Whether maternity, fresh 48, newborn or a family session
Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is a journey filled with emotion, connection, and unforgettable moments. What better way to preserve that journey than through professional photography?
Whether it’s your glowing bump, those powerful first hours after birth, or the delicate features of your brand-new baby, choosing the right photographer can make all the difference in how your memories are captured.
“Book with a photographer you think resonates with you and your vision. Checking out their previous work and editing style through social media can help you make the right decision when booking a session.” Amy @ Adorne Photography
I know photoshoots can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Here at Absolute Baby Shop Rockhampton, I’m lucky to connect with so many talented local photographers. And I’m excited to bring you this guide to help you find the perfect fit for your family.
Plus, I’ve included a spotlight on amazing photographers servicing Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone and Emerald who specialise in:
- Maternity
- Fresh 48
- Newborn sessions
These are people I’m proud to support, and who I know are passionate about what they do.
“Find a photographer whose work makes you feel something. It’s not just about a perfectly posed image, it’s about real connection, genuine emotion, and capturing your story honestly.” Trudi @ Trudi Bartley Photography
What type of photography session do you want?
Each stage of this journey offers a unique opportunity for photos, and many photographers specialise in one or more styles of photography, whether maternity, newborn, fresh 48 or family.
Here are some of our favourite insider tips for stress-free, joy-filled photography sessions:
Maternity Sessions
Maternity photography is all about celebrating the beauty of pregnancy, allowing you to look back on just how remarkable your body is.
They are usually captured between 30–35 weeks, when you’re still feeling comfortable enough to move around and your bump is beautifully round (just before your baby prepares for birth and makes your belly ‘drop’).
These can be intimate and styled or natural and outdoorsy.
“Don’t worry about practising your angles in the mirror. The best photos come from simply showing up ready to laugh and have fun. The sillier you feel, the more natural and heartfelt your photos will be.” Jess & Hanna @ SR Collective Media
Fresh 48
Taken in the first 24–48 hours after birth, usually in hospital or at home. These sessions are raw, emotional, and filled with those precious first cuddles, tiny wrinkled feet, and sibling introductions.
“The best newborn photos happen when everyone’s relaxed. baby feels your energy, so just breathe and let it flow. It’s not about perfect poses. It’s about capturing how tiny, new, and deeply loved they are.” Kaitlyn @ The Storm and Me
Newborn Sessions
Typically done within the first 2–3 weeks after birth. These sessions can be posed and styled in-studio, or more natural and lifestyle-based in your home. Newborns are still sleepy and easy to gently pose at this stage.
“Try to keep baby awake before the session, a bath and some awake time before the session can help your baby arrive sleepy and content. Feeding right before the session can help them settle into a deep sleep.” Rebecca @ Rebecca Coverdale Photography
“Newborn cuddles are the sweetest, but babies have a knack for choosing the exact moment you’re in front of the camera to turn mum or dad into their personal change table. Always pack a spare outfit for yourself – you’ll thank us later.” Jess & Hanna @ SR Collective Media
Family Sessions
“For toddlers, partners, and even photographers – snacks are the real MVPs. A well-timed cracker or lollipop can flip grumpy faces into giggles in seconds. Don’t underestimate the power of a snack bribe!” Jess & Hanna @ SR Collective Media
“That ‘perfect’ family photo where everyone is smiling at once? Rare. The shot where your toddler dashes away, mum’s laughing, and dad’s running after them? That’s the one you’ll actually frame. Embrace the chaos – it’s your real story.” Jess & Hanna @ SR Collective Media
What to Look for in a Photographer
Finding the right photographer is about more than just beautiful images. It’s about trust, safety, and connection. Here are 5 top key things to consider:
“Choose someone you feel comfortable with – Your photographer will be there for intimate, emotional moments. Especially with a newborn or in the beautiful chaos of family life. Trust and comfort matter just as much as skill.” Trudi @ Trudi Bartley Photography
Style
Do you prefer:
- Posed
- Stylised artistic portraits
- Or a more natural, candid lifestyle approach?
Review their portfolio to get a sense of their editing and shooting style.
Most professional photographers will specialise in one style, mainly because that’s the type of photography they love to do.
Experience with Babies:
Especially for Fresh 48 and newborn shoots:
- Patience
- Experience
- Safety
- Gentleness matters
A professional newborn photographer will be trained in newborn safety and understand the limitations of certain poses and positions.
Knowledge of a baby’s anatomy, reflexes, and circulation is important in posing and composite photos (2 or more photos combined in editing) are often used.
Another question is to ask if the photographer is up to date on their immunisations, as safety is essential.
Ask about experience and approach. Newborns are delicate, toddlers are unpredictable, and families are beautifully imperfect.
A photographer with experience (especially with little ones!) will know how to gently guide, adapt, and create a calm, relaxed space where your memories can unfold naturally.” Trudi @ Trudi Bartley Photography
Comfort & Connection
You’ll be sharing some very personal moments. Choose someone who makes you feel relaxed and supported – it will show in your photos.
“Your comfort and confidence mean more than anything… being relaxed and yourself will get those natural, authentic, emotional and bonding photos that you will cry over!” Julie-Anne @ Julie-Anne Photography
What’s Included
Photography packages can vary widely in price and content. The following are some great questions to ask:
- Is travel to a location included?
- What’s the length of the session?
- Can you give us an eta on the turnaround time to see our photos?
- How many edited images will we receive?
- Are images digital only, or can we access canvas, album or print options?
- Are there any additional fees we might have to pay?
But remember to choose your photographer based on the style before considering the cost, as once your little one is here, those images will be the main memory you’ll have of this time in your life, and you should absolutely love them.
Location & Flexibility
Do they shoot in-studio, on-location, or in your home? Are they willing to travel to your hospital for a Fresh 48
“Choosing the perfect location for your photography session and creating your very own keepsakes to treasure for years to come is the best feeling.” Carmen @ Studio Thirty-Two
Why Supporting Local Matters
Choosing a local photographer not only supports small businesses but also means working with someone who knows the community and understands the unique needs of families in our region.
Many local photographers are parents themselves, bringing genuine empathy and care to their work.
“A photographer who’s patient, calm, and happy to follow your family’s lead. Someone who’ll pause for feeds, let toddlers be themselves, and never rush you. When you feel relaxed and comfortable enough to be vulnerable, your photos won’t just be pretty. They’ll become powerful, lasting memories.” Sarah @ Photography by Sarah Joy
Let’s promote local
At Absolute Baby Shop, I also offer a space in-store where local service providers can display their business cards. So, anytime you’re looking for a trusted connection (photography or otherwise), feel free to pop in.
Photographer Spotlights: Meet the Talent Behind the Lens
I’ve connected with some incredibly talented and passionate local photographers who love working with families (how great were the tips above). And I’m thrilled to introduce them to you below.
Each one brings something unique to their sessions, whether it’s a natural lifestyle approach, styled studio portraits, or the ability to make you feel completely at ease. Browse through the spotlights below to learn more and find the perfect match for your story.
The Storm and Me
Kaitlyn is a Rockhampton-based photographer, mum, and pro baby-whisperer. She’s all about capturing real moments: the squish, the chaos, and the magic in between. She says she’s the storm chaser behind the lens. From the Storm comes beauty, and her vibe? Relaxed, fun, and a little bit nostalgic. She’s sure to help you create something beautiful (and totally scroll-stopping).
🔗Connect with Kaitlyn at The Storm and Me
Website | Instagram | Facebook
thestormandmephotography@gmail.com
Studio Thirty-Two
Carmen owns Studio Thirtytwo. Central Queensland’s exciting one-stop shop for Photography, Beauty and Holistic Healing. She has been photographing professionally since 2011 and has always had a passion for photography since she was little. Her business was previously known as Carmen Howells Photography, however, they changed the name in 2018 when they became a family business and added new services other than photography to their repertoire.
🔗Connect with Carmen at Studio Thirtytwo
Website | Facebook | Instagram
hello@studiothirtytwo.com.au
0418 746 362
Trudi Bartley Photographer
Trudi is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Gladstone, QLD. With over 12 years in business, photographing memories for families and as a mum herself, she understands just how quickly these precious seasons pass. Trudi’s style is natural, warm, and storytelling at heart. She’s here to capture the real stuff – the love, the connection, and the beauty in your everyday life.
🔗Connect with Trudi Bartley Photographer
Website | Facebook | Instagram
hello@trudibartleyphotographer.com
0418 194 052
Rebecca Coverdale Photography
Rebecca is a Gladstone studio photographer with over 25 years of experience, specialising in newborn, maternity, family, and milestone portraits. Her style blends classic portraiture with a touch of whimsy. Rebecca’s passionate about capturing the genuine connections between families and preserving the fleeting, beautiful details of a baby’s earliest days. Her favourites are macro shots, which she takes with a 100mm Macro lens, as they beautifully capture the tiny, fleeting details like eyelashes, lips, fingers and toes that parents want to remember forever. Rebecca’s studio is a creative space where she loves to incorporate family interests, such as a fishing set, a country cowboy theme, or a fairytale. You can sit back and relax while she creates the magic.
🔗Connect with Rebecca Coverdale Photography
Website | Facebook
rebeccacoverdale@hotmail.com
0423 246 644
Julie-Anne Photography
Julie-Anne says 5 words to describe her style of photography are elegant, timeless, bright, airy and classic. She’s a mum of 5 who became desperate for more images of her boys after giving birth to her 5th. Julie-Anne became invested in giving the joy of memories to others. She absolutely loves giving families and new mothers the ultimate gift of images that become heirloom treasures, telling their story so they can enjoy those memories when their babies have grown into adulthood.
🔗Connect with Julie-Anne Photography
Website | Facebook | Instagram
julie-anne@julie-annephotography.com.au
0421 663 951
Photography by Sarah Joy
Sarah Joy is a Rockhampton-based newborn and family photographer with a gentle, connection-first approach. She works with natural light to create honest, heartfelt imagery that helps families remember not just how life looked, but how it felt. What lights Sarah’s creative fire is capturing the tiny, everyday moments, the way a mum cups her baby’s head, the sleepy stretch of a newborn in Dad’s arms. These are the details you’ll hold onto years from now, when your baby is running through the backyard, heading off to uni, or calling home from their first home. The small things become the big things, and Sarah’s here to help you keep them.
🔗Connect with Photography by Sarah Joy
Website | Facebook | Instagram
sarah@photographybysarahjoy.com
0438 633 886
Adorne Photography
Amy is a first-time mum to a crazy 1-year-old and a newcomer to the photography industry. She’s passionate about capturing all of life’s most precious moments, freezing them and turning them into everlasting memories that can be cherished forever. With a keen eye for the finer details and a love for natural light, her specialty is newborn, maternity and couple/family sessions. Amy believes every special memory deserves to be captured, no matter how big or small.
🔗Connect with Amy at Adorne Photography:
Facebook | Instagram
https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/nFllSy219D35tS
adornephotography@gmail.com
SR Collective Media
Jess and Hanna are the hearts behind SR Collective Media – two mums running on caffeine, chaos and creativity. From golden-hour magic to footy sidelines and everything in between, they turn your life’s wild, messy, beautiful moments into scroll-stopping photos and content. At the heart of it all, they’re about warmth, honesty and visuals that genuinely feel like you. Because life doesn’t pause for perfect – and neither do they. Jess and Hanna are here to capture the fleeting, the funny, and the heartfelt moments that truly matter. Your story deserves to be seen and remembered just as it is – wild, warm, and wonderfully you.
🔗Connect with Jess & Hanna at SR Collective Media:
Website: ‘coming soon’ | Facebook | Instagram
hello@srcollectivemedia.com
And that’s a wrap on my guide to local maternity, newborn and family photographers
Choosing a maternity, Fresh 48, newborn, or family photographer is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make during this special time. Whether you’re after soft, stylised portraits or natural, in-the-moment captures, there’s a talented local photographer in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone or Emerald ready to help tell your story.
Every photographer featured here brings their own unique style and heart to the work they do. And I’m proud to support them through Absolute Baby Shop. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident in selecting a photographer who’s the right fit for your family.
Looking for more baby-related support or gear while you’re here? Visit Absolute Baby Shop Rockhampton in-store or online. I’m here to support you from pregnancy through to parenting.
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