Elena Walsh offers newborn, family portrait and pregnancy photography sessions, using a mix of lifestyle and documentary techniques, in a location that’s meaningful to her subjects. Find out what kind of results she achieves, and how her sessions work below. She also shares some tips on taking baby photos at home.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, I’m a photographer and mum with two young children. I love meeting new people, learning about them and as a portrait photographer, I am fascinated with different faces, features and personalities.
My happy place is having good light, a camera in my hand and people to photograph.
What path led you to becoming a family portrait photographer?
I’ve worked in the photography industry all my career and since becoming a mum, portrait photography – natural, chilled and fun – has me excited and inspired. I love creating meaningful, beautiful imagery for families and pregnant clients. I think I view the photos I take with a ‘mum’s’ eye, capturing the special, warm, important bits.
You use a mix of lifestyle and documentary photographic techniques in your sessions. What kind of results does this blend produce?
The lifestyle part gives the relaxed, natural, beautiful results, and documentary aspect is where I capture the moment. I gently guide people for flattering angles and get beautiful images that suit each individual family, and I use natural daylight (rather than lights) to give a soft or raw look to my photos.
You offer maternity, newborn and family portrait sessions. What can a client expect from a shoot with you?
It’s really important for me that I make my clients feel relaxed and at ease, and that the shoot is an enjoyable experience. I give my lovely clients beautiful imagery to enjoy for forever (and they get all the digital images we shoot), and when they look at the photos, I hope they’ll also have great memories of the day. I shoot on location – somewhere that’s special to my client, like the beach or bushland, or at their home. I usually take about an hour or so, so it’s quick for families, but I don’t rush. I always leave lots of time for newborn shoots and go with the flow of the baby. I also shoot underwater!
What advice or tips do you have for those parents and carers trying to capture those classic newborn moments themselves at home?
I have two tips – find good light, near a window is good. Declutter and simplify the background. Then look for the moments that have feeling and connection. That’s three tips!
What’s the most cherished photograph you have of yourself with your own children?
It’s actually one of my Mum and I when I was little. I have it framed and I’m in my Mum’s arms – I often try to recreate that pose with my clients as it’s special for me and shows a lovely closeness.
Little Manly Photography offers maternity, newborn and family portrait sessions. For more information visit: www.littlemanlyphotography.com
Photo credits: Image at top by Iris and Me Photography. Images in article by Elena Walsh at Little Manly Photography.