FAQs for your Family Session

It is very rare that everyone in the family is comfortable in front of the camera.  Before every session, I walk you through some simple tricks on how to look your best yourself, but also as a family.  Even if you do have a family member comfortable in front of the camera, that doesn’t mean they know how to look good with family members!  So I teach you!

My sessions are never about the pose anyway. I give you some guidance and then get you to just hang out with your family, and encourage micro adjustments along the way.  You are not often looking at the camera (which is what makes most people uncomfortable) and you are too busy having fun to even notice I am there!

Then we work around them.

Honestly, kids are kids. They get tired, overwhelmed, shy, energetic, hungry, cold and emotional. I never expect perfection from kids, and I definitely do not expect them to sit still smiling at the camera for an hour.

Some of the most beautiful images come from the in-between moments anyway.

I also intentionally avoid rushing sessions because children often just need time to warm up and feel safe.

I also send you information on things to do (and not do) on the day to hopefully make the day fun for you all!  My children have ADHD and ASD, so I am used to all kinds of behaviour!  My expectations of kids are very low.  If you come into the session feeling relaxed and chilled, the kids respond to that.  And if not, we give them time and space.

Don’t forget, I have a zoom session with you and the kids before the session and ask them things they want to do, so they feel more invested and are more likely to cooperate.

Most partners arrive at the session nervous or reluctant and leave saying it was nowhere near as bad as they expected.

I keep things relaxed, low pressure and natural. No forced fake smiles for hours.

But I will also say … look at the “What if my children don’t cooperate” section. The same applies!  This is also why I do a zoom with you all before the session to hear if your partner has ideas they would like to get them invested as well.

That is usually the first questions clients ask and the one that gives people the most anxiety!

So … we plan your outfits together before the session.  I also have an amazing colour consultant to help you with colours, shapes and styles if you want additional support.  This then actually becomes the fun part!

I always do recommend that you bring jackets with you.  This is great if someone gets a little cold, but it also gives you an additional “look” for your session.

Sydney has some of the most amazing places for family photography.  My first question will always be to you … if you were to hang one family portrait on the wall, where would it hang, and what are you doing in the photo .. is it at a park or a beach?

The answer to that gives us a direction and we go from there.

The final answer will be determined by a lot of factors, where you live, what season we are photographing you in, the time of day your family is happier (hint, usually first thing in the morning), who is attending (eg are the any mobility issues if grandparents are coming, are there any sensory issues for anyone, eg hates sand etc) and what sort of experience you want.

In all the planning though remember 1 thing … golden light is my absolute favourite.  First thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon.  Chef’s kiss!

Most outdoor sessions happen around sunrise or sunset because the light is softer, warmer and far more flattering.

Trust me, the light makes a huge difference to how your final images feel.

For young children though, we always consider routines, sleep and what timing will work best for your family overall.

We reschedule.

I never want you stressing about weather or feeling disappointed because conditions were not right. I would always rather move your session than create photographs in poor weather that do not reflect the experience and quality I want for you.

It is more important for me that you get an amazing experience and photographs out of your session, than to just “get it done”.  Unless the date can’t be moved, I will always opt for beautiful weather.

Short answer … yes.  However, I don’t want you to think it is to make you look like a Barbie.  All retouching is to make you look like you on your best day, and ensure you are the focus of the image.  It is also used to remove distractions from the background.  My aim is that you love every image and would be prepared to hang them all without hesitation.

That depends on the experience you choose and the images you fall in love with during your gallery consultation.

Most clients end up choosing more images than they originally expected because it is incredibly hard to narrow down your favourites once you see them.

I help you design them, but I do not directly sell printed products.

I guide you through album layouts and wall art planning so you know exactly what will work beautifully in your home, and I provide recommendations for high quality professional print labs.

This is probably the biggest fear I hear.

Please know you are not alone in feeling that way.

A huge part of my job is helping women feel comfortable, confident and beautiful in front of the camera. I understand flattering angles, posing, light and how to guide people in a way that helps them stop overthinking every tiny thing.

You are beautiful just the way you are.  Please let me show you.

I don’t put a limit on it. 

I don’t book back to back sessions.  I only book one session per day, or at peak time, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  This means that photographing your family is the most important thing I am doing that day.

This also means that if kids need time to snack, explore, or warm up to me because they are shy, I have that time available. 

Depending on the experience you want, there may be an incredible picnic at the technical end of the session.  If you have more people involved, the session may need extra time.

I do suggest that you don’t book in anything straight after your session so you have the time to enjoy the experience as well.

ABSOLUTELY!  Sorry, didn’t mean to shout, but can I say that any louder?  Please please bring them along.  We can chat about the logistics, especially if they are not in great health. There is nothing more precious the photos with grandparents.  So please, yes, bring them along.

Short answer is yes, but it depends on the location.  Some locations don’t allow pets, some only allow them if they are on a lead.  What I will say is if you want to bring pets, please bring along a friend who can hold your pet while we can some “human only” portraits of your family as well.