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.

Milestones | The best age to capture cute photos off your baby

Baby Milestone Sessions

Capturing the tummy time milestone session is a delightful moment in a baby's journey, typically occurring around 3-4 months of age. At this stage, babies are brimming with smiles and are highly interactive, engaging in eye contact with their curious gaze. While they are not yet able to sit on their own or crawl away, they exhibit endearing behaviors such as chewing on their fingers, grasping their tiny toes, and successfully holding their head up during tummy time. These sessions are a joy to document and serve as timeless treasures to look back on.

This is an adorable phase where babies are smiling, laughing, and becoming more interactive. They are starting to roll over and are recognizing the sound of their parents' voices, which can be beneficial during a photo session. This age is perfect for capturing genuine moments of joy and engagement. Additionally, babies at this stage tend to have more regular sleep patterns, making it easier to plan a successful session. It's also the age when babies begin to smile at strangers, becoming more animated and socially engaging.

The baby milestone sessions are designed to be short, catering to the baby's attention span. They are also family-focused, welcoming parents and siblings to join in. The goal is to capture baby with their unique personality, and the precious milestones they reach.

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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Melbourn Best Newborn Photographer | Emma Pender Photography

Sibling Photos always melt my heart

Is there anything cuter than sibling photos?!

Siblings photos are absolutely the most adored and treasured photos as a parent. The way that they look adoringly at their little brother or sister is just beautiful and melts your heart. As a photographer, being able to freeze that moment in time for their parents to look back on, brings me so much joy. Through the lens of a camera, the story of sibling love unfolds in smiles, hugs, and the reassurance that no matter what life brings, a sibling will always be by your side.

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.

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.

Little bundle of joy | Emma Pender Photography

Newborn session in the studio with baby Pia

There is a profound and indescribable love that washes over you when you hold your first newborn baby girl in your arms. It's a love that transcends words and surpasses anything you've ever felt before. As you gaze into her tiny face, you're overcome with a sense of wonder and awe at the miracle of life. Every touch, every precious moment spent with her fills your heart to the brim with pure, unconditional love. In that instant, you know that this little bundle of joy will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Last week, Emma Pender Photography had the privilege of documenting an incredibly meaningful newborn photography session with baby Pia and her parents. The atmosphere in the studio was filled with an overwhelming sense of love and happiness, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience. As Pia peacefully dozed, we carefully captured her delicate features and tiny fingers, preserving timeless memories that her family will hold dear for years to come. Pia's mother exuded a captivating radiance, exemplifying the pure splendor of motherhood and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. The studio session was brimming with tender moments, delicately capturing the essence of genuine love and the remarkable journey of motherhood. Each image from the session beautifully encapsulated the emotions and profound connection between Pia and her mother, ensuring that these precious moments will be cherished for a lifetime. We at Emma Pender Photography feel deeply honored to have played a part in this heartfelt and beautiful newborn session, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue capturing such precious moments for families.

A week of Newborn girls in the studio | Emma Pender Photography

Six gorgeous newborn girls this week

At Emma Pender Photography, I have had the privilege of being a leading Melbourne newborn photographer, where I've joyfully documented the innocence and beauty of numerous newborn girls this week. Conducting multiple newborn sessions has filled my days with heartwarming moments, each one uniquely treasured in its own special way. Understanding the significance of these early moments, my aim is to create a nurturing and comfortable environment for both the newborn and their family. Through delicate poses and tender close-ups, We strive to capture the pure essence of each precious infant, freezing these fleeting moments in time. If you're in search of a skilled and empathetic Melbourne newborn photographer to preserve the earliest memories of your little one, Emma Pender Photography is here to bring your vision to life.

Beautiful Ellie and Lily | Melbourne Newborn Photographer

Motherhood Session in the studio | Emma Pender Photography

20% off all SESSIONS | Emma Pender Photography

It hasn't gone unnoticed that a lot of people are finding it quite tough financially at the moment. We wouldn't want you to miss out on having your special moments photographed, so we are offering a discount for the rest of this month. Until the end of June 2023, we'll be offering 20% off all new bookings for all session types. Payment plans are available so please don't hesitate to ask if this would make things a little easier for you.

Your trusted local Newborn & Maternity photographer | Emma Pender Photography

Why is important book a maternity or newborn session?

Are you in search of a highly regarded local newborn photographer who possesses the ability to capture the exceptional essence of this cherished period in your life? With a unique and timeless approach, Emma Pender specializes in conducting newborn and maternity photography sessions in Melbourne that impeccably encapsulate the transitory moments of new life and the anticipation of joy. Our remarkable portfolio stands as a testament to her artistic flair and her knack for crafting images that resound with sentiment and genuineness. Each session is tailored to offer a personalized encounter, honoring the distinctive narrative of every family. Thus, if you are prepared to perpetuate the grace and purity of your newborn or the effulgent radiance of your pregnancy. Photographs are the one way that enable us to capture a moment in our busy and fast paced lives. Our families are constantly growing and changing, so ever gradual that you don’t realize until you look back at older photos. This is even more true when considering maternity and newborn photographs. These moments in our lives are incredibly short and emotional and need to be captured. We might not be able to go back in time to cuddle our squishy newborn, but we'll have our photos to look back on nostalgically.

When considering hiring a professional photographer, the most important aspect is to choose someone that takes photos that you love and someone you feel like you can be comfortable around. This is what we personally love doing - capturing photos that you'll love and treasure for years to come! We still get a buzz when we receive beautiful feedback from clients about how special the photos mean to them.

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Ballarat Newborn Photographer | Emma Pender Photography

Lately, we've had several clients from the Bendigo and Ballarat region

I can't thank clients enough for travelling long distances with their tiny, little babies. The proud and honoured feeling of parents telling me that their newborn session is baby's first outing, never gets old.

I ask clients a lot about how they found us and why they chose us and their answer nearly 100% of the time is that they love the warm and rustic photographs. If you'd like to read more about what other clients feel our their experience with us, you can read their reviews in the website

Best Melbourne Newborn Photographer | Emma Pender Photography

2023 Melbourne Best Newborn Photographer

When should I make a newborn booking?

We only take a certain amount of bookings per month so we recommend booking as early as possible during your pregnancy to ensure availability.
When is the best time to photograph newborns?
For our style of photography we recommend doing the newborn session in the first 12 days after birth.

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Welcoming a new baby into the family | Emma Pender Photography

Time is such a thief

What I would do to have photos like this with my two little ones?! photos that show just how loved and small baby once was. Welcoming a new baby into the family is the most amazing experience and we need to document these special moments before they are distant memories. Time is such a thief

When to do a newborn session | Emma Pender Photography

Why are newborn sessions recommended in the first 2 weeks?

I have so many enquiries from parents hoping to do a newborn session with their 8 week old baby so I thought I'd do a little blog on why we highly recommend doing the session in the first 14 days after birth. 
This is because mothers pass on a hormone called melatonin to their babies, but it declines around week three. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep, therefore if a baby has more melatonin then they are more likely to sleep deeply during the session, which is essential for a lot of poses. For safety reasons, we don't like posing babies awake in buckets for example, as they need to be relaxed and moving around.
As it is such a short time frame after birth, I'd recommend booking in your newborn photographer prior to giving birth. This will be one less thing that you need to think about when you are sleep deprived with a newborn :)
If your baby is over 2 weeks of age already, please still get in contact as we still have had successful sessions til 4 weeks of age. For babies over 4 weeks of age, we recommend a more unposed session in our studio.

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3 Reasons Why You Should Take Maternity Photos | Emma Pender Photography

Why every mumma to be should do a maternity photo shoot

1. To relive what it was like to be pregnant

Everyone tells you, that once your baby is born, the time flies away and what seemed like an eternity of being pregnant; will be a distant memory. Capturing the moment in a maternity session is a beautiful way of being able to look back in years to come and remember those gorgeous little kicks that you once felt.

2. Have an reason to get all dolled up

I think we’d be lying if we said that pregnancy makes you feel absolutely glamorous. I still haven’t forgotten about the constant reflux…yuck! But I was determined to get dressed up with my daughter and have our maternity photos and I’m so glad I did. A lot of time you may feel like wearing the most comfortable clothing that you own but a maternity session is a perfect excuse to get your hair and make up done and look stunning. If you don’t have a dress of your own that you’d like to wear; don’t worry as we have a large variety of gowns for you to choose from. . A maternity session allows you to appreciate your beauty and strength and to remind yourself of how absolutely stunning you are.

3. Capturing the journey with your partner

One of the most asked questions that I receive is ‘Can my partner be in the photos?’ and the answer is ‘OF COURSE’! They are hugely encouraged to come along to the maternity session as some of the most gorgeous photos are of the little interactions between the couple. Whether it’s your first, second or third pregnancy, being present in the photos is a special way of capturing the change in your relationship and the anticipation of parenthood.

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