10 Questions with Susan Bradfield

BabyInfo Interviewed one of the most popular and highly sought-after newborn photographers in Victoria, Susan Bradfield of Susan Bradfield Photography. Melbourne based Susan is the founder and owner of Susan Bradfield Photography.

Photographer - Susan Bradfield

10 Questions with Susan Bradfield

Business: Susan Bradfield Photography

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Experience: 8 years

Photography Types: Baby, Family, Maternity, Newborn, Personal Branding and headshots, landscape photography

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

Hi, I am Susan Bradfield, owner and photographer at Susan Bradfield Photography.

My love of photography started when my children were born, and I wanted to capture and record their baby gorgeousness. At the time I was a qualified physiotherapist working in hospitals through London and in Melbourne. I developed my love of photography further by training in workshops initially in travel and landscape photography, but then in the specialised areas of portrait and newborn photography. I have been able to transfer these skills to maternity and personal branding photography as well. I set up my business in Melbourne over 5 years ago, initially working from my front living room, but I now have a beautiful studio in Brighton.

As cliched as it sounds, I am so grateful every day to have found a job I truly love ( I really don't miss Physiotherapy at all!!)

2. What type of photography do you specialise in?

I honestly love all photography however I specialise in people ie newborn, kids, babies, families and branding. However I still dabble in some landscape work when I can travel. I'm not a big cake smash fan, and prefer to do timeless one year old shoots including the family.

3. Where are you located?

I am based in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Brighton with my own gorgeous studio that I love. It is filled with drops, props and fabrics that I have sourced from all over the world.

I shoot newborns at my studio and because I am so perfectly set up, I do not travel to clients’ homes for newborn shoots. For maternity and family sessions, I offer studio or location and if outdoors is the choice, I encourage clients to choose a place that has meaning to them and their family e.g. a favourite park or beach. I also have a lot of different locations up my sleeve that I can suggest. I travel within 10km of Hampton for shoots, and charge a travel surcharge for further travel.

4. When should clients book their photography sessions?

It is best to book newborn sessions with me as soon as possible, but ideally in the second trimester. Booking times can be adjusted closer to the time according to the arrival of your baby. I am very busy with maternity sessions at the moment, and they are best taken around 30-34 weeks, so best to book around the 13 week mark.

I am busy all year round, and do book well in advance, however I sometimes have some last minute availability and it is always worth asking.

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

I charge a session fee of $225 upon booking. My minimum package in addition to this is $450. I encourage clients to print and display their images and I offer wall art and albums starting at $400. I will discuss with clients what they would like to do with their images and tailor the photo session according to this (eg if they would like a big canvas for the baby’s room or a wall art collection of different shots) as I can shoot specifically for this.

6. How should customers prepare for their photography sessions?

I will always talk with clients beforehand to ask them what they would like included in their images, if there are any specific pictures they would love from the shoot, and what colours and tones they prefer. So to prepare for this, and if they don't already know, I ask them to look through images they love and to send them through to me so we both have a clear idea.

In the ideal world, I ask clients to give their baby a big feed before coming, dress the baby in a onesie one size too big (no singlet) and get in the car and drive to me! The idea of this is to have a settled baby upon arrival that can me undressed without waking if required for those gorgeous nudie shots. Bring a pacifier if the baby uses one, be prepared for a feed or two, and bring nappies and a change of baby clothes. Also, be dressed in or bring a change of outfit to be photographed in. Sometimes clients like to bring an item that has sentimental value to them they would like included in an image or two eg a baby blanket.

7. What should customers expect during a photography session?

I always aim for all my sessions to be stress-free, relaxed and enjoyable. It should be a happy memory for everyone involved. Plus, everyone photographs better if they are chilled!

Newborn sessions take around 3 hours (allowing for feeding, changing and settling if needed), maternity take around 90-120 mins (hair and makeup not included in this time), family sessions take approximately 90 minutes, less if younger children are involved.

For newborn sessions, I usually start with family and sibling shots, so children can then leave with an adult, and I can focus on your baby.

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

Safety is of the utmost importance to me, as it will be for all parents. I am trained as a physiotherapist and I have training in safe handling and posing of babies. I keep my first aid training up to date, and I am fully vaccinated.

I have up to date covid policies in place, and this is always made clear upon booking, and my studio and equipment is kept immaculately clean.

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

After the photoshoot, I edit a gallery of the clients best images. This can take several weeks. I then invite them back to my studio to view their images and to choose their favourites and preferred package. At this session we an also design albums or wall art specifically for their home using the images they have purchased.

I print images at an Australian professional printers that use archival quality products so your images will not colour fade or come out looking an odd colour. They should last looking amazing for generations to see! It usually takes around 2 weeks for these products to be ready for pick up.

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

My goal is for clients to enjoy and be excited by their photo session that will produce images they will always love.

My images show heart, soul, fun, love and connection.

Let me tell your story.

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