10 Baby Shower Gifts That Are Practical, Adorable, and Budget-Friendly

Introduction

A baby shower is a special celebration to honor the parents-to-be and "shower" them with gifts to help welcome their new bundle of joy.

Selecting the perfect gift for an expectant parent can be challenging, as there are so many needs to consider as they prepare for baby's arrival.

The purpose of this article is to provide a range of fun, practical, and personalized baby shower gift ideas to make gift-giving easier for the shower guests. Whether you want a unique present or a traditional favorite, there are many thoughtful options to choose from. Read on for top picks across all price points, including clothing, nursery items, books, feeding supplies, and more. With this gift guide's suggestions, you're sure to find just the right way to congratulate and support the growing family at their pre-baby celebration.

Gifts for Parents

One of the best baby shower gifts you can give new parents is something they will need for their baby's daily care and activities. Cribs, strollers, and car seats are essentials that parents will use every day.

A gift certificates for a cribs, strollers, and car seats are a great option. This allows parents to choose the specific products they want after researching important safety features. Gift cards for baby stores that sell these big-ticket items are another idea.

If you know the exact products the parents desire, buying those as gifts takes the stress off them. Make sure to keep any gift receipts in case they need to exchange sizes or models. Assemble the items so they are ready for baby's arrival.

Some top crib, stroller, and car seat gifts include:

• Convertible cribs that can later become toddler beds

• Jogging strollers with all-terrain wheels

• Infant car seats that click in and out of a stroller frame

• Lightweight umbrellas strollers for travel

• All-in-one travel systems with a car seat, stroller frame, and base

Focus on durability, safety ratings, and flexibility when choosing these items. Useful features are adjustable heights, one-hand folding, and machine-washable fabrics. Go for trusted brands known for high quality.

Cribs, strollers, and car seats are gifts new parents will appreciate. Make the first days home from the hospital easier by providing safe essentials for baby's sleep and transportation.

Clothing and Accessories

Choosing clothes and accessories for a new baby is one of the most fun parts of shopping for a baby shower gift. While babies grow quickly, especially in the first few months, having some essential pieces ready will help the new parents feel prepared. Consider these clothing and accessory options that make great baby shower gifts:

Onesies

Onesies are a baby wardrobe staple. Look for onesies made from soft, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Choose onesies in newborn or 0-3 month sizes, as these will get the most use right away. Opt for simple solid colors or sweet patterns and prints. Stay away from harsh dyes or scratchy embellishments. A package of 5-6 onesies in varying prints makes a perfect gift.

Hats

Baby's head needs protection from the elements. A soft cotton hat is a must-have accessory. Choose a baseball cap style, a bucket hat with a chin strap, or a warm knit beanie for colder weather. Make sure any ties or straps are designed for safety. Pick a print or color that matches some of the onesies you select.

Bibs

Bibs help keep baby's clothes clean during feeding time. Bibs also make great burp cloths. Look for soft terrycloth, cotton, or microfiber bibs that are absorbent and gentle on baby's skin. Buy 5-10 bibs so parents have spares when others are dirty. Opt for bibs with snaps at the neck for easy on and off.

Socks

Babies need tiny socks to keep their feet warm. Choose socks made of cotton, wool, or bamboo. Seek out socks with grips on the bottom to help keep them on baby's feet. Select a multi-pair pack that includes both knit socks and booties. Socks make great fillers for gift baskets.

Bathing and Grooming

A new baby means lots of baths! Help the new parents stock up on bath time essentials that will keep baby clean, safe, and comfortable.

Hooded Towels

Hooded towels are soft, absorbent and provide head and neck coverage after bath time to keep baby warm and cozy. Look for hooded towel sets in soft cotton or bamboo material. Stay away from stiff terrycloth. Consider towels with fun patterns like animals, or go for classic solid colors like white, gray or green that will match any nursery décor.

Baby Wash and Shampoo

New parents will go through baby wash and shampoo quickly! Give gentle cleansers free of dyes, fragrance, parabens and sulfates designed specifically for baby's sensitive skin.

Hair and Body Brush

A soft hair and body brush is a bath time essential for keeping baby's skin and scalp healthy. Look for brushes with rounded plastic bristles set in a gentle rubber base. The soft bristles massage the skin to increase circulation. The brush can also be used to gently clean the cradle cap from baby's scalp.

Nail Care Set

Newborn nails are delicate and grow quickly. Give parents a nail care set so they can safely trim those tiny nails. Look for clippers designed specifically for baby with rounded tips. Pair that with an emery board, cuticle stick, and nipper set for complete nail care.

Nursery Décor

Decorating the nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby. Gift givers can help new parents design a stylish, soothing, and safe space for their little one to sleep and play. Focus on nursery décor gifts that are beautiful yet functional.

Wall Art

Wall art adds personality to the nursery and gives baby something lovely to gaze at. Consider framed art prints or canvas pieces in soft colors and patterns. For a more personalized gift, create a gallery wall showcasing photos of the parents, baby scans, and family. Wood or felt hangings spelling the baby's name also make sweet keepsakes.

Mobiles

Mesmerizing mobiles entertain and soothe fussy babies. Opt for mobiles with contrasting black and white or grayscale patterns appropriate for a newborn's vision. Those with music, lights, and gentle motion are especially calming. For safety, choose a crib mobile with removable parts rather than permanent installation overhead.

Night Lights

Night lights provide comfort and allow parents to check on baby without fully brightening the nursery. Seek out night lights that emit a soft, warm glow. Ones that project images like stars, moons, and clouds create a tranquil atmosphere. For convenience, look for night lights that are sensor-activated, portable, have auto shut-off timers, or double as sound machines.

Books

Board books and classic children's titles make wonderful baby shower gifts that parents will treasure for years. Choose sturdy board books with simple stories and bright pictures for babies to chew on and enjoy. Select titles like Goodnight Moon, Pat the Bunny, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other classics that have been loved by generations.

Go with hardcover editions of books like The Giving Tree, Winnie the Pooh, Make Way for Ducklings and other timeless favorites to start baby's library. Look for beautiful illustrated editions of fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and poetry collections. For parents who want to share their childhood favorites, gifts like Anne of Green Gables, Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit are always cherished.

Of course, giving books at a baby shower encourages language development and fosters a love of reading right from the start. With so many wonderful options, a beautifully wrapped book is one of the best gifts to give new parents.

Feeding Supplies

Make mealtime easier for parents with useful feeding essentials. Bottles are a must-have for bottle feeding babies. Opt for a set with multiple bottles in different sizes that will grow with baby. Look for BPA-free models with vented designs to prevent colic and easy-to-clean wide openings. Burp cloths will come in handy during and after feeding. Bibs help keep baby's clothes clean when the inevitable mess occurs. Dishes and utensils designed for little hands make starting solids simpler. Divided plates, soft-tip spoons, sippy cups with handles, and more help set baby up for self-feeding success. Consider an all-in-one set or choose individual pieces to build a collection.

Developmental Toys

Toys that stimulate baby's development are always appreciated gifts for new parents. Choose toys that engage different senses and motor skills to aid cognitive growth.

Rattles

Rattles allow baby to practice coordination by shaking to create sounds. They also introduce cause and effect, as baby learns that their actions create the rattle noise. Look for rattles with bright colors, patterns, and textures to stimulate vision and touch. Rattles with varied materials like wood, plastic, and cloth make different sounds to engage hearing. Opt for larger lightweight rattles that are easy for little hands to grasp and shake.

Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals make sweet first toys to cuddle. Look for soft plush animals with safe embroidered eyes. Varying textures like a silky ear or fuzzy muzzle add sensory interest. Stuffed toys help baby practice grasping. Babies often find them soothing, enjoying cuddling them while drifting off to sleep.

Baby Gyms

Baby gyms create an activity center with toys dangling overhead to bat at and grasp. The mat gives baby a place to lay comfortably while interacting with the hanging toys. Look for gyms with a variety of textures, bright colors, noises, and activities to stimulate vision, hearing, touch, and dexterity. Baby gyms with arches adjust as baby grows bigger and more mobile. They give baby a safe place to practice reaching, kicking, batting, and grasping.

Keepsakes

One of the best baby shower gift ideas is a special keepsake that the parents can cherish for years to come. Keepsakes are thoughtful gifts that capture the new baby's precious first moments and allow parents to always remember just how tiny their bundle of joy once was.

Popular keepsake gifts include handprint/footprint kits, jewelry, and photo albums. A handprint/footprint kit allows parents to ink their baby's hands and feet and press them onto a keepsake card or ornament. This preserves their delicate little hand and foot prints while they are still so tiny. Many kits come with multiple cards so parents can capture prints over time as the baby grows.

Jewelry like lockets, bracelets, and rings that can be engraved with the baby's name, birth date, or initials also make wonderful keepsakes. Whenever the parent wears the jewelry, they'll be reminded of their child. Beautiful engraved jewelry gifts can become family heirlooms.

High quality photo albums are great for preserving all those precious baby photos. Choose an album made of archival-safe materials that will protect the images for generations. Leather or cloth cover albums with thick, acid-free pages work best for long-term storage. A monogrammed album makes the gift more personal.

Keepsake gifts like these let parents capture the baby's first days, months, and years. They'll always cherish these meaningful gifts and the memories they hold.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are some of the most practical and appreciated baby shower gifts for expectant parents. If you're not sure exactly what items the parents-to-be need or want for their new baby, gift cards allow them to shop for necessities and nursery items themselves.

Recommend gift cards to popular baby stores. That way, parents can purchase items like clothes, blankets, diapers, wipes, toys, books, strollers, car seats - anything they end up needing. Gift cards to clothing stores are great too, for picking up onesies, socks, and other baby outfits.

Gift cards to grocery stores, restaurants, and meal delivery services are also handy for new parents. After baby arrives, there's little time for cooking or going out to eat. Let the family order takeout or prepared meals using your gift card contribution. Gift cards for house cleaning services are another thoughtful gift, giving parents a hand with chores during the busy newborn phase.

Opt for gift cards that don't expire, so parents can use them when it's most convenient. Include gift receipts too, allowing for easy returns or exchanges on baby items. Then the new parents can get exactly what they want and need for their little one.

PHOTOGRAPHY GIFT CARD

A gift a photography session, can be a gift that will be treasured forever. Parents can choose whether to do a newborn family session, or wait until their baby is a little older.
It gives the opportunity to get beautiful professional photos of their family that will be treasured forever.

I would always recommend buying a voucher with as much value as you can afford so they have as many photos included as possible. There will always be more photos than that love that they will be able to use the gift card towards.

Top 5 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier

Set Expectations Beforehand

Setting clear expectations helps get kids excited about and prepared for a photo session. Explain to children ahead of time what the photo shoot will be like so they know what to expect. Give details about how long the session will take, what types of poses and activities will be involved, and that there will be breaks. Emphasize to kids that the shoot is supposed to be fun - you'll be playing together and making silly faces. Let them know that it's okay if they get a little silly or have trouble sitting still sometimes, but there will also be times when they'll need to focus. Giving kids a heads up about what a photo shoot entails gets them ready to participate.

Schedule the Shoot Carefully

When scheduling a photo session with kids, carefully consider the timing to avoid cranky meltdowns. The best times are often in the morning after a good night's sleep or right after naptime when kids are refreshed. Avoid scheduling sessions close to normal mealtimes, as hunger can make kids fussy and uncooperative. Late afternoons can be challenging as kids tend to get tired and cranky. If possible, ask the parents ahead of time when their child tends to be at their best and aim to schedule within that window. Mornings on weekends after a leisurely breakfast are often ideal. Scheduling the session too close to bedtime is also not recommended, as tired kids usually don't make great models. With a bit of planning, you can choose a time of day when the child is likely to be happy, cooperative and full of energy. This will make for a much smoother and more successful photo shoot.

Keep Sessions Short

When photographing young children, it's important to keep photo sessions brief to maintain engagement and prevent restlessness. Make sure the photographer aims for a session around 30-45 minutes for children ages 2-5. Any longer and they'll get antsy or bored.

Take frequent short breaks during the session every 10-15 minutes. This gives kids a chance to relax, have a snack or drink, or play for a few minutes before resuming photos. Breaks will re-energize them and result in better behaved, more patient children for the rest of the shoot.

Keeping a close eye on kids' energy levels and taking breaks before they lose interest is key. This will allow you to get great shots with happy, engaged kids instead of grumpy, squirmy ones. Brief, well-timed sessions make for a smoother and more successful photoshoot.

Bring Snacks and Drinks

Hungry kids are fussy and distracted. Offering small healthy snacks and sips of water between shots can help keep kids happy and focused during the session. Keep snacks simple like apple slices, carrots, crackers or dry cereal. Include a few of the child's favorites too. Stay away from sticky or messy snacks that could make a mess of their outfits and faces right before photos.

Have water bottles on hand for quick sips to stay hydrated. For older kids, you might pack some juice boxes or pouches too. Avoid lots of sugar that can cause energy crashes.

With regular nibbles and hydration, you'll capture more smiles than frowns. Kids will have the fuel they need to keep their energy up and cooperate better too. Keep a range of options on hand so you can tailor snacks to the unique needs and preferences of each child. Food can make all the difference in getting great shots versus meltdowns.

Have Fun Props and Activities

Keeping kids engaged during a photo shoot can be challenging, but having fun props and activities on hand can make all the difference. Bubbles, toys, books, and other items that grab their interest are great for keeping them entertained during breaks and warding off restlessness.

Bubbles are an easy and inexpensive prop that most kids love. Bring a bubble wand and solution, then let them go to town making bubbles during natural pauses in the shoot. Just beware of getting bubbles on their clothes or in their hair! You can also bring their favorite books and read together between shots. Reading gives them a chance to reset their attention and energy.

Their favorite toys from home, like dolls or action figures, can be a source of comfort and familiarity during the shoot. Let them show you how the toys work or how they like to play with them. This engages the children and brings out their personalities. You may get some great natural shots of them lost in play.

Playing children's songs they love not only lifts their spirits, but provides a fun backing track for the shoot. See which tunes make them dance and sing along. Upbeat music energizes them and puts smiles on their faces. Take advantage of musical interludes to capture candid joyful moments.

Keeping a stash of fun props, toys, books, and activities will bring out kids' playful energy and personalities for great photos. Get creative and let them take the lead in deciding how to use the items. The more engaged they are, the more relaxed and cooperative they'll be during the actual photos.

Let Them Warm Up

When working with kids, it's important to let them warm up and get comfortable before diving into more structured posing. Allow some time at the beginning of the session for them to explore the environment and take it all in. Start with simple, relaxed poses like sitting or standing together before moving on to specific prompted poses.

Getting the kids used to being in front of the camera first will make a big difference in their comfort level once you start directing. Let them run around, make silly faces, jump and play during this warmup period. Capture some natural moments of them giggling and interacting. This will allow you to get authentic expressions and help the kids open up. They may be initially shy or unsure but giving them room to move freely helps them relax and build confidence.

Gradually work up to posing once the kids seem more at ease. Still keep it laidback, giving them input but letting them move and express themselves. With a solid warm up period at the start, kids will enjoy the experience more and you’ll end up with better photos all around.

Stay Flexible

When photographing kids, it's important to be adaptable and go with the flow. Kids can be unpredictable and their moods or behaviors can change at a moment's notice. Don't go into a photo session with kids having just one plan or pose in mind. Be prepared to adapt poses and locations as needed based on how the kids are feeling.

The key is not to force any poses or locations that aren't working in the moment. Follow the kids' lead and work with their changing moods and energy levels. If they are having fun jumping on the beds, capture that! If they get distracted by a basket of toys, incorporate the toys into the photoshoot. Staying flexible and open to changing direction will result in photos that feel more natural, authentic and fun.

Give Them Control

Kids love having options and making choices for themselves. Give them some control during the photo shoot by allowing them to pick some of the poses or props used in pictures. Offer them simple choices between two options like "Do you want to hold the stuffed animal or the ball?" or "Do you want to sit on the bench or stand next to it?" Letting them make decisions will help them feel more engaged and cooperative. Kids may come up with creative ideas you wouldn't have thought of!

as a Parent stay Involved

It's important to keep parents involved in a kids photo shoot, as having their support can really help the kids feel more comfortable and relaxed. Have parents cheerlead, make silly noises, and assist in positioning to keep the kids engaged.

Kids will feel more at ease with mom or dad nearby. But don't let parents nitpick or direct too much. This can fluster kids and make it seem like they are doing something wrong. Gently guide the parents on how they can best assist you, while maintaining control of the overall shoot. For example, encourage your child with a particular poses or expressions, but don't let them criticize your kids' performance.

The goal as parents is to stay involved just enough to relax the kids. Find the right balance and everyone will have a much more productive and fun session!

Photography session types

Did you know we offer 8 different types of photography sessions?

Modern studio sessions

These are our most popular family photography sessions. They are photographed in our beautiful light filled studio, with our simple props of our bed, fireplace and couch. We specialize in incorporating your families pets into your session, afterall, pets are part of your family too.

Classic Studio sessions

Classically styled photos on a dark backdrop. These are timeless colour and black & white images, capturing your families connection.

Extended family sessions

We love capturing a generations portrait to capture your whole family.
The purpose behind everything we do at über photography is to capture memories for families, so that when someone is gone, they have something to look back on and remember how much that person was loved..

Maternity sessions

Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life & it goes by so quickly…
Maternity sessions are captured when you are around 32-34 weeks.

Newborn sessions

The newborn stage is the most fleeting stage & passes by way too quickly…..
These sessions are photographed in our modern studio when your baby is around 10 days to 2 old. Our sessions focus on capturing the emotions of becoming new parents & capture the precious images that capture the first days of your new baby.

Outdoor sessions

We have a stunning forest location at Pymble for your outdoor session. Your kids will be able to wander and explore the bush so we get beautiful relaxed candid photos of them. Our location is also pet friendly, so we encourage you to bring your dog.

Dogs and Kids sessions

Our studio is a pet friendly environment where no leads or collars are needed to capture perfect images of your dog with your kids.
We love to capture when a puppy arrives in your family or a session to capture the amazing relationship between your kids and their pets.

Project sessions

One of our missions as a small family business is to support our community.
We strongly believe in giving back to our local schools, families and charities in need of an extra helping hand.
Each year we are honored that we are able to run a number of projects in support of a various charities that we strongly believe in.


I hope you to meet you for a session to capture the magic of whatever stage your family is at..

Capturing the Love: Why Every Mum Should Be in Photos with Their Newborn

As a mother myself, I can attest to the fact that the love a mother has for her newborn baby is truly one of a kind. It's a feeling that can't be described in words, but only experienced with your heart.

And to the new moms, congratulations! You're about to embark on a journey of love like no other. Embrace it, cherish it, and hold tight to the memories. You've got this!

From the moment that little bundle of joy is placed in your arms, everything changes. Your heart swells with love and you're filled with an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. The love that a mother feels for her baby is instant and unconditional.

As your baby grows, that love continues to grow and evolve. Every milestone, every laugh, every hug, only strengthens the bond between mother and child. And even when the days are long and the nights are even longer, the love a mother has for her baby never wavers.

Being a mother is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs in the world. It requires patience, sacrifice, and a lot of love. But with each new day, comes a new opportunity to watch your baby grow and to bask in the love that they bring into your life.

So to all the mothers out there, whether you're holding your newborn for the first time or watching them grow into a young adult, know that your love for them is the greatest gift you can give. Cherish every moment and never take for granted the love that you have for your child.


I'm sure we can all agree that having a newborn baby is a magical and life-changing experience. And as a mother, you want to hold on to those memories and the joy that comes with being a new parent. That's why I'm here today to talk about why it's so important for a mother to be in photos with her newborn.

First of all, having photos of you with your baby is a way to document and remember this special time in your life. These photos will serve as a reminder of the love, joy, and exhaustion that come with having a newborn. They'll also be cherished by your child as they grow up and get to see just how much you loved and cherished them from the very beginning.

But it's not just about creating memories for the future. Being in photos with your baby can also help you feel more confident and proud of your role as a mother. It's a way to celebrate your journey and show the world just how strong, beautiful, and capable you are.

It's not uncommon for new mothers to feel self-conscious about their appearance after giving birth. But I'm here to tell you that you're beautiful just the way you are, and your baby will love you no matter what. So don't be afraid to get in front of the camera and capture this special time in your life.

Lastly, being in photos with your baby helps to build a stronger bond between the two of you. Touching, holding, and gazing at your baby in photos can actually trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for feelings of love and bonding. So not only will you have beautiful memories to look back on, but you'll also be strengthening your bond with your baby in the process.

In conclusion, being in photos with your newborn is so important for so many reasons. It creates memories, boosts confidence, and strengthens the bond between mother and baby. So don't be afraid to capture these precious moments, and most importantly, be proud of who you are and what you're accomplishing as a new mother.

Preserving Memories and Strengthening Bonds: The Benefits of Doing Family Photos

Today, we’re going to talk about the benefits of doing family photos. We all have those family photos that we’ve had hanging in our homes for years. You know the ones I’m talking about – the ones that are tattered and torn, but we still keep them close because of the memories they hold. Well, family photos serve a lot more purposes than just filling up wall space. Here’s why you should consider booking a family photo shoot today!

1. Capturing Memories

Life is always changing and moving forward, and it’s easy to forget how much our loved ones have grown and changed. Family photos capture a moment in time that you can look back on for years to come and remember just how tiny your kids were, or how much your grandparents have aged. These photos are a visual diary of your family’s history and growth.

2.Building Connections

Family photos bring everyone together and help strengthen the bonds between family members. During a photo shoot, you’ll have the opportunity to share laughs, jokes, and special moments with your loved ones. You’ll also have the chance to create new memories together that you can look back on for years to come.

3. Improving Communication

In today’s world, we’re all so busy that it can be tough to find time to connect with our loved ones. Family photos can serve as a reminder of how important it is to stay in touch and make time for each other. Looking back at photos from a family photo shoot can also spark conversations and memories that may have been forgotten over time.

4. Celebrating Your Family’s Unique Personality

Family photos are a great way to celebrate the unique personality of your family. Whether it’s silly faces, special poses, or just capturing your family’s love and affection, a photo shoot gives you the chance to showcase what makes your family special.

5. Heirlooms for Future Generations

Family photos are a great way to pass down memories and stories to future generations. Your kids and grandkids will love looking back at the photos and hearing about the memories behind each one. These photos become heirlooms that can be treasured for generations to come.

In conclusion, family photos serve as a visual diary of your family’s history, help strengthen bonds, improve communication, celebrate your family’s unique personality, and become heirlooms for future generations. So what are you waiting for? Book your family photo shoot today!

Strategies for getting your newborn to sleep

One of the biggest concerns of new parents is getting their baby on a regular sleep schedule—and getting some sleep themselves. Check out these tips for starting good sleep habits early.

1 Develop a routine.  

As babies learn about the world, a sense of routine can help them feel safe. Creating a bedtime routine helps them learn and understand when it’s time for sleep. Try to do the same thing every time you put your baby down and make sure your routine is gentle and relaxing. 

2 Expect complaints.

When your child is first learning to fall asleep alone, don’t be surprised if they cry and protest. It’ll help you and your baby if you have a planned response to those nighttime cries. You may decide to check in on your child every few minutes after putting them down, or you may want to avoid checking in at all. Talk to your partner and decide together what your plan for bedtime will be.

3 Watch for signs.

Your baby will do their best to let you know they’re getting sleepy. They may yawn, act grumpy, or have a particular cry to communicate their tiredness. Pay attention to these hints and start your bedtime routine in response.  

4 Don’t wait until baby’s asleep.  

Once your baby is about four months old, you can start laying them down for bedtime when they get drowsy. This will give them the chance to learn to fall asleep on their own and sets the stage for better sleep patterns in the future.

5 Stick with it.

Consistency is everything when it comes to teaching children. If you change up your routine or response from night to night, your baby will be confused and struggle to develop a regular sleep pattern. Being consistent will help your child learn how to fall asleep more easily.

6 Know your child’s personality.  

Every child is different, which means they develop sleep skills at different times and in different ways. The more intensely your baby reacts to loud noises and other disturbances, the harder it will be for them to self-soothe and fall asleep. Babies with more laidback personalities may find it easier to fall asleep on their own.

7 Think about your circumstances.

If your baby is regularly having trouble sleeping, consider whether there’s any recent changes that could cause them to be upset. Maybe a new babysitter or your return to work could be causing the problem. Even milestones like learning to crawl or walk can cause sleep disruptions. Just be patient and stay consistent with your bedtime routine.

Tips for photographing your kids

It’s so important to capture as many moments as you can as your kids grow and change. As a professional photographer and mum, I wanted to give you some key tips on how to take better photos of your kids.

1) Get down low

The angle that we take photos makes a huge difference in the way we view them. Being at an angle where you are looking directly into kids' eyes totally changes the way we connect with an image. I am sure you have heard the expression that the eyes are the window to the soul, and this is never more true than when photography kids

2) don’t ask them to say cheese

We all grew up with the school photographer who asked us to say cheese, to try and capture a smile. But it was a different time when photographers worked with film, and could only take 1 photo, and by saying cheese they had the best chance to capture something resembling a smile

Times have changed and with digital photography we can take a number of images to make sure that we get a real smile. When I am photographing kids I ask them questions or tell them silly joes that I know will make them laugh or smile. I’m always ready to snap away to make sure that I capture that perfect moment. It means that you end up with photos that have real & authentic expression , that really capture a true special moment of that age.

3) understanding light

I can’t tell you how often people think that being in full sun will enable the best photos, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The best places to get done are actually in the shade, or near a window inside your home

a) photographing outdoors

Try to get your ids playing in a shady area. The middle of the day is the hardest to time as finding shade can be hard, sp try to find the time in the early morning or late afternoon to concentrate on photographing your kids

But the reality is that the best moments happen at any time, so if you are watching your kids play and you want to get the best shot then put yourself in a position that the sun is behind your kids. This will stop them squinting if they look at you, and the sun will not be as harsh..

b) photography indoors

You want to stand so the window is behind you. If you are facing the window your camera will struggle with how to expose correctly and there will not be enough light on your kids. SO look at where your kids are playing and move yourself around so that the window is behind you.Light is the most important factor in every photo. Look at where it's coming from and how strong it is. If you're inside, try to get close to a window and turn your child's face toward the natural light. I usually leave indoor lights and flash off, especially now that iPhone 11 Pro has night mode. Artificial lighting changes the white balance (warmth) in a photo and messes with skin tones. But if you happen to capture a shot you love and the lighting is tricky, try a black and white edit.Another tip for indoor shooting: Look for interesting light patterns made by things like blinds or drapes and pockets of light streaming in through windows that help create eye-catching portraits.

When outside, light on an overcast day is good all day. On sunny days, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset is the most beautiful and flattering light to take photos, but life doesn't always happen in perfect lighting! If the sun is high and strong, I look for shade or bend low to the ground to put the light behind my kids. Smart HDR makes it easier to take a shot and expose it correctly even in harsh overhead light, but know that the shadows will be harsh so you'll have to work with it as best as you can.

Capture emotion

It's so important to tell the story with feeling. To do this, rely on candid moments, like a recent one between my dad and my daughter enjoying a quiet morning of reading stories. Because I had my phone handy, I was able to capture that special moment while sitting across from them.

But don't be afraid to create some candid moments of your own. Ask your kids to give hugs, hold hands and jump, play with water, pick flowers, build a sand castle, or have them twirl or dance. Give them a toy or snack like ice cream or hot cocoa. Sit back, watch, and snap the in-between moments of silliness, giggles, and beauty.

You can bend or crouch down to be at face level to get the most of their expressions. Let them stick their tongues out, be goofy, and have fun. Tell them jokes and laugh with them and their faces will light up even more.

Throw the rules away

OK, not really, but don't get hung up on them either. With time and practice, you won't think about lighting and framing so much because it will start to happen naturally, and you'll be able to focus on storytelling and capturing that raw emotion. Remember, you're telling the story of their lives, you're not limited to a certain number of photos, and your kids don't always have to strike a pre-planned pose.

The photos I end up loving most are the ones where my children aren't looking at me and smiling, but instead are interacting as I capture their actions. Nothing compares to the ones where they are laughing so hard I can remember what their giggles sounded like days later. A lot of times, these shots aren't technically perfect, but they're perfect to me.

Join in on the fun

And last but not least, if you're the designated family photographer, use that selfie mode! You were there too; you're part of that story. Go by how a shot makes you feel and capture the moments that matter to you because, in the end, your photos of your kids are for you.

Top tips to help your baby sleep

Sleep…..fuel for our body, and our mode of function for the day. Sleep can impact how we start our day and how we parent our kids, and this is the same for our babies.

As parents, we all want our baby to have a peaceful nights sleep and hopefully sleep through the night, but sometimes this can feel somewhat impossible.

In the first weeks with your new baby, when you are sleep deprived and struggling with learning how to look after your newborn baby, this can seem such a challenge.

I wanted to share with you, as a mum of three, some top tips of things that I did to help get my babies to sleep. that I hope will be helpful for you:

1. Have a set time to start your routine and a time that you would like for your baby to go to bed.

2. Have a set time for a warm bath for your baby. It’s a great way to start and for your baby to relax.

3. Massage your newborn with a baby safe oil or cream, and massage using gentle, soft strokes. Softly touching their face, ears and toes can be very soothing for a baby.

4. Bedtime Story. Reading a book with your baby can be a very special time for you both. To this day it is still part of our routine.

5. Play soft music in the background. You will be able to find so many options on you tube..

6. Singing a lullaby to your baby. I'm not a singer and far from it but when your baby hears your soft voice before they fall asleep can have quite a calming effect. I had some favourite songs that I loved as a child, & I regularly sang them to my babies.

7. Diffuser - lavender oil or a soothing blend that is calming but not overpowering.

8. Cuddles. You and your baby can never have too many of these. It’s such a special bonding time for you both.

9. Swaddling. Being comfortably swaddled makes a baby feel secure and safe while sleeping. As the months went on I found the baby sleep bag was a great option too, as they start moving around and move away from the swaddling phase.

I found that having an established a routine from the beginning when my baby was a newborn and then being consistent, as much as possible was key. Remember every baby is different and every parent is different.

I'm a big believer on doing what works for you and for your baby. What may work for one family or baby may differ from the other.

Mums… We need to talk!

As I family photographer for 18 yrs I have heard every reason why women don’t like themselves, or what to be in photos…

I’m too fat

My eyes are too small

I don't like my wrinkles

That’s not my best side.

I don’t like my hair

I hate myself in photos

They don't realize that when their kids have grown up and what to look back on their family photos to fondly remember their childhood, that those things won't matter at all..

Recently I was showing a mum the photos from a recent session. Her family photo session with her 2 teenagers daughters had been super fun as they had brought their dogs along for this session. Including family pets in a session always makes it super relaxed as the family laughs at their pets reactions.

Before we started photographing her session, the first thing she said to me, was that they have never had family photos & how much she wished she had family photos from when her girls were little . She was so excited she was going to finally have that family photo to proudly display on her wall.

I was so excited to show her a slideshow of the beautiful photos of her family. When the slideshow was complete, she was super happy & excited to chose her favourites. They had so many lovely photos to chose from, but most importantly she had her request of a gorgeous family photo with her husband, her two gorgeous teenage girls & even her 2 dogs all smiling at the camera.

But when we started to pick her favourites for her wall., she kept on saying she didn’t like each family photo.....

So, there I was looking at the gorgeous family photos, that every mother dreams of having of their family. Everyone was happy, looking great, with great outfits that really suited them and relaxed with beautiful, natural smiles. I couldn’t help but ask her “what was wrong” ???

Do you know what her answer was?

That her fringe was messy……

As soon the words left her mouth my heart sank. I couldn't quite believe what she was saying.

The reason why I am so passionate about my business, is because I lost my dad very suddenly in 2011 to a heart attack. He was a healthy, happy 68 yr old, just starting to enjoy his retirement with my mum, and suddenly he was gone.

When I went back to look at our photos after he had passed there we no family photos, other than the stiff, boring family photos were taken on my wedding day. Those staged photos that are taken at a church door with everyone watching. Although it is important to document the wedding day; there is nothing about these photos that really capture who my family really was.

Those photos didn’t capture the special relationship between my Dad and I.

Growing up I had always been close to my Dad and shared a special bond with him. He loved fishing, and from a young age I loved going out on his boat and he would teach me all his fishing tricks. I could never sleep on a car journey, so when we were driving on family holidays we would chat all the way, while everyone else slept around us. He ran an orchid nursery and I loved being able to work with him on the weekends & school holidays.

When I got married and moved away from home, we developed an even stronger bond; He was the first person I would call when I had a problem, needed some advice or a shoulder to cry on. He was an amazing Grandpa to my 3 kids. My parents retired to a property in Bowral, and he loved teaching the kids about his cattle, riding horses, feeding the chooks and gardening. The perfect weekend getaway for city kids.

When I started my business I realized he had also been my mentor.

I had thought my Dad would be around forever, that he as a doting granddad would watch my kids grow up…

and in a heartbeat that was all taken away from me....

We never did family photos when I was younger.. my mum made all the typical excuses.. she would lose 10 kilos and then she would do it. There wasn't enough time as my dad worked on the weekends. She worried that with 3 kids so close in age we wouldn't behave.

I can never go back and capture that… I will forever wish that could have been different...

And yet here I was sitting with this mum who had something that I would give anything to have and all she could see was her messy fringe...

It made me feel so upset & sad...

How have we become too concerned about our “perfection” that we are missing out on seeing the real connection in a family photo.

I know those two teenage girls will never look back and worry that their mums fringe wasn't perfect. They will just see an amazing moment of their childhood captured, the connection and love between their parents and the love their parents have for them. They will see how much their dogs were part of their family.

When their dogs have passed, or even harder still when they lose one of their parents, those photos will become an incredible treasure to them...

I would never have looked back at a family photo & thought my mum would have looked better if she had lost 10 kilos.

So ladies, You really need to think about this… and I know it's hard to think about... but what do you want your children to have to remember you one day when you are gone?

Would you love a treasured moment that you know will always make your children smile every time they look at it, or are you too concerned about your little “faults” that you are losing sight of what is really important?

I know I should lose some weight, I have a bunch of little wrinkles that show my age, and my hair never seems to do the right thing when we do our family photos, but I know I will never regret having our family photos taken many times over the years.

I know that one day when I am gone, my kids will have beautiful photos to show their kids & tell them about their childhood.

Don't let the excuses get in the way... take the time to capture your family portrait.

The only photo of my Dad and I

My My family photo from last year, I could find all the faults in myself, but all I can s see my family’s story of this year. My boys getting bigger and starting to step away a little from us, Millie still by my side at 15 but wanting a little more independence. And how my hubby and I have actually become closer as the kids have grown older.

Pregnancy and Maternity Photography

Imagine that it’s 18 yrs from now…. that little person who’s wriggling inside you & kicking you all the time has just finished their HSC and it about to take off on a gap year trip around Europe….

You are struggling to remember when you were pregnant with them. All the amazing moments that happened as they grew inside you.

The first flutters when they first started to move, and then the kicks and rolls as the got bigger and struggled with having enough room to move.

Sitting on the coach watching your tummy move.. when they had hiccups… the first time your partner felt your baby kick..

Now it’s all a blur…

When they are tiny we think we will remember .. but life passes by too quickly… and we forget.

Maternity sessions record this special time in your life, to capture the memories so you will be able to remember being pregnant forever.

You can choose whether you are photographed alone, or bring your partner, or older kids or even your fur babies :)

Maternity photography FAQ

How long does a maternity session take?
We recommend to allow 1/2 to an hour for your session. We will able to create a variety of looks during your session

Where will my maternity session be photographed?
We have a a dedicated photography studio at Gordon on Sydney’s North Shore.

When is the best time to do your pregnancy photography session?
We recommend doing your maternity session around 32-34 weeks. It’s when you are as big as you are going to get, but you will still feel comfortable.

What do I wear for my maternity session?
When you book in your session, we will send you our What to Wear Guide which covers everything you will need to know about your session.

When can I book my pregnancy photo session?
Our sessions are photographed Tuesday-Saturday between 9am and 5pm. If you want to include your older children, we always recommend booking around their nap times.
We recommend booking in asap as we are often booked out weeks in advance

How much are the photos?
Our print prices start at $95. Framed prints from $290. We also offer digital file packages from $690. After your session we get you to come back into the studio to view your photos, and this is the only time you will need to make a decision in regards to what you would like to order.

Do you offer newborn photography sessions?
Of course, we would love to capture your newborn for you. At your maternity we will chat to you about the best time to book in for this.

Family photography- our FAQ guide

So you are think about booking a family photography session. We understand that can be a bit daunting if you’ve never done it before, so we thought we would answer the most common questions please ask us in regards to booking their family photography session.

Where does your family photography session take place?

We have a dedicated studio at Gordon, on Sydney’s North Shore. Our studio has been designed to feel and look like a home. With a gorgeous bed and coach, our stunning windows and chairs and other props. We have 2 very different backdrops so we can create a variety of different looks for you. You want your family photographs to feel real and natural & our studio is setup to allow that to happen. Your kids will get to jump on the bed and couch and have a tons of fun. Most kids don’t want to leave at the end of their session. Ans even more important our photography studio is totally pet friendly, so you are most welcome to bring your fur babies to be photographed too.

When is the best time for your family photography session?

We highly recommend working around your family’s routine. If you have a bub or toddler that is still napping, please pick a time that works around their naps. With younger children and babies, we would always recommend a morning session as they tend to be happier in the mornings.

I don’t like how I Iook in family photographs

Our photographer always say, their job is to make you look good. If you don’t like the photo, then there is no obligation to purchase the photos. Our photographers will give you a bunch of little tips at the start of the session, that will help you to feel more comfortable. They will do a variety of family poses, so that you can find the one that you like. And they can always use a little photoshop, if there is something that really bugs you.

How long does a family photography session take?

We recommend to allow an hour. We tend to work quickly with babies and kids as their mood can change very rapidly. And we understand that for dads, who often aren’t that keen on having their photos taken, the quicker the session is the better.

What does a family photography package include?

Our session fee covers your one hour family photography session, and a credit towards prints. We have prints starting from $95. We have options to suit every budget. After your session we will set up a time for you to come back into our photography studio to view your photos and it is only at this point that you will have to make any decisions.

How long before I can see our photographs?

At the end of the session we will make a time for you. This will around 1-2 weeks after your session.

What should we wear for our family photography session?

When you book in your photography session, we will send you our comprehensive what to wear guide. It covers how to chose the best outfits and colours for your session. It will make the process super easy

What if my kids won’t behave during our family photo session?

Our photographers have a load of experience of working with children. Because our studio is setup as a home environment, kids feel super comfortable, so its rare that kids won’t behave. We will do lots of things without them are interactive, so they don’t need to sit still.

My kids can be very shy, so I am not sure its the right time for a family photography session
Our photographers understand that some little ones take a little while longer to warm up. We will spend some time getting to know them & make them feel comfortable before we start taking any photos.

What to Expect at Your Newborn Photo Shoot

You’ve scheduled your newborn session, and you can’t wait to get precious photos of the new addition to your family. But this may be your first newborn photo session, and you may not know what to expect. 

Newborn photos are different from other portraits and require a little more thought and care. Below are a few things to consider to better prepare you for your newborn session.

Before your session

We recommend gently cleaning off any flakes of skin or eye gunk with a washcloth. If they have super flaky skin, some moisturiser can help as well. Make sure you only use one that you have used previously as you don’t want your baby to react before their first photoshoot.
Use baby trimmers to trim the baby’s fingernails.

Give your baby as big a feed as you can before you leave home.

When you arrive for your newborn photo session, you want your baby to be settled. You’ll want them to be full and content, so they can more likely fall asleep and be posed for the photos. Don’t forget to burp your baby well after feeding. 

Your photographer will allow the time for you to give them a top up feed if they are unsettled.

We are not worried about your baby falling asleep during the session, we just want to make sure that you baby is settled and content. The photos where your baby has their eyes open will end up being your favourites.

Outfits

We recommend having your baby arrive in an outfit that you would like your baby to be photographed in. We understand that accidents can happen on the way, so make sure you have another spare outfit that you would also like photos in.
We will start the session with baby clothed. We then have some little pants that your baby can wear to cover their nappy, so that we can get those beautiful naked shots without the worry of getting weed or pooped on :) 

Be patient.

Please don’t stress out if your baby is a little unsettled. Every newborn baby is different, and remember that they only just arrived in this world. We allow plenty of time for settling as required If you get stressed, your newborn will be able to sense your anxiety and frustration and may become stressed as well. We have lots of experience with older kids, so we have things on hand to keep them busy. For some children a new baby can be unsettling, and they may not want to hold their sibling, and that’s totally OK. Our photographer will take the time to make sure that they are comfortable as well with having their photos.

Trust your photographer.

Our newborn photographer knows how to pose your newborn safely and how to get smiles out of every other member of the family. Be open to their ideas and trust their expertise and ability to get you the images you want. We know as a mum you may feel a little self conscious about your weight, our photographer understands this, and will make sure to direct you in a way to make your photos flattering. We also have the magic of photoshop if you are unhappy with how you look.

About Our Studio

Our studio is located at 768 Pacific Highway, Gordon. There are 3 council car parks all within easy walking distance of the studio. The closest is in Moree St.

Our studio is located upstairs. There is a space at the bottom of the stairs where you can leave your stroller safely.
If you arrive early and want to grab a coffee, there are a number of coffee 

shops in the area.

For more information check out our newborn session guide



5 Tips for Introducing Older Siblings to Your New Baby

During your pregnancy, you may have imagined the moment when your older child meets their new sibling for the first time. You might be excited about this meeting or nervous or a bit of both. That’s totally understandable! A new child marks a significant shift in your family dynamic, and that can be a little overwhelming.

 No matter how much you prepare, you can’t predict how your child will react to their new sibling. These are our tips help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Encourage friendship before baby arrives

As a mum, you and your new baby are developing a relationship before your little one even appears earth-side. Your other child can foster a relationship before the baby is born as well! Let them touch your baby bump or talk and sing to the baby. Ask your child what they think the baby is doing in your tummy. The more you help them feel involved in the pregnancy journey, the more interested they will be when your new addition arrives!

Make the first meeting fun

Take time to make sure your older child’s first meeting with the new baby is a special and memorable moment. It’s important that your child has positive associations with the baby. You don’t have to do anything huge, but a trip to grab ice cream or eat at a favorite restaurant before the meeting can help your older child have positive thoughts about the day they met their new little brother or sister.

Give a gift to your older child

New babies get all the presents, and you don’t want your child to feel left out or resentful. Consider having the newborn “give” a gift to their older sibling, or if you child is too old for that concept, simply call it a congratulatory gift for being a big brother or sister. Your gift can be anything your child will find delightful, whether that’s a new toy, a favorite snack, or a book.

Pay extra attention to big brother or sister

It’s natural for your child to feel a little upset that the new baby gets all the attention, so make sure you’re intentional about putting the focus on your older child. If you’re holding your baby when their big brother or sister arrives, put the newborn back down and take time to talk to your child and ask them about their day. Putting your focus on your older child helps them see that they’re just as loved and important, even if they’re not the baby anymore.

Give your child tasks to do

Depending on their age, you can give your older child some jobs to do to help you care for the newborn. Whether it’s singing a lullaby to the baby or even helping with nappy changes or feedings, allow your child to feel more involved in the care of the new baby. This can go a long way in helping them feel a part of the change in your family, instead of feeling left out. Plus, let’s be honest, you’ll need all the help you can get!

Don’t forget your furbabies are siblings too!

Many of us start with a furbaby as our first baby, so when your baby arrives it can be a a shock for them too. So make sure you give them lots of attention and love as well. It can be a good idea to sit your pet near you for the first few weeks when you are feeding, so they can used to the baby with your around. Make sure that you give them a pat as you are feeding so they are reassured that you love them too

4 Reasons to Photograph Your Baby’s First Birthday

The first year of your child’s life can be a huge challenge, especially if you’re a first-time parent, but it also passes surprisingly quickly. Before you know it, you’re planning their first birthday party, inviting all your friends and family to celebrate this major milestone in your child’s life and in your life as a parent.

Your child’s first birthday may be something they won’t remember, but you’ll want to remember it for years to come, and photography can help you do that!

Childhood passes quickly

Your baby is already no longer a baby—that’s what a first birthday is all about! Soon, they won’t be a toddler anymore, and one day they will be an adult with their childhood completely behind them. That’s why it’s so important to capture photos of the big moments—and the little ones—as they happen. Your child’s first birthday is a huge milestone, and while they won’t remember the day, they’ll be grateful to have photos to look back on as they grow older, and you’ll be glad to have those memories captured as well.

You put a lot of effort into planning

Whether it’s a big party or just a small gathering with family, you put time and effort into planning a celebration for your child’s birthday. But once the party ends and the guests go home, all your work is forgotten. Photos allow you to remember the theme you chose, the colors, and the joy in your child’s face as they ate their first birthday cake. Just like your wedding day, so much of the day goes unremembered without the photos you’ll keep as mementos.

It’s a chance to get photos of your family and friends

You’ve heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child,” and that’s often true. While you as a parent may have done the lion’s share of the work, if you’re fortunate, you’ve had family members and friends who have supported you throughout the first year of your child’s life. Photographing your child’s first birthday celebration allows you to capture images not only of your child, but of the men and women who helped you transition into parenthood and who mean so much to your family.

You deserve a celebration

Let’s face it—your child won’t remember their first birthday. But you will. First birthday parties are as much about the parents as they are about the child. It’s about marking your success as a parent and celebrating all you’ve done to raise your child over the past year. Your efforts deserve to be celebrated, so make sure to have a little cake yourself!

Your child’s first birthday is a moment you want to remember forever, and that’s what photos are for—to help you recall the details, the joy, and the laughter of the day. And hiring a professional photographer to capture your baby’s transition into toddlerhood frees you up to enjoy the party and worry less about taking photos. Enjoy the celebration you’ve worked so hard on while capturing memories that will last a lifetime!

7 Reasons Why Digital Images Are Hurting You

These days, digital images are incredibly convenient. They can be easily stored on your computer or a USB, they take up less space than albums and wall art, and they are always on hand when you need them. But how many times have you set that USB of photos in a desk drawer, planning to get prints but never quite getting around to it?

Digital images can be useful, especially when it comes to sharing your family photos with your family and friends on social media, but they can also be easily lost or permanently damaged. Check out these seven reasons why digital images just aren’t as great as we need them to be.

You can’t archive them

You can store your digital image files on your computer, in the cloud or in a variety of other storage places both online and in your home. But what happens if you cancel your cloud service or fail to keep up with the subscription? What happens if your computer dies, and or is stolen? What if the flash drive you kept your photos on is lost? Then your images are gone for good. There’s no way to keep a permanent archive of digital photos without constantly moving from platform to platform as technology evolves.

They can be corrupted

Just as bad as lost images are corrupted ones. Unlike prints or physical products, digital files can be corrupted, making them inaccessible and impossible to salvage. All your memories can easily be destroyed, living you with no way to get them back.

You may forget about them

Digital images are great to have—until that flash drive starts gathering dust in your junk drawer or gets left in the car. Let’s face it: We all lead pretty busy lives, and it can be hard to remember to get around to downloading those photos and actually doing something with them. Often, our digital images end up forgotten instead.

Our phone is the perfect example of this. We take photos of daily life with our kids, and yet how often do we go back and look at them.  Or we upgrade to a new phone, and then we have the dilemma of what to do with all those old photos on our phone. And then when we do look through them on the odd occasion there are 20 images of the same thing we tried to take from different angles and it is so easy to get quickly bored looking at them.

They are costly—and that doesn’t include wall art

Let’s say you do remember to do something with that flash drive, and you log on to Shutterfly or visit your local Harvey Norman or Kmart to get some images printed. You’ve already paid for the session and for the digital files, and now you have to pay high prices for wall art and albums too. And the worst part? Most big companies don’t even offer high-quality prints, so you may end up with images that are too dark, too light or just not great, which is a waste of money. And within a short time, they can fade or turn yellow.

You have to keep up with new storage options

Not so long ago, you may have stored your images on floppy disks, but good luck finding a computer with a floppy disk drive these days. As technology changes, your chosen storage for your digital files has to change as well, which means you may keep switching from one storage option to another as the years pass, just to ensure that your images aren’t lost.

They have less impact

Physical prints such as wall art and albums can remind your children of their importance in your life. They can be a celebration of your family’s bonds and an ever-present sign of how much your family means to you. Digital images, however, are just photos on a screen. Studies show that they don’t have the same impact on children as seeing prints, which means you could be depriving your children of a chance to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

You aren’t respecting your photographer’s art

Photography is an art form, and the creation of beautiful images is something that your photographer has worked hard to learn. By asking only for digital images, you are missing out on the chance to see that art reproduced in high-quality heirloom prints and wall art for your family to appreciate for generations to come. That’s why it’s so important to choose a photographer who appreciates the importance of having digital images, as well as tangible albums and prints to commemorate this moment in the lives of your family.

Choose a family photographer that offers the full service

When you take the time to go to a professional family photographer, let them help you with displaying your images so they look their best. They put together displays for their clients on a regular basis. They have met and gotten to know your family, so they can hep you with which family image would be the best to blow up and put on the wall, which images really capture who your kids are at this age.

They will also have a relationship with suppliers for things like framing, and most likely will offer it to you at the same price as if you took it to a framer yourself, or even cheaper. They will also use the absolutely best products available, as their focus is on making your images last. So they will choose archival printing and framing to make sure that your wall art looks as good in years to come as it did the day you purchased it.

Breast or Bottle - Which is best?

There are lots of decisions to make when there’s a baby on the way. One of the most controversial is the ever raging “breast or bottle” debate. There are many people who have strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and many of them will try like a televangelist to get you on their side. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to give you some of the facts, and share some of my personal reasons why I ended up formula feeding both my children, which hopefully will leave you feeling good, whatever your choice. 

Scientifically, breast milk is best. There are nutrients in breast milk that help your child’s brain develop, and try as they might, formula makers cannot replicate these nutrients. Breastfeeding protects your child from illnesses because, as long as he or she is nursing, they are protected by your immune system, which is much more developed than theirs. Breast milk is very well tolerated by babies, and hardly ever causes gastric problems - however I will come back to this shortly.

But, realistically, the scientific facts are not the only things to be considered. Women who simply don’t want to breastfeed will probably not be very successful. Even some women who want to breastfeed will find it so difficult, that they are miserable trying to make it work. Some women will have difficulty making enough milk to satisfy their baby’s hunger, and some women will suffer more pain with breastfeeding than they can endure. If you fall into one of those categories, don’t beat yourself up. Your baby can flourish on formula too.

When my daughter was born I wanted to try breastfeeding, mostly because of the saving money sides of things but I wasn’t overly set on it being the main ordeal.  My girl was sick, a lot, like ALL THE TIME. We now know that she is autoimmune, meaning she has little - no immune system and doesn’t respond well to antibiotics.  In the first few months of her life I saw the power of breast milk and how quickly my body will catch on to her being sick and needing more specific nutrients.  My milk would change colour (usually more yellow) before I even knew she was sick, constantly adjusting to what my baby needed to fight off whatever illness she had at the time.  However, with work demands and juggling pumping with breastfeeding, my supply dropped off completely by the time she was 6 months old.  I didn’t have a huge emotional attachment to breastfeeding so this felt absolutely like the right thing to do.  She thrived off formula until she didn’t need it anymore.

My son was a different story.  I had booked in proper maternity leave this time round and was absolutely planning on breastfeeding full time.  After four short months of struggling with him being a Colic baby with reflux and me adjusting my diet weekly to try make my milk less painful for his little tummy to digest, I finally gave in and put him on formula.  This was suggested by specialists and doctors but was a very hard decision for me to make.  I loved feeding him, his latch was perfect every time and I really felt the bonding love this time round when I fed him.   Sadly, my milk was pretty much poisonous to him, we have now found that he has a pretty severe protein allergy and he is now on prescription only formula… We are still journeying through this but the new formula has made a huge difference for him already.

Breastfeeding or not, this should always be the mother's choice.  There are many reasons why people choose to formula feed, whether they are mental or physical, for the mum or for the baby, either way the mum is the one who gets to choose.

Breast or bottle is a personal choice. Weigh the facts and the preferences, and make the choice that is right for you and your baby. Some babies literally cannot have breast milk, and that’s OK. Whatever you decide, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.  

5 questions to ask your family photographer

When it comes to photography, many people put a lot of effort into choosing a wedding photographer but not as much consideration into who will capture their family photos. But these images of your family are just as important and will be something for your children, grandchildren, and future generations to look back on.

If you’re looking for a family photographer, take time to ask any potential photographers these five questions—and don’t shy away from voicing your concerns or clearly asking for what you want.

How many years of experience do you have?

While it’s great to help out a friend, if you’re looking for gorgeous Christmas card images, you don’t want to book a photographer who’s just starting out. Ask about their experience and look at some of their past work to determine if their images are consistent and their style would be a good fit for your family. You want a photographer who knows what they’re doing, has high-quality equipment, and can handle any type of lighting situation—or any rambunctious kids.

Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?

If you’re looking for a certain kind of photography, make sure to choose a photographer whose style matches what you’re seeking. Some photographers do more posed photos, and some go for a more candid look, while others do both depending on the client. If you want something specific for your images, don’t be afraid to ask. If the photographer shows mainly one type of photos, eg newborn photos, have they examples of other types of family photos? Some photographers primarily focus on one genre, and if you have teenagers you want to make sure the photographer is comfortable with photographing that age too.

Do you have a lot of repeat clients?

The best photographers often capture multiple milestones for the same families, from engagements to weddings to newborns and beyond. If a photographer has the same clients coming back again and again, that’s a good sign that their work is strong and consistent—and that they’re easy to work with.

Do they have reviews on google or facebook. If they have happy clients, then the reviews should reflect that. The one little caveat, is every review is 5 star, then maybe look at little closer. No business has 100% happy clients all the time, so if there is an odd negative review, it generally indicates that they are real reviews.

What is your policy for canceling or rescheduling?

You never know what could happen to keep you from making it to your family photo session. Be sure to ask about your photographer’s cancelation policy and whether you would be able to reschedule your shoot, if necessary. Kids get sick, and you want to make sure the photographer is flexible around this.

Have you had any experience with _____________?

You may have unique concerns based on your family’s needs or challenges. Maybe you have a special needs child or a situation that may require some poses outside of the norm. While it helps to have a photographer who has some experience with concerns similar to yours, the most important thing is finding someone who will be understanding and compassionate and who will work with you and your family to get great photos.

When you’re looking for a photographer to capture the love your family shares, it’s important to choose someone who’s willing and able to help you create your vision for your family portraits. Be sure to check out as many of their galleries as you can and be open about what you want for your images. 

8 Simple Tips On Toilet Training Your Child

Potty training... it’s generally not something mums think about before they become a parent.  The constant pressure from other parents, family and even daycare is enough to make you put potty training in your "too hard" basket. "Is she potty trained yet", "what age does he have to be using the potty to attend daycare?", "nappies are a thing of the past for us"...

Yes, two - three years is the average age for children to start potty training, but what do you do when it doesn't go smoothly? Or better yet, where do you even start?

Here are a few tips and tricks from us Mums here at über photography that we have tried and used successfully to make this change from the daily nappies to the toilet, seamless... with a tiny side of wee, lol.

1. Try starting to practice using the toilet from around the age of two - if you are able to try a little bit before the age of two this might work out better for your child. 

2. Using the big toilet seat can be VERY daunting for your little one.  Try purchasing a small potty chair or a potty seat that fits over the regular sized toilet. If you are potty training a boy make sure it has a shield in front so they do not make a mess.  Bring the potty chair into the room that your child spends most of their time in on a day or weekend when you have some free time. Let your child run around in just a shirt with their diaper off or if you have guests, try putting a normal pair of undies on them.  Part of the learning of toilet training is that if they urinate it will run down their legs and feel yucky.

3. Clear your schedule before starting to potty train your child. Summer is best! Warm weather means the lack of clothes shouldn't bother your little one.  Also pick a time when you know that you and your family’s routine is less likely to be broken up with vacations, guests, moving to a new house and so on. Long holiday weekends are the BEST time! I know this doesn't sound like the best way to spend your time off however, if you are a working mum or a mum on the go then these are usually when you are able to spend more time focused on helping your little one learn this life long skill.

4. Decide what words you will use to describe body parts, urine and bowel movements. Using negative words such as "naughty" or "gross" can make your child feel self-conscious and ashamed. Talk about urination and bowel movements in a simple, matter-of-fact way.. don't forget to put it in a language your child will understand such as "wee wee" or "poo poo"

5. Use your child’s favorite doll, super hero, or even toy car on a pretend potty. Explain “the baby is going pee in the potty.” Put diapers on their favorite stuffed bear and then eventually graduate the bear to underwear.

6. You can use books and videos to help your child understand the process of using the potty and see other children learning to use the potty. There are lots of free books and videos available online if that is easier.  Let your child look at their favorite book while sitting on the potty to help the minutes pass by.

7. Get out your calendar and declare a “Potty Day”. This is the day that your child would like to start potty training. Use a bright color and circle that date. Keep reminding them that “Potty Day” is almost here.  Get excited with them and create a positive environment and feeling towards this milestone.

8. Once you start, don’t go back.  Keep nappies for nap time and sleep time only (unless you absolutely need your child to wear one).  The more consistent you are, the quicker your child will learn how and when to use the toilet.  If you are worried about the carseat having an accident on it, try putting a towel under them or even a couple of reusable nappy inserts

Usually it takes a little bit of patience and time for a child to understand what they are supposed to be doing and be totally potty trained. Just remember to keep trying and be consistent, your child will eventually understand and be successful.

5 things I wish I knew when I was pregnant

1. Labour isn't really that bad 

I remember one of the first things I thought about when I got pregnant was that I was kind of scared at the idea of going through labour.  I’d seen all the TV shows & movies and labour is made out to be crazy rushed and that it would hurt like crazy.

I'm not saying that labour doesn't hurt ……. it definitely does. But my experience and I think most women experience was nothing like what was portrayed in those movies and shows. 

My three births were all very different.. But in the end nothing that happens during labour compared to holding my beautiful babies in my arms at the end. 

It's like in an instant you forget everything that you have just been through when you hold that incredible baby that you create it inside you for 9 months and it's placed on your chest. 

It's a moment like nothing else you will ever experience again. so my first advice is always to focus on the new baby you will have and remember up to focus on that when you're in labour.

2. what clothes to buy for baby 

I worried so much about what clothes I was going to need for my baby when I was pregnant. What should I get for the baby now, how many outfits should I actually have. What size would my baby be.

My advice is just to look around for about a week's worth of outfits in neutral tones. Even if you know you're having a boy or a girl going for neutrals means that you'll be able to use it to any future babies you have as well. Those clothes will only last about 4 weeks before your baby will grow out of them. So you want to have things that will last for all your children.

I can highly recommend looking at something like The Essential Baby Baby box for this. They offer a box that covers in and includes everything that you will need for those first few weeks when your bum arrives. Then once where you can go out shopping for outfits in the bigger sizes that you'll actually need. it means you'll be able to shop for things that will actually suit your baby.

3. sleep

I remember complaining that I wasn't getting enough sleep when I was pregnant, how little did I understand what was to come. There are lots of things you can do to ensure you get plenty of sleep while you are pregnant.

First make sure you stick to the routine of going to bed a little earlier. It's a good habit to get into anyway but even more important when your baby arrives. It just means that when you get your little one down to sleep and settled will be much more likely to think I need to take myself off to bed .

Secondly, have a quick nap when possible. I know it's not always easy but just having that little extra sleep here and there can make a huge difference .

Thirdly, get a pillow that will make sleeping a lot more comfortable. This is probably my most important thing. using a pillow that you can stretch along your whole body means that your belly is fully supported and therefore you will be much more comfortable. You'll end up sleeping so much better. don't worry that this pillow will only get used when you're pregnant because I promise you will end up using it when your baby comes as well.

4) only listen to advice that really resonates with you

From the first moment you let your friends and family know that you are pregnant the advice will start. He generally always comes from a well meaning place, but it's very confusing at the same time. Sometimes the ideas can be the polar opposite of each other .

My advice is only to listen to your advice that resonates with you and ignore the rest .

There is no rule book on how to raise kids. In fact the guidelines interchange on a regular basis. As a mum you're going to need to listen to your gut feelings. I've heard so many stories from Mum's over the years who have trusted they got in regards to children's illnesses and they have always been right even when the doctors were telling them they were not

So my advice when you're pregnant is to learn to listen to your gut and that way when Bob arrives you will have started to listen to you in your intuition. 

It’s important to know there are no right or wrong when raising kids. We alternately all want to raise happy resilient little people to go out into the world. We will make mistakes along the way that's just normal. All you can do is do the best you can.
But most importantly remember that the thing that your little one needs most from you is love.

5) Enjoy your time is a couple before your baby arrives

It's very easy to get very caught up in the arrival of your baby and forget about your partner. Pregnancy is so much harder for guys in so many ways.They watch their partners change both physically and mentally and yet for them nothing is that different. In fact I think many men feel very nervous about what life will be like once their baby actually arrives.

As women we get to feel this little person grow inside us. Those little and then big kicks, all the changes that happen to our body in preparation for a butt. Men don't get to experience it in the same way .

I remember my hubby saying to me that he didn't ever feel ready to be a dad.

So while you're pregnant try to focus your attention on your partner. Make some extra time to spend with him on the things that you've always enjoyed doing together. Lots of couples get together to plan the baby room which is fantastic but don't get too caught up on focusing fon the baby and forget to actually just spend time with him on a daily basis.

When your baby arrives your focus will be on your bum for the first 12 months. That's very natural and Dad will understand. But remember always to involve him in any way that you can.

Imagine that it’s 18 yrs from now…. that little person who’s wriggling inside you & kicking you all the time has just finished their HSC and it about to take off on a gap year trip around Europe….

You are struggling to remember those first few days after they arrived… when they fit in your arms and laid on your chest to sleep.. those little sounds as they slept, the way their eyelids fluttered when they were dreaming.. The little hands that could wrap around your finger and those sweet expressions as they tried to hard so focus on your face.

Now it’s all a blur…

When they are tiny we think we will remember .. but life passes by too quickly… and we forget.

Don’t rely on your memory for those precious moments, let us capture them for you so you will be able to remember them forever.

Are You Present With Your Children?

How often are you fully and completely present when you are with your children? One of the greatest gifts we can give to our children is to be fully present with them. In the times we live in, this can often be a big challenge. It feels like raising children has become more challenging than ever before.

When my three children were growing up, I worked full time running my business – in addition to spending time with my husband. The only way I could be fully present when I was with my children was to set aside “time alone” with them. “Time alone” was daily quality time I spent with each of my children, doing whatever they wanted to do. During this time I did not answer the phone or deal with the many issues of running a household. It was time set aside to be fully present with them, not even thinking about other things. This has become more challenging as they have gotten older, as they are so busy with their friends, school work and computer games that there seems to be less time to spend with me.

I personally believe that message you give to your children when you don’t spend quality time being fully present is that they are not important. When answering the phone, or getting things done, or thinking about what you have to do tomorrow is more important than being present with your children, they get the message that being with them and really knowing them is not very important to you.

When I was growing up, my mother was always busy. She was juggling 3 kids, working part time.And it felt like she never had the time to just be with me. She never wanted to know about my thoughts and feelings, or about how things were going at school. She never had the time to play with me or just hang out with me.

Words don’t cut it when the actions don’t follow. If it is not important to you to just be with your children – talking with them, playing with them, taking a walk, holding them, listening to them, sharing love with them, gazing at them with love – then they will likely not feel loved by you.

No matter how many things you buy them, or how often you tell them you love them, if they are not important enough to you to REALLY be with them, then it is likely they will not feel loved and cherished by you.

Your children need your focused attention, and when they don’t get it, they may pull for it in various ways. They may chatter on and on, trying to keep your attention. They may act out by fighting with each other, or by not listening to you or going into resistance regarding chores, homework, hygiene, bedtime, and so on.

Think about how you feel when someone gives you his or her full attention. Doesn’t it feel wonderful? How often does someone look you in the eyes and give you his or her full attention? How often do you feel really listened to and heard by someone?

Unfortunately, many people are so intent on being listened to and heard that they don’t listen and hear. The simple act of being fully present with your children will do more for them than you can imagine.
You have an opportunity to give your children a great gift – being fully present with them with your love, compassion, empathy, interest, sense of humor, playfulness, and affection.

You have the opportunity each day, even if it is just for half an hour, to fully cherish them.

They grow up so fast. Don’t miss this opportunity each day.