Yay! You've made the decision to book and I'm so glad you did. Making photos for families is a JOY for me and I'm honored you've selected to work with me. I'll be guiding you each step of the way.
I've put this prep guide together based on the years of experience I have worked with families and I'm always fine tuning it. It contains everything you need to know to make the most of your session and help me create the photos you're dreaming of for your family. It also answers most of my clients' questions about what happens next: planning to make the most of your session, what to know for the day of your session, after your session, etc. If you have a question that isn't covered in this guide, please email me. I'm happy to answer anything. I promise, NOTHING will surprise me and there likely won't be a scenario that I haven't come across already.
Let's get into it...
There are three things that will make your final images what you want. I call it "setting the scene"
outfits
location
newborn sessions are done in my home studio
baby’s milestone & family sessions can be done in my studio or at a public space
maternity sessions can be done in the studio or outdoor
skilled photographer that creates the style of photo art that you love (you've hired me because you know what I'll deliver)
this involves coaching you on posing, and a fine tuned practice of using my camera in a way to create art
SETTING THE SCENE
STEP 1
Outfit planning
Most families put a lot of planning into their outfits for their session. Photography is an investment and the outfits you select play a very big role in the final look of your photos. I remember reading somewhere that 10% of the price of a home should be spent on landscaping. Meaning, don't neglect a part of the house that impacts the overall look of the home. The same concept is roughly true of wardrobe prep. Putting great planning into the coordination of your outfits is never energy wasted. After all, we are creating art and your clothing is the paint color that we load onto our brush. Here are my best suggestions for putting your outfits together broken down by session type, though many of the tips are universal so be sure to read both sections below.
First and foremost, start with the end in mind. Where will you hang your photos? Most likely these will be on the walls of your home. If you have a certain colour with which you love to decorate, be sure to select clothing that will compliment that colour and style.
NEWBORNS AND MATERNITY
start with the end in mind: where will you hang your photos? most likely on the walls of your home. If you have a certain color with which you love to decorate, be sure to select clothing that will compliment that.
I always love mama in a long dress or a nice blouse. You cannot go wrong with this option. Since newborn sessions are so soon after delivery, plan on your size not being much different than before baby arrived, meaning, you won't want to choose an outfit that accentuates your middle section. High waisted dresses with a gathered skirt are a classic choice that flatter everyone during this stage. Also, many women who have worn sleeveless tops have later wished they hadn't because undergarments tend to show more easily.
Before going shopping please check my maternity client wardrobe collection over here. If you can’t find anything you like please have a look at some of the rental places such as Everything lace hire, Mama Rentals or Maternity Dress Hire as they have the best maternity dresses available on the market!
what does baby wear? I have the whole dedicated collection of outfits for them, from wraps to rompers. Many mamas opt to wait until we're together to decide for sure what baby will wear. I'm always happy to help with this.
Babies (3 months to 1 year)
plan to bring 2-3 outfits for the baby maximum
soft neutral colours works best such as white, cream, oatmeal, grey, soft pink and blues. Please avoid clothes with patterns, writing, too busy or neon as it can be very distracting
clothes that fit well will work the best
rompers for girls and pants for boys are just great
you can never go wrong with just simple white onesie
last and the most important, make sure that baby is comfortable in the clothes you choose, use soft fabrics that will not irritate delicate baby’s skin. Knitted fabrics can give the best texture results.
FAMILY
dads: men have it much easier. haha. With your colour palette in mind, keeping dad in neutrals is always a safe option. khaki pants (in any shade), with a dress shirt or other nice shirt is a great option. Try to match the formality of mom's outfit. If mom is in a dressier outfit, dad should "match" that. Gingham check is a great option, as is a small striped oxford shirt. I always love a sports jacket as it can dress dad up if needed.
if planning for siblings to be included in these sessions, always start with mom's dress and build the color palette from there (with the end in mind).
stay away from bold patterns like large print plaid, neon florals, etc. they will detract from the beauty of your family and we want to focus on the connections between your family without distractions.
make sure fingernails are freshly polished, or bare.
don't forget the hair and makeup. we will be taking some close photos. if your hair needs a root touch up, go ahead and schedule that so it's freshly done before your photos.
Shoes Matter!
Shoes may seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in how polished and cohesive your family looks in photos. The right footwear completes the outfit, while the wrong choice can be distracting.
For moms, classic, neutral-toned flats, sandals, ankle boots, or low heels work beautifully. Avoid sneakers, bulky boots, or overly trendy footwear that might take away from the timeless feel of your images.
For dads, loafers, dress shoes, or clean, simple boots are a great option. Avoid athletic shoes, especially colorful ones, as they can stand out too much in photos.
For kids, keep it simple with neutral or classic styles like soft leather shoes, ballet flats, or clean boots. Avoid shoes with bright colors, cartoon characters, or heavy soles that can look clunky in photos.
If we’re shooting in nature—like a field or the beach—consider footwear that works well with the setting, or even going barefoot for a natural, organic feel.
It's these little details that help bring everything together for a seamless, beautiful session!
I’ve gathered some great inspiration on my Pinterest board—take a look here or there.
STEP 2
Selecting your location
My photography style requires to have a beautiful space to create your photos. I’ve created a dedicated post about some absolutely amazing locations for outdoor shoots in North-West of Sydney which you can find right here. I am open to your ideas or desired location as well. I love finding new spaces. If you haven't already let me know where you'd like to do your session. Once you've taken a look at it, email to let me know where you'd like to create your photos.
STEP 3
During your session
NOW THAT WE HAVE "SET THE SCENE," IT'S TIME FOR THE SHOW.
The day of the session, please block off 2-2.5 hours. Typically we're finished within 60-90 minutes, but I don't charge by the hour, so if there's a wardrobe malfunction or child meltdown, we have flexibility. If a parent has to leave for an important business meeting but the rest of the family is still available, just let me know ahead of time so I can focus on getting that parent in the frame more while they're still available.
Most clients tell me that their session was fun! I'm going to help you with posing and getting your little ones to smile. Your job is to relax and go with the flow! My sessions are about capturing your family interacting with each other naturally with my gentle coaching on setting the scene to make great images. All you have to do is follow my instruction, play with your baby or kids and spouse, focus on them so I can focus on you!
NEWBORN SESSIONS
You can expect a special Newborn session prep guide in your email after your booking is confirmed with me.
MATERNITY AND FAMILY SESSIONS
plan to arrive a few minutes before your session begins to do any last minute dressing, or straightening of hair/clothes.
we'll move quickly. Once I'm sure we've gotten the shots we want, then we'll move on. I love to provide a lot of variety in your final gallery of images
A BIG NOTE:
Please don't worry if your young children are not on their best behavior. Keeping things light and playful is the best way to turn that around. In 4 years of business I've never seen threats of discipline turn an upset child into one that gives us the genuine happiness that you'll want for your photos. Instead, I suggest bringing some snacks (that won't stain) to use throughout the session to encourage good behavior. Remember, you've already booked your session during the time of day that your children are usually at their best, so we've set the stage for their success, however; we all have our days. If we're patient, they will usually warm up and things will turn around. I have two active boys of my own. I PROMISE that your children won't do anything to surprise me. Also, I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve.
STEP 4
The fun part. Picking your images/collection
Within just a couple of weeks of your session, you will receive an email from me letting you know that your photos are ready. You'll see a soft-proof gallery of your beautiful images. All you will need is just select number of images according to your chosen package. After that I will professionally edit your favourites and upload to your gallery. Printing is totally up to you but if you want the best quality just reach me out.
PRODUCTS
The products in the store have been carefully selected. All are archival printed on handmade or professional stock papers. Below are some of our favorites.
school map canvas
Vintage school map create a simple, stylish solution featuring wood dowel and ribbon. These unique pieces are hand made and printed on fabric canvas.
From $306
DECKELED EDGE PRINTS
Beautiful feathered hand-torn prints that are truly unique with a rich and textured finish. Each print is carefully torn to reveal a soft edge that adds a beautiful softness to each image. This product is a world exclusive. No other lab is printing on this kind of paper. The lab we are using has developed its own secret method of printing on this extraordinary paper whilst maintaining colour accuracy and the highest level of detail. I am so proud to be able to offer to my clients some new and amazing print products to display their images.
Perfect for mounting in a matted frame.
from $32
FINE ART ALBUMS
These premium albums are printed on fine art cotton matte paper using pigment based inks, these premium albums are top of the range and are handmade in Australia to meet the highest standards.
Available with a custom linen/ leather/leather-like/premium covers. Arrive packaged in a luxurious presentation box, perfect for your most beloved memories.
Minimum of 20 pages (10 spreads), additional spreads costs extra per spread (2 pages).
from $1380*
