We were lucky to take photos of one- week-old baby Ares and caught up with his mum Nikala after their newborn family photo session.

What inspired you to book your maternity and newborn photo session?

I was about half way through my pregnancy and I was thinking I really wanted some photos of myself pregnant so I did a google search and Elena’s website popped up. When I saw her previous photos, I knew that this was exactly what I was after. I loved how natural all her photos were and how genuinely happy everyone looked in them, as well as how beautiful the actual photos were with lighting and colours. I loved the detail she was able to capture with the tiny babies and their little features as well as the beautiful moments between bubs and parents. When I saw her bump and baby package, I sent her a message straight away to make sure I didn’t miss out.

How was your experience? Did you feel nervous beforehand having a newborn baby as star of the show?!

We had a really great experience with Elena for both shoots. I was quite nervous before the bump session as I had never had photos taken like this before and wasn’t sure what to expect. But Elena was so relaxed and made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole shoot and we also had a laugh which was great. We left both sessions beyond excited to see the photos as we had little sneak peaks from the camera during the shoots. 

How did you decide where to have your pictures taken, and what to wear?

When looking at the portfolio for Little Manly Photography, I Ioved the look of the photos on the beach. So, when I spoke to Elena about it, she was so great with helping us decide where to shoot. We wanted either the sunset or sunrise and she knew exactly the spot we should go which turned out incredible. And I knew I wanted the newborn photos at our home but was worried we lived too far away for Elena to come, but she didn’t even hesitate when I told her where we lived and was more than happy to drive out here. 

The information page she has for what to wear was a huge help for me to choose for myself and also Manuel. I also brought a couple of options and when we got there, Elena knew what would work best. With the photos of Ares, I had about 10 outfits laid out as I hadn’t even thought about what to dress him in in all the craziness of having a new baby at home. Again, Elena knew what would work and even dressed him for us throughout the shoot.

What do the photos make you think about?

When I look at the bump photos, I remember how it was to be pregnant and that time Manuel and I had together before Ares came along. It was such a special time for us and I love that we have these photos of us together. 

I think of how tiny Ares was and how quickly the time has gone since we had him, and it has only been a month since we had them done. I absolutely love the photos of Manuel and Ares, they make my heart so full. They’re so natural and Elena really captured how much Manuel loves his little man. 

What are your best memories of the day?

I loved the little laughs Manuel and I had together throughout the shoots. It didn’t feel awkward at all and I felt like Elena really captured our happiness with each other in the photos.  

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

Do it. It feels like forever in the moment when you’re pregnant but those moments are so fleeting and once they’re over, you can’t believe how quickly it really went. I am so, so glad we have these photos to remember that time and also when Ares was a tiny baby. They are so special 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?

Being so close to Ares, having him with me constantly while I was growing him. I’ll miss that amazing time when Ares was just born, when it was the three of us. In our little bubble with our new family member.