10 Questions with Samantha Bryce Photography

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

I have operated my Photography business for 12 years.

The first 6 years I was a mobile photographer, setting up a studio in clients homes. I started with everything from newborns, events, maternity, families, cake smash and sitters.

In 2020 I opened my own studio space, started specialising in Maternity and Newborn sessions and have never looked back. Everything needed for a successful and calm newborn session is right here.

I have trained with some of the world’s most reputable newborn photographers and always kept my safety training and immunisations up to date for my clients well being.

2. What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in Maternity and Newborn Portraiture and I also offer Cake Smash sessions to my Newborn clients so I can be there to capture my clients as their families grow.

3. Where are you located?

My studio is based in South West Sydney, NSW.

Specifically, West Hoxton.

4. When should clients book their photography sessions?

The right time to book a Newborn Session is as soon as you find out you're pregnant, it's NEVER too early.

I do like to photograph newborns within 21 days of birth but no matter what age your baby is I will ALWAYS get beautiful portraits of your little person. I can be booked out a few months in advance but will always try to accommodate clients that have forgotten to make a booking, left it to the last minute or just had no idea they needed to book so early.

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

A session with me is $200 and includes the session with up to 4 hours in the studio if necessary as well as your ordering appointment where you choose which high resolution digital images you would like in your chosen package.

All of my packages include high resolution digital images delivered in both colour and black and white.

My clients spend an average of $1200. Usually this is a mix of their chosen package as well as frames, canvas or albums that they may have added to their order in their ordering appointment.

I am not into hard selling as I know it makes me uncomfortable when I’m a client, so you will get no sneaky sales tactics here.

6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?

I provide my clients with a very detailed Preparation Guide before their Newborn Session.

Generally it covers things like:

• Feeding your baby before you leave home to come to the studio.
• Make-up and Hair options for Mum
• Wearing simple black, white or neutral clothing with no logo etc so the focus is on you and your family and not your clothing
• Staying calm during your session if it's not going to plan because the baby can feed off your emotions. I'm a 'baby-led' photographer, which means if a baby is having a bad day (like we all can) I work around what your little person wants to do so they are as calm and safe as possible.
• Always bring something sentimental or a family heirloom. Special things like these make your session a much more personalised and memorable experience.

7. What should customers expect during a photography session?

Newborn sessions start at 10am and generally go for approximately 2 hours however, I allow up to 4 hours in case your baby or their siblings are having a bad day (like even us adults can).

If they want to cluster feed or they aren't settling quickly due to wind, reflux etc this can all contribute to how long your session goes for.

I am a 'baby-led' photographer which means I take my lead from your baby. If they want to be awake I capture their beautiful facial expressions and let them kick around until they're ready for sleep again. It helps to create a stress free environment for the baby as well as Mum and Dad.

I will always try and get any shots you have your heart set on but at the end of the day your baby is my boss so if they’re uncomfortable in certain wraps or positions then it’s their call.

Maternity and Cake Smash sessions usually take 1.5 hours.

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

Firstly I will say, the babies that come into my studio and their safety are my biggest priority. I have listed a few of the major things I have in place to make sure of this:

• I have been trained to safely pose newborns and would never force a baby into a position that is unsafe or that they weren't comfortable with.
• Weights are used in the bottom of all buckets and bowls to prevent them from tipping.
• Babies are never left unattended during a session.
• I am fully immunised.
• I have First Aid Training.
• I have a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
• I have completed the Australian Governments COVID-19 Infection Control Training
• My studio and any props I use in my sessions are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after sessions.
• I only take a limited amount of sessions per month so I'm not over exposed to too many people and have ample time to clean and sanitize everything properly.

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

Either the night of your session or the following week (decided upon by both parties) we will do a Zoom Meeting where I share your gallery with you and you can choose what images you would like to purchase in your gallery.

You can expect to view up to 100 images from your session. You will choose which images go into your package from these.

The images you choose will be delivered in both colour AND black and white.

Your chosen images are hand edited and product orders are sent to reputable pro labs for printing and framing. The digital images will be sent via digital download as soon as they’re completed and print orders are placed on the last Thursday of every month.

Once your order is received and all quality checks have been completed by me, I contact you with the good news that everything is ready to be picked up!

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

Beyond everything in this interview, I pride myself in the fact that my Google and Facebook reviews prove that I build wonderful relationships with my clients and most of my work comes from referrals from these clients singing my praises at just how patient and kind I am while providing their families with high quality services and products.

I would love nothing more than to talk to you about your own vision and answer any other questions you might have.