A few gentle answers
This page holds answers to the questions that often come up before a session, from how things work, to what to expect, to the little details that help you feel prepared.
If there’s something you’re still wondering about after reading through, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m here to guide you through it.
The Studio
This section covers the practical details of visiting the studio — from location and parking to comfort, preparation, and what to expect on the day.
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The studio is located in Pimpama, on the northern Gold Coast, just a few minutes from the highway (Exit 56).
It’s an easy, accessible location, designed to feel warm and welcoming the moment you arrive, a quiet space where sessions can unfold calmly and without rush.
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Yes. There is convenient street parking directly in front of the studio, making arrival and departure simple and stress-free.
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Comfort is always a priority, especially for newborn sessions.
For newborn photography, the studio is kept warm to support your baby’s comfort and safety. For maternity and intimate portrait sessions, the temperature is adjusted based on the season and weather, ensuring the space feels relaxed and comfortable throughout your time in the studio.
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You’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks with you, particularly for longer sessions such as newborn shoots.
To keep the space safe for all little ones, we kindly ask that nuts and nut products are avoided. If needed, you’re also welcome to arrange food delivery during your session, there’s space to sit, rest, and take breaks as required.
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The studio is used for a range of intimate, thoughtfully guided sessions, including:
Newborn & early days
Baby milestones & cake smash
Studio maternity
Intimate portraiture (boudoir)
Wardrobe fittings for maternity sessions
Each session is approached with the same care and intention, the difference is simply the chapter you’re in.
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To keep the space calm and focused, sessions are best suited to immediate household members only.
For sessions involving siblings, once their portraits are complete, they’re welcome to spend time with another adult nearby; whether that’s a short walk, nearby shops, or a local park, allowing the remainder of the session to flow comfortably and without distraction.
If you have specific circumstances or questions around this, please feel free to reach out ahead of your session.
Booking & payment
This section outlines how bookings are secured, payment options, and what to expect financially throughout the process.
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A retainer is a non-refundable booking payment that secures your session date and time.
For most standard sessions, the retainer is $100 and is deducted from your final balance. This payment reserves your session exclusively for you and allows time for preparation, planning, and any required props or resources.
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For standard sessions, the remaining balance is due no later than 48 hours prior to your session, unless a pre-payment plan has been arranged in advance.
For mini sessions, full payment is required 7 days prior to your session date.
If you intend to pay by cash, please let me know ahead of time so this can be arranged.
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Final payments can be made via:
Cash
Card
Bank transfer
Afterpay (6% surcharge applies)
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Afterpay is available to help spread the cost of your session.
A 6% surcharge applies when using this option. If selected, a private payment link will be sent to you via my Square payment system, where you can complete checkout and divide the total into four instalments through Afterpay.
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Yes. Pre-payment plans are available for clients who book in advance, allowing the session to be fully paid off before the shoot date.
Post-session payment plans may be considered by application only. Please note that no images will be edited or delivered until all outstanding balances have been finalised.
If you’d like to explore a payment plan, you’re welcome to get in touch directly.
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Retainers are non-refundable, as they secure your session date and cover preparation time and resources allocated specifically for your booking.
If you’re unwell or circumstances arise that require rescheduling, flexibility is offered where possible. Refunds are considered on compassionate grounds and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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Each client receives access to a private client portal where you can:
View and manage invoices
Check payment history
Access contracts
View galleries
Update contact details
This portal acts as your central place for everything related to your session.
Images & delivery
Here, you'll find answers to all your questions about the images we provide and how they are showcased in our galleries. Dive in to learn more!
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Each session is delivered as a carefully curated collection, with image numbers determined by the collection you choose at the time of booking.
Collections are designed to tell a complete, cohesive story rather than focusing on individual images. For this reason, images are not sold individually.
If you’re unsure which collection best suits you, I’m always happy to guide you before booking.
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I do.
Your gallery is curated thoughtfully and intentionally, with care given to flow, variety, emotion, and storytelling. This approach allows you to simply receive a finished collection, without the overwhelm of narrowing down hundreds of moments.
Every image delivered is fully edited and chosen because it contributes meaningfully to the story of your session.
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No preview galleries are provided.
This allows me to focus my time and energy on carefully selecting and editing the strongest images from your session, rather than preparing large, unedited galleries for review.
This process results in a more refined, cohesive final collection and a smoother overall experience for you.
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If you find yourself wanting a larger gallery, you’re very welcome to upgrade to a higher collection by paying the difference in price.
Upgrades are subject to additional editing time, as your gallery is curated and finished intentionally as a complete body of work.
For this reason, images are not added individually, instead, collections can be expanded to ensure the final gallery remains cohesive and thoughtfully edited.
If you’re unsure which collection will suit you best, I’m always happy to help guide you before booking.
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Final, fully edited images are delivered within 5 weeks of your session date.
Turnaround times may vary slightly during peak seasons, but you’ll always be kept informed if timelines shift.
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No. Unedited JPGs or raw files are not provided.
The editing process is an essential part of the Hollow & Hearth experience and reflects the finished work you see throughout the website and galleries. Each image delivered has been carefully refined to match that vision.
What to expect
If you’re wondering what the experience actually feels like, this section is for you.
Sessions are guided gently and at a pace that allows things to unfold naturally, without pressure or expectation.
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You’ll arrive at the studio (or location) and be welcomed into a calm, unhurried space. I’ll guide you through the session step by step, allowing time to settle in, connect, and adjust as needed.
There’s no rush and no expectation to perform, the focus is simply on being present and letting moments unfold.
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Yes — gently.
I’ll offer natural direction and prompts throughout the session to help you feel comfortable and supported, while leaving room for genuine interaction. Nothing is stiff or overly posed, and you’re never expected to know what to do
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That’s completely okay, and very normal.
Children are given space to be themselves, and sessions are approached with patience and flexibility. Some of the most meaningful moments come from letting go of expectations and allowing things to happen naturally.
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Almost everyone feels this way at first.
My role is to create an environment where you feel at ease and supported. I’ll guide you throughout the session, adjusting the pace and approach as needed so you never feel rushed or uncomfortable.
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Session length varies depending on the type of session booked, but most sessions run between 45–90 minutes.
Newborn sessions may run longer to allow for feeding, settling, and breaks, while mini sessions are shorter and move at a quicker pace.
Rescheduling & flexibility
Life happens — especially in seasons involving pregnancy, newborns, and families.
This section outlines how rescheduling works and what flexibility is available when plans need to shift.
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If you or your child are unwell, please let me know as soon as possible. Health and wellbeing always come first, and sessions can be rescheduled where appropriate.
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For outdoor sessions, weather is monitored closely.
If conditions aren’t safe or suitable, we’ll work together to reschedule or adjust the session location where possible.
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Newborn sessions are booked around your due date, with flexibility built in to allow for early or late arrivals.
Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm the best session date based on both your recovery and your baby’s needs.
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Where possible, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is appreciated for rescheduling.
Last-minute changes due to illness or unforeseen circumstances are always approached with care and understanding.
Still wondering?
If you’ve read through this page and still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m always happy to talk things through and help you decide whether this experience feels right for you.