FAQ

When should I enquire about booking a newborn photography session?

A.Ideally in your 2nd or 3rd trimester, well before your baby is born. I am booked up 3-4 months in advance. If your baby has been born or is due soon, please do still reach out. I have a wait list system and sometimes can wiggle 1-2 more sessions, depending on where my sessions land for my confirmed clients (due to the nature of some babies being born early and some late),

How old should my baby be for the newborn session?

A.The ideal window for most newborn photography, is when they are only 5 - 20 days new, while they tend to sleep heavily and are able to be posed. As the days fly by, they begin to be awake for longer periods and are less flexible, so traditional posed newborn photography becomes more of a challenge. For lifestyle newborn photography, as they session is not focused around posing the baby, it can be done up to around 90 days new.

That being said, I have excellent experience and I am happy to do newborn photo shoots up to two months, as long as the parents can adjust their expectations on the style of images that can be achieved, depending on the baby at the time.

What happens if my baby comes early or later?

A.Due to the nature of births, I absolutely understand that things may not go to plan. To maintain flexibility for my confirmed clients with scheduling, I only book a limited number of photoshoots a month. This enables me to adjust my schedule when required, where possible. I do ask that you contact me to let me know how things are progressing closer to the due date, so I can manage my schedule accordingly. Cancellations or rescheduling requests within 24 hours of the booked session, without a medical emergency or urgent reason are however non-refundable.

How should I prepare for my session?

A.After I receive confirmation of a booking, I always schedule a consultation chat on the phone to go through what to expect and how to prepare, so we can get the most from your photoshoot. I will also follow up with a reminder, after the baby is born and a few days before the photoshoot itself.

What should I wear for the photoshoot?

A.My priority is that you are feeling comfortable. With that in mind, I would encourage you to choose a colour of your choice, but ask you to avoid any apparel with busy patterns, or wide stripes or loud branding that will pull the eye away from what matters most in the photo, your family. I usually also go over this in more detail in our pre photo session consultation chat.

For my style of photography though, often lighter neautral palettes work well.

Do you have your own props or should I prepare my own?

A.I have an extensive ever growing collection of props, blankets, wraps, hats, beanies, headbands… but I do love personalising sessions, so if you have an item that you would like to include in the session, that is always very welcomed.

How long does a photo session last?

A.All my newborn photography sessions are entirely baby led. The length of the session will depend on the baby, as well as what type of package you have chosen. Ahead of the photo shoot, I will remind you how to best prepare to get the most from the session, so we can streamline the flow and work around the baby's feeding schedule and comfort.

A Just baby wrapped mini session is up to an hour and a half.

A bespoke studio newborn photography session is up to 3 hours.

Milestone and family photo shoots tend to be around an hour, or up to an hour and a half in some cases.

When will I get my images?

A.I will send out the water marked online soft proof gallery within 3 days from our photoshoot.

I strive to deliver a fully edited collection by online digital gallery within 2 weeks from when you have made you image selection.

What safety precautions do you take as a newborn photographer?

A.The safety of your baby is my priority at all times. Lullaby Images was establilshed in 2016 and I have extensive experience in handling newborns, plus keep up to date with all newbon photography industry standards surrounding newborn safety recommendations.

When they are so little their immune systems have not fully developed; so I personally ensure that my studio and props are all cleaned thoroughly and my fabrics are all washed in non bio detergents.

All props I use are also carefully selected and crafted with love, with the specific purpose of newborn photography. The space itself is maintained at an appropriate temperature, for traditional posing shoots, that means a toasty 26-28°C [78-82°F].

For more advanced poses, I may take multiple images and composite them together in photoshop, so there is a support hand when needed. This means that they are never uncomfortable and are always fully supported.

I personally also keep up to date with all my vaccinations and get the annual flu jab. I am also fully COVID-19 vaccinated with four doses of BioNtech (the last dose taken in October 2022).

How long have you been a photographer?

A.My father is a prominent Hong Kong actor, so from a young age I have had a huge appreciation of cinematography and the power of photography to move people.

I picked up my first analogue SLR camera in 2000, a gift from my father, and haven’t looked back since. I’ve enjoyed working with both analogue cameras, digital SLRs and mirror-less cameras. There is nothing I love more than observing the world around me, and capturing moments.

Professionally speaking though, I established Lullaby Images Ltd in 2016 and have since felt like I have quite literally had the best job in the world!

Why do photographers charge what they charge?

A.Being a photographer is an expensive profession. The cost of the camera, lenses, gear, props is quite extensive and the sky is definitely the limit.

It is also worth keeping in mind that you are not only paying for someone to simply press a button on a fancy camera. You are investing in their knowledge and experience. I have been a photographer for over 20 years, which equates to a wealth of experience and knowledge. How to compose an image beautifully, style where necessary, understand and play with lighting, know which lenses will work best for which shot. After the photoshoot, it's also an investment in the ability to professionally process the images, including selecting and culling, as well as any photo editing to polish the image, so it has that beautiful timeless quality.

Have you taken any newborn photography workshops?

A.Absolutely!

I have been professionally trained completing two separate newborn posing and safety courses, taught by two international award winning experts, Kelly Brown of Little Pieces Photography (Australia) and Julia Kelleher of Jewel Images (USA). 

For newborn photography specifically, with advanced poses your babies safely is most important. So it is vital that your newborn portrait photographer has the training and experience to ensure that your baby is always comfortable and well supported

.... I am also endlessly reading articles, blogs, books and watching videos on newborn photography, to stay up to date with all safety recommendations. I also take annual newborn photography online summits and workshops.

Are you comfortable with preemies?

A.Yes. it is important to make me aware of any medical issues, so we can make an appropriate judgement call on the best age to schedule the session. Normally with all things being well, their session would still be scheduled four to fourteen days from their expected due date, regardless on if they were too excited to meet you and came early. I have experience with preemies and do understand every little one is different, so happy to work together with you to help you catch some beautiful portraits.

What is the payment schedule?

A.A 25% non refundable holding deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your spot, in order to pencil it in my calendar.

The rest of the balance is due before the day of the session itself.

Do you have an assistant?

A.Yes!

A lovely lady called Bing has been helping me with all my studio sessions since April 2021, to help ensure that the flow is more streamlined and ensure that the teas and coffeess are topped up.

I handle the baby and photography, with Bings help with other aspects of the session.