The Essence—Postpartum
Bec - Day 15
Alannah - Day 14
Amy - Day 13
A photo series documenting the first 4-6 weeks after you welcome your baby home.
This poignant time is marked by profound physical & emotional changes. Capturing this phase is about honouring the sacred transition into motherhood, embracing the beautiful chaos, the imperfections, and the moments that, in all their intensity, define the start of this wild new chapter.
FAQs
How does it work / how do we book?
Reach out when you’re pregnant (approximately 25-30 weeks) with your due date and we will book some tentative dates starting from Day 7 postpartum (approximately 2 days after you’re home from the hospital). Keep in touch with me in the lead-up to your birth so we can shuffle things around if needed.
Then once your baby is here, my aim is to spend the morning with you in your home once a week for four weeks. The idea is for you not to feel like you have to get “shoot ready” — but to just be as you are, soaking up the newborn bubble. The session will be completely led by you and your baby (could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours), though I encourage you to take this opportunity to really soak it up—I will be there to help with everything while we also capture some special keepsake images.
How many of these will you do?
I will limit this to 6 per year to keep it extra special and meaningful.
How many images will we receive?
These shoots will be predominately film-based. You will receive 1-2 rolls of film (approx 36-72 images) per shoot with approximately 10-20 additional high-res digital images too. My goal is to make these sessions all about quality > quantity (more a reminder to myself as I tend to overshoot) and to come away from each session with 5-10 images that just make you really feel something and transport you back to this moment that is so painfully fleeting.
Could birth photography be included? Or the first session be in the hospital?
I have yet to photograph a birth but I would really love this so much, so please get in touch—it would be an honour! And yes, absolutely — the first session of The Essence could start in the hospital. In that case I would suggest scheduling it on either Day 2 or Day 3.
Am I able to reschedule?
We can try to reschedule, however, I would suggest only booking this if you’re able to commit to the four weekly sessions as closely as possible. If you’re having a really tough day, I would strongly recommend persevering—on those days you can think of me as almost a doula coming over to support you, just with a camera in hand.
How does this differ from a newborn shoot?
The idea of The Essence is for it to be mother-focused. We will certainly still strive to capture a few newborn-shoot-style images of your baby, however, the mother will be the centre of the shoot. Newborn shoots are often far more styled too, and while I’m happy for you to make yourself & your space feel like an elevated version, I also encourage you to embrace a bit of the mess & chaos. The idea is for it not all be too perfect. All we need is your comfy sofa and/or bed and some natural light.