FAMILY SESSION GUIDE

Yay! You’ve booked your family session, and I couldn’t be more excited! Capturing families and creating memories that last a lifetime is truly an honor for me, and I’m so happy you’ve chosen me to document this special time in your lives.

This guide is designed to help you make the most of your session. Based on my years of experience working with families, I’ve put together all my best tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience that results in beautiful, timeless images. From what to wear to what to expect on the day, this guide has it all. If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help!

SETTING THE SCENE

There are three key elements that come together to create the beautiful, heartfelt family portraits you’re dreaming of:

1. Outfits – Thoughtfully chosen clothing can make all the difference.

2. Location – A setting that complements your family’s vibe and style.

3. Connection – Genuine love, laughter, and moments between you and your family.

Let’s dive into the details!

STEP 1: OUTFIT PLANNING

Photography is an investment, and what you wear plays a big role in the final look of your images. Thoughtfully planned outfits elevate the timeless beauty of your photos. Here are my best tips:

Start with the End in Mind

Think about where you’ll display your photos. If your home decor features soft neutrals, select outfits that complement those tones for a cohesive look when framed on your walls.

Family Styling Tips

• Moms: Flowing dresses or well-fitted outfits in neutral, earthy, or muted tones always look stunning. Avoid neon colors, busy patterns, or anything too tight or uncomfortable.

• Dads: Keep it simple and classic—neutral-colored khaki pants or dress pants with a button-up shirt. If mom’s outfit is dressy, dad should match the formality. Layers like a blazer or a textured knit can add dimension.

• Kids: Soft, simple clothing in neutral or pastel shades works best. Rompers, dresses, or well-fitted pants and tops are great options. Avoid large logos, character prints, or bright neon colors.

Shoes Matter!

Shoes complete the look, so it’s important to choose wisely.

• Moms: Neutral flats, sandals, ankle boots, or low heels work best. Avoid sneakers or trendy shoes that might date your photos.

• Dads: Loafers, dress shoes, or clean boots are ideal. Avoid bright or athletic shoes.

• Kids: Keep it simple—neutral leather shoes, ballet flats, or clean boots. Avoid sneakers with cartoon characters or bright colors.

• If we’re shooting in a natural location like a beach or field, barefoot is always a great option!

Need Inspiration?

I’ve gathered some great outfit ideas on my Pinterest board—feel free to take a look here or there!

STEP 2: SELECTING YOUR LOCATION

The setting of your session plays a huge role in the feel of your images. I have a curated list of breathtaking outdoor locations in North-West Sydney that are perfect for family photos. If you already have a specific place in mind, I’d love to hear about it! I’ll also scout the location in advance to ensure the best lighting and setting for your session.

STEP 3: DURING YOUR SESSION

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s talk about what to expect on the day of your session!

Timing & Duration

Family sessions typically take around 60-90 minutes, but I always allow for extra time just in case we need it. The best time for your session is about two hours before sunset when the light is soft and dreamy.

A Relaxed, Fun Experience

Most families tell me they had so much fun during their session! My approach is natural and relaxed—I’ll guide you through gentle poses and prompts to capture authentic interactions and emotions. Your job is simply to enjoy the time with your loved ones. Play, laugh, cuddle, and let me do the rest!

For Parents of Young Kids

I know how unpredictable little ones can be, and I promise you—there is nothing your kids can do that will surprise me! Keeping the session light and playful is key. If they need a break, we take one. If they want to run and play, we go with the flow. Bring non-messy snacks, and don’t stress—your family’s love and connection will shine through in your images.

STEP 4: AFTER YOUR SESSION

Within two weeks of your session, I’ll send you an email letting you know your gallery is ready! You’ll receive a soft-proof gallery of your beautiful images. Here’s how it works:

• Select your favorite images based on your chosen package.

• I will professionally retouch your selected images and upload them to your final gallery.

• If you’d love to keep more memories, you’ll have the option to purchase additional images.

Print Your Memories

While printing is totally up to you, I highly recommend using my professional print store to ensure the best quality. I also offer print credit on package upgrades, which can be used toward albums, fine art prints, and more.

PRODUCTS

I offer a carefully selected range of premium print products, from handmade albums to fine art prints. All are professionally printed using archival materials, ensuring your memories last a lifetime.