Welcome

WELCOME!

Welcome to Serene Cottage! Newborn and Family portraiture by photographer Jessica Dukes. Services are based in and around the Serene Cottage natural light studio in Waitakere, Auckland.

WATCH ME GROW

How many sessions are included? 4 sessions are included, Maternity, Newborn, 6 months and 1 year.
What happens if I missed out on the Maternity or Newborn session but still want to book? If you find out after these milestones have passed but still want to take up this amazing deal then no worries! Simply swap out the sessions you missed out on with an updated Family session or Birthday session.

During the watch me grow program you will have constant access to your images online which you can download at anytime to your computer.

Your child will love and treasure the memories you have provided them with. Life is the best gift you can give, photography is simply a ticket to return to emotions and moments long after they are gone.

NEWBORNS

When should I book? I encourage clients to book while pregnant. This way I can insure I have space on my calendar. Newborns can be completely unpredictable- born weeks early or late, but by calling ahead I will have a general idea of when your little one is expected to arrive!

What time do newborn sessions usually take place? Newborn sessions are usually booked in the morning around 10-11 AM.

What to expect - Full Newborn sessions typically last 3-4 hours allowing for plenty of time for feeding and comforting. Since the baby is naked for the majority of the session, the studio is kept very warm. In the winter months it is suggested that you dress in layers so that you don't get too hot. Mini newborn sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. Each mini session allows for two different set-ups. Due to time constraints, family and sibling pictures are not included.

What to wear? If you are wanting to be included in the pictures and don't prefer the skin on skin with baby look, we recommend that you bring several neutral outfits to pick from. Colors that photograph well with a new baby include cream, grey and tan. Try and avoid any patterns as the focus should be on you and baby and not what you are wearing.
What to bring? While the studio is full of blankets, hats, wraps, headbands and props, some clients have certain items like a handmade blanket that they might like to have the new baby photographed with. If you have a special item please bring it along. Certain things to avoid would be items that are bright white or made with shiny materials as they tend to not photograph as well.

Tips - Dress the baby in something that is easy to take off. If the baby takes a pacifier make sure to bring it.

BABY

What age? Don't babies grow way too fast! The changes within that first year are amazing! I love when babies can sit up on their own around 6-7 months! They have a longer attention span and I love making them smile!
How long does the session last? Full Baby sessions usually last around 2 hours long. Mini Baby sessions usually last 1 hour.
What time do baby sessions typically take place? I find that babies to be happier and less tired in the morning hours. Baby sessions can be scheduled around 10-12am.

What to bring? Bring any of the baby's favorite toys. These can be used to get baby's attention and smiles going during the session. Also bring any favorite snacks. Sometimes the baby will just need a break and have a little snack during the session to recharge!
What to wear? Babies photograph well naked, but feel free to bring along a few favorite outfits. Avoid any large or heavy patterns. Neutral colours photograph beautifully with baby skin! If you would like to be included in the pictures as well make sure to bring several outfit options for us to pick from. Again, neutral colours such as cream, grey and brown always work really well.

CHILD &
FAMILY

What time? I love to photograph kids and families in the evening with the light is soft and pretty. In the winter months sessions usually start around 4:30pm and in the summer time sessions can typically begin from 5:30-6pm.
How long does the session usually last? Full Child and family sessions usually last around 1.5-2 hours long. Mini sessions usually take about an hour.

What to bring? Bring a favorite snack that isn't messy for the kids! A little snack in the middle of the session can often recharge tiring kids!

What to wear? I encourage clients to vary their wardrobe, mixing and having fun with colours and textures while still making sure that colours and patterns blend well. Always bring more than you think you will need. It's better to have more than not enough. If you have any questions regarding what you are planning on dressing everyone in, I would be more than happy to consult your selections prior to the session via email!

AFTER THE SESSION