frequently Asked questions

What is lifestyle photography?

Lifestyle photography sits comfortably between traditional posed portraiture and documentary photography which isn’t posed at all. It's about capturing relationships, connections, emotions, values and personalities as we see it. It's also about capturing every day things, a slice of life and events as it occur in natural settings. It reflects reality, organic + genuine moments. It's about life, your life!

How long does the entire process take?

From start to finish, the process for a custom lifestyle and/or newborn sessions could actually take a few months, taking into considerations your busy schedule and my workload. 

• 6 weeks to several months -- booking, pre-session consultation, planning + getting ready for the session

• 1 to 2 hours on session day -- the photoshoot itself (newborn portrait session usually takes 2 to 4 hours)

• 6 to 8 weeks after session date -- you'll receive the link to your password-protected online gallery!

• 1 to 2 weeks after that -- finalizing + organizing your prints order

• 1 to 3 weeks after that - you'll receive your prints!

How much does it cost?

Photography collections start at RM800 onwards, depending on the type of photography services needed. On average, most clients spend around RM1,500 - RM2,500 for a session + art products. More info available here.

How many images will I receive after the session?

We typically deliver 10 - 35 edited digital images for newborn portraits (depending on photography package selected) and anywhere from 50 - 90 images for lifestyle portrait sessions including newborn lifestyle; another genre of newborn photography we offer. Sometimes we deliver a bit more images than usual especially when the little ones are extra smiley and/or very cooperative! 

what if i only want a few images?

Everyone's needs are different - some spend a little more and some spend less. Should you only want a few images and small prints, we recommend you invest in our mini session - it's suitable for clients who are on a strict budget. 

Where will the photo session be held?  

Photo sessions are done on location and at a relaxing atmosphere - in the comfort of your home (should good natural lighting are available) or natural environments such as the park, by the lake, somewhere meaningful to you and your family members or some random place you like, even your backyard! It could also be a glimpse of your routine with your family members on Sundays - playtime at the playground or pool perhaps. We could discuss further to determine the best location during pre-session consultation in-person or by phone.

Newborn sessions are held on location too - at your home or confinement centre. You need not come to us, we come to you!

Vacation sessions are of course done at your holiday destination.

When should I get my maternity portraits done?

The best time to schedule your pregnancy session is when you are around 28 - 32 weeks pregnant. The idea is to have it done when your energy level is still pretty high and the downward ventures of swollen feet + bloating of body have yet to begin!

What is newborn portrait photography?

Newborn portrait photography is a genre of photography that focuses specifically on newly born babies, usually below 2 weeks of age.

Professional newborn photographers undergo special training to learn how to keep babies safe and comfortable during photos sessions while posing and capturing stunning photographs for parents to treasure.

Sleeping babies are often wrapped and adorably posed in various positions, either on bean bags, little buckets, baskets, etc.

Parents and siblings can be included in the sessions too.

When should I book my newborn session?

Newborn booking is ideal when done in advance, 6 - 8 weeks prior to your estimated due date (EDD) or earlier. Michelle does have a demanding schedule and allocate limited slots for newborn sessions each month for two different cities - Kuala Lumpur & Kuching, Sarawak. Planning way in advance will secure your slot and avoid disappointments.

Upon confirmation of booking, your EDD will be included in our calendar. If a newborn session has not be scheduled in advance (cesarean delivery), please contact us within 24 hours of giving birth with baby’s statistical information (birth date and weight) and we’ll set a suitable date for the newborn session.

When are newborn sessions scheduled?

Every baby is different but the rule of thumb is the earlier, the better! The best time for Newborn Portrait session is between 6 - 12 days after birth. It’s an optimal time frame when baby sleeps more soundly and curls easier into cute adorable poses, as long as baby is warm and tummy is full. They won’t startle as much when touched and repositioned.

Chances of baby developing growth spurts and/or colic is higher 14 days onwards and certain poses may not be possible as they get older. As a newborn progresses in development, the bones harden and they tend to ‘uncurl’ and stretch out more.

However, this general rule does not apply for premature babies. Assuming preterm babies (preemies) do not have health complications, newborn sessions are scheduled when they have gained a healthy weight.

Clients are asked to update us accordingly if there are issues after birth, such as jaundice, NICU time, extended hospital stay or any other matters regarding the health of the baby. Knowing these information is very important and will help us schedule the session in a timely manner.

There’s a longer time frame for Newborn Lifestyle sessions - it’s suitable for babies aged 2 - 6 weeks young, giving more time for families and new parents to adjust to their new routine!

baby safety and composites

It is important to understand that we take baby safety very seriously. Most complicated images you view online are composites and not all newborn babies are able to bend easily in all poses. Our sessions are baby-led sessions, and we do not force any poses which is uncomfortable for babies.

twins

Most clients have scheduled cesarean delivery when they are expecting twins making it easy to pre-schedule newborn sessions. However, twins are often more premature and underweight. We may need to wait a bit longer for them to gain a healthy weight and the time frame varies depending on babies' development.

Clients are asked to update us accordingly on babies' health and development. Every little information is important and will help us schedule the session in a timely manner.

What to prepare? What to wear?

Pre-session consultation either in-person or via mobile phone and a complete preparation guide will be made available to you as soon as your booking is confirmed.

so what happens at the pre-session consultation?

This is when we get to know each other better and talk about what we can do to create a fun and/or relaxing session for you and your family members. We want to know EVERYTHING about you, your children, your family, your style, your house, your pet, etc so we can plan and customise something that represents your current stage in life. This is also a good chance for your little ones to get use to Aunty Michelle so she's not too much of a stranger on session day.

what about newborn lifestyle photography?

Newborn lifestyle is a genre of photography that mainly aims to capture photographs of babies in real-life organic moments and artistic manner. It's a natural and relaxed story-telling photo sessions which take place at home.

Sessions are mostly focused on the love and connection between parents, siblings and even pets with newly born babies, using natural elements at home, making the photographs even more meaningful.

It's suitable for older babies aged 2 - 6 weeks young, giving more time for families and new parents to adjust to their new routine before babies' very first professional photo session.

what about individual baby photos?

A portion of newborn lifestyle session is of course dedicated to baby alone. Natural home elements such as the crib, baby's nursery, etc are often used as backdrop.

Basically, sessions are a mix of lifestyle and 'posed' moments which give clients the best of both worlds!

If you are looking for a session that has a casual, natural feel with minimum poses, then newborn lifestyle is for you.

Do you offer un-edited images / RAW files?

We provide full-service photography solutions and spend an unlimited amount of time and effort on your session - from planning, capturing your moments, culling the hundreds of images, editing only the best shots and presenting the finished images on professional prints and digital files for you and your family members to cherish for generations. We don't believe in offering 'uncooked chicken' - let us clean, marinade and roast your juicy chicken to perfection for you!

How far out are you booked?

We typically book 1 - 3 months in advance. If you are keen with newborn sessions, please book while you are in your third trimester. Already delivered? No worries, you could still visually document your baby’s precious moments through Newborn Lifestyle sessions which are suitable for older babies.