FAQ

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

In Morningside Manor, Sandton, Johannesburg but I travel throughout Gauteng for lifestyle shoots.

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?

Lifestyle photography is the capturing of people in real life events, milestones and moments. For me this is the photographing of births, pregnancies and families

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE

Short answer: Creative. Vibrant. Storytelling.
Long Answer: My aim is to capture photos that tell a story, that are filled with raw emotion. I love to do this with a unique creative eye. I capture all the small moments that in years to come don’t seem so small at all.

I’M NERVOUS TO HAVE MY PHOTOS TAKEN/I’M NOT PHOTOGENIC:

It is totally normal to feel this way. There is no need to stress about your shoot. I will guide you and your family throughout your shoot so you don’t have to worry about not knowing what to do. There is a difference between guiding and posing. Posing doesn’t leave room for real, genuine moments however guiding does. I will often include movement or an action into the shot to leave room for you all to interact organically.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE A MATERNITY SHOOT?

Anytime between 29 and 33 weeks. That way the bump is nice and full but you still feel comfortable and not too tired.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS AND HOW DO WE MAKE A BOOKING?

It will take 2 – 3 weeks to receive your images. To make a booking you get in touch with me here with your request. I will then send you my rates. Once you have decided what you would like to book I will send you a contract and invoice and we can chat availability. To secure the booking I require a signed contract and 25% booking fee. The remaining 75% is due one week prior to the shoot date.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A NEWBORN SHOOT?

Anytime within baba’s first month. This shoot is done in the comfort of your home so you don’t have to worry about taking baby out the house.

DO YOU USE PROPS FOR NEWBORN SHOOTS?

Nope, this newborn photography style does not fit into my documentary storytelling approach. If you have a cute little outfit for baba or some sentimental pieces you would like to include that is awesome and we can definitely incorporate these. We will definitely get photographs of baby by themselves they will just not be intricately posed with studio lighting :) but in more of a natural setting.

DO YOU OFFER ANY OTHER BABY SHOOTS BESIDES NEWBORN SHOOTS?

I do offer baby’s first year shoots, which are 3 shoots during babies first year: 3/4 months (first smiles), 6/7 months (sitting up unassisted) and 1 year (standing)

WHAT TIME IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE A FAMILY SHOOT?

The best time is early in the morning when the light is still soft and beautiful and most kiddies are at the happiest early in the morning after a good sleep. If you prefer a different time of the day we can definitely change the time to suit your family. If the kids are a little older and do fine in the afternoon then a shoot around sunset is lovely. At home shoots can be done anytime of the day when you have the most natural light in the house.

WHERE DO THE FAMILY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

They will take place at one location of your choice. I do love shooting at home (nothing like being in your own environment to get lovely natural candid photos) or at a location you love, example a park. For kiddies aged between 2 and 4 I would advise that when choosing a location to not choose one with too many distractions :)

WHAT SHOULD WE ALL WEAR?

Exactly what you like – you all want to look and feel like yourselves. As a guide simple clothes and neutral colours tend to work best and avoiding logos and stripes is preferable. Layering works really well for creating different looks and a change of outfit can be a good idea for very little ones. Textures like lace and soft knits add interest without competing for attention.

WHAT IF MY LITTLE ONE IS NOT COOPERATING?

Firstly do not stress, this is completely normal. I have yet to shoot a family shoot where there was not at least one moment where the child was a little fussy or did not want their photo taken. I have a lot of patients for little ones. I also love to capture each child’s personality (the good, bad and the ugly :)) Should your kiddo be extra fussy I am happy to extend the session until I am happy with the amount of images I got.

WHY HIRE A BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER?

How many times have you heard the best day of my life was my wedding day and the day my children were born. We all hire photographers for our weddings so why not for our births. Just imagine being able to look back 10,15, 20 years down the line and be able to see the moment your child was born, your reaction, the first time you held your baby or imagine being able to show your pregnant daughter photos of her being born. It may seem like a strange concept to many especially fathers but I photograph births with the utmost respect and honour and shoot them in an unobtrusive way.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY?

Firstly what a great honour it is to capture the beginning of life itself. I use my documentary style to capture birth in a respectful, non-obtrusive way while abiding by the rules and regulations laid out by the SABPA (South African Birth Photography Association) of which I am a proud member of. I love to capture all the little moments from a distance while still using a creative, storytelling approach.

WHAT IS A FRESH 48 SESSION?

This session is an intimate session scheduled for the first 24-48 hours of babies life. Either taken at the hospital or at home depending on where you are. This is a great way to capture all those little details (who doesn’t love tiny baby feet or a little button nose), dad’s first diaper change, meeting of the siblings for the first time or granny’s first cuddle. From the moment your baby is born they will begin to grow so quickly – a noticeable difference even every few days. So this is a lovely chance to photograph them at their smallest.