Frequently Asked Questions

Family Sessions start at $395 with a 30-minute on-location session. This includes professional post-production and light editing on every photo. You’ll receive a private online gallery featuring 25–50 high-resolution, print-ready digital images, ready for you and your loved ones to download directly. 30 minutes is ideal for one immediate family of up to 6 people.

Planning a Multigenerational Session? For larger group including grandparents, adult children, and grandkids I recommend a longer session to ensure we capture every meaningful combination. A 30-minute mini-session is perfect for a single large group portrait, but more time allows us to focus on the individual families and candid moments in between.

Please get in touch for my full range of packages and inclusions; I’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your family.

Headshots

For an individual headshot the session may take anywhere from 10 minutes – 2 hours depending on how many backgrounds we use, how many outfit changes you would like, how many expressions and poses you would like. If we add props this will also increase the time. If you’re not sure what you’re after and want to try a few different things, this is fine however will take a little longer.

Family photography

I would allow for no less than half an hour for a family photoshoot for a family up to 5 people. I also offer 2 hour sessions for large family and extended family photoshoots. If you’re going to the effort of getting the family together for a photoshoot, we don’t want to rush the session. I’m here to provide you will the best outcome possible. It’s better to focus on the key shots you would like and that’s doable in the time we have rather than trying to fit as many different variations of group photos as possible into a small amount of time. I would allow for a half an hour session for a large group photo of up to 15 people.

Multiple staff headshot session

Once I’ve arrived at your place of business it usually takes me approximately 20 minutes to set up my equipment if you know exactly where you would like me to set up. If you’re not sure, time will need to be allocated to discuss your options for the best spot and backdrop. Once set up I usually allow for 5-10 minutes per person unless you request it to be done quicker. Some people may take a little more time than others. If you would like group staff portraits, these take a little more time to set-up than the individual ones. I need time to set everybody up and compose them. Often it takes quite a few goes to get everybody looking right at the same time together. For a group photo larger than 10 people I would allow no less that 20 minutes to get it right.

I recommend firstly that each person wears something that they’re comfortable in and confident wearing. Make sure your clothes fit you well and aren’t too small or too big.

I ask that you remove hats, sunglasses, and transition lenses so that I can capture the features your face and your expressions. If it’s a beach photoshoot you may want to take your shoes off. This works well in the context of the beach.

As you are coordinating your outfits, keep in mind you will look the most cohesive when the colour palettes coordinate, without being too “matchy”. I wouldn’t recommend all wearing the same tone in colour. Meaning each person should aim to wear a different colour within a similar colour palette family. I’ve got more information on colour palettes once you’ve booked your session.

This depends on who is involved in the photoshoot and where you would like the photoshoot to take place. If you have small kids for example, then I would schedule the photoshoot around them and when they’re at their best time of the day. It could be mid-morning.

If you want a beach photoshoot, sunset is the best time in terms of light and colour. The beach however during summer the middle of the day can be every bright. It’s an open, shade less area with white reflective sand, so it can be very harsh in hotter weather. I don’t recommend wearing sunglasses or transition lenses in the photoshoot as I want to see your expressions and eyes in the photos.

The park is a great option during the day, in the middle of summer as there are lots of shady areas to explore.

I shoot RAW files which are then converted to high resolution jpegs (5-6MB) before transferring to you. I don’t offer the original RAW images as part of the package. These are the unedited versions. The jpegs I send in the final package are all edited copies. I will send you the images in two sizes, low resolution (approx. 400KB) for use on screen and the high resolution for prints and enlargements. Happy to send the files to you with requested specifications, just let me know in advance.

Families: When it comes to picking the perfect spot for your family shoot, there are a few things to consider. Many families like to be in the comfort of their own home or in a rented place because it gives them privacy. If that’s what you’re thinking of, I’m looking for a big backyard with a neat garden as it will give me room to move around and get some beautiful shots.

Indoor photos can also be taken within your home. I’m looking for rooms that are free from clutter, with ample room and abundant natural light. If you planto have family portraits taken indoors, please share some photos of the space you intend to use. In cases where the room is inadequately lit, I might need to bring supplementary lighting to make the space work.

If you don’t have a suitable backyard or indoor area, we can arrange to meet at an outdoor location like a park or beach.  The weather needs to be taken into account for outdoor photoshoots. I’ll keep an eye on the forecast. If you book an outdoor photoshoot and there’s a high likelihood of rain, we can reschedule or, if necessary, select an indoor or sheltered area to ensure your scheduled date and time are preserved.

Red Finch Photography also has a home studio (it’s a double garage converted into a studio). This serves as a reliable backup for rainy days, ensuring your session can go ahead smoothly, rain or shine.

Absolutely, you can. I understand that some clients are happy for me to organise, direct and craft the images as per my style. Other clients would like for me to work with them in creating the images that they have in mind. I’m happy to work with you if you have your own ideas or style guide to adhere to.

At the very least, I do like to know if you have preference on posed or candid style images. Some clients would prefer me to offer them direction and pose them perfectly in the photo. Others just want to have fun on the photoshoot. In this scenario I offer little bits of direction here and there, but not intervene too much. This makes for a more natural looking outcome.

Some people opt to have their hair done in the morning of the photoshoot. I can recommend some fantastic hair and Make-up artists that can come out to you before the session takes place.

If you have long hair and want to wear it out, it will make a big difference if it looks sleek and styled. If you prefer to wear your hair up, make sure it is neatly placed without too many stray hairs. Email me for a copy on my top tips to styling yourself for a portrait and I’m here to help. If wearing make-up, it should be neutral in tone and not too heavy.

You can add a little character or a splash of colour to your outfit however you don’t want your outfit to be too distracting to the eye or clash with the background. If you’re having trouble deciding what to wear, I recommend selecting your favourite 2-3 outfits from your wardrobe, putting them on and taking a self of yourself in each. This should make it easier. I’m also happy for you to text me your selection of outfits and help you choose if still unsure.

Located in Carrum Downs, The Red Finch Studio is a dedicated space for capturing high-quality headshots and portraits. If you need professional corporate headshots or timeless portraits, my fully equipped studio ensures a seamless and stress-free experience.

I will be sending you a link to your online gallery for viewing and to share. Images will also be transferred as digital copies in both high resolution for enlargement printing (approx. 7- 10 MB) colour space RGB and low resolution for postcard prints and use on screen (approx. 700 – 400 KB) colour space s-RGB. If you would like to request images be sent at a different specification or a particular colour profile, let me know.

Regarding prints you can source your own printing. Places like Office works, Big W, Kmart, Vista Print and Harvey Norman all offer low cost prints. If you would like something high quality and longer lasting, I can recommend printing services for this.

If you would like to request high quality lustre (semi-gloss) prints through me, I can send you a price list for this.

Once we’ve agreed on a date and time for your photoshoot, I will be sending you a deposit payment invoice to secure you’re booking. This payment is required before the photoshoot takes place. I will be emailing you the invoice to make an an online payment via credit card or electronic transfer. I don’t accept payment over the phone or at the photoshoot. Final payment is invoiced after the photoshoot but before hand over of final images. Usage right to images aren’t applied until invoices are paid in full.

All children are different when it comes to being a part of a family photoshoot. Some love being in-front of the camera and others want to just play. To some extent it depends on their age group. For example, a 9 year old can understand and take direct better than a 2 year old. We want to avoid ‘forced smiling’ so I never actually ask kids to smile for a photo. I like to capture them in a genuine moment of joy. When children just want to play, I’m more than happy to work around that. I like to keep a playful vibe through-out the photography session when younger kids are involved.

My top tips for happy and engaged children at your photography session are:

Be easy-going and never show frustration

Once they pick up on your stress or displeasure, their wall goes up and out comes the stubborn child. Stubborn is tough to get rid of once it comes out. Don’t worry about them “smiling at the camera” or doing something you don’t want them to do. Keeping a light, playful vibe will shine through in the pictures.

Be playful and go with the flow of the children

It really is ok if the kids aren’t into an activity or direction. If they don’t feel like sitting at that moment, and would rather dance, I go with them and redirect later. Going with the flow, but guiding, is the best way for kids. Be playful, it’s a great way to get some awesome action shots and it’s authentic. Tickling, twirling, and spinning are great ways to interact with your kids so that they engage with you.

Offering rewards after the photoshoot

This is an optional idea if your kids respond well to this. I encourage the reward to be a family activity like getting ice cream together after taking pictures.

Babies and toddlers

Firstly, it really helps to book your session at a good time during the day when your child/children are at their best, active, awake and ready to play. Make sure babies are rested and fed beforehand. Feed your toddler before the photoshoot and don’t suggest a time right near their nap/bedtime. Children of this age take little to no direction, but they will enjoy the session if there is a happy, playful vibe. We can also add additional props into the shoot for extra engagement like blowing bubbles or playing music, a toy that you don’t might being in the photos etc. Please let me know if you would like this or any other props to be added into the photography session.

Yes! Red Finch Photography provides gift vouchers addressed to the recipient.

 Gift voucher categories include:

Happy birthday

Happy mothers day

Happy fathers day

Congratulations

Happy anniversary

Merry Christmas

I love you

Enquire via email or phone for details, prices and inclusions.

I graduated from a Bachelor of Photography at RMIT in 2011 and since then have worked for various companies as a family, portrait, and in-house product photographer. I’ve been freelancing since 2021.

Good question! I care about the outcome of your photography to achieve the best results possible. If it’s pouring down with rain on the day of the photoshoot, it will be compromised, and I would recommend re-scheduling. That is unless we can secure an undercover or indoor option that you’re happy with. If it’s overcast, that’s the best outcome for the day. If it’s bright and sunny day a park is always a good option as there are lots of shaded areas.

I always check the weather forecast 2-3 days before your photoshoot. If there’s a high chance of rain, we can either, just re-schedule at that time or we can wait for the day and decide. Sometimes the forecast is rainy 2-3 days beforehand however on the day it’s beautiful and not raining.

If you commit to an outdoor session and there are possible light showers, we can work around this however once I’ve arrived with my equipment there is no re-schedule option based on the weather.

Your images will be delivered through a private, shareable online gallery. From there, anyone you choose to share it with can download high-resolution files for printing or web-sized files for social media.

Printing through Red Finch Photography is an optional extra and is not included in the standard package fees. Your online gallery will give you access to order prints via my recommended professional, high-quality print provider.

Alternatively, you are welcome to download your images and arrange printing independently. Printing costs vary depending on the size and quantity of prints ordered. If you would like a tailored quote, I’d be more than happy to provide one.