Studio Photography Sessions
Sessions held in our modern, natural light studio in Canberra's North.
Gone are the days of mottled fabric backdrops and awkward posing, a la Pixi Photo (rest in peace). Heartstory studio sessions can be just as fun, natural and authentic looking as outdoors portraits!
The following sessions take place in our beautiful natural light studio in Belconnen:
- Maternity sessions, for solos, couple and families expecting a baby
- Lifestyle newborn sessions, for families with a newborn up to 6 weeks of age.
- Baby sessions, for families with a baby or young toddler, up to around 2 years old.
- Family sessions, for families of any age (up to 8 people in total).
- Creative sessions, for families and couples with a bold vision (all ages).
The studio is also where we run all our special projects like Babies in Bonnets and Canberra Kids etc.
Our studio is nature-inspired, adaptable and has stunningly flattering natural light. It’s more like hanging out in a beautifully styled hotel room, than a photographic studio. We also have (photogenic) toys for babies and toddlers and we encourage you to bring your own too.
We also have plenty of room for you to put your things (including prams, shoes and bags), hanging space and a change-table in the studio for little ones.
maternity sessions
We recommend having your maternity session between 32-38 weeks. We have a wardrobe of robes and dresses for pregnant mamas of all sizes and you can bring your own as well. The studio is the ideal place for a maternity session because it’s private and a comfortable temperature.
Most families book our maternity + newborn package, as we combine your photos into one collection which gives you incredible value.
Maternity sessions can also be held outdoors.
View some featured maternity sessions:
Newborn sessions
We offer a unique style of newborn photography (sometimes called lifestyle newborn photography) with minimal posing and a focus on snuggly moments and connection between family members.
You must book your newborn session before baby is born to avoid disappointment as we are regularly booked out 1-2 months in advance.
- Sessions are available on weekdays only at the Heartstory studio in Belconnen. You only need to allow 60-90 minutes for your session, just like our regular portrait sessions.
- It doesn’t matter whether baby is awake or asleep, and we handle baby minimally (leaving most of the snuggles to you so we can photograph moments as they unfold).
- We aim for classic ‘looking at the camera’ photos as well as emotive and natural moments of bub with each family member and the whole family together. We often include close up details of your baby’s adorable feet and hands and other squishy bits, and some black and white candid images.
- Ideally babies should be under 3 weeks old, for the reasons stated above, but due to the nature of lifestyle photography, we are happy for babies to be up to 6 weeks. Just bear in mind that the older the are, the more likely they are to be awake.
View some featured newborn sessions:
Baby sessions
Good enough neck strength to lie on their belly and look up
Sitting independently, but not yet crawling
To celebrate that all important milestone
We keep busy toddlers happy and occupied with games & toys
Regardless of your baby’s age, a session is normally 45-60 minutes in our Belconnen studio. We recommend at least one change of outfit (but more if you wish) and we capture a variety of images of baby on their own, the whole family and everything in between. Our aim is to make sure we capture your baby’s personality; the things that you adore about him/her and the joy that you feel when you’re snuggling and playing together.
Our studio session time slots are generally scheduled at times to suit your baby’s feed and sleep times, so be sure to discuss your baby’s routine when you make a booking. See our brand new nature inspired studio space.
We are also happy to photograph babies over 3 months outdoors if you prefer that look, however timing, weather and the seasonal changes provide different conditions for you to consider. Please get in touch to discuss the best options for your family!
View some featured baby sessions:
FAMILY & couple sessions
Studio sessions are suitable for all ages, and we can accommodate up to approx 8 people comfortably in the space.
Our studio is comfortable, styled with nature in mind, in natural colours (so you can wear whatever you like) and there’s room for little ones to play.
Sessions aren’t that different to outdoors, but we don’t move around as much. It can still be natural, playful and authentic and our space is styled like a room, rather than an old-fashioned studio set up.
Some reasons why you might prefer your session to take place in the studio:
- Wheelchair or disability access
- Weather or temperature
- You’re bringing a pet that can’t go outdoors
- Safety or predictability for your family needs
- Aesthetic preferences
Creative fine art sessions
These sessions are for families who want to do something ‘different’. The only limit is your imagination. All you need is a spark of an idea… we will help you develop it and then create something truly unique for you.
There is no criteria for a session like this. Your family has a story to tell and we’re going to help you tell it.
Creative sessions require an upfront commitment of a minimum of $1000 towards finished wall art.
View some featured creative sessions:
BRINGING YOUR PET TO THE STUDIO
We’ve had all kinds of pets come into the studio over the years. We welcome all small, well-behaved pets and we love capturing them all!
Please be sure to discuss with us before booking so we can help you come up with the best solution for you. Sometimes an ‘at home’ session might be more suitable.
