Art for Life Photography: 10 Questions with Natasha Thaesler

Photographer - Natasha Thaesler of Art for Life Photography

10 Questions with Natasha Thaesler of Art for Life Photography

Business: Art for Life Photography

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Experience: 9+ Years

Photography Types: Family, Maternity, Newborn, Wedding

Website: artforlifephotography.com.au

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

"Don't be like the rest of them, darling” ~ CoCo Chanel

Hi! I’m Natasha, the artist behind Art for Life Photography.

My love of photography dates back to a “see-through” camera gifted to me by my amazing stepfather when I was eight years old. Hours spent in the dark room as a teenager foretold a passion for photography that has been through many phases over the years.

A degree in Business and ten years of corporate work led me right back to where I started; a mathematician with the heart of an artist. Nine years ago, while pregnant with my third precious daughter (yes, I’m a girl tribe mum!) I realised that it was time to do what I loved full time; document motherhood stories with my beloved camera.

Art for Life Photography is focused on telling the whole story; from being in love, to the magical time when a woman is pregnant, to the arrival of baby and all things family.

It’s my greatest joy that my families come back time and again to document their milestones. For that reason, I started out with a few clients and am fortunate to still be photographing many of those faces today. It’s a blessing that I have collected so many wonderful new clients since then.

2. What type of photography do you specialise in?

I think of myself as a formally trained, artist first, photographer second, kind of visual storyteller.

My obsession is the motherhood experience and that includes maternity mamas, mamas and babies, and all things family including dedicated newborn sessions and a limited number of beautiful weddings every year because that’s often, but not always, where the motherhood story begins.

My style is glamorous and artistic, and I specialise in creating portrait paintings that will be a piece of art on your wall.

3. Where are you located?

My passion is in delivering galleries with a range of images from artistic studio photography including newborn sessions, to epic golden light imagery at sunset in long grass.

I am blessed to be able to create these galleries at my acreage property in Burbank, QLD, where I have a comfortable studio space as well as amazing outdoor scenery. It’s a unique option for families who want a combination of studio and sunlit portraits in their gallery.

On many occasions, incorporating gorgeous little baby animals into a shoot is just an average day. There’s plenty of space for little people to be entertained while they’re not being photographed.

For the mamas who have a location in mind for their photography, travelling to a special location is always an option. I have been known to photograph in a variety of venues such as a hospital or jumping on a plane to bring the photography to a client. If you have a vision, we can bring that to life.

4. When should clients book their photography sessions?

In my experience, the ideal time for maternity photography is between 32 and 34 weeks.

Booking 8 weeks in advance is ideal so when you find out you’re pregnant you can book any time. For those sleepy, squishy, fresh little baby images, newborns are best photographed within the first ten days.

You can always have your little person documented at any age and this is very common, but it’s a good guide if you are thinking about those tiny newborn images.

For any booking, weekend dates are scarce. So, you can really never book too far in advance.

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

Every package includes hand crafted, beautifully retouched, high resolution digital images as well as the option to display and cherish the images for a lifetime.

Investment pricing is simple and caters to every budget.

Helping clients enjoy their investment is a cornerstone of ‘creating art for life’ so there are wall art options and ‘Heirloom’ packages if that’s your thing. The emphasis is on every single image designed as a stand-alone piece of art that you absolutely adore, for life.

My packages are all available by instant email from my website, and are absolutely transparent before you book.

6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?

By the time your shoot day arrives, you will feel fully informed. We will have communicated throughout the entire process, which starts when you are booking.

In order to style the perfect experience for you, we will be discussing styling options and you’ll be telling me your story before you’ve been set a date. I love this part of the styling because every shoot is tailored especially to you. Getting to know you and introducing myself is a huge part of the creative process.

After you have booked, all the information you will need to know will be communicated in a Session Guide, and throughout our communication along the way.

No question is too small, and if you read my client reviews, you’ll know that making the experience amazing for you is as important to me as the final product.

I am absolutely obsessed with couture maternity gowns and I am forever adding to my collection. Also, my newborn prop collection is unapologetically extensive. When styling your shoot, you will have the opportunity to enjoy my ever-growing collections.

You can expect to provide very little for your shoot, so you can instead focus on pampering yourself by getting your nails done, getting your lashes done, if that’s your thing, so you can show up on the day feeling fabulous!

7. What should customers expect during a photography session?

Depending on the session, there is an approximate photography time frame; maternity sessions are around 2 hours, newborn sessions around 3 hours, family around 1 hour.

The one thing that remains constant whenever I photograph is my approach; professional, fun, creative and collaborative. My goal is to provide enough direction, expertise and experience to make clients feel comfortable while allowing the natural flow of the session to create the candid moments that result in those truly epic portraits.

Wherever possible, I love a ‘child-led’ philosophy because I have found that the best little people portraits are created when you let them do what is authentic to them. A little posing, a lot of ‘going with it’.

The same can be said for mums and dads as well! Having your portrait taken can be daunting at times – I know because I like to be on this side of the camera for a reason – I pride myself on creating a safe space where clients really enjoy the photoshoot itself.

More than just loving the ‘art’ that is created, but to actually enjoy the entire experience end to end. For me, that’s the standout feedback I have built my business on. That’s why my clients continually come back time and again.

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

Education is a fundamental part of my life and career. I have received training in safe photography practices in every facet of my business.

In particular, handling tiny little humans from some of the best in the business. Continually updating my knowledge on all thing’s photography, including best safety practices, is vital to my clients.

Having developed a system over the years to ensure safety and comfort, I take every precaution to prepare my studio to be a clean, safe environment. This includes ensuring client safety by remaining fully vaccinated for Whooping Cough.

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

Understandably, the wait for images is anxious – you are excited to see the images and that’s a good thing! For that reason, while you are waiting I usually provide sneak peek opportunities through social media.

Clients can expect to receive a gallery within 14 days. However, this does depend on workflow factors like seasonal fluctuations.

The priority is on quality and as every single image is hand crafted, this process can’t be rushed. When you see the images at the end of the process the wait is always worth it.

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

My clients choose me because they vibe with my artistry; my vibe attracts my tribe. I love to create portrait paintings.

If you choose me to be your photographer, I hope you have seen my portfolio first.

Go to my website, see my social media, and love what I do. I would recommend to any new client to choose a photographer based on their portfolio as your number one reason to book, so start there in the imagery to ensure that when you go home with the final product you love your investment.

Your memories are important, hire a professional, choose someone you love. If that artist is me, just know that I am already so excited to meet you and I’m looking forward to creating together.

Natasha x