<![CDATA[Hilary Hudson Photography

<![CDATA[Hilary Hudson Photography - Blog]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:09:05 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[5 items that I use in every single newborn session (some that you might not guess!)]]>Sun, 21 May 2023 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/5-items-that-i-use-in-every-single-newborn-session-some-that-you-might-not-guessI'm pretty sure every photographer has their favourite items that they use in every single session - it might be a favourite basket or beanie, or maybe a cute little felted heart. I have a few favourites of my own which I'll share below, and I betcha a couple of them might not be what you were expecting!

Here's my top 5 list of items that I use in every single newborn session:

1. Beanbag - my posing beanbag is soo versatile - I can use it for so many different poses and props! Its really just like a big soft bed, I add different fabric drops to change the colour theme for the session, or add props like a newborn swing - baby can be lying down, or tushie-up, or anything in between!

2. Heater - I keep my studio at a nice comfortable temperature for the adults (the room is air-conditioned), and I use a little portable space heater around the space to keep baby super cozy and comfortable. This is perfect, parents are able to relax at a comfortable temperature (without raising a sweat!) and baby is nice and warm, relaxed and sleepy with the gentle heater on!

3. Shusher - ahh this is an amazing little tool! The Baby Shusher is perfect for settling unsettled bubs... I used to use a white noise app on my phone, but this is so much better, saves my phone battery and keeps baby nice and calm and settled. It also helps insulate baby against any sudden loud noises in the studio.

I've had so many parents say (when their session is finished) that they are going straight to a baby store to buy one for themselves - that's how awesome it is!

4. The Perfect Posie - this is a cute little mini donut shaped beanbag created by an Australian Newborn Photographer - I use this in every session, whether as a stand alone prop, or under a beautiful soft curly rug. Its perfect for getting baby in that cute curled position, with all the support they need. They snooze so peacefully in this!

5. Last but not least, its Lavender Oil! Nope, not on the baby, on me!! When I have a newborn session scheduled, I'm very careful not to wear any perfume or overwhelming scents on my body, and just before baby comes through the door, I apply some lavender oil on myself to create a beautiful, calm and relaxed environment for baby, and families.

So there you have it - my top 5 items that I use in every single newborn session. Did any of these surprise you?

Hilary Hudson Photography
Newborn and Family Photographer
Based at Tamborine QLD and servicing all areas of SE QLD, including Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim and Brisbane areas.

#goldcoastmums #goldcoastmumsandbubs #goldcoastmothersgroup #goldcoastmumsgroup #goldcoastmumsdirectory #goldcoastmumlife #brisbanemums #brisbanemumma #brisbanemumtobe #brisbanemumsgroup #brisbanemothersgroup #newbornphotographergoldcoast #babyphotographergoldcoast #babyphotographybrisbane #bestnewbornphotography #brisbanenewbornphotography #goldcoastnewbornphotographer #newbornphotographerbrisbane #babyphotographerlogan #babyphotographerbeaudesert #tamborinephotographer #canungraphotographer #goldcoastmaternityhospital #matermothers #goldcoastprivatematernity #pindaraprivatematernity #sunnybankprivatematernity #greenslopesprivatematernity #beaudesertmaternity #loganmaternity

]]><![CDATA[Toddlers and newborns- how to create a beautiful sibling image when the toddler doesn't want to co-operate]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/toddlers-and-newborns-how-to-create-a-beautiful-sibling-image-when-the-toddler-doesnt-want-to-co-operateAhh the mighty toddler... often as the photographer, we are at the whim of their moods!! I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to help with their co-operation and I try to spend a good amount of time just chatting and connecting with them before I even pick up the camera.

But you know what? Sometimes they just don't want to sit with the baby! And I totally get it - they've just had their little world changed forever, they are no longer the entire focus of their parents eyes, suddenly they have a new brother or sister who is taking up some of their spotlight. And sure, they love their new sibling, but they dont always want to be photographed with them. Don't feel bad if your toddler wont co-operate during their session, I can assure you its quite normal.

When we have a little lady or gent who simply doesn't want to sit next to the new baby, we need to get creative. And that's where Photoshop and some creative posing comes to the rescue to give you those sibling photos that are so important!

In this example, our gorgeous young man will happily pose calmly on his own - great! Look at those amazing eyes by the way!

Next step - capture the cute baby brother on his own in the same background...

And then finally, blend the two together, creating a composite image in Photoshop!

This is another way to create sibling photos - photograph baby in the prop on their own...

Sit sibling next to the empty prop - often a favourite toy, or a phone playing cartoons above my head will get them to look...

Voila! Final image created as a composite!

This is also the method I normally use with pets and newborns, nice and safe, especially for the nervous fur-babies.

Want to know more? Contact me here now!

Newborn photography Gold Coast
Brisbane newborn photographer
Baby photographer Gold Coast, Tamborine Photographer, Logan Photographer, Scenic Rim photographer, baby portraits Gold Coast. Sibling photos Brisbane

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]]><![CDATA[Fingers, toes, eyelashes - the tiny details and why they matter]]>Sun, 30 Oct 2022 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/fingers-toes-eyelashes-the-tiny-details-and-why-they-matterA newborn photography session is probably the first portrait session you will do with your beautiful new bundle - these sessions are so important for capturing everything that is special and amazing about your precious new baby. At Hilary Hudson Photography, I aim to capture every little detail - from props to baskets and beanbags, elaborate setups to simple ones, focusing on natural poses that are all about showcasing your gorgeous little one, and of course - all their teeny tiny details.

Close up images of your tiny baby's tiny features just make me swoon! These close up images can often become some of your favourite images from your newborn photography session. Our babies grow so quickly, and it can be so easy to forget just how teeny they once were.

Some of my favourite details to capture are:

- lips, pouting, smiling
- eyelashes
- feet and toes
- the curve of a cheek or a dimple
- little fingers
- a curl of hair
- the little button nose

All of these little details are unique and offer a little glimpse to their future personalities!

These tiny details (and eeek - those little feet are my favourite!) will make you smile for years to come. Documenting these little features will help you remember these details forever!

I ADORE capturing these precious early moments with your new baby. Your life is about to change in the most amazing way possible - let me document those beautiful memories for you, tiny details and all!

Contact me now for more info about a newborn photography session!

]]><![CDATA[Why you should book your newborn session before your baby arrives]]>Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/why-you-should-book-your-newborn-session-before-your-baby-arrivesIts such an exciting time when you've got a little one on the way - I mean, you've got SO many things to think about and organise - the cot, the nappies, a stroller, change table, baby clothes, getting the car seat installed, having scans, writing your birth plan and wow... the list seems endless doesn't it?

Thinking about booking a newborn portrait session seems like a LONG way off - you've got plenty of time, right?

Plus - how can we book a session in, when we aren't exactly sure WHEN baby is going to arrive??!!

Did you know that the ideal time to do your newborn portrait session is when they are between 6-16 days old to make the most of that super curled, super sleepy window?

Personally, I only book a certain amount of newborn sessions each month. When your book your newborn portrait session with Hilary Hudson Photography, you are reserving a spot in my calendar based on your due date. The actual session isn't scheduled until after you let me know your baby has arrived - and thats when we schedule the exact session date.  This requires a lot of flexibility on the photographers behalf, as you can imagine!

Here's my top reasons for booking your newborn session while you're still pregnant:

You'll be more likely to get the photographer of your choice, rather than your third or fourth choice photographer at the last minute.
One more thing crossed off your list - time moves pretty fast once bub arrives, you'll be surprised at how quickly the days (and sleepless nights!) go. Before you know it, bub will be 3 months old and you'll have missed the opportunity to capture this precious newborn stage!
Time to budget for the session - yep - babies can be expensive!! With time off work, and all the things your precious baby needs - well, a newborn photography session can seem out of the budget. By booking early, you'll have plenty of time to save for the session - and I also offer payment plans to make it even easier. Want to know about my pricing and collections? Click here for all the details!
Baby shower gift option - If you're having a baby shower, friends and family might also like to also contribute to the session (I also offer gift certificates) - by doing this you could end up with a fully paid for session before baby even arrives - giving you an amazing gift of memories for your beautiful family!
Plenty of time to plan your session style - I love to tailor the session to suit your style, colours you like and prop preferences, so when you book early we have plenty of time to plan out those details to make sure the images that we capture of your beautiful baby are going to be ones that you absolutely love.
You may have the option of doing a maternity session with the same photographer - I offer a heavily discounted mini maternity session with any newborn photography session booked!

So - when should I book?

Ideally, around your 2nd trimester is best. I am often booked out months in advance, and you know what? Its an awful feeling turning clients away simply because I cant fit them in. Please dont let that happen to you!

But what if my baby has already been born?

You know what? Lots of families dont even think about doing a newborn photography session until after the baby has been born. If this is you, you’re certainly not alone.

If your baby has already been born please contact me ASAP to check last minute availability. I might be able to fit you in if other babies have arrived a little earlier or later than planned.

Also, if your baby is already older than 3-4 weeks, you don’t have to miss out! I regularly photograph ‘older newborn’ babies and I also offer an Older Newborn Session which are suitable for babies aged up to about 8 weeks.

Want to know more?
Do you have any questions about doing a newborn photography session? Would you like to book? Contact me here for more info - I'm really looking forward to meeting you!

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Hilary Hudson Photography
Newborn and Family Photographer
Based at Tamborine QLD and servicing all areas of SE QLD, including Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim and Brisbane areas.

#tamborine #newbornphotography #newbornphotographer #newbornphotographerbrisbane #newbornphotographertamborine #goldcoastphotographer #babyphotography #babyphotographergoldcoast #babyphotographybrisbane #brisbanephotographer #bestnewbornphotography #brisbanenewbornphotography #goldcoastnewbornphotographer #newbornphotographerbrisbane #babyphotographygoldcoast #babyphotographerlogan #babyphotographertamborine #babyphotographerbeaudesert #tamborinephotographer #tamborinemountainphotographer #mounttamborinephotographer #yarrabilbaphotographer #beenleighphotographer #jimboombaphotographer #scenicrimphotographer #canungraphotographer #goldcoastmaternityhospital #matermothers #goldcoastprivatematernity #pindaraprivatematernity

]]><![CDATA[What to expect in your newborn photography shoot]]>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/what-to-expect-in-your-newborn-photography-shootHave you ever wondered what happens during a newborn session? I mean, how do photographers manage to capture all those gorgeous sleepy photos, when you hear so many stories of newborns never sleeping?!! If you've never attended a newborn session before, you're probably wondering how it all works!

So here is a little run-down on what happens during your newborn session here at Hilary Hudson Photography.

When you arrive:
My newborn sessions are typically scheduled in the mornings as I find that babies are usually much more settled at that time (avoiding the afternoon "witching hour" at all costs!!). Please try to arrive at my Tamborine Studio as close as possible to this scheduled time if you can - although I totally get that having a newborn baby in the house can make things hectic, so please just text me if you are going to be late - no stress at all!!

I will welcome you into the studio where you can sit and relax as we go over a few details and chat. Everything will be set up and ready to go, and you can expect the session to last anywhere between 1-3 hours (depending on the collection you have chosen). I have a TV in the studio and a box of toys to help keep the younger family members entertained.

I keep the air conditioned studio at a comfortable temperature all year round, with the use of heaters to keep baby warm and cozy when they are unwrapped or naked.

What to bring:
All my newborn sessions include the use of items from my large selection of props, baskets, beds, wraps, rompers, flokatis, backdrops, beanies/bonnets/headbands, teddies, floral arrangements etc.

If there is anything specific from my collection that you'd like to include, (have a look through my newborn gallery for inspiration!) please be sure to make a note of that in your Client Info Form, which you will have completed prior to the session.

You are welcome to bring along any special family items, or heirlooms that you'd also like to include.

The session:
Before we begin, I will dress your baby in a romper of your choice, and then wrap them in several different coloured wraps based on the colours you chose in your Client Info Form. I find that starting with a wrapped baby helps them to feel safe and secure and more likely to drift off to sleep.

Family and sibling poses are done first - and we will do a number of poses with each family member holding baby. I also have a number of tricks up my sleeve for those toddler siblings who are less willing to have photos taken with their new baby brother or sister!

Once the family/sibling photos are done, you can sit back, relax and watch your baby be the star of the show! I will move baby around the studio, gradually unwrapping them as I go, and using different props and set ups to create a gallery of images of your beautiful baby.

I've been photographing babies for many years now, and newborn safety is my highest priority. I will only pose babies in what they are comfortable with, and in a natural way. I've had many clients call me a "baby whisperer" (although I can assure you, I never felt that way when my own kids were babies!) so please dont worry that your baby wont sleep!!

Most babies will wake at least once during the session, and this is when you can expect to feed them if need be, as we settle them back down for the rest of the session.

You should also know that if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! We will take a break or work with what baby is giving us. Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too! Your baby will look perfect whether they are awake or asleep :)

After the session:
After we have finished capturing your little one, I will head back to the office to download your images and do the first of many backups so your images are always secure. I will choose a favourite from your session, edit this and post your preview for social media (if you've chosen to have one).

I will let you know when you can expect to receive your online gallery - and from there you get to see your final images and choose your favourites!

Any Questions?
Do you have any questions about doing a newborn photography session? Would you like to book? Contact me here for more info - I'm really looking forward to meeting you!

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Hilary Hudson Photography
Newborn and Family Photographer
Based at Tamborine QLD and servicing all areas of SE QLD, including Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim and Brisbane areas.

#tamborine #newbornphotography #newbornphotographer #newbornphotographerbrisbane #newbornphotographertamborine #goldcoastphotographer #babyphotography #babyphotographergoldcoast #babyphotographybrisbane #brisbanephotographer #bestnewbornphotography #brisbanenewbornphotography #goldcoastnewbornphotographer #newbornphotographerbrisbane #babyphotographygoldcoast #babyphotographerlogan #babyphotographertamborine #babyphotographerbeaudesert #tamborinephotographer #tamborinemountainphotographer #mounttamborinephotographer #yarrabilbaphotographer #beenleighphotographer #jimboombaphotographer #scenicrimphotographer #canungraphotographer #goldcoastmaternityhospital #matermothers #goldcoastprivatematernity #pindaraprivatematernity

]]><![CDATA[January ramblings... and blogging Christmas Mini Sessions!]]>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:19:58 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/january-ramblings-and-blogging-christmas-mini-sessionsOk so how did it get to the end of January already? Yep time is flying and as usual, I'm a little bit behind in my blog posts!

The kids are enjoying the last few days of sleeping in and no routines as we head into the last week of school holidays... oh yeah baby they are going back on the 7th and I'm SO ready! One thing that we have gotten into the bad habit of, is letting them stay up later than usual - we've been trying for the last 2 weeks to pull it back in, but its proving harder than expected, as they are just not tired at their old bed-times - consequently they are often still awake in their rooms at 10 or 11pm!!

Fingers crossed it settles down and old routines come back, once school starts back.

The renovations/extension is getting to the fun parts - like kitchen splashbacks, being able to add in some decor and pretty things to make it feel more homely - we went shopping the other week to buy some little fake plants, and came home with a new clock, a rug, and NO plants!

Anyway, todays blog post is a small preview from my recent Christmas Mini Sessions here at Tamborine - I SOO love doing these and seeing how much your kids have changed each year as they grow! Check out these absolutely gorgeous families!

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Hilary Hudson Photography
Newborn and Family Photographer
Based at Tamborine QLD and servicing all areas of SE QLD, including Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim and Brisbane areas.

]]><![CDATA[True Love - Gold Coast Beach Engagement photo shoot!]]>Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/true-love-gold-coast-beach-engagement-photo-shootOne of the many many joys of my job is that I get to hang out with beautiful families, cuddle babies and share in so many special moments with you all as I capture your precious memories. And every now and then I'm asked to be involved in one of life's most magical moments - a proposal!

William was absolutely amazing at organising this special weekend for him and Abbey - the weather was fabulous and we captured some stunning images of the happy couple strolling along the beach and having fun together. Then after a secret "nod" between William and myself - the big moment! William dropped down to his knee and proposed to his beautiful Abbey - who was completely surprised, thrilled and ecstatic! She said yes!

I had goose bumps and tears in my eyes as I was capturing such a special moment, the excitement on the beach that day was just pure magic. These two are such a special couple and it was so lovely to be able to capture all of these memories for them and their family, of such a beautiful and pure moment in time.

Congratulations again William and Abbey - wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

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]]><![CDATA[Crazy time of year, and newborn baby Nixon in the studio!]]>Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:46:23 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/crazy-time-of-year-and-newborn-baby-nixon-in-the-studioWe are heading into that craaaazy time of year again, and wow didn't it come round fast?? I cant believe its almost October already - and the coming months are looking a bit hectic! Not only is our building approval deadline looming (eeek - still so much to do!) but there are lots of babies coming and of course my annual Christmas Mini Sessions in October and November too!

The kids are starting to get that "end of year tiredness" already - term 3 is done so right now we are enjoying a slightly slower pace of school holidays before the madness of term 4 begins!

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle and Jon, and their gorgeous big family when they came in for their baby boy Nixon's newborn session! This little man is sure to be doted on by all his siblings, so special to capture these precious early days with him!

Here are some of the favourites from their session:

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]]><![CDATA[Oh to have a dishwasher...and a maternity & newborn session at Tamborine]]>Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/oh-to-have-a-dishwasherand-a-maternity-newborn-session-at-tamborineIf you've been around here for a while you'll know that we are neck-deep in the midst of a major reno/extension at the moment... and time is running out! While our building approval expires later this year, we are madly trying to get everything done and ticked off the list - and the final major thing is my kitchen!!

We have been here for over 5 years now, and for all that time I have worked in a tiny, cramped little kitchen, with virtually no bench space, and WITHOUT a DISHWASHER!! Yep - the dishwasher is ME... and well, first world problems and all that, but I am SO over hand-washing dishes!

So the kitchen has been designed and ordered - and there are two big things I'm looking forward to most - hiding all the appliances in the Butlers Pantry so that I have masses of bench space, and, yes you guessed it - finally having a dishwasher!!

How long do you think you could cope without a dishwasher??

Todays blog post is from a recent session with Samara & Mat as they awaited the arrival of their newest family member! Samara was simply glowing during her maternity session - its always so special to be asked to capture this amazing time in your lives!

And although I quite often include the family dog in portraits, this was the first time that I was asked to include a beloved cat in the session - how cool! Our pets are often our first "babies", so its lovely to be able to include them in the photos, as they are also an important part of the family!

Before too long, their handsome little guy arrived! This sweet little boy was just amazing for his session - Samara & Mat loved images which included nests and greenery, and these suited him perfectly. It was also fun to include a little bit of Australiana to the session.

Thank you so much Samara and Mat! Here are a few favourites from the session:

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www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au
Newborn photographer Gold Coast

]]><![CDATA[Two "betweens" - and a fun themed newborn session]]>Fri, 02 Jul 2021 23:11:45 GMThttps://www.hilaryhudsonphotography.com.au/blog/two-betweens-and-a-fun-themed-newborn-sessionIn another instalment of "funny things my kids say" - master 9 came out with a good one the other day...

After playing a big day of AFL interschool sport, he very proudly reported that although his team lost all of their games, in one of the games he kicked "TWO BETWEENS!!"

I chuckled and said "I think they're actually called BEHINDS, dude!"

To which he replied:

"NO-OO - not THOSE ones, the other ones, the ones in the middle BETWEEN the outside ones!"

Haha, well done buddy, two goals!

I love being creative in my newborn sessions, and I love collaborating with clients when they have a vision for their sweet baby's first photo shoot!

Angelina and Aaron had a few fabulous ideas which they wanted to incorporate into the session - including superheroes, using Aaron's Playstation Console as a prop, and a hunting inspired set-up.

Gorgeous little Ashton was the perfect model for his session. At just 9 days new he slept like a dream and we were able to capture everything we wanted and more! I especially love the PlayStation set up, complete with a few favourite games!

Thanks so much guys, it was awesome meeting you and your gorgeous little man!

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