Spencer

If you’ve got a toddler at home, I already know the worry: “my kid won’t cooperate.” It’s the number one thing parents tell me before booking newborn photos with siblings, and after more than 13 years as a newborn photographer on the Gold Coast, I can tell you it’s the one thing you can stop stressing about. Your little one doesn’t need to sit still, look at the camera or smile on cue. The photos families end up loving are rarely the perfectly posed ones. They’re the curious peek, the tiny hand resting on baby’s head, the slightly squashy kiss. Forced smiles look forced. Real moments are what you’re after, and they happen when nobody feels pressured.

Safety is the other big one, and it’s the part I take most seriously. I’m safety-trained in newborn posing, and every pose is chosen so baby is always secure and comfortable, whether they’re in mum’s arms, dad’s, or snuggled on big brother’s lap. Anything that looks tricky is done as a composite, so baby is fully supported the whole time. Nothing is ever worth risking a baby’s safety for, and if a pose isn’t working for baby or for your toddler, we simply don’t do it.

Mums, I hear this one a lot too: “I don’t feel like myself yet, maybe I’ll just stay out of the photos.” Please don’t. Hair styling and my ladies’ wardrobe are included at studio sessions, so you can turn up as you are and I’ll take care of the rest. One day your kids will want to see you holding them, and you’ll be so glad you’re in the frame.

Forced smiles look forced. Real moments are what you’re after.

Dads who swear they’re “not photo people” always end up with some of the most beautiful images from the day. You won’t be left wondering where to put your hands or what to do with your face. I guide every pose, keep it relaxed and make sure nobody feels awkward. Grandparents are welcome to jump in for a few too, and those generational photos only mean more as the years go on.

If you’re worried about timing, the sweet spot for newborn photos is when baby is around 8 to 14 days old, while they’re still sleepy and curly. If your baby has already arrived or is a little older, still reach out. Sessions are completely baby-led, so feeds, cuddles, crying and the odd nappy explosion are all part of it. Nothing about a newborn surprises me, and nobody is ever rushed.

My Hope Island studio is private and I only look after one family at a time, so there are no strangers in the waiting room and no audience if your toddler has a meltdown. There’s easy parking, a comfy space for parents and a change room for mums. Bring snacks, a spare outfit for the little ones and anything that helps them settle.

Not sure what to wear for family newborn photos? Keep it simple. Soft neutrals like cream, oatmeal, white and light grey photograph beautifully and keep the focus on baby. Skip big logos, bright patterns and anything scratchy against newborn skin. Matching isn’t necessary, just colours that sit nicely together. If you’re unsure, bring a couple of options and we’ll choose together on the day.

A lot of parents also hesitate because they’re nervous about waiting weeks to see how their photos turned out. You won’t have to. You’ll see your photos on my big screen the same day and choose your favourites on the spot, with no back and forth.