Carmen du Preez

I am based in Centurion, Pretoria. If you prefer to have your session outside of Pretoria or even in a different city, contact me and we can discuss traveling arrangements.

Lifestyle Photography. I love natural light photography. It allows me to work quickly and flexibly. I love authentic and natural poses filled with emotion and just being yourself.

You can choose your own location. Either it being at your own home or outdoors (weather permitting). I do have a studio at my own home for Newborn and Baby sessions. If you have some trouble deciding on a location, I will gladly help you to find the perfect spot for your photo shoot.

If the weather is not permitting (for example very windy or raining) we can reschedule where both parties (client/s and photographer) will be available at the earliest date.

It all depends on what type of photo shoot you have in mind (outdoors, portraits, family). On request I send my clients a preparation guide before the shoot. It includes information regarding clothes, hair/makeup and other useful tips to help ease the unnecessary stress.

If you wish to keep your images private, I have no problem with that. All my clients sign a contract. Within this contract there is a section where you can decide whether you agree or decline that your images may be posted on social media platforms.

There will be no watermarks on the digital files. I only watermark images I put up on social media platforms. I do not give any RAW or unedited files to clients. Each picture/image is carefully handled and will be a representation of my work and the service I offer. Be sure to have a look at my Gallery and Albums to ensure my style of photography and work is a good match for you.

I understand that life can throw some unexpected curveballs when we least expect it. If possible, please contact me to reschedule 24-48 hours before the photo shoot session. We can reschedule when both parties will be available in the near future.

In the case of your images being lost (cd lost or flash drive damaged/stolen) I can give you the images again at a fee of R350.00. I do however only keep images for up to 12 (twelve) months after that they are deleted from my hard drive. I highly recommend you make backup of your images. Carmen du Preez Photography will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or deleted digital files.

A deposit of 60% needs to be paid upfront when the booking is confirmed. In case you cancel your session your deposit is non-refundable. This covers any loss in the form of lost bookings and eventual cost already arisen before the actual session. However, we understand that unforseen events can happen, so we will try to work on alternatives if possible - to find a new date for the session.

EFT, Cash or *Electroneum (ETN). *Electroneum is a Cryptocurrency.

If agreed on sharing your images on social media platforms, there will be a "sneak peak" in 1-2 weeks after the session available on my Website, Instagram and Facebook. You will receive your images in 4-6 weeks after the session, all depending on available time to complete editing.

I recommend that you should book your session for when you are between 30-34 weeks pregnant. Your bump will be nice and full, but you will still feel comfortable and not too tired.

It is all up to you! It's your shoot, you can deceide whether you would prefer to do a family maternity session or just you and your baby bump. When your session is booked we can discuss what you have in mind for your photo shoot.

Maternity sessions normally take between 1-2 (one to two) hours.

Wear something that makes you feel beautiful. On request I send my clients a preparation guide before the shoot. It includes information regarding clothes, hair/makeup and other useful tips to help ease the unnecessary stress. Maternity session usually includes 2-3 wardrobe changes, if desired. If you have a specific theme in mind or would like to bring along props - e.g. baby shoes, blocks with baby's name on, ultrasound scans, etc. Contact me and we can incorporate it into the session.

You're pregnant! It's normal. I will gently direct you into possitions without it feeling too posed and the images will look fantastic.

I do not work directly with a hair and make up artist. Please be sure to allow plently of time in case your appointment runs longer than expected.

No, unfortunately not. Sorry.

Mommy-to-be can let me know when her estimated due date is. I will make a note of it on my calendar. When baby is born, you can notify me via Whatsapp (or which ever way is easier for you). When things have settled down we can work on a date when you feel ready. Newborn shoots can be scheduled within the first 3 weeks of baby's life.

I have a studio at my home for newborn sessions. Safe Parking, a cozy couch for Mommy and Daddy to relax with some refreshments and snacks available. If you prefer to have the shoot at a different location it can be arranged.

For newborn shoots it normally takes about 3-4 hours. If it takes longer than that don't stress. Babies work on their own timeline. It can't be rushed.

Usually from 10:00am onwards.

Yes, I do have some props and a couple of cute outfits for the little one. If you have any special props you would like to include let me know and I will incorporate it into the session.

A white vest or babygrow is a good start. Any cute outfits, blankets, accessories (headbands, bow ties, newborn hat or even ultra sound pictures). If we are doing the session at your home. Make sure the room is warm and cosy for the baby.

It's always beautiful to get a family portrait of the whole family together, but for newborn sessions it's not always the best idea. The key for a successful newborn session is about patience, silence and a calm and peaceful enviroment. This is often a very frustrating situation for toddlers or younger children. I do not want any unnecessary stress for the parents to worry about. Perharps scheduling a family session a few months later on would be a better idea. The aim for a newborn session should be all about the new little human. We can arrange a short session at the beginning of the shoot if you would like to include the other siblings. After that is completed I would perfer for Dad or someone to take them for an outing while we continue with the shoot.

For babies aged between 3 months and 1 year usually lasts for 45-60 minutes. Toddlers and younger children normally takes 1 - 1½ hours.

After the Newborn session, I would say 3-4 months for that magical and heart warming first smiles, 5-8 months sitting and then of course the 1st birthday / one year session.

Yes, 1 Year Birthday cake smash can be arranged.

I have a couple of soft and fluffy blankets for baby to sit or lay on. If you have a spesific theme in mind contact me and we can have a chat about it and see how we can incorporate it into the session.

It is possible to arrange an outdoor session. Although it can sometimes be a little bit tricky, espesically with a baby. Heading to a new enviroment is a lot for baby to take in and it can cause them to get upset and grumpy. Temperature and weather also plays a big role. Perhaps in summer time we can head outside to the garden where baby feels comfortable and continue with the session.

I have a small studio at my home where I do Newborn and Babies/Toddlers under age 2 years sessions. If your child is older than 2 you can either have the session at your home or choose a location of your choice.

On average a session will take between 2-3 hours.

No. I prefer either in the comfort of your home or an outdoor location. Natural light and surroundings is more of my style of photography. Family session are supposed to be relaxed and enjoying family time together. Children feel more comfortable with a familiar enviroment and where they can run and play instead of sitting in a studio and being forced to smile. If you choose an outdoor location please remember to bring some refreshments (preferably not messy ones) for yourself and the kiddies.

Of course! Everyone should be there for a family shoot. I have different package available for family sessions. Please contact me for more information regarding the pricing.

Like any of my other categories, on request I send my clients a preperation guide before the shoot. For family sessions it is always a good idea to communicate with the family members attending the session on who is wearing what. The most important of all is that everyone feels comfortable and warm. Stay away from busy paterns and bright clothing. Remember these photographs will hang in your home for years to come so I would recommend to avoid text, big branding/logos and cartoon characters.

It's a good idea to have everyone gathered at the location 30 minutes to an hour before the actual session starts, especially if it is a big group. In that time everyone can settle in and get comfortable. If the session will be at your home, clearing clutter and tidy up if you can but please do not stress if your house does not look like "disney on ice" where everything is perfect and pristine. We can clear or move stuff when I am there, if needed. If you have special props (e.g. hats / blankets / booties / teddies) have them ready. If the session is at a location other than your home bring along some spare clothes for the children, snacks or "bribes" is always a good idea, a few toys to keep the children occupied (not smart phones or tablets).

Yes! If you have a spesific theme in mind let me know. Picnics, camping, or in-home lifestyle (cooking, board games, gardening, etc...) sessions can create great photography.

It's all in preperaton for your big day! Learn how to pose, get comfortable with being infront of a camera, get great (professional) photos of yourself and your partner without the wedding attire, photos you can use for your "save-the-date" announcements, wedding invitation cards, or even as a slideshow at your wedding.

If you want to use the images for your "save-the-date" announcement or wedding invitation cards, this should be done at least 5 or 6 months before the wedding date. Please keep in mind that editing of your engagement session and receiving your images can take between 4 - 6 weeks after the session.

I think almost every photographer will recommend shooting in the "golden hour", which is early morning just after sunrise or before sunset. I love natural light photography and I can work my magic any time of the day. As for which day, it does not matter. I am happy do to the session when ever you are available, as long as I am not already booked for that day.

The session usually takes between 2 - 4 hours.

It is all up to you. Perhaps you have a favourite place or park which you love to go to? Or maybe the location where he/she popped the question? The location should suit your preferences and personalities.

I do not own any engagement session props, but if you have something in mind you would like to use as props you are more than welcome to discuss it with me and I will incorporate it into your session.

Do not stress! Have fun, relax and just be yourself. If you do not know how to pose, I will gently and kindly direct you, even some general standing poses needs a little bit of direction sometimes. Prepare yourself to do a lot of hugging, kissing and be silly with each other. You do not have to look into the camera for every single shot. Sometime talking to each other or making jokes makes a better and natural image than a posed one. Take in the moment and feel the excitement of creating truly special moments with each other.