Making the most of your family portrait session …
Booking a family session isn’t something you do every week — most families only book professional photos every couple of years. That’s why I want your session to be a fun, relaxed, happy experience that you’ll remember with a smile every time you look at your photos.
Your images will capture the way you felt on the day — and that’s why it’s so important to set yourself (and your family) up for success.
Here’s how to make the most of your shoot:
Things Not to Do on Shoot Day
✖️ Don’t Run Errands Before the Shoot
It might seem harmless to swing by the shops or top up the petrol tank, but it’s so easy to get delayed. Running late will leave you feeling rushed and stressed — and that energy can carry into the session.
Prioritise the shoot.
Plan for the day around it, not squeezing it in between errands.
✖️ Don’t Fill Up with Petrol on the Way
You might think you have time, but there’s always a long queue when you don’t want one! Fill up the day before so you can head straight to your session with no last-minute drama.
✖️ Don’t Bring Stress Into the Shoot
If you're angry, stressed, or fighting with the family right before the session, you’ll remember that when you look at your photos. Try to create a calm, positive vibe in the lead-up — even if you’re faking it a little for the kids!
✖️ Don’t Yell at the Kids During the Shoot
I totally get it — family life is real and sometimes chaotic. But please, try not to tell the kids off during the shoot. My job is to get them on board. Your job? Just smile and look relaxed! (And if I'm asking everyone to look at the camera — you look at the camera. If the kids happen to be looking and you’re not... well, you're the one who's going to be caught out!)
✖️ Don’t Book Something Straight After
It’s tempting to squeeze in dinner or another event, but having something booked straight after will make the session feel rushed. Leave your calendar free so we can take the time we need and finish the session feeling relaxed. Unless I absolutely have to, I always try to not book back to back sessions, because I don’t want to rush your session. It is THAT important to me that we have a great time without feeling pressured.
✖️ Don’t Be Late!
Please, please, please plan to arrive a little early. Arriving early gives you a chance to breathe, fix a last-minute hair strand, and walk in feeling calm.
Things To Do on Shoot Day
✔️ Eat First!
A hungry family is a grumpy family — and it shows in the photos. Make sure everyone (even you!) has had a proper meal before the session. It’s a simple way to keep moods happy and energy up. Have water and snacks available during the session as well.
✔️ Overestimate How Long You’ll Need to Get Ready
Getting ready always takes longer than you think — especially when kids (or partners!) are involved. Give yourself a generous buffer so you're not rushing out the door in a panic.
✔️ Consider Getting Your Hair and Makeup Done
When you feel confident and polished, it absolutely shines through in your portraits. Book hair and makeup on the day of the shoot if you can — it’s a little bit of pampering that can make a big difference to how you feel.
Bonus Tip: If you're getting makeup done professionally, have a trial session beforehand. You want to love the way you look on the day!
✔️ Prepare for Kid Curveballs
If you have young children, just know:
They’ll decide to grow 15 new teeth,
Come down with a fever,
Have a snotty nose,
And drool everywhere...
... all on photo day!
It’s almost a rite of passage. If this happens, don’t stress — let me know, and remember that Panadol, Neurofen, and tissues are your best friends. (And don't worry — I’m a pro at working around teething grizzles and snotty noses.)
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: I want you to have a great experience. Not just beautiful photos, but beautiful memories of the day itself.
Because when you look back at these images — years from now — I want you to remember the laughter, the cuddles, the silly moments... not the stress of getting ready.
Prioritise the shoot. Enjoy the process. Trust me to take care of the rest. I promise, it's worth it.