Make sure you wear clothes that will stand the test of time, so avoid wearing anything that has a fad today.
Keep it simple, I recommend neutral or pastel colours. Avoid any clothing that has logos or outrageous images or prints on them.
Whatever you wear, make sure you’re comfortable and that the colours compliment the colours in your home where you’ll hang your photographs.

We can go to any place you like in the Sutherland Shire.
I’m happy to recommend some of my favourite places. My favourite spot for family photos is Cape Solander Lookout at Kurnell. I also like Silver Beach at Kurnell. Stanwell Park Beach is another lovely spot.
Or if you prefer, the session can also be done in the comfort of your home.

Shooting time is up to 1.5 hours for baby (sitter sessions), family and pet portraits.
Shortly after your photos shoot we’ll go through your photos together so you can pick out your favorite images and how you’d like them printed. This consultation typically goes for about an hour following your photoshoot.

All my family and outdoor photo shoots are done at sunset time, so depending on the time of year it is will depend on the time of your photo shoot. In the middle of Summer sunset is at 8.15pm, so meeting at 7.30pm is a good time. In the middle of winter sunset is at 5.00pm, so meeting at 4.00pm is ideal.
In the week leading up to your photo shoot, I’ll keep my eye on the weather and if it looks like it will rain (or even be overcast), we can simply reschedule.
‘I have a young child, can we do our photo shoot earlier?’ 
This is a common question and while I understand that children may be tired towards the end of the day, I still only do outdoor photo shoots at sunset time. All the photographs that you’ve seen in my Family Gallery have been taken around sunset. If I was to shoot earlier in the day, then I would simply not receive the same results because the lighting will be so different. Keeping the kids awake for one night will be worth it when you see your beautiful images! If you’re really worried, we can schedule your photo shoot during the months of April to September when sunset will be earlier in the day.

Because I know you’re dying to see your images, I don’t make you wait. You get to see your unedited photos shortly after your photo shoot.
During your photo shoot, we’ll organise a time for us to go through your photos together, either that same afternoon, the next day or later that same week. I know you’re excited to see your photos, so I like to do this as soon as possible.
What’s more, I show you my print and album examples so you see the quality of the products you’ll get. This helps you to pick the right printing products for your needs.
This consultation typically goes for about an hour and I do this in the comfort of your home.

To book in your photo shoot, the Session Fee needs to be paid to lock in your booking.

– Newborn Sessions – $150
– Maternity & Newborn Sessions – $200
– Family, Maternity & Pet Sessions – $200

Prints, Collections, Albums and packages are all purchased separately.
Most of my clients invest approximately $900 – $2000 on their photographs but, how much you spend is entirely up to you – there are no pressure sales.
Be sure to check out my packages and products for descriptions and photos.
For detailed information on my prices, get in touch and I can send you a full price guide.

Gift Vouchers are no longer available for purchase.

My style of photography is very subjective. While you may like my photos, the receiver of the voucher may not (and that’s ok, we all have different styles!). If you’d still like to give them a photo shoot as a gift, I recommend directing your friend/family member to my website and they can reach out to me directly to book in their shoot and you can gift them any amount you like to go towards their photos.

If you have purchased or received a gift voucher from me in the past, it will be honored. Please contact me to arrange your photo shoot using your voucher.

Yes, I do provide digital-only packages.
However, I believe that photographs should be experienced through prints.
That’s why my portrait photography has a range of high quality prints you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Contact me directly for more information on photo sessions, pricing and availabilities.
I’m typically booked a few months in advance, please keep this in mind when scheduling your shoot.

info@lornavanhilst.com.au
0412 149 237

Please note that I’m not always available to answer my phone. However, if you leave me a voicemail, I’ll return your call on the same business day.

Office hours:

Monday: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday – Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 8am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed

Location:

Engadine, Sutherland Shire, NSW 2233

The best time to photograph a newborn baby is when they’re around two weeks of age, after this time babies are a lot more alert and may not like to sleep very much.
Also at this age, we’re still able to put them into those little squishy poses that we love.
Please note that newborn shoots are done only on Monday’s and Friday’s only and are scheduled in the morning. Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments are not available.

Newborn sessions are best booked in while you are still pregnant.
Please call me at any time during your pregnancy. When you have booked in I will make a tentative booking for around two weeks after your due date, either on a Monday or Friday. If your baby arrives a little early or a little late, we simply adjust the booking date accordingly.
When you arrive home from hospital, you can contact me to confirm your session date.
If you’ve already had your baby, don’t worry – I’ll do my best to squeeze you in as I know how precious those first few weeks are.

Yes! All newborn shoots include family photos and if you have older children, they’re included too.
Sometimes we forget to include ourselves in our family photos and, when your babies grow up, they’ll want to see you with them.
By being in the photos, they’ll become a wonderful keepsake for your children to own and pass down to their children – family photos become our heirlooms.

Your newborn photo session is carried out from my home studio in Engadine. Be sure to check out My Studio so see photos and watch a short video on the studio space where you can have your photographs taken.

Allow 2-4 hours. This gives us plenty of time for those unexpected delays that crop up with babies – feeding, cuddling, and set up changes.

I’ve got lots of beautiful handmade props available for your newborn session. I have sourced props from some of the best vendors around the world, so all items used are very unique and boutique.
Check out My Studio or Instagram page where I upload all my latest photographs. Let me know what set ups/arrangements are your favorites and I can set it up for your newborn shoot.

I sure do! Maternity shoots can be booked on their own or, I provide a discounted Session Fee if you’d like to book a Maternity & Newborn shoot together – saving you $150!
Maternity photo shoots are best done when you’re around 30-35 weeks pregnant and I prefer to do these sessions at an outdoor location at sunset time.
My style for these shoots is very simple and natural but, also very elegant and timeless. I have a great example of how I like to photograph my maternity sessions up on my blog.
I don’t provide any clothing for maternity shoots. You are welcome to wear anything you like. I recommend something very simple and comfortable.
Please note that your newborn and maternity photos cannot be combined into the one print package/purchase. Each photo shoot will require a separate print purchase.
Please note that maternity sessions are subject to availability. Please book as early as you can to avoid missing out as they do book out quickly.

Yes. In December 2016 I updated my whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination. I also had blood tests done which revealed that I have an immunity towards measles, mumps, rubella and varicella zoster virus. This has been done to ensure that your brand new baby is protected and safe with me. Plus I get the flu shot every year for added protection for your baby!
I also have a ‘Working with Children’s Check’ obtained by the NSW Government – Office of the Children’s Guardian.

Yes! I have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccination and my vaccine certificate is on display in my studio. I have completed the Covid-19 Infection Control Training course, issued by the NSW Government.
Between each photo shoot, the studio is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized including all props, wraps and outfits and all surface areas are disinfected before and after all photo shoots.
During each newborn shoot, and between each set up I thoroughly wash and sanitize my hands and I wear a face mask while handling and posing the baby. I also require all adults attending the studio to wear a mask which they’re not having their photo taken.
If anyone is feeling sick, including myself, we can simply re-schedule your photo shoot. There is no penalty or rescheduling fee if anyone is feeling ill.

If we go into another lockdown due to COVID, your photo shoot will be reorganised to a time when I can re-open my business.
The Session Fee you have paid is not refundable, however it is transferable without an expiry date.
During the lockdown earlier in 2020 and in 2021, all my client’s booked in for newborn shoots had their sessions rescheduled when we were able to resume work. Their babies were slightly older, but we still got some amazing photos. They weren’t specifically newborn photos, but babies can be photographed at any age!