10 Questions with Brooke Duley of Sandpiper Photography

BabyInfo Interviewed one of the most popular maternity & newborn photographer, Brooke Duley. Noosa based Brooke is the founder and owner of Sandpiper Photography.

Photographer - Brooke Duley of Sandpiper Photography

10 Questions with Brooke Duley of Sandpiper Photography

Business: Sandpiper Photography

Location: Noosa, Queensland

Experience: 5 Years

Photography Types: Baby, Family, Maternity, Newborn

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

Hi, I'm Brooke, the photographer behind Sandpiper Photography. I grew up with a mum who is just as passionate about photography as I am - so I've had a love for photography for as long as I can remember. She always encouraged me to follow my heart, so I undertook a degree in creative arts which gave me a great base on which to build my skills.

I specialise in maternity photography. I find the transformation a women's body goes through while growing a new life so fascinating, hence my focus on capturing this part of the motherhood journey. The plus side of being a maternity photographer is getting to see the families journey through newborn photos and family photos later down the track. It is lovely to re photograph past clients and see how their family is growing and changing.

2. What type of photography do you specialise in?

While I specialise in outdoor maternity photography, I also do newborn, family and wedding photography. I've had a few studio maternity photoshoots this year. It is a great option to be able to offer my clients a mix of outdoor and studio photography.

3. Where are you located?

I have a studio based in Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast. For outdoor shoots I travel all over the Sunshine Coast, as well as down to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For my style of photography finding the perfect location is very important, so I work with my client to find the ideal spot.

4. When should clients book their photography sessions?

I recommend getting in contact at around 8 weeks pregnant to book in your maternity photoshoot. I usually aim to do the photoshoot somewhere between 30 - 36 weeks.

For me, November, December and January are very busy. There are lots of families visiting Noosa for holidays and its a popular place to have family photos done or book in a maternity photoshoot while on a babymoon. Weekends are always busy, though I do recommend clients book a weekday if possible as usually the locations are not as busy.

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

All my prices are available on my website which is regularly updated ( prices / package are just about to change ).

I'm priced at the higher end of the market, so my client are usually mums who are looking for something special and unique for their session. Most clients would spend at least $2000 including the photo package and wall art / albums. For mums sticking to a budget I offer payment plans if requested.

6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?

Most of my customers have their hair and makeup professionally done. I can arrange this with preferential rates or clients can arrange if they prefer.

It's very important that everyone involved in photoshoot has a good night sleep before the photoshoot - especially pregnant ladies and young children. Make sure young children are fed - however avoid giving them high sugar foods before photoshoot.

Don't put any pressure on children regarding the photoshoot. My aim is for the photoshoot to be a relaxed and happy experience, and if children feel too much pressure they are less likely to want to be involved.

7. What should customers expect during a photography session?

A few weeks before the photoshoot, clients will typically come to my studio to try the maternity dresses and decide which ones they want to wear for the shoot. I recommend choosing 3 dresses from my client wardrobe. For clients not local to the area, we usually discuss the dresses /styling on the phone and I will then send through photos of possible options.

On the day of the maternity photoshoot, clients typically have their hair and makeup done by a stylist in my studio - I allow 2 hours for this. The client will then change into their chosen dress.

We then head out to the desired location, aiming to be there approximately 90 minutes- 2 hours before sunset. Often I try to fit in two different locations per photoshoot - something with greenery, and a beach or mountain location.

Editing the images typically takes me around 4 weeks to have the files ready for the client.

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

For location maternity photoshoots I am constantly thinking about the mothers safety. Having a sizeable bump can really put out your sense of balance, so I make sure my client feels comfortable in the location and poses. If we are doing a beach photoshoot and the mother is in the water I make sure we have a spotter close by incase she gets into any trouble.

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

Editing typically takes around 4 weeks. However, I do realise most of my maternity clients would like to share some photos as soon as possible. For this reason, when possible, I edit a couple of the photos as a sneak peak in the first week so they can share them with friends and family. Most of my clients purchase 20 images packages - I focus on quality over quantity - I prefer to provide a smaller gallery of exceptional images, rather than a larger gallery.

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

One of only two Australian photographers awarded top 10 in the international competition - Maternity Photo Awards 2020 - category maternity Outdoor.

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