Family Is Everything

It’s not unusual to feel a little stressed before your family session. You’ve worried all week about outfits, you can’t get everyone in the car, someone needs to pee, someone else is hungry, you’re going to be late and of course you desperately want it to go perfectly with everyone behaving as expected. Well, I hate to break it to you but this is 99% not the case. Children will often act up, Dad’s will get over it and Mum’s will think that it was total chaos and there’s no way a single good photo was taken.

Please don’t worry, I have the experience and know-how to make sure there will be tonnes of beautiful moments captured. My camera shoots at a 1000th of a second so the moments you won’t even notice, I’ve got. Try to treat your session as some quality family time with zero expectations other than being all together. Embrace the chaos. Let your children explore a little, climb rocks, give cuddles, splash in the water, let the kids be kids and if I can give any advice at all, join them. Children love nothing more than a present parent, their faces light up and their true self shines through. Help them search for crabs, play chase-y, encourage them to be themselves and enjoy the little things together, I’ll take care of the rest.

WHAT TO WEAR

Keep in mind your location of choice when choosing outfits for your session.

If we’re heading to the beach then shoes are not needed. Dress for movement and play and be prepared to get a little wet, especially when older siblings are involved.

Flowy, light coloured dresses are both flattering and comfortable and light neutral colours are always a winning combination.

Shorts and t-shirts for boys; including dad and a dress/skirt and top for the girls.

Kick off your shoes and feel the sand and water between your toes.

Be mindful that there’s a possibility it will be windy and your hairstyle may be compromised - which I must add, I love! I work with the wind and highly recommend that you let your hair down [both literally and figuratively] and embrace it.

If you’re open to ending up in the water at the end, wear your bathers under your outfit, I LOVE finishing the session with a little fun in the water - children absolutely shine in these moments.

If we’re heading to the forest, shoes/boots are recommended.

Work with coordinating outfits with similar and complimentary colours.

tip: avoid wearing green; as it can blend in with the surroundings and also wash out your skin tone.

Jeans/chinos/trousers may be a more suitable option for the boys in the cooler months.

We will sit on logs that may be damp and/or charred, children can climb, collect leaves and explore.

This is a little ‘dirtier’ option than the beach but equally just as fun!

If it’s a cool day, beanies, jackets and boots are always encouraged to add an element of interest and story telling to your images. I have a Pinterest board that can be helpful for outfit inspiration - here.

*I also have a small collection of gowns in my client wardrobe that you’re welcome to borrow. Please feel free to get in touch prior to your session to organise a gown and plan your families outfits to suit . I’m always happy to help with this.

WHAT TO BRING

You really don’t need to bring much at all. We’re often close to the car, so leave jumpers, water bottles, phones, glasses tucked away out of sight. I can hold keys, wallets and phones in my camera bag if needed.

Please respect my request of no selfie-sticks or assistants/family-members/nannies tagging along with phones/cameras.

A blanket can add a nice touch if it’s a cooler day and we need some protection from the wind, you can all snuggle up together.

Have snacks ready and waiting in the car for when the session ends and make sure the kids are well fed and hydrated before your session.

No shoes if we’re heading to the beach, kick of a pair of thongs/sandals at the stairs, barefoot is always best!

WHAT TO EXPECT

I have a laid back personality and like to keep sessions nice and casual. I allow for shy family members to warm up and never force anyone to be in photos right away. Be patient with your children, they will come around eventually and if it’s only for the last 5 minutes on the way back to the car, that’s totally ok, 5 minutes is often all I need.

My sessions are fluid. We walk, explore, chat and take our time. I don’t set you up in group shots until I feel the moment is right and while I will always give you some gentle direction, I also ask that you be yourselves. Make jokes, talk to each other, play, tickle the kids, just be present.

You’re also always welcome to ask me if there is a particular shot you’d like me to capture, I’d be more than happy to do so.

Sessions run for approximately 60 minutes however this is not set in stone. Sometimes they finish early and sometimes they run over, it all depends on the light, weather and most of all the kids and how they’re feeling. I’ll never rush a session and I also won’t stretch it if we don’t need to. Once I have a full collection of images and have covered everything we need, you’ll be free to go.

A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

Please arrive on time as it will cut into your session time if you’re late and we will run out of light meaning a shorter session time.

Most beaches have toilets however the forest locations I use don’t so please be mindful of this.

If bringing your dog, organise this in advance. There are only a few locations in Margaret River that are dog friendly and I’d hate to have to leave your pooch in the car.

Leave your worries at home and let’s just have some fun with the kids!

Your photos will be uploaded to a private, password protected gallery 2-3 weeks after your session where you can view and download your images to print and share as you wish re your portrait contract.

If you have any questions or concerns, drop me a line any time!