FAQs
General
Where are you based?
I’m based on the NSW Central Coast, with most of my shoots around the beautiful peninsula areas of Umina Beach, Patonga, Pearl Beach, Woy Woy, and Booker Bay.
That said, I also happily travel further afield - from the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region down through to Sydney - to capture your special moments wherever you are.
How do I book and pay?
Booking is easy! Start by emailing jess@coastkin.com.au to arrange your preferred date, time, and location. Once we’ve confirmed your session details, choose the package that feels right for you and complete your payment online through the website, including any extras you’d love to add.
Your shoot is now secured and your story is about to be beautifully captured.
Life happens and plans change. If you need to adjust your booking, just reach out and we’ll find a new date that works for you. I want the process to feel simple and flexible, so you can focus on enjoying your session.
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. Here’s how cancellations and rescheduling work at Coast&Kin:
If you need to cancel your session, please notify me at least 48 hours before your scheduled date to be eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made within less than 48 hours of the session may forfeit the session fee.
If you’d like to reschedule, just get in touch as soon as possible. I’m happy to work with you to find a new date that suits your family, subject to availability.
Unfortunately, no-shows or cancellations on the day of the session are non-refundable.
I’m committed to being as flexible as possible, so if something unexpected happens, please reach out and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Thank you for understanding - I want your experience to be stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish!
How do I prepare for the shoot?
Preparing for your session is all about keeping things simple and stress-free. I’ll send you a handy guide with tips on what to bring, how to dress, and ways to help little ones feel comfortable. A well-rested, fed, and happy family makes for the best photos - but don’t worry, I’m used to managing all the little surprises along the way!
Can I bring my pets or other family members?
Yes! Pets, siblings, grandparents - all welcome. Your four-legged family members are a special part of your story, and I love including them in sessions when possible. Just let me know in advance so we can ensure your package has enough time to capture everyone comfortably.
Can I request specific poses or styles?
Absolutely! I want your photos to feel like you, so I encourage you to share any ideas or inspiration. While I guide sessions to keep things natural and relaxed, I’m happy to incorporate specific poses or styles you love.
Help! What should we wear for the shoot?
I recommend keeping outfits simple, comfortable, and timeless - soft, neutral tones and natural fabrics that won’t distract from the beautiful moments we’re capturing. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or anything too bright, as these can draw attention away from your family and your little one.
For newborn sessions, soft, stretchy clothes work well, and it’s great to bring a couple of outfit options for your baby if possible. For family and older kids, coordinating (but not matching) colours help create a harmonious look without feeling too staged.
That said, this is just a recommendation - if you live and breathe patterns, bold colours, or have a favourite style that makes you feel comfortable and yourself, absolutely wear that! Your comfort and authenticity will always be what shines brightest in your photos.
When is the best time of day for photos?
It really depends on your location and what kind of feel you’re after. Some spots shine in the soft morning light, while others come to life in the warm glow of late afternoon. Once we’ve chosen a location, I’ll guide you on whether morning or afternoon will give us the best results for what you’re hoping to capture.
If we’re working around little ones and nap times (totally normal!), we’ll find a window that works for everyone. A relaxed family always makes for the best photos - so we’ll balance light, location, and your family’s rhythm to get that magic mix.
What happens if the weather’s bad?
Don’t stress - I always keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your shoot. If the weather’s looking a bit wild (heavy rain, strong winds, or just plain gloomy), we have a few options: we can reschedule to a better day, shift to an indoor session, or find a location that still works in less-than-perfect conditions.
Overcast skies can actually be beautiful for photos - soft light, no squinting, and rich tones. But if it’s really not the vibe, we’ll simply pick a new date. Your session is meant to feel relaxed and enjoyable, so we’ll make sure the conditions suit that.
Do you do editing or retouching? What’s included?
Every image in your gallery is carefully edited for colour, light, and clarity - creating a natural, timeless feel that stays true to the moment. I don’t offer heavy retouching or glam-style edits (no Kardashian-level Photoshop here!) because I believe it’s not my place to project any ideal of beauty onto you through editing. My job is to capture you as you are - with honesty, care, and the kind of light that brings out your best. While your images will be professionally polished, they’ll still look and feel like you.
How long does it take to get our photos back?
I know how exciting it is to see your photos - and I promise it’s worth the (short!) wait. You’ll receive your fully edited gallery within 1 week of your session. I take care in selecting and editing each image so that what you get feels true to you and beautifully finished. If you need a sneak peek sooner (maybe for a special occasion), just let me know - I’ll do my best to make it happen.
Need your photos faster?
Fast Track Editing Add-On
Can’t wait to see your photos? Add our Fast Track Editing option to receive your beautifully edited images within 72 hours of your session. Perfect for those special moments you want to share or treasure sooner. Simply let me know when booking or anytime before your shoot!
Newborn & Baby
How to book for a Newborn Baby?
What if I don’t know exactly when my baby will arrive or how I’ll be feeling?
- Book your newborn shoot early
If you’re pregnant, now’s the perfect time to book! When you book, you’ll select a preferred date around your due date to pencil in your spot in my calendar. I know babies don’t always stick to schedules, so this gives you peace of mind knowing your session is reserved. - Get in touch when your baby arrives
Once your little one has arrived, simply message me and we’ll revise your session date to suit your family’s needs - whether that’s working around midwife appointments or how you’re feeling. My priority is making sure you feel calm and settled, so the shoot is a relaxed and joyful experience. - Need more time? That’s totally fine
Newborn sessions ideally happen within the first two weeks to capture that fresh, sleepy baby look. But if you want to wait until your baby is a little older, that’s absolutely okay. Beautiful photos can be taken at any age - from adorable smiles at 4 months to those irresistible baby rolls and sitting milestones around 8–9 months.
Shoot Locations for a Newborn?
Newborn sessions with me happen right in the comfort of your own home. This makes everything easier for you - no packing or travelling with a tiny baby - and lets me capture authentic moments in the spaces that truly tell your family’s story. Your home offers a variety of cosy, safe spots that work beautifully for gentle, natural photos of your newborn.
And don’t worry if your home isn’t perfectly styled or spotless - I know firsthand what those early days are like (I’ve been there myself with a newborn!). I’ll work with the light you have, finding windows, beds, chairs, or simple corners to create beautiful images without any fuss. When the weather allows, I love to include a few outdoor shots around your home for variety.
Older siblings and family pets are always warmly welcomed to join the session. And if your baby is a little older, or the season suits, we can also explore outdoor family-style sessions that capture everyone’s personalities in a relaxed, natural setting.
What if my baby is unsettled during the shoot?
Babies have their own schedules and moods - and that’s totally okay! I’m patient and flexible, with plenty of experience soothing little ones and working around feeds, naps, and cuddles. Sessions flow at your baby’s pace, so we capture moments when everyone feels relaxed.
Which Package Should I Book for a Newborn Session?
For a newborn shoot, it’s important the session takes place in the comfort and safety of your own home - where feeding, changing, and cuddles can happen easily, and your little one feels calm and secure.
Our Story package offers 60 minutes at your home, giving us time to capture those beautiful, tender moments between you and your baby in a relaxed, natural way. It’s perfect if you’re after a focused, gentle session that highlights your growing family and can include siblings and pets.
If you’d like a longer session with more opportunities to capture a broader range of special interactions - perhaps including extended family members or those precious everyday moments around your home or in the garden - the Legacy package offers 90 to 120 minutes of in-home storytelling. It’s designed to create a timeless collection of memories your whole family will cherish.
Either way, I’ll work closely with you to ensure your newborn feels comfortable and safe throughout the session.
Families, Couples & Pets
What to Do if Your Little One Cries?
It’s completely normal for kids to get a bit upset during a photo session - new faces, new places, and all the excitement can sometimes be overwhelming. If your child cries, don’t worry! We’ll take plenty of breaks, keep things calm, and follow your lead to help them feel safe and comfortable. Feel free to bring favourite toys, snacks, or comfort items to soothe them. The most beautiful moments often happen when we pause and let their true emotions shine through - because real life is full of big feelings, and that’s what makes your photos truly special.
How do I prepare for the shoot?
Preparing for your session is all about keeping things simple and stress-free. I’ll send you a handy guide with tips on what to bring, how to dress, and ways to help little ones feel comfortable. A well-rested, fed, and happy family makes for the best photos - but don’t worry, I’m used to managing all the little surprises along the way!
Can I bring my pets or other family members?
Yes! Pets, siblings, grandparents - all welcome. Your four-legged family members are a special part of your story, and I love including them in sessions when possible. Just let me know in advance so we can ensure your package has enough time to capture everyone comfortably.
Pregnancy
When should I book my pregnancy session?
I recommend booking your maternity session between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually when your bump is beautifully visible, and you’re still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the shoot.
Booking early secures your spot in my calendar and gives us plenty of time to plan a session that feels just right - whether outdoors, in your home, or at a special location.
I understand that every pregnancy journey is unique, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. If your baby arrives before your maternity session - or if your circumstances change in any way - I’m here to support you. You can transfer your booking to a newborn session, or if needed, we can discuss alternative options or a refund.
If you have any questions or want to talk through timing and plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My priority is helping you capture this special time in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.
What should I wear for my pregnancy session?
For your maternity shoot, I suggest choosing outfits that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. Soft, flowing fabrics and gentle, neutral tones work beautifully to highlight your bump and create timeless images. Dresses or tops that gently hug your belly are perfect for showcasing your pregnancy glow.
You can choose to cover your bump or let it take centre stage, uncovered and in all its glory - this is your bump, your moment. I’m here to capture exactly what you want to highlight and remember.
If you love colour or have a favourite bold piece, absolutely bring it along - this session is all about celebrating you, so wear what feels authentic and joyful. Avoid busy patterns or logos that might distract from the focus: your amazing journey.
Feel free to bring a couple of outfit options, and don’t forget comfortable shoes and layers if we’re shooting outdoors. Most importantly, choose something that lets you relax and enjoy the moment - your comfort will shine through in every photo.