How to Choose the Right Family Photographer: 5 Questions You Should Ask Before Booking

Most families put enormous effort into choosing a wedding photographer but barely think about who will photograph their family. And yet family photos are the images your children will grow up looking at. They are the ones your grandchildren will find one day and hold onto. They are, in many ways, more important than wedding photos because they document the people your family became after the wedding was over.

If you are looking for a family photographer, especially in Sydney, do not just book the first person who comes up on Google. Take the time to ask these five questions. They will tell you everything you need to know about whether a photographer is the right fit for your family.

1. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have with Families?

Experience matters in family photography in a way it does not always matter in other types of photography. A good landscape photographer can wait for the perfect light. A good family photographer has to work with a toddler who has just had enough, a teenager who does not want to be there and a dog who has decided to sit on the backdrop.

Ask specifically about family experience, not just photography experience generally. A photographer might have beautiful work in their portfolio but if most of it is weddings or commercial work, they may not know how to handle the unpredictability of photographing children.

I have been photographing families for over 23 years from my studio in Gordon on Sydney's North Shore. In that time, I have worked with roughly 2,500 families. I have photographed newborns who screamed for the first 20 minutes and then fell asleep perfectly. I have worked with teenagers who arrived refusing to smile and left laughing. I have had dogs steal entire sessions in the best possible way. Experience with families specifically is what makes the difference between a stressful session and a relaxed one.

Look at their portfolio carefully. Are the images consistent in quality? Do the families look relaxed or stiff? Can you see real expressions or does everything look posed? The portfolio tells you more than the number of years ever will.

2. What Is Their Style, and Does It Match What You Want?

Not all family photographers shoot the same way. Some specialise in posed, structured portraits. Some work in a purely candid, documentary style. Some, like me, do both depending on what the family wants.

Before you book, look at their work and ask yourself: do these photos look like my family? If you have young kids and a dog, and every image in the photographer's portfolio shows perfectly posed adults in a studio, that might not be the right fit. If you want natural, relaxed images and the photographer's work looks stiff and formal, keep looking.

It is also worth asking whether they specialise in a particular type of family photography. Some photographers primarily photograph newborns and may not have much experience with older children or teenagers. If your kids are 12 and 15, you want someone who is comfortable working with that age group and knows how to make teenagers feel at ease, which is a skill in itself.

Do not be afraid to ask for specific examples. A good photographer will be happy to show you sessions that are similar to your family's situation.

3. Do They Have Repeat Clients?

This is one of the strongest indicators of a good family photographer. If families come back year after year, it tells you three things: the quality of the work is consistent, the experience is enjoyable, and the photographer has built genuine relationships with their clients.

Ask the photographer directly. How many of your clients come back? Do you photograph the same families at different stages? A photographer who has followed families from newborn through to school photos through to teenagers is someone who understands how families change and how to photograph them at every stage.

I have families who have been coming to me for over 15 years. I have photographed their newborns and now I am photographing those same kids as teenagers. That continuity matters because I know these families. I know which child is shy. I know which parent hates being in photos. I know the dog's name. That familiarity makes every session easier and the photos better.

Check their Google reviews. Real reviews from real clients will tell you what the experience is actually like, not just what the photos look like. If every single review is five stars with no detail, look a little closer. No business has 100% happy clients all of the time. An occasional less-than-perfect review with a thoughtful response from the photographer is actually a good sign. It means the reviews are genuine.

4. What Is Their Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Kids get sick. It is not a matter of if, it is when. And it always seems to happen the night before a session you have been looking forward to for weeks.

Before you book, ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy. Can you reschedule if your child wakes up with a temperature? Is there a fee? How much notice do they need? A family photographer who works with young children should understand that illness is part of the deal and have a flexible policy that accounts for it.

I reschedule for sick kids without any fuss. I would rather your family come in when everyone is feeling well and happy than push through a session where a child is unwell and miserable. The photos will be better for it, and you will enjoy the experience instead of surviving it.

5. Do They Have Experience with Your Family's Specific Needs?

Every family is different, and some families have needs that require a photographer with specific experience or sensitivity. You might have a child with additional needs who finds new environments overwhelming. You might have a child with a physical disability that requires modified posing. You might have a blended family with complex dynamics. You might have a child who is going through a tough time and is resistant to being photographed at all.

Whatever your situation, ask the photographer directly. Have you worked with a family like ours before? How would you handle this? The answer will tell you a lot. You are not looking for someone who has done it a hundred times, although that helps. You are looking for someone who listens, who is genuinely compassionate and who is willing to work with your family rather than trying to fit you into a standard session format.

In my studio, I adapt every session to the family in front of me. No two sessions look the same because no two families are the same. If your child needs extra time to warm up, we take extra time. If your teenager needs space, I give them space. If your dog needs to be part of every single frame, that is what we do. The session works around your family, not the other way around.

The Right Photographer Makes All the Difference

Choosing a family photographer is not just about finding someone who takes nice photos. It is about finding someone you trust, someone your family feels comfortable with and someone who understands that the best family photos come from genuine connection, not perfect posing.

Take the time to ask these questions. Look at the work. Read the reviews. And when you find someone who feels right, book the session. Because the photos you take of your family now are the ones you will treasure most in 20 years.

If you are on Sydney's North Shore and looking for a family photographer who genuinely loves working with real families, dogs and all, I would love to hear from you.

Kate x

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..