Preparing for you family photo session.

5 Tips to help you Enjoy your Family Session.

1.Focus on the Interactions.

Perhaps the most important tip that I can give is this one. We all come to a session with expectations and pre-conceived ideas of how it will go. Whilst I will make every effort to capture the shot/s that you desire, your involvement will make all the difference. So here’s what I want you to do. Concentrate on interacting with and enjoying some downtime with your family. That’s it! Use this as a time that has been blocked out in your busy week, to spend some quality time together. Relax, play, run, laugh, tickle. All the things you usually do together. Believe me, these will make the best photos! That genuine connection and love that you share will shine through in the photos.

2. Don’t look at me.

The camera that is.

Yes, we will do a shot of you all looking and smiling, so we can share it around for Christmas presents, but the majority of the time, I will ask you to look at each other. (Or sometimes off in the distance.) We have all been trained to say “cheese” and smile, from our school photo days. But my style of photography is all about catching the emotions and expressions that naturally occur as you interact together. These will be the best reminders of your relationship and family dynamic.

3. Wear something you love.

When you look amazing, you feel amazing. Right? So wear something you love. Wear something that you feel awesome in. But also that you can move easily in. I don’t care if you come in patterns, sequins or costume. If that is you, the unique and genuine you, then go with it! Not only will you look great, you will exude confidence and happiness and it will be evident in your photos. Also, one day, these photos will be all your family has of you. Allow your personality to come through. I lost my Nanna this year and I remember the style of dresses she always wore, I remember the colours and patterns and the material. I remember specific blouses and cardigans and slippers. These are important reminders and they matter more than you know.

4. Look at the Bigger Picture.

Ok, so our family does not always look like the ideal, happy pictures we show on social media. There will be days when your toddler doesn’t want to co-operate. They may be throwing the mother of all tantrums. Do not worry. I have 4 kids of my own, I won’t be throwing any mothering advice your way, because guess what. I live it too. There may be times when we can distract or divert them. (I will often bring along something they are interested in, as a bit of incentive.) BUT, the bigger picture is that these photos are an accurate representation of your family, at this exact time in your lives. If your stage in life involves daily tantrums, then go with it. Allow it to happen and we will work with it. These make for some awesome facial expressions! And worst case scenario, you can bring them out to embarrass the kids on their 21st birthdays.

5. Tell me all about it.

So when I book you in for a family shoot, I email out a pretty in depth questionnaire. The point is, that this allows me to get to know your unique family relationships, traits, interests, dislikes etc on a much deeper level. I can know how to talk to your children, because I know what they like to talk about. I can know how you and your hubby best interact and get some real, raw emotions. If your child likes to tell jokes, I will ask them to tell a joke and capture the reactions on your faces. The more I know about you, the more I can help to create pictures of the connections that exist anyway. Because my style of photography is all about connection over perfection. Let’s get those memories in a real, meaningful way.

These tips will be a great foundation to ensure that you and your family are prepared for your photo session and can actually enjoy it. Let’s face it, unless you are a seasoned professional or a model, you are probably not used to having a camera in your face, so keep these 5 things in mind to help you all relax and get the most out of your time in front of the camera. And remember the most important thing to keep in mind is doing what you do best, loving on your family.