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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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.

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.

Beautiful Ellie and Lily | Melbourne Newborn Photographer

Motherhood Session in the studio | Emma Pender Photography

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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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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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.

Emma Pender Photography featured as top newborn photographers in Melbourne

We have been featured as Shutterturf's top newborn photographers in Melbourne

Capturing the Timeless Beauty of New Beginnings
When it comes to newborn photography in Melbourne, Emma Pender Photography stands out as the top choice for exquisite and timeless portraits. Specializing in capturing the innocence and purity of newborns, Emma Pender Photography is renowned for their exceptional quality and attention to detail.
With a keen eye for capturing tender moments and a dedication to creating artistic and emotive newborn photos, Emma Pender Photography ensures that each newborn session results in stunning, cherished images that families will treasure for a lifetime.
By seamlessly blending expert photography skills with a warm and nurturing approach, Emma Pender Photography creates an environment where newborns are at ease, allowing their natural beauty to shine through.
For those seeking a top Melbourne newborn photographer to elegantly encapsulate the precious early moments of a newborn's life, Emma Pender Photography consistently delivers breathtaking, high-quality portraits that celebrate the joy and wonder of new beginnings.
When you choose Emma Pender Photography, you can be confident that you're choosing a photographer who will provide you with amazing, top-notch results every time. Discover the magic of newborn photography with us today.

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Questions for your newborn photographer | Melbourne Newborn Photographer

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age do you prefer to photograph newborn sessions?

Most professional newborn photographers know that babies are most ‘womb-like’ in the first 2 weeks of life. That means that the ideal time for a newborn session is generally when a baby is 5-12 days old.

The main reason that I like to photograph babies within the first 12 days is that newborns sleep a lot – typically up to 17 to 18 hours a day. Many of the poses I do require that baby be in a deep sleep. Older babies tend to be more awake and squirm around which makes posing difficult.
Having said that, every baby is different. You can get a 5 day old baby that is fussy and wide awake or a 18 day old baby that sleeps like an dream. It all just depends on the baby. Babies are never too old to be photographed, however the posing and expectations may change, but regardless of the age, you will receive gorgeous images from the session for you to cherish forever.

While I will photograph a baby at almost any age, I still recommend you book as soon as possible in order to make sure you have the option of those cute poses in props. We hate turning people away because they didn’t realise that newborn were photographed so early

2. How long have you been working as a newborn photographer?

Many people who have children feel like they would be well suited to work with newborns since they have had babies of their own. But newborn photographers will tell you that every newborn is different and you need a lot of patience to get beautiful photographs of babies that are unsettled. Having being in the business for 5 years now and having photographed over 400 newborns, we have acquired the skills to pacify a colicky and unsettled baby. Good newborn photographers are patient, kind, and gentle with your baby.

3. Do you provide props?

Scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, you can easily see how popular props have become. If this is the style of photography that you are after, make sure you ask your photographer whether they provide the props. Our bonnets and headbands in particular are very unique as we handmade them for our own business but also for newborn photographers all over the world.

4. Do you have a studio or do you travel to our house?

Professional newborn photographers may have a retail studio, a home studio, or they may travel to your home. Beautiful images can be created in any of those settings and one is not necessarily better than the others, however the style of photography may be different depending on where it takes place. Our set up and prop collection is immense and therefore we don’t travel to homes.

5. Do you have an assistant at the session?

Not all newborn photographers will have an assistant, some will ask a parent to help them during the session. We personally prefer to work together with Emma as the photographer and Toni as the assistant. As we are both very experienced, we know how to pose and spot baby in props to ensure beautiful photographs but also done safely.

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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.