Faithful Photography: 10 Questions with Dalia Ataalla

Photographer - Dalia Ataalla

Business: Faithful Photography

Location: Sydney, New South Wales

Experience: 12 Years

Photography Types: Baby, Cake Smash, Family, Maternity, Newborn, Prewedding

1. What kind of experience do you have as a photographer?

Hi I'm Dalia, a mother to four pretty cool boys and a wife to an amazing guy!

I left the nursing world to start my journey in photography over 12 years ago and haven’t looked back.

I focus on capturing those raw emotions, loving connections and those special moments in time as I know what they mean now- and what they will mean as years pass.

2. What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in Newborn, Maternity and Family Portraiture but I also run sessions for toddlers, Cake Smashes and Family photography. I love seeing families come back into my studio as they capture their family through the different stages.

3. Where are you located?

My studio is based in Mount Annan, NSW. The studio is setup and equipped for newborn and family portraits and has a large variety of props, wraps, beanies and backdrops. Families love my relaxed studio environment, however I also offer outdoor sessions in the area.

4. When should clients book their photography sessions?

Newborn photography is best captured within 10 days of birth. I ask families to book their newborn session as soon as they are told of a due date. I do book out months in advance, but always make time for families already on my calendar. It is best to book in a date, and then move the appointment as necessary later.

5. What kind of prices and packages do you offer?

The session fee for Family photography is $69, and $120 for Newborn sessions (including family photos).

I offer packages that suit every budget starting from $295. The packages are listed on the website under the pricing tab. https://www.faithfulphotography.com.au/pricing/

I offer packages that provide you with the high resolution USB with all the edited final images as well as Canvas and print enlargements. I also provide families with a beautiful slideshow that reminds how tiny their baby and the moments they captured it all. I also provide a variety of enlargements that can be purchased on top of any package.

6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?

Make sure that your baby is well fed and slept prior to the session. I am more than happy to stop the session for a 'top up' feed as necessary.

Bring a dummy, extra nappies and extra food
Bring anything sentimental you want in a shot.
Wash faces and trim nails. Moisturise dry skin with sorbolene rather than an oil so there is no shine left on the skin. It’s especially important that the area around the eyes is clean.
Make sure you bring an outfit for yourself and your partner (and children) that is simple and avoid brands, stripes and polkadots.

On the day, your shoot is untimed and you will have two photographers. Just relax and take it all in!

You can read more tips on my website under the Tips tab. https://www.faithfulphotography.com.au/tips

7. What should customers expect during a photography session?

Our sessions are untimed and relaxed. Families love handing over their newborn and watch all the magic happen. The shoot can go for 45 minutes or 2 hours, depending on how settled baby is and what baby's needs are during the session. The younger baby is, generally the more settled and easier for us to capture beautiful photos for you.

8. How do you ensure safety of the newborn during the session?

The safety of our families is paramount. I am up to date with all necessary vaccinations and so are my assistants. We are COVIDSafe business and ensure the studio is sanitised after every session. All our props and lighting is stored/hidden away out of reach of children to ensure their safety. Even our heating fan is bladeless to warm up our newborns without hurting other children.

9. How soon will customers be able to get their photos?

After the session, I invite you back to look at your photos at a viewing session. The viewing session is usually 3-6 days after the photography session. The digital files are usually readily available at the viewing, however prints and canvases take 2-3 weeks to be printed at our professional printing partners. We strive to get the photos at the highest quality and in your hands as soon as possible.

10. Do you have anything else you would like to tell us?

I would be delighted to be chosen as your newborn or family photographer. My team and I are always committed to offering an experience that's beyond your expectations. Our studio has won many awards, and I believe each session is unique. My focus will be on getting the images you are after that will hang on our wall to give you a lifetime of memories. Look forward to hearing from you.