com.au It really is a privilege when someone from the same industry asks you to photograph their family 😍

I just love photographing families! My aim is to capture the tender moments between loved ones 🥰 And when you have the sweetest people, beautiful location and light…it’s just magic!

What to expect at a maternity session? | Emma Pender Photography

What to expect at a maternity session?

Maternity sessions will me are aimed to be enjoyable, relaxed, with no stress what so ever! I don’t expect anyone to know what do in front of the camera and not everyone enjoys having their photo taken. But I’m there to help ease you through each step.

Are children and partners included in the session?

Yes definitely!! I thoroughly encourage that they are in the photos so that when baby is old enough, they’ll be able to see this special moment before they entered the world.

When should you do the session?
I recommend doing the session at around 30-34 weeks of pregnancy, while your tummy is nice and round, but before it becomes more painful and tiring, closer to your due date.

Maternity sessions are held every day of the week, towards sunset time, at a quiet location in Sunbury or Macedon Ranges.

Melbourne Family Photography | Family Portraits | Emma Pender Photography

Introducing Family Sessions and Mummy n Me sessions

After doing so many maternity sessions out in the beautiful hills around Sunbury, we decided to start offering Family and Mummy n Me sessions to our repertoire.
Lets be honest, we all worry about how our children are going to behave during a photoshoot! That’s why we aim to photograph more natural shots and capture their personality, rather than posing them.
Here’s a couple of tips though that can help get the best photos of your little ones :)

Plan on doing something enjoyable after the session

As a reward, it can be a good idea to plan on doing something enjoyable after the session such as going to the playground, getting pizza or ice cream. Something that will will look forward to after the session has finished.

Let them shine

Children feed of our energy so it’s best to try to be as positive as possible prior and during the session. Let them relax and show their natural personality, while we capture the moment. Letting children be themselves, will keep them engaged for longer during the session.

Talk to them aboutt what to expect

Children will do best if they know what to expect. Talking to them about how they are going to meet with a photographer at a park, how long it will take, how important it is to have photos of the family all together, will help your child be in the right mindset.