Our Photography – FAQ

How to book a photoshoot

How do I book a photography session?

Once you’ve decided on the day you would like your photo shoot, send us an email (via our website contact page) or give us a call and we’ll go from there!

We will get back to you with available dates and a confirmation of the cost for your photo session. You’ll also receive a little questionnaire to fill in which will give us a better feel for what you and your family are about! This will help towards getting the best out of your photo session.

Our Mini sessions are only available on certain dates and times at a set location. You can book these shoots online here. 

How far in advance can I Book?

We usually suggest to book at least 2 weeks ahead of your photoshoot. This gives you time to plan and think about styling and locations. Of course when you are all set we can book you in far faster when we have availability. In the summer months we only book up to 4 weeks ahead on weekends (Fri to Sun). 

In what Melbourne suburbs do you shoot?

We’re happy to travel within 30 minutes from Doncaster East. Outside that area will incur an additional travel cost.

Inner Melbourne suburbs and the Melbourne East are free of travel costs. This includes but is not limited to suburbs such as Brighton, Elsternwick, St Kilda, Albertt Park, Richmond, Kew, Hawthorn, Mont Albert, Bulleen, Templestowe, Doncaster, Box Hill, Mount Waverly, Ashburton, Toorak, Docklands, Southbank, Camberwell, Sandringham, Hampton, Black Rock, Chadstone and many others.

When do I need to pay?

To lock in your photoshoot you need to pay our session fee (which includes already a few digital photos). You can find more info on our pricing page
Please be aware the session fee is not refundable in case of cancellation or no show.

What dates and times are available?

This is pretty much impossible to tell. Just send us a quick message to check availability. We photograph all year round. Public holidays and weekends (Fri to Sun) are usually the busiest. Especially in the summer months times book out faster. 

The best time for a photoshoot will always depend on weather and location. Sunset – the golden hour is always preferred.

Mini Shoots are on set dates and you can check the availability online on the booking page.

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Planning your Melbourne photoshoot

What is the best time for photography?

Ideally, the best time for a family photo shoot is around sunset time. This is when we get the most gorgeous soft light.

There’s no guarantee that we will get a sunset but if we do, the photos will look amazing. On an overcast day, shooting at any time of the day is fine.

Stay a bit flexible on your shooting day and we can adjust the start time to the weather. 

What is the best location?

We suggest that you choose a beautiful park, a beach or any other location which offers a great backdrop for your photo session. Best to avoid very congested areas. Keep in mind that some places require you to have a permit to photograph there. Permit fees are an extra cost for your photo session.

What to wear for the photography session?

Opt for plain colours which compliment each other. This doesn’t mean that you all wear the same colour! It all depends on the location you’ve chosen. For example – a bit of floral pattern is more suitable for a park shoot. We can offer you styling advice prior to the day of the photo shoot.

Should I bring anything for an outdoor shoot?

Anything which you are able to carry and would love to have in your photo shoot. This may be your kids favourite toy or a tippee. Maybe you want to bring a beautiful picnic blanket and a picnic basket with food in it. These things are great for a family photo shoot scene.

Make sure that you don’t carry unnecessary things which you don’t like to have in your photos.

Water and snacks which won’t make too much of a mess are always a good idea to bring along. Something to wipe down messy faces and hands. If you have anything special you would like to bring along, discuss it with us prior to the day of the photo shoot.

How to prepare my house for the photoshoot?

Clean up! Remove any items which don’t add any visual impact. Keep it simple. Think about the locations you want to shoot in. The kitchen, the livingroom, bedroom, kidsroom. Bright rooms are the best. You don’t need to do a whole spring clean – a few nice and bright corners. 

My photos

When do I receive my photos?

Your beautiful photos will be ready to view within 1 week. This all depends on how busy we are during the time of your photo shoot. Need them faster or on a specific date. Let us know and we work something out for you. 

How many images do I receive?

You usually receive around 50 images from your session. It depends a lot on the location, number of people and weather. 10 shots (digital high resolution) are always included in your full session- our mini sessions include 2 photographs. You can purchase further images – fully optional. 

When Should I arrive for my Mini Session

You book a specific time. To keep the day running smoothly, we do ask that you turn up 10-15 minutes before the start of your photoshoot session. This will give you time to get refreshed and settled in your surroundings before we start. If there is a photoshoot still going on when you arrive, kindly keep out of the scene and we will call you when we are ready.

How long does the mini session last?

Our mini sessions last 30 minutes from your booked time. 

How much are extra images for the Mni Session?

Your mini session includes 2 images and you can purchase the full set at an extra cost.  Check out our pricing page

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Mini Sessions 

How many images are included in my Mini Shoot?

Mini Shoots include 2 high resolution images in the session fee. Of course you can purchase all the pictures of the session – fully optional. 

Where is the Mini Session?

Each Mini Session is at a special set location – you will see the approximate location on the booking page and we will outline the exact meeting point in your booking email. 

How do I select my images?

We usually give you an online gallery to choose your selects. The pictures will have a little watermark there – but of course this will be removed when you selected your images.  

How much are extra images?

Check out our pricing page for family photography, couples photography and newnborn photography. 

Can I bring extra people to a mini session?

Each Mini session is for a maximum of 2 adults and their kids. In case you need a photoshoot for more people please book a private session. 

General Questions

What is the best time for family photography

Ideally, the best time for a family photo shoot is around sunset time. This is when we get the most gorgeous soft light. There’s no guarantee that we will get a sunset but if we do, the photos will look amazing. On an overcast day, shooting at any time of the day is fine.

When is the best time for newborn photography?

Mornings to early afternoon are generally a great time for newborns. It’s too early to get a clear idea of when they are most alert. The 1.5hr time frame should allow us to get beautiful photos of your newborn asleep as well as awake.

What happens when it rains?

Melbourne weather is sometimes tricky …  If there’s heavy rain, we will happily reschedule. We do go ahead with overcast or cloudy weather and if there is light rain which will clear. 

Can we reschedule?

We allow rescheduling one time up to 4 days before the shoot.  If someone falls terribly sick on the day of the shoot? Not a problem – we’re happy to reschedule. Do keep in mind that we have busy periods so you might have to wait to get your next preferred date. In other cases you forfeit your session fee.

Can we order prints and albums?

Yes, you can definitely order prints and albums from us. Ask us for the price list for the different sizes.

Do you offer studio shoots?

At the moment we only offer in home and outdoor photography.

Where can I see your Covid Safe Plan?

We take Covid19 seriously and have a covid safe plan in place. See more information here. 

Mini Family Photoshhot

Giftvouchers

Where can I buy a giftvoucher?

Here! Just click here to purchase a photography gift voucher. 

How do I get the giftvoucher?

The gift voucher is sent to your email address. Please allow up to 3 days for delivery (we are usually much faster … but just in case we are on the road). Need it urgent? Make sure to contact us before. 

What types of Giftvouchers are available?

All gift vouchers are for the session fee (inclusive of 10 digital high resolution images for the private session or 2 images for the mini session).

You can get a newborn photography gift voucher, a couples photography gift voucher and a family photography giftvoucher. 

How long is a Giftvoucher valid?

Each gift voucher is valid 3 years from purchase. 

Any more questions?

You might have some more questions ? Easy … just drop us a line.

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Premium Family Photography based in Melbourne, Australia. Capturing emotions and love of your family.

Real, unposed and fun.

Doncaster East, Melbourne
hello@artoflife.com.au

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