Photo Session Info

I know that booking a photo session can be a bit (or rather very) daunting. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and information to help to create a better and more relaxed experience for all my clients.

However, do not hesitate if you need any additional info.

The Studio

Do you do studio shoots?

Most definitely! After searching for an ideal studio space for months and months on end without any luck – I have decided to temporarily re-open the studio in a small space in my home. Upon booking, the client will receive the address for the shoot.

THE STUDIO

Visagie Park, Nigel, East Rand, Gauteng

Where are you and your studio situated?

I work from my home-based studio, conveniently situated in Nigel, on the East Rand Gauteng. Nigel is about a 40-minute drive from Johannesburg CBD, 15 minutes from Heidelberg Gauteng, and about 40 minutes from Boksburg and Benoni. We are on the border of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, so Nigel is easily accessible for clients from Mpumalanga too as we are about 40 minutes from Delamas and 45 minutes from Secunda.

General Questions

What type of shoots do you offer?

I offer outdoor and studio shoots, including lifestyle sessions at your home, outdoor sessions, family photography (including maternity and newborn shoots), pet photography and product photography.

I DO NOT OFFER wedding photography, maternity milkbath, naked maternity shoots or boudoir shoots. I would be happy to refer you to somebody that offers the above-mentioned.

LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2024: CAKESMASH and BATH SHOOTS! Please subscribe to my mailing list to stay informed about the launching date! (SEE THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE)

What is your style and do you use props?

My style is clean, pure and minimalistic. I prefer to keep it simple and NOT to overclutter a scene with props. I use very few props, if any. I believe that the subject (you and your family) should be the main focus of the photo and therefore I try to keep it REAL and authentic! The base colours of all my shoots is white, off-white or cream.

I have a limited number of classic newborn props available for posed newborn and sleeping puppy photo session clients to choose from.

Do you travel for a Photo Session?

Yes, I do. Additional travel will be charged as well as toll fees and entrance fees.

Discounted Packages are available for sessions that take place in the direct Nigel vicinity – if you travel to me and the locations I know best.

Booking & Payment

How do I book?

Get in contact with me with your preferred package and a preferred date for your booking – I will confirm my availability and get back to you with a package proposal, service agreement and invoice for payment of the deposit to secure your spot.

Do you require a booking fee?

Yes, unfortunately, no time slots can be held provisionally. NO exceptions. A 50% non-refundable Booking Fee AND a Signed Service Agreement are required to secure the date and time of your session. Booking is only confirmed upon receipt of the completed booking form AND proof of payment for the booking fee within 48 hours of making the booking or the booking will automatically be cancelled and made available to the next client in line.

When is the balance due?

No later than 2 days before your shoot or as set out on your invoice in case you book a combo package.

What are your operating hours and can I book weekend spots?

I have a limited number of spots available each week.

OUTDOOR SHOOTS: Due to natural light on location, I have restricted shooting times. Outdoor sessions are usually booked during the early morning hours (6am in summer time and 7am during the winter months) or late afternoon (5pm in summer months and 4pm during the winter). Only selected dates and time slots are currently available and will be provided to a client upon request.

AT-HOME LIFESTYLE SESSIONS: When we photograph a lifestyle session at your home, we aim to schedule the session for the time of day that your home is the ‘brightest’ – when the most light is available.

STUDIO SESSIONS: The time to be discussed, depends on the photographer and the studio’s availability. I have a natural light studio and I schedule my sessions during the time frames that the natural light is at its best. Newborn sessions are usually scheduled at 9:30am in the morning – most babies are more relaxed and sleepy during the mornings.

I am available from Tuesday to Saturday. I do NOT take any bookings on a Sunday.

How long in advance should I book?

I have a limited number of spots available each week and each month – therefore it is essential that clients book in advance to avoid disappointment. (I am always happy to try to squeeze a last-minute shoot in, BUT it CANNOT be guaranteed.

east rand newborn photography studio

Newborn & Maternity Photography

When should I book my maternity or newborn shoot?

MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY: For maternity and newborn clients, I would advise you to book your slot at least 6 weeks in advance. I would advise scheduling your maternity shoot during the time you are approximately 32 to 36 weeks pregnant.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY: Your baby should ideally be under 10 days at the time of the photo session, especially for POSED SESSIONS. At this young age, they are still very sleepy and mostly do not mind being handled. Posed sessions can still be done at an older age (up to about 4 weeks), but the older a baby is the more awake they will be and they might not allow for some of the different poses. PURE SESSIONS are natural sessions and the baby does not get posed but is being photographed in a very natural way. This type of session is suitable for babies of any age.

My baby has not been born yet, what now?

It is no problem at all but actually advisable to book before your baby arrives to secure your spot.

I advise clients to book a spot shortly after their estimated due date, to make sure they have a spot in my diary. We reschedule closer to the time and confirm your spot once your baby has arrived.

What if my baby does not want to sleep during a newborn shoot?

Most babies eventually fall asleep during their session after being fed and swaddled snugly. It does occasionally happen that a baby stays awake for the entire session – if that is the case, I will tailor the poses accordingly or keep the baby swaddled to keep him/her calm and happy.

Your Investment

What will I receive?

You will receive a selection of high-resolution, edited images as indicated by your package via an online gallery.

None of the packages include a USB or CD. Images are supplied as an electronic download only. Clients are responsible for downloading and to backup their images. Clients are welcome to order a USB for safekeeping at an additional charge.

The downloadable, high-resolution images are printable up to A3 size. I put a lot of time and effort into the editing of your special photographs. You will receive them in a variety of Colour and B&W processing. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will unedited photographs be given to a Client.

Printed goods, e.g. canvas prints, photo prints and photo books are available upon request.

When will I receive my edited photos?

The time needed to finish all the post-production of your special images is 2-3 weeks. During the peak season (December to April) and periods of heavy load shedding editing time will be extended to 3-5 weeks. This is unfortunately not negotiable, if you require the images urgently (within 2 working days) a R1500 RUSH FEE will apply.

Your Photo Session

How many people can I bring?

Please refer to the package of your choice for more details.

Due to my small studio space, I can unfortunately NOT entertain additional people for viewing purposes. If grandparents join for the last couple of minutes of a newborn session, they need to be on ‘stand by’; we will notify them as soon as we are done with the baby and the immediate family’s photographs when we are ready for them to come. Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

Can I book hair and makeup?

Yes, I have a list of preferred hairstylists and makeup artists that I supply to clients. For all OUTDOOR SESSIONS, you need to get in contact with them directly and make your appointment at their salon.

NEWBORN CLIENTS & STUDIO PACKAGES can arrange to have their makeup done at the studio. STUDIO PACKAGES would need to be at the studio 60 minutes earlier. This needs to be discussed at the time of your booking so that the availability of the makeup artist can be confirmed in advance. NEWBORN CLIENTS have their makeup done while I start photographing the baby.

ALL MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING CHARGES ARE FOR THE CLIENT’S ACCOUNT AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE SESSION PRICE

Do you have any outfits available for use?

Unfortunately NO. I sold all my outfits when I temporarily closed the studio in 2020. My apologies for any inconvenience.

The clients are responsible for their own outfits, the photographer do not supply any outfits anymore. A list of rental companies will be provided for maternity dresses.

I will update the studio wardrobe again in due time to provide outfits for my clients as in the past.

How should I prepare for my photo session?

Once a client’s booking has been confirmed, they will receive additional specialised information on how to prepare for a photo session, what to bring, what to wear, possible locations for outdoor shoots, etc. etc.

I have your back and will guide you all the way.

Is your studio pet-friendly?

Yes, my studio space is pet-friendly. Unfortunately, the yard is not enclosed so your dog needs to be on a leash when you take him or her out for a potty break.

What should we wear?

Once a client’s booking has been confirmed, they will receive additional specialised information on how to prepare for a photo session, what to bring, what to wear, possible locations for outdoor shoots, etc. etc.

I have your back and will guide you all the way.

What if my toddler does not want to cooperate during the shoot?

I have close to two decades’ worth of experience in photographing babies and toddlers – I have learned a few tricks along the way to keep a toddler’s interest. We play games, sing songs, dance and be silly just to name a few activities. With a little patience and encouragement, we usually get beautiful photographs of even the most uncooperative toddler.

Outdoor Sessions

Where do your outdoor shoots take place?

Once your booking has been confirmed, I provide you with a list of possible locations for your photo sessions. You are most welcome to use my suggestions or your own.

I do travel outside of Nigel for photo sessions but please note that additional travel will be charged, as well as toll fees and entrance fees. Discounted Packages are available for sessions that take place in the direct Nigel vicinity – if you travel to me and the locations I know best.

For outdoor sessions, I make use of the lush surroundings around Nigel. These are green during the spring and summer months and have rich, natural, golden colours during fall and winter months. I have access to a farm with horses and the local train station too.

We have booked an outdoor shoot – what if it rains?

I am situated in Nigel on the East Rand/Highveld, which is unfortunately famous for very heavy thunderstorms during the summer months. I usually travel from my studio to the designated photo session location. I can only confirm with clients about an hour before the session if it looks like there is any possibility of dangerous thundershowers soon. I make use of the IOS Lightning Alarm app to notify me of any thundershowers within a 30km radius of Nigel (my location). If there is lightning and thundershowers within 30km of Nigel, coming from the direction of Heidelberg, I will advise on rescheduling as we will most probably get caught in a thunderstorm. If it is just overcast or cloudy there is usually no need to reschedule.

If we are shooting outside of the Nigel area, it is the client’s responsibility to notify me an hour before the session of any weather changes.

What is the best time for an outdoor shoot?

The best time of the day for an outdoor photo session is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. During these times, we get the MOST AMAZING soft and glowing light! The quality of the light plays a very big role in getting beautiful photographs. It is also cooler during these times – which helps a lot, especially during the very hot and dry Highveld Summers.

All images indefinitely remain under the copyright of Celia van Niekerk Photography unless otherwise noted under contractual agreement. Celia van Niekerk Photography reserves the right to use images in advertising and for promotional purposes, e.g. website, Facebook, etc. to promote Celia van Niekerk Photography.

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