For many of my clients, this is their first time of having their photos taken by a professional. And of course, if you've never done it before, how are you supposed to know how to prepare??
I want to take all the guesswork out of preparing for your photoshoot. My intention is for you to have all the information you need, making it easy for you, and by the time you arrive you arrive at your session, you can just enjoy the moment knowing everything is sorted.
Get Everyone Involved Right From the Start
For every client I have, I send out an in-depth questionnaire to get a feel for you, your family and your vision for your family photoshoot. It’s really common for one parent to go through and answer the questionnaire and for the other to get there, having been told to wear this and be ready to get in the car at this time! My advice would be to include your partner in the process as well, right from the start. It can be really rewarding to have both parents involved in the session, so a good way to start that is by completing the questionnaire with them. This is also true if you've got older kids coming along!
I'll Take Care of The Session Flow
I’ll have picked out a couple of spots at our location that we’ll move between during our session. While we’re moving, I’ll be taking photos of you as a family as you walk together and play so it's best if you don't have big bags with you. I’ll have a backpack with me and you can put all your things in there.
We do a mixture of photos where we’re standing and sitting. If we’re sitting down on the grass and a blanket is needed, don’t worry! I’ll bring the blanket, as well as any waterproofing that’s needed if it’s been raining and the ground is wet.
Bring a Favourite Toy
While most of the images that I deliver will be candid, there are times when we’ll want to get a couple of you looking at the camera. The most complicated part of this as a family is when you’ve got a little one who has their own agenda. In this case, it can be a good idea to bring along a favourite toy that we can use to catch your child’s attention for a few moments.
Prepare for a Nappy Change
If you're still feeding, know that I love capturing the moments of breastfeeding between mum and baby. Breastfeeding can be such a beautiful bonding time that doesn’t last very long. We can do them all fully clothed, with baby’s clothes off for a more natural look (and to capture all those chunky rolls and squidgy bits) or fully skin-to-skin with mum and bub (and some artfully placed hair if so desired). I am completely comfortable with any level of skin you want to show. If you’re interested, for your baby, this can mean taking off their outfit, including their nappy. Bring anything needed to change a nappy. I’ll ask about this in the questionnaire that I send to all my clients, so don’t worry, there won’t be any surprises!
Bring Snacks
I always recommend that kids have a late nap and some food before they come to a photoshoot - especially if the session time happens to normally coincide with dinner time or bedtime. Feel free to bring along a snack (bring some for yourself too!) - there’s always time for a snack break. Bring something tidy to eat - avoid things like chocolate or biscuits which end up all over hands, faces and teeth.
If we’re heading outdoors and you’re sensitive to insects, it can be a good idea to bring some bug spray. In some locations the insects can start to come out as dusk comes on.
Bring:
A favourite toy
Anything needed for a nappy change
A (tidy) snack
Insect repellent
What to Wear to Your Family Photoshoot
The obvious omission from this is choosing what to wear! I've written an in-depth article about what to wear and what to avoid for your family photoshoot over here: What to Wear to Your Family Photo Session
We're going to have an awesome time together and making sure you have everything you need takes all the stress away so you can just enjoy the time making memories with your family.