BEFORE YOUR SESSION
If choosing an outdoor session, please have a look through my photos on here and Facebook to see what style of surroundings you like best. I STRONGLY suggest you avoid picking a beach location with children under 5 - It is the most distracting location, the ocean makes it loud and hard to get their attention, sand can sometimes upset them, and dogs are often walking around off lead. A more quiet secluded spot is best for younger kids. I have a few tried and tested locations I love that photograph well and have good sunlight. Your session will be held late in the afternoon if outdoors, as the sun is too harsh prior to this and do not make for beautiful portraits. Indoor sessions are great if you need a morning spot, however I only have a small space so for bigger families outdoors is best.
Clothing wise, it is best to choose one MAIN colour, and have everyone in the family have a piece of clothing that ties in with that main colour. For example, Blue is a great main colour. Maybe husband is wearing blue jeans, Wife is wearing a blue dress or top/bottoms (can be different shades of blue) and kids will have a piece each that ties in but can be different shades. A lot of people love the White and denim all matching look, which is fine! But feel free to challenge yourself to create a more interesting combination. Avoid reds and oranges if possible. Avoid clothes that very busy patterns or big logos. In the cooler months, layering clothing looks fantastic, scarves, cardi's. shawls or boots over jeans etc. Feel free to style your children's hair, but keep in mind that kids jumping around playing and having fun means it might get a little messy and that is very ok, kids will be kids! You may also want to bring a change of clothes for your children and time/happy mood permitting that is no problem. I have a small collection of boutique dresses for young girls aged 3-8. These are available on pre-request if you would like a whimsical session.
Some children despite our best efforts will refuse to smile. Our ultimate goal is to capture them in a happy state, however please be aware that I cannot guarantee "smiling" photos as each child is unique and cannot be forced to do something they are not comfortable with. It is best to arrive at the session with a go with the flow attitude so that the children feel less pressure or that they will be in "trouble" if they don't smile. Any negativity prior or during the session often makes the mood worse and less likely for them to relax, so try and let things happen as they happen (easy said then done I realise haha)
It is a good idea to consider having bribes for kids! If the bribe is food, don't give it to them prior to the session, its messy and also takes away the incentive to cooperate. We will try to keep the session fun and light and let their personalities shine through, sometimes even letting them pull some silly faces.
You will be able to choose your favourite images from the session via an online gallery within a few days of the session.
AFTER THE SESSION
Generally within 24 hours of the images have been chosen by you I will upload a couple of images to my Facebook page as a sneak peek. This is your opportunity to tag yourselves in the images, use the share button or tag friends and family to show off your happy family! :) I would love it if you comment or tag the photos, as word of mouth and sharing is really helpful to me and my little business - share your joy!
Within 3 weeks your images should be finished (health permitting) and you will be emailed a link to download your high resolution images. Please download them to your computer within 7 days, and create multiple back ups on external hard drives and usb's etc - we can't always trust technologies these days and I would hate for your memories to vanish!
