The Blog

Guides for families, from a fellow parent

Practical, no-fuss answers to the questions families ask before a session — written by Deep, dad of two and the photographer behind Still & Golden.

What actually happens at a maternity session

When in pregnancy to book, what the sitting actually involves, how partners and siblings fit in — and how Bloom bundles it with your newborn session once the baby arrives.

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What actually happens at a family session

The hour from hellos to gallery — gentle prompts instead of stiff posing, what kids of every age really do, and why the ones who won't sit still photograph best.

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What actually happens at a newborn session

The ninety minutes from arrival to gallery — baby-led with feeds and settling breaks built in, what parents and siblings actually do, and what gets photographed.

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How to choose a smash cake

Buttercream over fondant, what size to order, the icing colours that photograph well, allergy-friendly options — and where to get one in South-East Melbourne.

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What actually happens at a cake smash session

The travelling studio that sets up in your lounge room, the hour from clean portraits to total demolition, which cake works best — and what happens if your one-year-old takes one look and cries.

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When is the best time to book newborn photos?

The short answer: while you're still pregnant. The longer answer covers the first-4-weeks window, why the date stays flexible, and what to do if your baby has already arrived.

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Preparing your home for a newborn session (it doesn't need to be tidy)

What actually matters before an in-home newborn shoot — light, a couple of clear corners, and a comfortable you. Everything else can stay exactly where the baby chaos left it.

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What to wear for your family photo session

Soft neutrals, textures that photograph beautifully, and the things to avoid — a simple outfit guide for mums, dads, kids and babies, with zero matchy-matchy required.

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