Hayley first captured her pregnancy, and then newborn baby Zahli and family in photos. ‘My advice is don’t think twice. The opportunity to bundle in a newborn photo shoot was a no-brainer, and the results speak for themselves. I’m so happy to have captured these few, precious and pivotal life moments in such a magical way’.

What inspired you to book your photo session?

I really loved my pregnancy and thought it was a time in life to celebrate and cherish. I was inspired by friends who’d had maternity photo shoots before, and encouraged by my partner to look into my options. I stumbled upon Elena's work online and loved it instantly. The fact I could have the shoot outside, in an environment which reflected me, my partner and our lifestyle was a real draw-card. The opportunity to bundle in a newborn photo shoot was a no-brainer. 

How was the experience for you, your partner and children?

Our experience was great. Elena is an obvious professional with an endearing, bubbly and caring personality which put us all at ease and allowed us to have a bit of fun – which naturally, produced good results.

Did you have any pre-session concerns? How did it turn out? 

I was worried about what to wear, feeling like it was all too ‘staged,’ or not being able to relax in front of the camera. The preparation guides provided by Little Manly Photography were really helpful, as was the call we had and the questionnaire I completed before the shoot. In the end, I really enjoyed the photo shoots – and the results speak for themselves!

What do you think of when you look at the photos?

It’s been just over 2 months since the first photo shoot and 1 month since our newborn shoot (with my partner and baby Zahli’s older siblings too). Some of the photos capture perfectly how I looked and felt at the time I was pregnant and others – taken with my partner, our family and little 2-week-old Zahli – really blow my heart right open.

What are your best memories of the day?

The warm glow of the sunrise which we harnessed during the maternity shoot was really special. It was freezing cold, but worth the dips in the ocean and laying about on the sand as the tide came in and out. My partner and I flitted between feeling awkward and making weird conversation and then forgetting the camera was even there as we enjoyed the rock hopping and the scenery as we would on any normal day. 

The newborn shoot included Zahli’s older siblings too. I will keep with me the warm memories of everyone getting ready and banding together to make it a fun and worthwhile experience, as well as us all watching the star of the show, two-week-old Zahli, as she went about her baby-like ways with Elena working her magic around her. 

What advice would you give to another family considering getting photos done?

Don’t think twice. The experience and the results are absolutely worth it. Speak with your partner and your family beforehand to discuss their involvement (or otherwise). Be clear about what you want and don’t want, and then on the day, go with the flow and allow yourself to be guided by Elena and your own natural ways – that’s where the magic happens... And be sure to follow through when you get your pictures and get some published/framed or bound in a book. They are great memories and worth sharing physically with those who come into your home and your hearts in the future. It’s also a great memento for little ones (and you) to look back on!

What do you think you’ll miss most when you look back at these photos in five or ten-year’s time?

I hope I am not missing anything. I hope I am enjoying whatever stage in life I am in, whilst feeling so incredibly happy to have captured these few, precious and pivotal life moments in such a magical way. I am sure I will look back nostalgically and marvel at Zahli’s tiny feet, the funny little frown lines on her forehead, the way she longingly looked at her dad, the precious bond between her and her big sister Emily, and the intimate, wordless moments Zahli and I have which were so elegantly captured by Elena within the cosy setting of our home in Manly.