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Illy Photography believes in creating beautiful bespoke photographic art for you, treading lightly on this earth, supporting local artisans and giving back to the community.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FAQs
When is the best time for maternity portraits?
Around 34 - 36 weeks, or 30 weeks if you're carrying twins. Your belly is beautiful and round but you should still feel comfortable enough to move around.

When is it best to photograph babies?
It's best to photograph newborns at 7 - 10 days old when they're still curled up and sleepy. It's a small time frame as baby acne can develop from 2 weeks plus they can become lighter sleepers. Please advise us of your estimated due date when you book and let us know when your bundle of joy has arrived so we can confirm the session time.
Any age is a good time to capture babies and children, generally morning sessions are best for all ages.

Where can my portrait session be held?
Maternity, newborns and babies are photographed at your home where you're most comfortable, all we need is a warm room with some natural light from a window. Ps. Please don't stress about cleaning the house, we'd rather you have some extra sleep!
Children and family portraits can be taken in your backyard, playing at the park, watching the ocean. Engagement portrait sessions could be photographed where you first met, got engaged or plan to marry. There are so many beautiful places but we like to capture you in a location that means something to you, doing something you love so we can catch that twinkle in your eye. We like to get know you before the portrait session so we can create personalised photographic art for you.

How long will the session take?
You can choose a 10 or 30 minute portraiture session, newborn sessions will require longer to allow for feeding and settling.

What should I wear?
We love planning your portrait session with you so tell us about your favourite things in life and we'll style your photographs around that. But wear whatever you are comfortable in and makes you feel great! (we advise avoiding clothes with logos and slogans as they will date in time.)

Do we keep the digital negatives?
Yes, we provide you with high and low resolution photographs so you can upload, print and share as you please.

What about film?
I absolutely love film but unfortunately ALL TYPES of film contain gelatine which is derived from the bone and skin of animals. I am a vegetarian and avoid products that contain animals - Ilona. (if you find a gelatine free film please let me know!!)

Is Illy Photography eco friendly?
Yes! We print our photographs on Hahnemuhle bamboo paper which gives you beautiful warm and rich prints. For presentation we have sourced handmade recycled timber frames, blockmounts made from sustainably harvested wood, paper free enlargements made from stone and reclaimed timber, sustainable timber personalised albums, and hand bound albums printed on tree free paper with covers in hemp or peace silk. If you would like more information on our services and products please request a price list.

How does Illy Photography give back?
We donate 1% of profits to charity and proudly support the following organisations;
World Wildlife Foundation, Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne), Planet Ark, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Cancer Council. You can elect who your donation is made to or Illy Photography will distribute funds to all the chosen charities evenly.

How much does it cost?
Portraiture sessions start at $200 and include the following;
~ 10 minute portrait photography
Either at your home or on location
~ 10+ individually processed photographs
You will receive a mixture of clolour and black and white images
~ Digital negatives
Your photographs are presented on a bamboo USB key at high and low resolutions
~ Travel within 30km radius of Melbourne CBD and Bendigo CBD
We're happy to travel to wherever you need us, please contact us with the details so we can give you a quote

For the complete portraiture menu please request a price list.