Portrait FAQs

What does ‘Sunny 16′ mean?

All photographers will know this photographic rule well! It’s kinda of the equivalent of being lost in the bush without a compass, and knowing how to use your watch and the sun to work out how to find your way home.

Sunny 16 = on a sunny day: f16, ISO 100, 1/125 (if you want to know what all that means, check it out on Wikipedia here).

Where are you based? Do you travel?

I’m based in Maitland and regularly photograph in and around Maitland, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, the Central Coast, and Port Stephens.

I’m happy to travel further a field too, with travel expenses covered.

How much are photo sessions? What is the difference between a mini session and a premium session?

All studio sessions are $75.

For sessions out on location, we have mini sessions, and premium sessions.

The mini session fee is $75. A mini session includes up to 45 minutes of photography time at a single location, and then upload of your proofs to a secure online gallery where you’ll be able to view them and choose what you’d like to purchase.

The premium session fee is $150. A premium session includes up to an hour and a half of photography time at either one or two locations, and then a personal viewing session with me where you’ll be able to view the photos from your session on the big screen and choose what you’d like to purchase.

A complimentary 8×10 inch or 8×12 inch enlargement is also included in a premium session.

Individual prints start at $35, and canvas prints, custom-framing, albums, and digital files on disc are available.

How far ahead should we book our photo session?

Weekend sessions can often fill up two to three weeks before the date, so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment. The peak period of September until December can be particularly busy, so book well ahead of time. Some families reserve their date a few months in advance.

Weekday sessions are much more available.

When do you recommend that a pregnancy session take place?

Around 32-36 weeks is ideal for most mums-to-be – when you’ve got a big beautifully belly, but before the risk of you having bub before your photo session becomes too great! However, that being said – whenever you feel most comfortable in your pregnancy is a perfect time. 

From what age can my baby be photographed?

I’ve photographed babies as young as three days old. The younger they are, the more settled and sleepy they tend to be, which is great in producing those beautiful relaxed newborn shots. So any time after their arrival!

Where should my baby be photographed?

You can bring your baby into the studio, or have me come to your home – in your home you’ll all be comfortable if the session takes awhile, and you’ll have numerous clothes ready for changes if need be (which is almost always!).

As soon as your baby can sit on their own, an outdoors session works wonderfully too.

What should we wear to our photo session?

There are no real rules about what you should or shouldn’t wear – whatever you’re comfortable in! Denim always looks great, with tops in coordinating colours or patterns (but not necessarily matching).

I do suggest you avoid shirts with large logos, writing, or characters on them – just because they can be a bit distracting in a photograph. However, if your child simply insists on wearing their favourite Dora/Igglepiggle/Ben 10 t-shirt – that’s fine too!

Can we include our pet in our photo session?

You sure can, I *love* to photograph families with pets included…… unless they happen to be huge hairy spiders – eeek!

Do you offer full-resolution discs?

Yes, full-resolution discs from your session are available for purchase alone or in addition to prints or other products.

Images on disc are full-sized, ready for you to print.

Are you an accredited AIPP member?

Yes, I’m a full accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. You can click here to find out more about what that means.

Where can I see more of your photos?

You can have a look at the website gallery here, check out some recent work on the blog here, or ‘like’ Sunny 16 on Facebook here.

What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Ok… don’t tell your children this, because they will lose all respect for me… but I don’t like ice cream!

Do you do preschool or playgroup fundraisers?

Yes. Just email me at zoe@sunny16.com.au and tell me about your requirements.

What is Heartfelt?

Heartfelt is a charity organisation of professional photographers who give the gift of photographic memories to very special babies, children, and families in their greatest time of need.

I am very honoured to be a part of this wonderful organisation. Please visit the Heartfelt website here and help us increase the awareness of this service in communities all around Australia.