frequently asked questions

how much are your photo sessions?

all pricing can be found on my investment page, but if there is anything you are unsure of please feel free to contact me via the contact form or on email - belindacolesphotography@gmail.com

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do your packages include digital files?

yes - i'm considered an 'all inclusive' photographer.  my packages differ in the number of files you will receive and the prices reflect this. whilst i guarantee a minimum number that is not a limit - i select the best images and edit accordingly - anything that is edited is yours to keep.  there are no hidden costs to my packages - its one price and thats it.


wow - i didn't realise custom photography cost that much?

this is always such a tricky question.  behind every shoot is a whole lot of time you as a client don't see.  this includes studio related costs, travel time, editing time, washing time (for newborn shoots!), plus all the other costs of my business such as gear, lighting, and education investment. i try to be as affordable as possible, and because my packages are all inclusive my price is what you pay - there is no further investment required unless you choose to purchase prints through me.  


how long do your sessions go for?

this is dependent on the type of session.  my mini family/older baby sessions last about 20-30 minutes (really young kids get over it pretty quickly!) my larger outdoor family sessions can be anything from 45-75 minutes depending on the location and what the light is doing. Maternity sessions are around 30 minutes and newborns can last anything from 2-4 hours.  


do i need to book in advance?

yes - i highly recommend you book in advance.  my weekend bookings for families book up months in advance.  my newborn/maternity sessions are usually one to two months ahead - occasionally i can fit an extra newborn session in due to babies not arriving on their due dates (best thing to do is message me sooner rather than later!).  if i am unavailable though i have a large network of fellow photographers who i am more than happy to recommend.

is there a best time to have photographs taken?

yes absolutely!  if you have ever heard the term 'golden hour' this is when photographers swoon!  'golden hours' happen one hour before or after sunrise/sunset so when possible i try and time photo sessions around this time.  this can sometimes worry parents especially during the summer months when the sun can set very late, but i assure you, kids cope incredibly well.  in fact i'm yet to have any true meltdowns that have been created from the late part of the day - meltdowns are usually due to children being hungry, cold or that they're just over me!


do you have a studio?

yes!  I have recently opened a beautiful studio space in Huapai, Auckland. This space utilises both studio and natural light, but while it is a very functional space it is a small space and only suited for newborn and small family mini sessions as a result.


do you charge a travel fee?

travel is included for family grande, and lifestyle newborn packages.  Any other on location packages require a $100 on location fee.  This covers both travel and time taken to pack up and unpack my studio at your chosen location.


what do we wear?

the age old question!  wear what you feel comfortable in, but avoid clothes with big logos, and anything you don't want to be seen in in ten years time!  for families, try to compliment each other if possible - there is lots of advice online - google is your friend!  for maternity shoots i recommend bringing more than one outfit - and try and include at least one flowy dress that shows off your bump beautifully.

is my information private?

Yes absolutely.  Belinda Coles Photography does not share any of your information without written permission first. Occasionally I get contacted by agencies looking for families for tv/promotional work - if your family fits the bill I will seek your permission first before passing your details on.  I will NEVER sell your details, and I do not collate data for mailing lists
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i'm a little facebook shy - do you have to share our pictures on facebook?

absolutely not.  I'm very aware of privacy and social media and therefore will never share anything without your permission first.  this is something that is usually discussed during our session - please don't hesitate to voice any concerns you may have around this.