From the first kick to the first birthday.
Gentle, unposed photography for growing families, in my light-filled Brighton studio, in your own home, or on the sand at golden hour. Bring the mess, the noise and the dog.
Nobody warns you how fast the first year goes. One day they fit in the crook of your arm, the next they're pulling themselves up on the couch.
Four chapters of a little life
Every session runs at your family's pace, with soft natural light and as many pauses for feeds, cuddles and nappy changes as you need.
Maternity
Best between 30 and 34 weeks. Gowns and knits are ready to borrow, so you only need to bring yourself.
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Newborn
In the first two or three weeks, at the studio or at home. Settled, safe and completely led by your baby.
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Family
An hour on the beach or in the dunes before sunset. Running, tickling, sandy feet, no stiff lining up.
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Milestones
Sitting up, first teeth, first birthday. A short studio session for each little leap they make.
View gallery →The Sprout Year
Four short sessions through your baby's first twelve months, so you can watch them change from page to page: brand new, first smiles, sitting tall, and that wobbly first birthday.
- Four sessions at the moments that change fastest
- A linen keepsake album of your favourite 30 images
- Priority dates around your due date and the big day
When should we meet?
Add your due date and you'll see the best windows for your maternity and newborn sessions, worked out week by week, so the last trimester doesn't run away from you.
Your little timeline
I hold a small number of newborn spots each month, so I'll keep one open around your date.
Hold these dates
Hi, I'm Clare. I'll be the calm one in the room.
Before cameras, I spent nine years teaching junior primary, which turns out to be perfect training for keeping toddlers giggling and new parents relaxed. I grew up on the Fleurieu, and the coast is still where I feel most at home.
I started Saltbush & Sprout after my own first year as a mum went by in a blur and I realised I had hundreds of photos of my daughter and almost none of us together. Now I make sure the whole family ends up in the frame.
"The best photos usually happen in the five minutes after you've stopped trying."
Our son screamed for the first twenty minutes and Clare didn't bat an eyelid. She just made us a cup of tea and waited. Those photos are now the most precious thing in our house.
Sample review · GlenelgWe did the Sprout Year and flicking through the album is like watching her grow up in fast forward. I tear up every single time.
Sample review · Henley BeachTwo kids under three and a very excited labrador, on a windy beach. Somehow every photo looks calm and golden. I still don't know how she did it.
Sample review · BrightonI hate being photographed, but Clare made it feel like a walk with a friend. For the first time there are pictures of me holding my babies.
Sample review · SeacliffThe due date planner meant we booked early and didn't have to think about it again. Two weeks after our daughter arrived, Clare was at our door.
Sample review · SemaphoreEasy for you, calm for them
You don't need a tidy house, matching outfits or a baby who sleeps on cue. I plan around real family life.
Tell me your date
Enquire any time in your pregnancy. You'll get a short guide on what to wear, what to bring and how to prepare.
We pick the moment
Once baby arrives, send me a message. We'll choose a morning in the next week or two when everyone is fed and rested.
An unhurried session
Around two hours for newborns, one for families. Lots of breaks, warm room, white noise, and zero pressure to perform.
Your gallery
A private online gallery within 10 days. Download your files, order prints, or build an album together with me.
Before you book
The things new parents most often want to know. Anything else, send me a message.
0491 570 156How early should I book?
As soon as you know your due date. I only take a few newborns each month, so an early booking means your spot is held. We confirm the exact day after baby arrives.
What if my baby won't settle?
Very common, and completely fine. We pause, feed, rock and try again. Some of my favourite images are wide-awake babies with their eyes open and fists waving.
Studio, home or beach?
Newborns are usually happiest in the warm studio or at home. Families and milestones love the beach at golden hour. I'll help you choose once I know a bit about you.
Can big brothers, sisters and pets join in?
Please bring them. Siblings are photographed first while they still have energy, and well-behaved dogs are welcome at outdoor sessions.
What should we wear?
Soft, simple colours with a little texture: creams, sage, sand and denim all look lovely here. Your welcome guide includes a few outfit ideas, and the studio has gowns to borrow.
How much does it cost?
Family sessions start from $490 and newborn sessions from $690, each including a set of digital images. The Sprout Year is priced as a package. Ask for the full price guide.
When do we get our photos?
Within 10 days you'll receive a private online gallery to view, share and download. Prints and albums are ordered straight from the gallery.
Adelaide's coast, from Semaphore to Kingston Park
Notes & sessions
What to pack for a newborn session (it's less than you think)
Spare nappies, a bottle or two, and something comfy for you. Here's the short list I send every new family.
The best beaches for a family session in Adelaide
Where the light falls best, where the wind behaves, and which spots are easy with a pram.
Why the six month session is my secret favourite
Sitting up, giggling and grabbing their toes. It's the age when their personality really shows.
Let's save this chapter together
Tell me a little about your family and what you have in mind. I'll come back to you within a day with dates and the full price guide.
