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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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.