The newborn period goes fast. Faster than people warn you about, and they warn you a lot. A session with me is a way to slow it down — to have something real to look back on from those first weeks.
Here's what to expect if you're thinking about booking.
My Approach
I photograph newborns the way I photograph every session: by following what's actually happening rather than trying to recreate something staged. It's the same approach whether I'm working with a family in central Launceston or travelling out to a property across northern Tasmania.
That means I'm not setting up elaborate poses or elaborate props. I'm watching. I'm looking for the small things — the way your baby curls into you, the look on your face when you hold them, an older sibling peering in with that particular mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Those are the images that tend to stay with people.
What this means in practice is that I won't arrive with a bag full of baskets and wraps and send you out of the room while I set things up. I'm there with you, in your space, working with what's actually happening. The images tend to feel more real for it — and they tend to mean more when you look back at them years down the track.
How Long It Takes
I aim for around 30 to 40 minutes, but I don't hold anyone to that. If bub is unsettled, we slow down. If you need a break, we take one. There's no timeline to meet and no reason to feel rushed. I'd much rather you leave feeling relaxed than feel like we were racing against the clock.
Where We Shoot
Home is the most common option and it's usually my first recommendation. Your own space is comfortable for you and for bub, and there's something about that familiar environment that comes through in the photos. Don't stress about it being spotless either — I'm very used to lived-in homes and honestly, I prefer them.
That said, it doesn't have to be home. If you have a beautiful garden, if you'd prefer to be outside, or if there's somewhere that means something to you, we can work around that. I'm based in Launceston and travel across northern Tasmania for sessions, so wherever you are, just get in touch and we'll figure out what makes sense.
Preparing Your Space
You don't need to do much. If we're shooting indoors, the main thing is natural light — a room with a good window is ideal. I'll work with whatever you have, but if you can clear a little space near your best light source, that helps.
Keep the house at a temperature that's comfortable for bub, which usually means a little warmer than you'd normally have it. A fed, sleepy baby is the goal. Beyond that, don't overthink it.
If there are any items you'd like to include — a blanket that belonged to a grandparent, something from the nursery, a piece of clothing with meaning — let me know beforehand and we can work those in naturally.
When to Book
The first two weeks are when newborns are sleepiest and that tucked-up, just-arrived quality is most present. I'd suggest reaching out during your pregnancy to hold a date, and we can adjust once bub arrives.
If it's already been a few weeks, don't stress. Older babies are still all that squishy goodness and absolutely worth photographing. The feel of the session shifts a little — they're more alert, more expressive — but that's not a bad thing at all.
Siblings and Partners
If you have older children, bring them in. The images of a sibling meeting a new baby — that particular mix of curiosity and tenderness — are often the ones families treasure most. I find it works best to include siblings at the start of the session when everyone's fresh, then let them go off and do their own thing once we've got what we need.
Partners are absolutely welcome to be in the photos. Some of the most beautiful newborn images I've taken are the quiet ones — two people looking at each other over a new baby, not at the camera at all.
What I Need From You
Not much. Just a fed, comfortable baby and a bit of natural light if we're indoors. I'll take care of the rest.
If You're Not Comfortable in Front of a Camera
Then you're in very good company. A lot of the parents I photograph feel the same way, especially in those first sleep-deprived weeks when you're barely holding things together and someone shows up with a camera.
I'm not here to produce images of you performing. I'm here to catch you with your baby, and that doesn't require you to do anything except be there.
Your Gallery
You'll receive your edited gallery within three to four weeks. I usually send a sneak peek through within a few days so you have something to share in the meantime.
Your gallery will include a range of images — some with bub alone, some with you and your partner, some with siblings if they're involved. The focus is always on the real moments rather than the posed ones, and the editing is kept natural so the images feel timeless rather than heavily processed.
If you're thinking about a newborn session in Launceston or across Tasmania, feel free to get in touch. The earlier the better, but even last-minute, I'll always try to make it work.
— Milly