What is the Petal Portraits style? Petal Portraits are baby and child portrait specialists capturing the everyday moments of your child's life. We don’t do traditional portrait photography, but set out to capture those everyday precious moments that you see all the time - when your little one is at ease and just being themselves. We always take our cues from your child and let things unfold naturally.

The most interesting pictures are those that capture your child's character and expressions – whether funny, sweet, curious, serious, or cheeky. Because your child is probably all of these things, we strongly believe that a single image can’t accurately capture the complexity of their personalities. Our goal is to present you with pictures that reflect the true nature and spirit of your child, and so we provide composite images that tell a story, reflecting their moods and their favourite things. Please look through our galleries to get a feel for our unique style and to be sure we are the photographers for you.

What is "location" photography? Petal Portraits takes your photographs at a location of your choice - in the comfort of your own home, in your garden, your local park, or a favourite place. We are flexible, working around naps, feedings, and the individual needs of both you and your child. Typically, we find that between 10.00am and 3.30pm is the best time to schedule a session - it's when children are usually their happiest and when there is enough natural light.

Do you have backdrops? While we like to keep it simple, preferring to use the backdrop of your home, especially for toddlers and older kids, we will bring a soft white fabric backdrop with us. The backdrop is completely portable and will set up easily in any room of your home.

What does the session fee include? Your session fee pays for your photographer's time and talent. This includes a 1 to 2 hour photography session, image processing, basic retouching as needed, and your order processing. Chunky canvases and coffee table books are all available for purchase in addition to our super value photo packs.

How long will my photo session last? It is critical that you allow enough time for your child to relax and move beyond the grin-on-command phase. Plan for your session to last up to 2 hours, though it will usually be shorter. We will stay as long as it takes to capture the best images and can wait if you or baby aren’t quite ready when we arrive.

What is a typical photo session like? In the beginning, we will take the necessary time for your child to feel comfortable with their photographer and the camera. We usually start by showing you some of our portfolio images and getting a feel for the sort of images you want to get out of your session. We find that in most cases, while we are talking, your child will come to us to see what you’re looking at and to make sure they get some of the attention. If your photo session is indoors, we will take additional time to find places with good window light. Then, after setting everything up the fun will begin. We strive to capture natural, genuine images of your child rather than staged or posed images. After the session we spend a large amount of time reviewing and editing your images. Within three weeks of your session, we’ll give you a call to arrange a convenient time to pop round and show you your photos - at which time you may choose as much or as little as you wish. You’ll find that we never place anyone under any pressure to buy but prefer to let you take your time and let the images speak for themselves.

What is your favourite age to photograph? We love photographing children of all ages and you’ll often find your Petal Portraits photographer in the thick of things on the floor playing with your child or out in the garden with a ball. We really enjoy these fun filled photo sessions and you’ll find that both your child and our photographer are both sorry to say goodbye when your photo session comes to an end. Many of our photographers have a soft spot for photographing babies and young children, and can never resist those sleepy newborn images. A close second place is 3 month old babies. They are confident in sitting up with sunny smiles and gurgles; they always prove to be one of our most fun sessions.

How far in advance should I book my session? As soon as you decide you want Pebble’s services you should book your session. Your photographer will only schedule one or two sessions a day, giving your child all their energy and attention. Sessions are typically booked between 10.00am and 3.30pm, because we only use soft, natural daylight (no flash photography at all), but we will do our very best to accommodate special requests. Because of this limited schedule, we are typically booked 4-6 weeks in advance, even further for the holiday months. With newborns we try to schedule them in advance around their due date, but we do keep a flexible diary to allow us to squeeze in unexpected early arrivals.

Do you only photograph in colour or can we have black and white too? All photographs are shot in colour, but we can provide your images in black and white or in soft sepia tones that are prefect for newborns. With your photo pack, you can even request a mixture - whether black and white or sepia.

What forms of payment do you accept? At this time, most Petal Portraits photographers accept personal cheques, cash or can spread payments via standing order. Some also have credit card facilities – just ask for details. Payment for your session is due when your photographer returns to show you your photos.

What should I have on hand for the shoot? Have to hand whatever you need to keep your child clean and happy: nappies, wipes, etc. Please also have their favourite toy – and one that makes noise, as your photographer may need to use it as an attention-getting tool.

What is the best clothing for photographs? When planning for your session, choose clothing that you like and that your child is happy and comfortable wearing. Petal Portraits photos are relaxed and designed to capture your child the way that you see them every day: Jeans, overalls, sun/slip dresses, and khakis all work well in photographs, as do textures such as knit and denim. With smaller children we love bare feet so we can photograph their tiny toes. Try to avoid logos and loud bright colours and patterns as these do not photograph well, and will draw attention away from the child. If you can choose clothes in neutral tones they will also give a timeless feel to your photos. Having a back up outfit for emergencies is also a good idea. New-borns and babies often photograph best in their own skin. A simple nappy or even a bare bottom will result in the best portrait of your new baby – but we never photograph their ‘private parts.’ We often use parents as props for newborn photos, so if you can wear something softer in colour for your photo session.

Do you offer gift vouchers? Yes, Petal Portraits offers gift vouchers for portrait sessions. These make a wonderful baby shower gift and always a favourite with expectant mothers! You can personalise them with your own message and can choose either the value of your voucher or specify a particular product such as a framed 20x16 photograph.

Are the digital negatives available for purchase? Yes, usually once you’ve purchased a photo pack. Please ask your photographer for more details.

Do you photograph weddings? At this time Petal Portraits photographers do not photograph weddings. However, some do have experience photographing christenings and other family events and will be happy to cover these in their unique Petal Portraits style. However, your Petal Portraits photographer has chosen baby and children's portraiture as their speciality, enjoying their time capturing the fleeting memories of their young clients.