Photographer - 10 Question with Em Carman
Business: Lou Lou Pictures
Location: Geelong, Victoria
Experience: 25 Years
Photography Types: Baby, Family, Maternity, Newborn
Website: www.louloupictures.com.au
1. What kind of experience do you have as a photographer?
Hi, my name is Em, founder and photographer of Lou-Lou Pictures. I have over 25 years in the photography industry. With a love for photography since high school, I was gifted my first camera at 14 and have never looked back. I started my business in early 2007, when I was pregnant with my first baby. Maternity and newborn photography have had my whole heart since day one. Your journey becomes my journey, and it is truly a blessing to witness and share the joy of your first days/weeks as a new parent. I also have a background in mental health and counselling, so your wellbeing is of high importance to me. I pride myself in my ability to combine these skills that not only helps a mum through her post partum journey, but also gifts you, your memories. Please know that my space, is your space, and it’s a safe space for you be your vulnerable self if needed. I want my clients to feel seen and supported by me.
2. What type of photography do you specialise in?
I specialize in maternity and newborn photography. I have also done quite a few weddings, and will jump at the chance to say yes to previous clients who want me as their wedding photographer.
3. Where are you located?
I am located in Armstrong Creek, which is about 15 minutes out of Geelong CBD, I have my own home based studio and I am very close to a lot of outdoor locations that I often use for my family and maternity sessions. I service all of Geelong, the surfcoast and bellarine. I’m more than happy to discuss travel costs for further out of my region.
4. When should clients book their photography sessions?
When it comes to maternity sessions, I suggest between 34-36 weeks. But this is also dependent on the comfort of my client. Newborn sessions are best photographed under 2 weeks of age. It is best to book months in advance to avoid missing out, I can only take a select amount of sessions per week. My busiest time of the year is from August-December and I book about 3 months minimum in advance.
5. What kind of prices and packages do you offer?
Our smallest package is classed as a mini session and best suited for those who just want a couple of images to remember tiny details. This can be upgraded or have additional image purchases. But is good for those who can’t afford to spend too much. I try to keep my prices competitive but fair. I also provide very large digital galleries which is not a very common thing in my area. I am often chosen for my large galleries because a lot of parents don’t want to have to choose between photos, or they would prefer lots over a little. But this is why I still have the smaller package to cater for everyone. I have 3 packages. To help cater for all kinds of budgets, and also do weekly payment plans.
6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?
Mums just need to prepare for feeding, I can provide everything else. It’s hard enough leaving the house with a new baby and I understand that as a mum myself. And all I ask is for baby to be dressed in a loose fitted onesie with nothing being lifted over their head. I send out a prop catalogue prior to our session, to assist me in setting up before a clients arrival. I provide all props, wraps and texture layers. All parents have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy live view shooting of me taking photos.
7. What should customers expect during a photography session?
Clients should expect to just relax. I don’t ask a lot from them. I try to get some family and sibling photos first so they are out of the way so they can just relax, and older children can play. I am mostly baby led during my sessions and go with the flow of your baby. A standard newborn session can take 2-3 hours, a mini session is around 1-1.5 hours. My clients can expect to just sit and have a chat, maybe have a coffee, while I snuggle their baby and they tell me their birth story.
8. How do you ensure safety of the newborn during the session?
I take newborn safety very seriously, I have done workshops and research in safe posing and have done this job for many years. I will never put baby in a position they don’t like or that they feel uncomfortable in and I will always have a hands on approach and spotter near by for certain poses. All my equipment and wraps are washed and space is sanitized after every session. All sessions are rescheduled if anyone shows any signs or symptoms of Covid, cold and flu or any other bugs/sickness. I am also fully vaccinated with Covid and whooping cough.
9. How soon will customers be able to get their photos?
I can have a sneak peek available in 6 hours or less. I provide a base edit on all images in 12-14 days (I fully edit chosen images) once choices are made, photos can take anywhere from 2-7 days To be delivered via a download link. For those who choose the full gallery and pay up front, receive a viewing link to see the photos as I edit them, which means no waiting. Then they will be ready for download within 12-14 days. All photos are big res and come with full print release, which means you can print them as often as you like, where ever you like.
10. Do you have anything else you would like to tell us?
I feel like my mental health and counselling back ground helps me stand out, because I understand mums and baby’s. I can help you understand your baby, your feelings and support you in many ways, through your post partum journey.
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