Welcome to your newborn session guide

Thank you so much for choosing Krystal at Yarra Valley Images – I’m truly honoured to be part of this beautiful chapter in your journey. Your growing family is such a special milestone, and I can’t wait to create timeless images that celebrate the love, anticipation, and joy you’re experiencing right now. To help you feel fully prepared and confident, I’ve put together this Session Preparation Guide. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know – from what to expect during your session, how to prepare, styling and outfit tips, and suggestions for how to get the most out of our time together. Whether this is your first newborn session or your third, I want it to feel relaxed, meaningful, and above all, memorable. This is your moment – let’s make it unforgettable.

Get ready for a beautiful experience. I’m so excited to meet you and begin capturing your story!

When to Book Your Newborn Session:

I recommend booking your newborn session around the end of your first trimester or the beginning of your second. If you're planning to capture both your maternity and newborn journey, we can secure both dates at the same time for peace of mind. I photograph newborns under 2 weeks old, and all sessions are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If your baby is already close to 4 weeks or even 6 months, and you’ve only just remembered to book—don’t stress! Please still get in touch. These moments are still so precious and worth capturing.

I’ll pencil you into my calendar for around one-two weeks after your due date, with plenty of flexibility in case your baby arrives earlier or later. If you have a scheduled induction or C-section, just let me know. Once your baby is here, simply reach out so we can confirm your session date. And if this is your first baby, keep in mind that your Maternal Child Health Nurse will also be booking a home visit—it's best to keep our session separate to avoid feeling too overwhelmed on the day.

Session Timing:

Newborn sessions typically begin from 10:00 AM onwards, depending on your location and my schedule If you have a toddler with a regular nap routine, please let me know in advance—we may adjust the session time slightly to suit.

What to Wear – For Baby:

I bring a curated collection of neutral-toned, soft newborn outfits — including rompers, overalls, beanies, booties, and more. These are suitable from prem sizes (2.4kg+) and up.

I also bring along soft wraps and blankets to help keep your little one warm, comfortable, and cozy. If you have a special outfit or heirloom piece you'd like included, please have it ready.

Getting Baby Ready:

To help your baby settle for the session:

• You can give them a nice warm bath early morning, please avoid putting any moisturizer on that day.
• Try to keep them awake for 1 to 1.5 hours beforehand. That way they are ready for a big sleep for the session.
• When I arrive at your home or the studio, we’ll dress baby first, then give them a big feed and burp.

Who is apart of the session:

Partners and siblings are included in your newborn session. Pets are also welcome—but only for sessions held in your own home.

Where Does the Session Take Place?

You have two beautiful options for your newborn session:

At my cozy studio in Healesville

In the comfort of your home

About the Studio – Healesville:

The Healesville studio is a calm, welcoming space nestled right on Main Street. It’s a beautifully styled, natural-light-filled studio that I rent for sessions when needed.

The room is thoughtfully set up with soft, sheer curtains, a cozy couch, and plenty of space for larger families. It’s quiet, warm, and relaxed — designed to make you feel right at home. There’s a toilet onsite for your convenience, and some lovely cafés nearby if you’d like to grab a coffee before or after your session. Everything will be set up before you arrive — all you need to do is come in, settle down, feed and dress baby, and we’ll go from there. It’s the perfect little escape to soak up this special moment without any pressure.

When you arrive at the studio, everything will be ready and waiting — warm, calm, and welcoming. We’ll take our time to settle in, dress and feed baby, and then ease into the session with no rush. The space is designed to be peaceful and relaxing, so you can focus on enjoying these fleeting moments while I capture them for you.

Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Session:

There's something so personal and special about documenting your story in the space where you're creating new memories.

My biggest tip? A clean and tidy space makes for timeless, beautiful photos. I typically shoot in naturally well-lit areas such as the lounge room, bedroom, nursery, or even your front porch, depending on the lighting. I love working near big windows — natural light is our best friend! If you’ve got a couch pushed up against a large window, consider clearing or decluttering the area so we can make the most of the light.

To keep your baby calm and cozy, warm up your home before I arrive — think toasty and snug!

And please don’t stress. I fully understand the whirlwind of the newborn stage — sleep deprivation, hormones, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with it. If you're feeling like your space isn't quite photo-ready, or you're in the middle of a renovation, we can absolutely shift to the studio instead.

When I arrive, I’ll bring along my cane basket, bean bag, and camera bag. I’ll take a few minutes to walk through your home to plan out the best lighting and locations for our shots.

You'll dress and feed your baby, and together we’ll chat through a loose plan for the session. I’ll often have one of you help rock baby to sleep, and then I’ll gently take over to position them safely for parent portraits and solo shots. Pets are more than welcome in your home session! That said, for baby’s safety, I suggest keeping them in another room or outside during solo newborn portraits.

What If My Baby Cries During the Session?

First and foremost — please don’t worry. I completely understand the emotional whirlwind that comes with having a newborn. I've been there myself, and I want you to know that you're doing an amazing job. You're still learning your baby’s cues while recovering, and that’s no small thing.

Sometimes babies just need a little extra time — they might want to be held a certain way, cluster feed, or simply fight sleep. It’s all completely normal. If you're feeling stressed, your baby can often sense it too, so let’s take the pressure off. These sessions are designed to be slow-paced and baby-led, which is why I allow up to 1–3 hours.

If your baby becomes unsettled, we might:

• Offer extra cuddles (especially with Mum)
• Pause for another feed or top-up
• Change a nappy
• Try a burp
• Adjust the room temperature
• Wrap or swaddle your baby for comfort

No rush, no pressure — we’ll go with your baby’s flow.

Preparing Toddlers or Older Siblings

Sessions can be a little long for little ones, so it’s helpful to bring along some quiet entertainment like books, toys, or a tablet with headphones.

I’ll photograph the family and sibling images first, so that once we’re done, your partner and the kids can head out for a play at the local park or go for a short walk while we focus on capturing your baby’s solo portraits.

Tips:

• Pack a spare change of clothes for each child — just in case.
• If you're coming to the studio, bring plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone happy and hydrated.

What to Bring (Studio Sessions)

If your session is at the studio, please bring along:

• Your nappy bag with all the essentials
• Feeding supplies — bottles, formula, breast pump, etc.
• Snacks or meals for yourselves and your other children
• Feel free to eat during the session — I’ve been in your shoes and completely understand how important those snacks can be!

Client Wardrobe Guidance

At this stage, I don’t offer a large client closet for mothers for newborn sessions, but have a few pieces included below.

For your own outfits:

For Mums: Wear something flowy, loose, and breastfeeding-friendly, if needed. Soft, neutral tones (like beige, ivory, or earthy shades) photograph beautifully and create a calm, cohesive look. Avoid wearing super tight outfits.

For Partners: A linen button-up shirt in a neutral tone that contrasts gently with your outfit works well. Try to avoid graphic tees, bright colors, or bold patterns, which can be distracting in photos.

For Children: Stick to neutral, beige, or earthy tones — they photograph timelessly and complement the soft aesthetic of newborn imagery.

Still unsure? Feel free to send me outfit options via social media — I’m always happy to help you choose what looks best.

i'm excited for my pics!! 🍾

• After our session, I’ll send you 10 sneak peeks within a couple days so you can start reliving the magic and have something to post on socials.
• Your final gallery will be delivered in high resolution, and you’ll be able to download and share with family and friends within 2-4 weeks.

album designs & print orders

When it comes to preserving your memories, nothing compares to the quality of a professionally printed album or fine art print. While it might be tempting to order prints from a local store or online retailer, those prints often don’t do justice to the beauty of your photos. Professional labs use high-end materials, ensuring that every image is printed with stunning clarity and color accuracy that will last for generations. The albums I offer are crafted with premium quality paper, durable covers, and custom options that reflect the elegance of your session. These aren’t just photos—they’re heirlooms that will be passed down, telling the story of your journey in the best possible way. Trust me, there’s no better way to showcase your memories than with beautifully printed products that stand the test of time.

I also offer 6x4 prints so you can easily create your own photo collection. Trust me, there’s no better way to showcase your memories than with beautifully printed products that stand the test of time.

any other questions, please ask - this guide is forever getting updated

Your photography session is going to be beautiful, and I’m beyond excited to be there to capture it all! So let’s get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to photograph your precious milestone.