For many people in Sydney their pregnancy is the first time they’ve looked for a photographer since their wedding. How do you choose with hundreds of options?
There are many styles and approaches to maternity photography in Sydney. For us, choosing a photographer with the right style and feel is very important.
Weddings and Pregnancy Portraits Are Different
The temptation is to get your wedding photographer. I mean, you probably spent months of research choosing that one, and you don’t want to spend another month now. And you kinda know them already right?
However you were researching epic wedding photos, not touching maternity photos that capture your connection with each other. You’ll soon find that the two things are so different that most AIPP Accredited Professional Photographers do one or the other, not both.
In a wedding where there’s an element of putting on a grand event for the benefit of your family and guests. You climbed that cliff to get the sunset shot. You stood in the rain so you could get that backlit shot. Some people even get the venue to spray water if the weather isn’t accommodating! It’s all showy, and outward facing.
Most people don’t stand on the edge of cliffs for no reason. Most don’t see it raining then walk out to have a kiss. For a wedding, it’s fine. But for a new baby with the love of your life, we don’t think you should be taking photos for likes.
Maternity Photographs Are About You
To us, pregnancy is a very soft and quiet time. It’s a time to be proud the things you’ve achieved together. To reflect on your journey, and hopes for the future.
Our clients want to celebrate the feelings they have, their excitement of a new baby. However they want to celebrate with people close to them, not show off to the world.
Despite what movies and TV tell you, getting pregnant isn’t always easy. For many couples, the journey has been long and hard. To respect this journey, we believe an authentic approach with genuine emotions and connections are important.
How Do You Choose A Pregnancy Photographer?
If you’ve read any “how to find a photographer” articles you’ll find advice like analysing the colors, sharpness, props, location, and even pricing of the photographer. Some articles even suggest making a spreadsheet, and comparing your options like a balance sheet, completely logical, void of emotion or feeling.
Is that how you want to remember this time?
Imagine a decade from now sitting on the sofa with your 10 year old, proudly declaring “… and you in your mum’s belly, each photo came out to be only $15 and we only spent 1 hour in the shoot!”
We asked around, nobody thought that would be the most important thing in the future. Yet that’s the basis on which some people choose the photographer who would celebrate the most important period of their lives so far.
Photographs Remind You How You Felt
When you look at your own photographs on the wall, you not only see how you look, you also remember how you felt. You will be reminded what was said at that moment, what you were feeling as you gazed into the future. The warmth and emotions come flooding back just with a glance at your artwork.
That’s why we spend time learning about you and your journey. We can allow moments to happen and anticipate them so we capture them naturally.
Capturing Real Moments
Looking at the photograph above, you can’t tell someone to gaze into the future on cue. You would tell if they were just staring blankly at the right wall.
This moment happened when we asked him to tell her something we learned during our calls. This was her real reaction, to give him a heartfelt hug. She will always remember what he said when she looks at this photograph.
Be True To Yourself
In society we often wear a mask. We try to look more confident than we are, we hide when we are unsure, we pretend everything is going exactly as planned. As kids we were taught to put on a cheesy smile whenever a camera was pointed at us. We’ve perfected the selfie that a stranger would not recognise as us.
Do photographs make you self conscious? We asked some people why they don’t put up their photos. We found it’s because in you feel like you’ve put on a smile. The moment isn’t genuine, and you feel embarrassed. You feel your closest friends & family might know it’s fake.
With maternity photography, it is a time to let down those barriers and be true to ourselves. Our partners loved us for who we are, not who we pretend to be. These photographs will serve to be an heirloom for your children. It is the start of their journey, and shows how much their parents loved each other and them, before they were even born.
Our approach is to get to know your story, and to capture it in a way true to you. This way our sessions are relaxed because we are not strangers. There is no awkward posing or forced smiles. We know what that gentle touch means, or what significance that grin has, and are there to capture it as it happens.
20 years from now, you will look back and be able to proudly say this is who we were. Your child will feel as you felt.
What is Truly Important About This Time?
Having talked to many real Sydney mums and dads who had pregnancy photos years ago, we found out what really made a difference.
People who were unhappy about their photographs said “it felt awkward”, “I felt silly standing in that pose”, “I didn’t know what to do,” or “it just doesn’t feel like us.” The end result was that the photos triggered those memories, and so they now sit in a box in the garage.
People who loved their photos talked about feeling confident, connected, and in love. They have their pregnancy photos up on the wall as soon as they move to a new house. They speak about how every time they look at their artwork, it gives them energy and joy.
Capture Something Worth Looking At Decades From Now
What’s important for your pregnancy photography is that they represent the real connection between you. Our photographs allow you to re-live the emotions that you are feeling right now. When your child grows up, you can share your story and these feelings with them.
What else should you consider?
Service
Ever been to a restaurant where the waiters were unfriendly, and you felt like a number? You’ll forget the food, but never forget how it felt.
It’s the same for photography. Do you want to be client #135 in a cookie cutter production line?
We treat every client as individuals, and take you through the whole experience and guide from start to end. We only book 1 client a day, so you’re never rushed.
We are honored you have chosen to share this time with us. We learn about your story, what makes you unique, and give you the best memories possible.
Location
We are based in Coogee and many of our pregnancy clients come from the Eastern Suburbs area. But you’d drive a little further for a good restaurant, wouldn’t you?
We’ve had clients come from as far as Camden, Penrith, The Hills, and the Northern Beaches. They wanted something special for their maternity photos, and felt our approach was the right fit for them.
Professional Membership
We are fully AIPP Accredited Professional Photographers. You should insist on it.
Quality Artwork
The most expensive pregnancy photos are ones you lose in the cloud somewhere and never see again. We have a range of Premium Products to decorate your home so that you make full use of your photographs every day.
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