Client Guide
Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
family session
I’m so excited to be working with you and can’t wait to capture some magic moments. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. Most people don’t like being in front of the camera, including me! So it’s my job to put you at ease.
That's why I’ve put together this short guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for your session, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
Is there a ‘good’ time to take photos?
There’s no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ time to take photos but there are a few things to consider when choosing your session time.
Outdoor sessions are usually planned around a particular look you have in mind, spring flowers, golden light or forest nook for example.
Where possible, I prefer to begin sessions 1–2 hours before sunset, best known as golden hour. The sun is lower in the sky which means we can avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches and, as the name suggests, there is a golden glow to the light. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot if late in the day doesn’t work for you.
Choosing a time for an indoor session is much more flexible as we just need a few spots with a bright window nearby.
light & timing
Locations
The best session locations are often meaningful to individual families; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From straw coloured, grassy fields to apple orchards and sand dunes, the options for session locations are endless.
Some things to consider for both indoor and outdoor sessions:
Indoor Sessions
Outdoor Sessions
Managing little ones
Just like you, your child will be in a new situation with a stranger holding a big camera in front of their face, they’re likely not to be entirely themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy. That’s okay!
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little ones (or big ones,) are to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and bribes for younger children. Favourite toys, special snacks and the promise of a treat afterwards works a charm.
In the end, my sessions are about capturing things as they are. The less I interfere the more authentic the photos are and sometimes those grumpy faced photos are the ones you’ll love to most.
kids
Managing furry friends
I love when families choose to incorporate their furry family members into their sessions. This is easily done during an in-home session but there are a few things to consider if you’re planning to bring your pet on location
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session or bringing someone along who can mind them. We won’t have your pet in every single photo so it’s nice to to have someone available to take them on a walk whilst we’re capturing other shots.
If you’re going to bring your pet, I recommend exercising them before the session and, just like I suggest for children, bringing any favourite toys or treats!
pets
What do we wear?
I don’t like to be overly prescriptive when it comes to outfits as my goal is to capture you and your family as naturally as possible but there are a few things to keep in mind.
A good starting point is to pick 1–3 colours and spread them across family members. For example, if Dad is wearing a navy shirt, Mum may want to choose a long, soft blue dress and have the kids dressed in white or another shade of blue.
Another thing to keep in mind is the location we’re intending to shoot at. If we’re going to be in a green field, light green dresses blend in a bit too much with the surroundings so it’s best to choose something neutral like white or oatmeal, or something complementary like rust.
I have put together some Pinterest boards for inspiration here.
outfits
But what do I do with my hands?
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry. Most of the photos we take will be very natural but I’ll instruct you with simple prompts where necessary.
I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. I also have some fun prompts up my sleeve to get the kids engaged to help capture authentic smiles.
Most importantly, I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together.
posing
