Question 1

Why is Jailea Photography different?

Accepted Answer

I love people and I love kindness. I'm a mum of 3 so I know how busy and messy life can get. Since I was a teenager, I have loved capturing the special moments in the dark room processing images (Yes I feel old even saying that).  I have experience behind the camera and making everyone feel comfortable. I am fairly cruisy, I am happy to go with the flow, capture the flow of your wedding day guiding you where needed, or chase your toddler around a playground to have some fun. MY PROMISE I believe communication is key to a successful experience. I will always turn up, and if something happens, I will let you know in advance. 
I have been working as a creative business owner & graphic designer for over 18 years working with cameras, universities, families, businesses and even kids, so I have lots of experience with a range of people, personalities and quirkiness! PATIENT WITH EVERYONE I have family with disability, I have worked with very elderly as well as neurodivergent children, I will be as patient as needed and I am flexible in making everyone feel comfortable.
 If you need to discuss special requirements, I am happy to be flexible on location to cater for you and your family. NO KIDS' FACES ONLINE I have a strong passion to keep kids safe, especially with the increase of AI & Deepfakes in the last few years - so my promise and my difference to other photographers is,  I will not (or ever) post your children's faces online or on social media platforms - I don't even post my own kids faces online for public view.

Question 2

What is your style? What's a typical session look like?

Accepted Answer

I love natural light, I am more of a candid photographer, capturing couples, family and kids being cheeky, playing, and having tickles and cuddles. I will assist on the day directing you or your group on what to do if needed or you can come prepared with some inspiration. Don't stress if you have kids that don't follow instructions - my own kids struggle with this at times, so we will just re-group and distract!  For weddings, I capture your day; the hugs, kisses, your grandparents, the crying, funny moments and everything in between - and of course the important bits too! I lead with more of a candid approach and throw in some directed poses too. Don't worry,. I will also direct you to stand certain ways if I think the couple look awkward and I will absolutely fix your hair if you are happy for me to!If you have a certain style or inspiration images in mind, feel free to send them through prior to the photoshoot and we can try and cater to your requests. Please note, due to copyright we can not copy other photographers images but we can use them as inspiration.I don't really like photography trends like the blurry or grainy images - so you won't find those in my portfolio, my images will be crisp and clear. I have a selection of young girls tuelle dresses/tutus, which you are more than welcome to use for family photoshoots and weddings. The kids can play with objects or pose with props. I'm also open to everyone bringing their own props, fav toy or blanket! Please feel free to call me and have a chat about anything you may be concerned about or you think I may need advance notice about. I will try and be as flexible as possible.

Question 3

Why book me as  your wedding photographer?

Accepted Answer

You are spending A LOT of time with your wedding photographer… So you need to make sure you actually vibe with them well! Here are some fun facts around what you can expect when I capture your day... Even though there are emoticons, I promise I wrote this, not AI. I just like pictures haha. 😄 I’ll spend the time meeting you to understand what you want from your day, get to know your VIPs and the vibe. Alternatively, we can have a phone or video chat if that’s easier, or you can book me and just meet me on the day (for elopements only). 🚦I’m a big lover of respect and privacy. Don’t want to share your photos? Are you happy to share, and your partner wants to keep private? Website - yes, Socials - No. That’s absolutely fine! Your wishes are more important than my portfolio. I have multiple options on my image release form. I don’t post kids photos regardless of which option you choose. 👶 Speaking of… I love kids (mum of three) so I’ll definitely capture their little smiles and cute little faces. Tantrum's don't even worry me, so no stress. They can even help me click a few pics! 🤪 I’ll direct you to say funny things to your partner to make them naturally laugh. I will also probably make some terrible jokes to try and be funny. 💄 I’ll fix your hair, dress, makeup and everything in between! 🎠 Got some cool or outrageous ideas? Yes! Let’s chat about them!  📸 I tend to capture what’s going on for the full day, more candid but I will direct you to certain places and poses if I can see a great shot happening. 📱 I’ll message you as much as you like! Kinda like your new bestie (promise no stalking though) or not - That’s ok too! I get boundaries.🐶 Bring your dog or cat or snake! Whatever you like! Ok I’ll zoom in if you bring a snake because well… snakes! 🙈  I don’t get offended easily! Be yourselves.💐  I just want you to have the best day! As long as everyone is kind, you do you. ☂️  I have lots of clear umbrellas you can use for free! If you would like to meet up prior to booking a photographer, feel free to fill out my wedding booking form and we can grab a drink.

Question 4

When are your photoshoots, and how long is each session/package?

Accepted Answer

WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS I know every wedding and every couple are unique, so I offer 4 different pages for my couples. I can capture an Elopement for 2.5 hours or 4 hours, or a larger day for 6 hours, or 7 hours. I am available for Wednesday Elopements with Kate Ritchie - Ballarat Registry Office, or any other day of the year (unless I'm booked out - so get in quick). FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

I normally book family sessions in on a Sunday afternoon around 3:30pm, so I get to spend time with my family through the week and weekend mornings. Each package is varied in time to suit your requirements, view family packages here. If you are unable to do Sunday afternoons, I am open to chatting about a time that does suit you through the week.

Question 5

What locations do you use?

Accepted Answer

I love shooting outdoors and I have 10 locations I prefer to use as I know how the lighting works and how the scenery looks, as well as all the cute little secret spots! Family Portraiture clients can choose from the following: Forest and Fields Open FieldsBush, Paths and CreeksCountry+ PlaygroundsWetlandsBotanical Gardens WineryTrails Lucas LakeBABIES: I am also available for home visits for newborn sessions, and I would love to visit the local Ballarat hospitals for gorgeous Fresh 48 photos.  Once you have booked, paid a deposit, I will send you a locations page, with sample images to choose your location.

Question 6

What should I wear to the session?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right outfit for a photoshoot is crucial to ensure you look your best and feel comfortable. I will supply all my clients with an information website which includes some image samples of wardrobe. Here are some additional tips: Solid Colors: 
Opt for solid, neutral colors like beige, browns, white, black, peach or navy. One or two people in the same bright colour can also look effective. Avoid loud patterns or logos, which can be distracting.Comfort: Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in, as it will reflect in your photos. Ensure the fit is flattering but not restrictive.Coordinate, Don’t Match: If you’re taking group photos, coordinate your outfits without matching exactly.  Choose a color palette (1-2 main colours) and ensure everyone’s clothes complement each other. Seasonal and Location Appropriate: 
Dress according to the weather and the setting of the shoot.Minimize Accessories: 
Keep accessories simple to avoid drawing attention away from your face, which is the focal point of a photograph. I will ask you to take off watches and take phones out of pockets. Nice Footwear: 
Don't forget nice footwear - we will definitely be seeing feet! Some nice boots, or closed shoes, sandals also work well. If you (or your kids) are like me and have a large boot collection feel free to bring your most sparkly pair and we can do a few special photos with them too! Need extra help?I have some tulle dresses and skirts for young girls (aged 3 - 9 years) and some hair crowns and hats. Feel free to let me know in advance if you would like to use them and I can send you some photos of them. Feel free to also send me some images of what you are thinking if you need some feedback.

Question 7

Do you work with businesses?

Accepted Answer

I love to work with local community businesses within Ballarat and surroundings. I have experience working with multiple Ballarat businesses over the years within a graphic design aspect, and would love to help business owners create beautiful images. I have completed a number of business and food photoshoots however due to my other work commitments through the week I do not advertise this service heavily.  I can take business/branding photos on Wednesdays from 4:15pm or Sundays. Please get in contact if you are wanting to meet up for some business or branding photography!

Question 8

What if my child has a tantrum and refuses photos?

Accepted Answer

You know what... this happened on my 1st and 2nd family shoots and it will keep happening because as a mum myself, I know it's completely normal. Toddlers and young kids don't like doing what other people ask - and they don't know me. So don't stress... I have been working with kids for 24 years and have my own - who also like to say no. Haha I'm a new person to your child, so they need time to warm up, I will start taking photos with the other family members or get a parent to hold them, give them cuddles or tickles, while I am photographing you the background, slowly they come around, climb a rock, sit on a log, and off we go, they don't even realise they are posing.   Alternatively, take them for a walk and back again (and I will snap away) as we go. If you want to bring a little bribe - mini white marshmallows work great, but save them for half way through. I would suggest keeping chocolate at home, unless you don't mind the cute messy faces, then that's all good too!

Question 9

How will I receive my images?

Accepted Answer

I will edit all your photos and upload them to an online gallery. You will then receive a custom link to download them or share with family. I don't believe in only picking a few images and then paying for extras, I would like to be upfront with my pricing and include them all for you as a full package from the start. Your gallery link will be active for 8 weeks, then the images are removed and archived. Please ensure you download them and save them to a device at home. 
There will be a $40 administration fee for uploading the images to the online platform again. Alternatively, I am happy for clients to provide me a USB for images to be copied onto as well, at no extra cost.

Question 10

How long will it take to process my images?

Accepted Answer

For family and business photoshoots, I do say at least 3 weeks. Normally this is due to having multiple sessions booked. Editing will be completed in order of booking. Weddings will take up to 4 weeks due to the amount of images captured. I like to manually cull images and choose which images are edited (rather than culling using AI), so the process takes a little longer. At times, couples may receive these a little earlier depending on timeframes and other photoshoots.

Question 11

Will my photos be posted online?

Accepted Answer

I am a big believer in consent, so the answer is - only if you want them shared and you and your family sign the image release form. You will have 3 options: Full image use Unidentifiable images (no faces/names)Full privacy - no images at all. Different partners/family may have different options, so you can add your name next to which option you prefer. ie: Person 1 chooses option 1 and Person 2 chooses Option 2. As noted on my website and on socials, photos of the front a child's face are never shared (that being my rule), so we may post alternative shots (tops of head, backs of head etc) if you allow me too.

Question 12

Are you vaccinated? What if we/you are sick?

Accepted Answer

Vaccinated? Yes! I have had an updated Flu vaccine (2025), RSV (2024) & Whooping Cough (2024), as well as 3 x Covid vaccines. For all indoor sessions involving babies and young children, I will wear a mask, and have sanitiser available. I am more than happy to do this for adult indoor shoots too - just let me know in advance. I also have a Working with Children (WWC) check. What if we/you are sick? If anyone in my family is unwell before your session, I will notify you if it is contagious. If I become unwell, I'll notify you as soon as possible and reschedule your session to the next available date at no extra charge. If you or your family are unwell, we can also reschedule free of charge. For outdoor sessions, if the illness is minor (such as a cold), we can discuss proceeding while keeping our distance.For weddings, we'll discuss your preference in advance. If I'm unable to attend due to serious illness or injury, I'll do my best to arrange another local photographer. Please note their rates and photography style may differ.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions