PRE-SESSION GUIDE

pregnant couple in silhouette on the beach — How Should I Prepare?

What is golden hour?
What should we bring?

I love outdoor sessions purely for the opportunity to take advantage ‘Golden Hour’ this is the hour right after sunrise and before sunset that brings with it the most beautiful lighting. I understand that having your children up early for sunrise, or having them stay up late for sunset, may affect their mood and sleep schedule slightly, but it has always been worth it.

For your outdoor session, it is really important to bring with you a change of clothes this gives us some variety to work with (if time permits) and also allows us to keep going if someone gets wet or messy. If we are heading to the beach, please bring a towel (if you have a Turkish towel that would look awesome in your images then that’s even better).

If there are any other items you’d like to bring, like a blanket or throw to lay on the ground to sit on (or wrap around you), or a guitar if someone in your family plays, have these items all prepared and ready to go before we head out! You may also want to bring along items like insect repellent and some treats to keep the kids going, just in case!

family in sunlight baby on daddy shoulders — WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Should we wear matching outfits?
Does this make my bum look big?

The clothes you wear will really make your photos, it is so important that you feel comfortable and confident.

Let’s take a deep breath before we begin!

The idea of picking out a wardrobe for you and everyone else who will be part of the shoot can seem a little overwhelming. I completely understand and have put together some helpful tips to make selecting outfits easy and enjoyable.

Locations sessions offer the best opportunity to run around and clothing with drape and flow is beautiful for capturing motion (think maxi dresses, long skirts etc).
Aim to coordinate by colour palette and try to avoid matching each other as it can look a little contrived.
Avoid logos, and text as they tend to distract visually.
PRO TIP: Choose one outfit that you love that will suit your location and style, and then select clothes for the rest of the family to compliment.
Golden Rule – Everyone should feel comfortable - steer clear of clothing that is uncomfortable or too tight. If you can’t wait to pull off those uncomfortable pants or itchy jumper then it’s likely to show in facial expressions and body language (this is doubly true for young kids). You want to be able to move around and feel good.

If you're unsure about your outfit I would be more than happy to give you advice before your session, feel free to email or text me pictures of your outfit choices. I’m also happy be a tie-breaker on the day if you’re stuck with a couple of choices.

boy running along the beach at sunset — What to Expect on the Day

So err exactly how does the magic happen?

My approach is pretty laid back and I like to keep things as casual as possible especially when we have one or more little people with us. I will direct you into pretty light and give you suggestions about things to do to bring out some natural smiles.

I tend to wander around intently looking for the best angles and have even been known to climb or hide behind trees and buildings. I like to let people know so you are prepared for my antics, I can look and feel like a goose, but I promise I'm just very focused on getting the very best images for you!

What I really ask from you is that you really allow yourself to be just that -- yourself. I’m not here to make judgements; I’m here to capture you at this moment in your life. Focus on your family, be open. Don’t be afraid to cuddle and love on your babies or your partner as if no one else was there. I want you to laugh wildly, snuggle tightly, slide your fingers affectionately through their hair, tell them how much you love them.

Silliness and laughter is always welcome, tears of joy and smiles of love are encouraged. Allow yourself to be in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the experience.

PRE-SESSION GUIDE

mother and daughter on couch in living room with beautiful bookcase — How Should I Prepare?

Do I have to clean my whole house?
Where will you photograph?
I haven’t had time to change the sheets!

Your home will be the setting for your images so consider the look that you would like to see in them. I have a few suggestions that will assist with creating more timeless images that keep the focus of you and your family.

Focus your tidying efforts on the master bedroom...

I will photograph in the room with the best light and in most homes this is the master bedroom. Having fresh light or neutral toned linen on the bed would be ideal. Whites and neutrals will allow more light to reflect up onto your faces, this will brighten all of your images, and create a timeless feel. If you don’t have something white or neutral, consider other linen, or blankets that you have and love. I will also bring a selection of blankets and bedspreads with me, so don't panic if you forget the washing, or the dog gets on the bed.

Another thing to remember for your indoor session is that I will often shoot toward the bed so if you have items on your end tables or around the room that you don’t want seen in the final images, please move them out of the bedroom or tuck them into some drawers out of view. If you do not have time to tidy up, I am happy to help you when I get there!

Having said this please, please, please don’t feel the need to clear every surface, I love lived-in homes and the objects you love and display can add so much to your images. If you have any toys, swaddles or blankets that you would like included in your images please let me know when I arrive, as I love to include special or sentimental items.

It’s important to understand that your decor and clothing are going to sway the overall feel and vibe of your images. Soft tans and whites will be much lighter and softer than deep reds. In the end, these are your images so you are welcome to choose whatever you would like!

mother and father looking down at baby — WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Should we wear matching outfits?
Does this make my bum look big?

The clothes you wear will really make your photos, it is so important that you feel comfortable and confident.

Let’s take a deep breath before we begin!

For in-home sessions, I want you to think comfortable and like you’re actually just hanging out at home. Think bare feet, comfortable clothing, and remaining true to you!
Aim to coordinate by colour palette and try to avoid matching each other as it can look a little contrived.
Avoid logos, bright colours and loud patterns as they distract visually and tend to date images.
Golden Rule – Everyone should feel comfortable - steer clear of clothing that is uncomfortable or too tight. If you can’t wait to pull off those uncomfortable pants or itchy jumper then it’s likely to show in facial expressions and body language (this is doubly true for young kids). You want to be able to move around and feel good.

MUM

I suggest light neutral tones, knits and clothes with soft textures look great. Layering adds texture and can give variety in your images.

An example might be a knit wrap over a soft cotton t-shirt paired with jeans. Casual maxi-dresses are also beautiful just be sure to choose one that doesn’t look out of place in your own home.

DAD

Options might include chinos or jeans matched with a plain t-shirts in warmer weather or knit jumpers (or cardigans/vests if that’s your style) in cooler weather.

KIDS

Little girls look lovely in knit or cotton dresses, little boys in pants or shorts and sweet t-shirts or shirts. I’m a total sucker for toddlers in rompers. There are so many lovely options for children these days if you need some inspiration have a look at your favorite children’s clothing stores and take note of how they style the outfits.

BABIES

Dress babies in the simplest most neutral outfit you can. Ideally a plain white or light coloured singlet underneath an easy to remove bodysuit. If your bub particularly dislikes having clothes pulled over their head then leave them nude underneath the bodysuit.

“Choose your favourite outfit first and then select clothes for the family that will compliment each other. ”

two little boys under a net curtain looking at the camera — What to Expect on the Day

So err exactly how does the magic happen?

When I arrive, it would be great if you could show me around the house so I can see what room will offer the best light for your photos, in most houses this tends to be the master bedroom.

I will direct you into pretty light and give you suggestions about things to do to bring out some natural smiles. I will also follow you as you complete the everyday tasks of caring for a tiny human.

I tend to wander around intently looking for the best angles and have even been known to climb up on furniture (I will always ask first) and hide behind pot plants. I like to let people know so you are prepared for my antics, I can look and feel like a goose, but I promise I'm just very focused on getting the very best images for you!

What I really ask from you is that you really allow yourself to be just that -- yourself. I’m not here to make judgements; I’m here to capture you at this moment in your life.

Please, be open. Don’t be afraid to cuddle and love on your babies or your partner as if no one else was there. I want you to laugh wildly, snuggle tightly, slide your fingers affectionately through their hair, tell them how much you love them.

Silliness and laughter is always welcome, tears of joy and smiles of love are encouraged. Allow yourself to be in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the experience.