Here are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't here — just ask. We're always happy to talk.
Your Questions, Answered
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible — especially for newborn sessions.
For newborn photography, we recommend booking during your second trimester. We'll pencil in a flexible date around your due date and confirm once baby arrives. Newborn sessions are time-sensitive and our calendar fills quickly.
For maternity sessions, we recommend booking during your second trimester, we will schedule your sessions around 28 and 35 weeks.
For cake smash sessions, we recommend booking your session for when your baby is 10 months old, when they are sitting un-assisted but not quite running around.
For family, we recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance. For peak periods (spring, summer, and school holidays), earlier is always better.
How do I secure my booking?
Your $99 non-refundable session fee secures your date and covers your session experience. Professional hair and makeup is an optional add-on at additional cost. Your photographs are purchased at your private gallery viewing — that's when you'll choose your artwork and fall in love with everything.
Do you travel to clients?
Our studio sessions take place at our Romsey studio in the Macedon Ranges.
For family and maternity sessions, outdoor and on-location options are available across Melbourne and the Macedon Ranges. We'll discuss the best option for your session during your pre-session consultation.
We do travel for the right session — reach out and we'll talk through what's possible.
Studio Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:30am – 3:00pm (sunset sessions by appointment)
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: Closed
Booking Questions
What is included in my session?
Every session includes a pre-session consultation (where we plan your styling, locations, and artwork), your full session experience, and a private gallery viewing appointment where you choose your artwork.
Studio sessions include access to our full wardrobe of maternity gowns, newborn wraps and props, and styled cake smash sets.
Professional hair and makeup is available to add to any session — just ask when you enquire.
Is hair and makeup included?
Professional hair and makeup is an optional add-on for all studio sessions.
We work with wonderful hair and makeup artists who understand how to create looks that photograph beautifully and feel like you — polished without being overdone. Many of our clients tell us it was their favourite part of the day.
Let us know when you enquire and we'll add it to your booking.
What should I wear?
For studio sessions, we provide everything you need — maternity gowns, wraps, and outfits are all available in the studio.
For outdoor sessions and family sessions, we'll send you a detailed styling guide before your session with specific recommendations for colours, fabrics, and what to avoid. The short version: soft, coordinating tones. Nothing too matching, nothing too busy.
We'll talk through this in detail during your pre-session consultation — so you never have to guess.
How long does the session take?
Newborn sessions typically run 2.5 to 4 hours. We work at your baby's pace — there's no rushing.
Maternity sessions are typically 1 to 2 hours.
Cake smash and family sessions are usually 1 to 1.5 hours.
Your session will take as long as it needs to. We never watch the clock.
Health & Safety
We are fully vaccinated, including boosters, and maintain the highest hygiene standards. Your safety and your family’s wellbeing are always our priority.
Professional Training & Expertise
While our industry is unregulated, we have invested years in training including posing, lighting, baby safety, first aid, CPR, and consultations with midwives, paediatricians, and obstetricians, to ensure every session is safe, professional, and worthy of the trust you place in us.
Session Questions
Is my baby safe during the session?
Absolutely — and we want you to feel completely confident about this.
Emm's approach to newborn safety has been shaped through hands-on training with experienced photographers, ongoing collaboration with midwives and paediatric professionals, and years of experience working with newborns from their earliest days.
Every pose is guided by your baby's comfort and safety. We never force a pose. We never rush. And we always stop if your baby is unsettled — because a comfortable baby makes for the most beautiful photographs anyway.
What is the ideal age for a newborn session?
The golden window for newborn photography is the first five to fourteen days of life.
In these early days, babies are still curled naturally into those beautiful sleepy poses and are most settled during long sleep cycles. After about three weeks, babies tend to become more alert — which is wonderful, but creates a different kind of session.
If your baby is already a few weeks old and you haven't booked yet — reach out. We'll do our best to find you a date and work with wherever your baby is at.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my baby?
We'll send you a full preparation guide before your session. The most important things: try to keep your baby awake for the hour or two before your session (so they're ready to sleep for us), and feed them right before or on arrival.
Everything else — wraps, outfits, props, sets — we have covered.
Newborn Specific Questions
How much does a session cost?
A $99 session fee secures your date (maternity, newborn, family). Cake smash is $200 and includes full styling. Artwork collections start from $795. Most families invest $1,500–$3,000.
What if I'm not sure how much to invest?
That's fine. Your session fee gets you in. You only choose and pay for artwork after you've seen your photographs — after you've already fallen in love with them.
How does the pricing work?
A session fee is paid at booking to secure your date. After your session, you attend a private gallery viewing appointment where you see your photographs for the first time and choose your artwork package.
Packages include wall art collections, individual framed prints, canvas, and heirloom albums. Our clients typically invest between $1,500 and $3,000 in total.
We offer payment plan options — because these are heirlooms, and we want every family to be able to have them. Just ask.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes — Aurora Joy Photography gift certificates are available for any session type.
They make a meaningful and genuinely memorable gift for an expecting mum, a new parent, or a family celebrating a milestone. Reach out to arrange one.
How much does a session with Aurora Joy Photography cost?
Sessions begin with a $99 booking fee for Maternity, Newborn and Family photography. Cake smash session fee is $200. Your artwork is chosen at a private gallery viewing after your session, where collections start from $795. Most families invest between $1,500 and $3,000 in total.
Do I have to decide on artwork at the gallery viewing?
Yes — we'll look at your photographs together and you'll choose what belongs on your walls. Most clients find the decision easier than they expected once they see their photographs. There's no pressure and no rush.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — in-house layby over 6 months, and PayRight interest-free for collections over $1,500.
