NEWBORN, MATERNITY, & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ | GOLD COAST
Frequently asked questions
This page holds answers to the questions that often come up before a photography session, from how things work, to what to expect, and the little details that help you feel prepared.
If there’s something you’re still wondering about, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m here to guide you through it.
Studio & Location FAQs
This section covers the practical details of visiting the photography studio; from location and parking to comfort, preparation, and what to expect on the day.
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The studio is located in Pimpama on the Northern Gold Coast, just a few minutes from the highway (Exit 56).
It’s an easy, accessible location designed to feel warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive. A quiet space where sessions can unfold calmly and without rush.
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Yes, there is convenient street parking directly in front of the studio, making arrival and departure simple and stress-free.
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Comfort is always a priority, especially for newborn sessions.
For newborn photography, the studio is kept warm to support your baby’s comfort and safety. For maternity and boudoir sessions, the temperature is adjusted depending on the season, so the space always feels relaxed and comfortable.
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You’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks with you, particularly for longer sessions like newborn shoots.
To keep the space safe for all little ones, I do ask that nuts and nut products are avoided. If needed, you’re also welcome to organise food delivery during your session. There’s space to sit, rest, and take breaks as you need.
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The studio is used for a range of intimate, connection-led sessions.
Newborn and early days
Baby milestones and cake smash
Studio maternity
Intimate portraiture (boudoir)
Each session is approached with the same care and intention. The difference is simply the chapter you’re in.
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To keep the space calm and comfortable, sessions are best suited to immediate household members.
If siblings are involved, we’ll usually capture their portraits first. After that, they’re welcome to head out with another adult nearby, whether that’s a short walk, a quick trip to the shops, or some time at a local park. This helps the rest of the session flow gently and without distraction.
If you have a specific situation in mind or aren’t sure what will work best, you’re always welcome to reach out beforehand. I’m happy to talk it through with you.
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Yes, absolutely.
While the studio offers a calm and controlled environment, many sessions can also take place outdoors across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. If you’re drawn to something more natural, I’m always happy to guide you toward a location that feels right.
Pricing & Payment FAQs
This section covers how bookings are secured, available payment options, and what to expect financially throughout the process.
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A retainer is a non-refundable booking payment that secures your session date and time.
For most standard photography sessions, this is $100 and is deducted from your final balance. It simply holds your place in the calendar and allows time for preparation, planning, and any pieces needed for your session.
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For standard sessions, the remaining balance is due 48 hours prior to your session, unless a pre-payment plan has been arranged in advance.
For mini sessions, full payment is required 7 days before your session date.
If you’re planning to pay in cash, just let me know ahead of time so everything can be organised smoothly.
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Final payments can be made via card, bank transfer, or cash.
Afterpay is also available if you’d prefer to split your payment into smaller instalments.
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Afterpay is available to help spread the cost of your photography session over time.
A 6% admin fee applies when using this option. If selected, you’ll receive a private payment link via Square, where you can complete checkout and divide the total into four payments.
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Yes, pre-payment plans are available for those booking in advance, allowing your session to be paid off gradually before your shoot date.
Post-session payment plans may be considered on request. Please note that images are not edited or delivered until the full balance has been finalised.
If this is something you’d like to explore, you’re always welcome to reach out.
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Retainers are non-refundable, as they secure your session date and cover the time and preparation allocated specifically for your booking.
If you’re unwell or something unexpected comes up, flexibility is offered where possible. Each situation is handled with care and considered on a case-by-case basis.
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You’ll receive access to a private client portal where everything is kept in one place.
Inside your portal, you can view invoices, check payment history, access contracts, and view your gallery when it’s ready.
It’s your central space for everything related to your session.
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Some clients choose to book multiple sessions, such as maternity and newborn, to capture connected chapters. If you’re considering this, you’re welcome to reach out and we can chat through options that suit you.
Images & delivery
This section answers common questions about your final images, how they’re selected, and how your gallery is delivered after your photography session.
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Each session is delivered as a carefully curated collection, with the number of images depending on the collection you choose at the time of booking.
Collections are designed to tell a complete, cohesive story rather than focusing on individual images. For this reason, images aren’t offered individually.
If you’re unsure which collection will suit you best, I’m always happy to guide you before booking.
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I do.
Your gallery is curated thoughtfully and intentionally, with care given to flow, variety, emotion, and storytelling. This means you receive a finished collection without the overwhelm of sorting through hundreds of images.
Every image delivered is fully edited and chosen because it contributes meaningfully to the story of your session.
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Preview galleries aren’t provided.
This allows me to focus on carefully selecting and editing the strongest images from your session, rather than preparing large, unedited galleries for review.
The result is a more refined, cohesive final collection and a smoother experience for you.
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If you feel drawn to a larger gallery, you’re always welcome to upgrade to a higher collection by paying the difference.
Upgrades may require additional editing time, as your gallery is completed intentionally as a full body of work.
Rather than adding images individually, collections can be expanded so the final gallery remains cohesive and thoughtfully finished.
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Final, fully edited images are delivered within five weeks of your session.
During busier seasons, turnaround times may vary slightly, but you’ll always be kept informed if anything shifts.
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No, unedited or raw files aren’t provided.
Editing is an essential part of the Hollow & Hearth process and is what gives your images their finished look. Each image is carefully refined to reflect the style and feeling you see throughout my work.
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Your images are delivered via a private online gallery, where you can view, download, and share your final collection with ease.
What to expect
If you’re wondering what the experience actually feels like, this section is for you.
Photography sessions with Hollow & Hearth are guided gently and move at a pace that allows things to unfold naturally, without pressure or expectation.
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You’ll arrive at the studio or chosen location and be welcomed into a calm, unhurried space. From there, I’ll guide you through the session step by step, allowing time to settle in, connect, and adjust as needed.
There’s no rush and no expectation to perform. The focus is simply on being present and letting moments unfold naturally.
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Yes, gently.
I’ll offer natural direction and prompts throughout your photography session to help you feel comfortable and supported, while still leaving space for genuine interaction. Nothing is stiff or overly posed, and you’re never expected to know what to do.
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That’s completely okay, and very normal.
Children are given space to be themselves, and sessions are approached with patience and flexibility. Some of the most meaningful images come from letting go of expectations and allowing things to happen naturally.
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Almost everyone feels this way at first.
My role is to create an environment where you feel at ease and supported. I’ll guide you throughout the session, adjusting the pace and approach as needed so you never feel rushed or uncomfortable.
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Session length varies depending on the type of session you’ve booked.
Most sessions run between 45–90 minutes. Newborn sessions may run longer to allow time for feeding, settling, and breaks, while mini sessions are shorter and move at a slightly quicker pace.
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Life happens, especially with little ones. If you’re running behind, just let me know as soon as you can. Sessions are designed with a little flexibility, and we’ll always make the most of the time we have.
Rescheduling & flexibility
Life shifts, especially in seasons involving pregnancy, newborns, and family life.
This section outlines how rescheduling works and the flexibility available when plans need to change.
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If you or your child are unwell, please let me know as soon as you can.
Health and wellbeing always come first, and sessions can be rescheduled where needed so you can arrive feeling comfortable and at ease.
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For outdoor sessions, the weather is always monitored closely.
If conditions aren’t safe or suitable, we’ll simply adjust the plan together. This might mean rescheduling or shifting to an alternative location where possible.
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Where possible, around 48 hours’ notice is appreciated.
That said, life with little ones can be unpredictable, and last-minute changes are always approached with care and understanding. The goal is to find a solution that still feels right for you.
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In most cases, there’s no fee for rescheduling due to illness or unexpected circumstances. If multiple changes are required, we’ll always communicate clearly and work through the best option together.
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Newborn sessions are booked around your due date, with flexibility built in to allow for early or late arrivals.
Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm a session date that works best for both your recovery and your baby’s needs, keeping everything calm and unhurried.
Newborn Sessions
This section answers common questions about newborn photography sessions, including timing, flexibility around due dates, and how these sessions are approached.
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Newborn sessions are best booked during pregnancy to ensure availability around your due date.
A flexible window is held for you, and once your baby arrives, we confirm a session date that feels right for both you and your baby.
You can learn more about newborn sessions by clicking here. -
Newborn sessions are usually photographed within the first two weeks, when babies are still very sleepy and naturally curled. That said, sessions can still be beautiful outside of this window, and we always work with your baby as they are.
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That’s completely okay.
Newborn sessions are designed with flexibility in mind, so we simply adjust your session timing once your baby arrives.
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Newborn sessions are unhurried and can run up to two to three hours.
This allows time for feeding, settling, and pauses, so everything feels calm and natural.
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Everything needed for your baby’s session is provided, including wraps, blankets, and styling pieces. You’re welcome to bring anything sentimental if you’d like it included.
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Yes, absolutely. Family and sibling images are always included and are usually captured at the beginning of your session.
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That’s completely okay. Not all babies sleep deeply, and beautiful images can still be created while they’re awake. We follow your baby’s lead and allow space for whatever they need.
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There’s very little you need to do. Sessions are designed to be calm and flexible, with time for feeding, settling, and breaks as needed.
If you’d like to feel a little more prepared, you’re welcome to read through my newborn session prep guide here.
It gently walks you through what to expect, what to bring, and how everything flows, so you can arrive feeling relaxed and ready.
Maternity Sessions FAQs
Here you’ll find guidance around maternity sessions, including when to book, when to photograph, and how to include your partner or family.
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Maternity sessions are usually photographed between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully defined but you’re still feeling comfortable.
We can often book out months in advance so I recommend booking as soon as you have chosen to work with us.You can learn more about maternity sessions by clicking here.
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Sessions can take place either in the studio or at an outdoor location across the Gold Coast, depending on the look and feeling you’re drawn to.
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Yes, absolutely.
Maternity sessions are often shared with partners and children, creating a more connected and meaningful experience.
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Soft, neutral tones and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully. If you’re unsure, I can guide you through styling so everything feels cohesive and natural.
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Yes, a curated selection of maternity gowns is available to use during your session. You’re also welcome to bring your own pieces if you have something you love.
Cake Smash Sessions FAQ
This section covers cake smash and milestone sessions, including timing, what’s included, and how these sessions are styled and guided.
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Cake smash sessions are typically booked around your baby’s first birthday, though they can be scheduled slightly earlier if you’d like images ready for their celebration.
You can learn more about cake smash sessions by clicking here.
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Yes, the cake is included as part of your session.
It’s one less thing for you to organise, allowing the experience to feel simple and stress-free from start to finish. Cakes are styled to suit the session and photograph beautifully within the setup.
If your baby has specific dietary requirements, this can absolutely be accommodated. In some cases, an additional cost may apply depending on what’s needed.
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Yes, sessions are styled in a way that feels simple and timeless, and we can work together to choose colours or elements that suit your vision.
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Yes, many sessions include a simple bath or clean-up at the end, making it easy and comfortable for everyone.
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That’s completely okay. Every baby responds differently, and we simply follow their lead. Some of the sweetest moments happen outside of the cake itself.
Family Sessions FAQs
These answers focus on family sessions, from what to wear to how sessions are guided when children are involved.
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Family sessions are usually held outdoors across the Gold Coast or in the studio, depending on the style you’re drawn to.
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Outdoor sessions are often scheduled around softer light, either early morning or late afternoon, to create a relaxed, natural feel.
I find early mornings are often a better option for families with young children
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Neutral tones and simple textures photograph beautifully. Coordinating rather than matching tends to create a more natural and cohesive look.
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That’s completely okay. Sessions are designed to allow children to move, play, and settle in their own time.
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Most family sessions run for around 30–45 minutes, allowing enough time to capture a range of natural, connected moments.
Boudoir Sessions FAQ
This section explores what to expect from a boudoir session, including guidance, comfort, privacy, and how the experience is approached.
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You’re welcome to bring pieces you feel comfortable and confident in. Some wardrobe options may also be available, depending on your session.
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Yes. Your images are only ever shared with your full permission.
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Yes, you’ll be guided gently throughout the session with natural direction that feels comfortable and flattering.
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That’s completely normal. Most people feel unsure at first, and sessions are designed to help you relax into the experience gradually.
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Sessions are held in a private studio on the Northern Gold Coast, designed to feel calm, comfortable, and supportive.
Shop & Product FAQs
These answers focus on family sessions, from what to wear to how sessions are guided when children are involved.
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Family sessions are usually held outdoors across the Gold Coast or in the studio, depending on the style you’re drawn to.
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Outdoor sessions are often scheduled around softer light, either early morning or late afternoon, to create a relaxed, natural feel.
I find early mornings are often a better option for families with young children
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Neutral tones and simple textures photograph beautifully. Coordinating rather than matching tends to create a more natural and cohesive look.
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That’s completely okay. Sessions are designed to allow children to move, play, and settle in their own time.
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Most family sessions run for around 30–45 minutes, allowing enough time to capture a range of natural, connected moments.
Still have a question?
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, you’re always welcome to reach out.
Or, if you’re ready to move forward, you can explore sessions or book your experience below.