Family Session Preparation Guide
Hi there! It is me Monika, your photographer
Firstly, a big thank you for choosing me to capture your precious family memories! And congratulations on looking after your family heirloom. Photographs are like real-life time machines, a wonderful gift that lasts for generations.
I understand that being in front of the camera can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but please know that my aim is to make this experience enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. If you have any concerns about what to wear or any questions at all, feel free to ask. I’m here to help.
Below, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for our upcoming photo session.
Can’t wait to create some beautiful memories together!
MY PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
My family photo sessions are all about keeping things simple, relaxed, and easy. I’m a laid-back photographer who isn’t afraid to play, sing, dance, or even make funny noises to get those genuine smiles. We’ll have a blast during our sessions: lots of laughter, cuddles, and playtime. No need to rush or force anything; it’s all about capturing your family’s love, connection, and the fun moments. I blend timeless portrait shots with those spontaneous, genuine moments to create a beautiful keepsake for your family. We laugh, we cuddle, we play. We do not force anything and we do not rush. I mix timeless portrait photography with unscripted, organic moments. All to capture true reflection of your family and to create a beautiful keepsake.
Things to do before your session
- Plan Outfits Ahead: Think about what everyone will wear for the session in advance. If you’re unsure, you can share photos of your wardrobe with me, and I can help you decide.
- Chat About the Session: Have a friendly chat with your partner/kids about what to expect during the session. Make it a fun conversation, so they feel comfortable and excited.
- Give Yourself Time: Allow enough time to get ready without rushing. It’s important to feel calm and prepared before the session starts.
- Rest and Nutritious Meal: Ensure that everyone feels their best during the session by getting enough rest and having a nutritious meal beforehand. This will help everyone have the energy and focus for a great session.
- Clean Hands and Nails: Take a moment to make sure everyone’s hands and nails are clean and tidy. Check for any nail polish that might be chipped and fix it if needed.
- Keep Flexibility: Try not to plan important tasks right before or after the session. This will help reduce stress and give you and your kids a relaxed environment.
- Post-Session Treat: Consider a special treat for your kids after the session, like a trip to the park or their favourite ice cream. It’s a nice way to celebrate and create positive memories.
- Evening session: For evening photoshoots, it’s important not to plan any energy-draining activities for the kids, like swimming or birthday parties. You know your kids best, but keeping them happy and energetic for the evening is key to a successful, fun, and easy session.
How to prepare for an outdoor photoshoot
- Plan Your Journey Think about how you’ll get to the session location. Check out parking options and traffic conditions, aiming to arrive at least 10 minutes early. This way, you won’t feel rushed and can start the session smoothly.
- Pack Light Use a small, easy-to-carry bag and only pack what you truly need.
- Treats for Kids Treats can do wonders, especially for tired little ones. Choose non-messy snacks and water.
- Grooming Essentials Bring personal grooming items like lipstick, hairbrush, and wet wipes
- Comfy Shoes Wear comfy shoes. You can bring stylish ones and switch when we start.
- Extra Clothes for Kids Kids might get dirty, so having extra clothes or shoes is a good idea, just in case.
- Props Consider bringing props like a picnic blanket for sunny days or umbrellas for rainy days.
- Good Mood Don’t forget to bring a good mood with yourself. Leave all worries behind and enjoy your precious time with your loved ones.
How to prepare for a beach photoshoot
To help your beach session go smoothly and be full of relaxed, joyful moments, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
Dress for the coast The weather by the North Sea can be unpredictable! Even if it’s sunny and warm in Newcastle, the beach might be much cooler or foggy due to sea fret. Please bring extra layers, especially for the kids: jumpers, jackets, hats, just in case. It’s always better to be warm and comfy than cold and grumpy!
Warm + well-fed = happy little ones. Children are much more relaxed and playful when they’re warm and have full tummies. That’s when those lovely, natural smiles shine through.
A car nap can work wonders. If you’re travelling to the session, a quick nap in the car can help babies and toddlers recharge and show up with fresh energy.
Avoid big activities beforehand. Try not to plan anything too tiring, like swimming, soft play, or birthday parties, right before the session. We want everyone, especially the kids, to arrive fresh, not frazzled.
Optional: bring a blanket. One cosy blanket can be handy for sitting, snuggling, or warming up if it gets chilly. Totally optional, but a nice extra!
Keep it simple. If you’re bringing any belongings, pack everything into one easy-to-carry bag so we can move around the beach with ease.
Mess-free snacks are welcome. Feel free to bring a few non-messy snacks like breadsticks, fruit slices, or dry crackers. They’re great for quick breaks and keeping little ones happy, though nothing too sticky or colourful!
Be ready to go barefoot. We might end the session by the water, and it can be so lovely (and freeing!) to kick off your shoes and feel the sand. Not just for the kids: grown-ups too! Being barefoot adds a relaxed, natural feel to the photos and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
How to prepare for in-home session
Let go of the pressure for perfection. These photos will capture your family’s story. No need to stress over cleaning for hours. Here are quick and easy tips to prepare your home with ease:
- Remove unnecessary items like wires, mugs, and anything you don’t want to show in the pictures.
- Consider playing gentle music in the background to help everyone feel relaxed.
- Consider placing some fresh flowers or potted plants to bring a lively vibe to your home.
- I’ll be happy to help adjust your home and declutter if necessary.
How to dress
Choose Your Outfits Wisely: What you wear affects how your family photos look. So, pick outfits that make you feel good.
Keep it Comfortable and Simple: Wear something easy, timeless, and comfy. Your clothes should bring joy and confidence.
Coordinating rather than Matching: Keep your colors and patterns simple, coordinating and complementing each other instead of matching.
Think About the Weather: Dress for the weather, so no one gets too hot or cold during the photoshoot.
Show Your Style: Add your personal touch with accessories like jewelry or scarves. Be yourself and keep it simple.
Be Prepared: Have spare outfits in case of accidents during the shoot.
Choose Gentle Patterns, Layers, and Textures: They can make your photos more interesting.
Mind Your Undergarments: Make sure your clothes cover you properly, especially during movement.
Keep it Timeless in Neutral Colors: Stick to timeless, neutral, or earthy tones that work well in photos.
Wear What You Love: Pick something you really like and feel confident in.
Match Your Colors to the Location: Choose colors and textures that go well with where you’re taking photos and the season
Outfit: what to avoid
- Clashing colors and bright colors or all-black outfits.
- Outfits that are either too tight or too loose.
- Large logos and busy patterns.
- Dresses and skirts that are too short.
- Clothes with pet hair or visible wrinkles.
- Showing undergarments.
- Modern sports watches.
- Transition glasses.
- Skirts or dresses for babies.
- Bulky items like phones and car keys in pockets.
Weather
Weather Check: Trust the weather forecast for only 24 hours ahead. No need to worry if it doesn’t look perfect a week earlier.
Forecast: I’ll monitor the forecast. If heavy rain or strong winds are predicted the day before, we can easily reschedule.
Living by the beautiful North East seaside: We’re no strangers to rain and wind, which add to our unique charm! If there’s a light drizzle, let’s have a playful photoshoot.
Light Rain Okay: Light rain is fine for shooting if you’re comfortable with it. It gives an extra romantic and cinematic vibe.
Cloudy Advantage: Dreaming about a sunny day? No worries if we get a cloudy day. Cloudy days can be better for photos due to flattering soft light, which is more appealing.
Reschedule: For heavy rain or strong winds, we can find a better day, or we can capture meaningful moments in your home for a special touch.
Kids
As your photographer, I want to assure all parents that there’s no need to stress if your kids aren’t behaving as expected during the shoot. Rest assured, I value your children just as they are and don’t expect them to fit a particular mold.
Kids in the Lead: I appreciate the uniqueness of every child; no need for them to fit a mold. I prefer working with their natural temperaments, letting them take the lead.
No Stress Zone: Parents, please don’t worry about your kids behaving perfectly. I don’t expect them to sit still or force a particular behavior.
Adapting to Each Child: I work around the kids, adjusting to their personalities and moods. It’s about capturing their authenticity rather than making them conform.
Embracing Genuine Moments: I discourage coaxing fake smiles or creating artificial situations. Let’s avoid pressure and aim for authentic, imperfect moments.
Relax and Enjoy the Session: Parents, just relax and enjoy the process. Encourage laughter, play, tickling, and snuggling for genuine and candid pictures.
Evening session: For evening photoshoots, it’s important not to plan any energy-draining activities for the kids, like swimming or birthday parties. You know your kids best, but keeping them happy and energetic for the evening is key to a successful, fun, and easy session.
Furry family members
- Feel free to include your furry family member to our session. I absolutely love photographing cats and dogs.
- Indoor sessions: Remember to have special treats ready.
- Outdoor sessions: Ensure the location is dog-friendly. Consider your dog’s personality; if it’s reactive, busy parks might be challenging for photos. Pack bags, water, toys, and treats for your furry friend.
During your photoshoot
No worries, I completely understand that having your photos taken can feel awkward. I promise I will help you relax and guide you. I will also provide actions and tips to make things feel more candid, natural, joyful, and fun. Just be yourselves and stay present with your loved one, and I’ll take care of the rest.
- Relax and Enjoy: Have a stress-free time during your family photoshoot. No need to push anything or fake smiles.
- Authentic Moments: I’ll give gentle guidance and fun ideas, but let’s keep things real and enjoyable.
- Playful Atmosphere: Let’s make it funny and cheerful, especially while playing with the kids.
- Be Yourselves: Feel comfortable and be genuine during the outdoor family photoshoot.
- Capture Connections: Focus on each other, not the camera, to capture those heartwarming moments.
- Stay Close: Stand together for a cozy and intimate feel.
- Warm Expressions: Share smiles and loving glances with your family.
- Embrace the Moment: Enjoy the time with your loved ones, imperfections and all.
- Kids’ Breaks: If little ones get fussy, take breaks, offer snacks, or cuddle them.
- Let Kids Shine: Allow kids to be themselves - laughter, play, tears, and cuddles are all part of it.
- Adventure Awaits: Get ready for an adventure as we explore different settings and make incredible memories together.
After your session
- In two days, you will receive some sneak peeks along with the final invoice
- Within up to 3 weeks after the session, your gallery will be ready
- You will have the option to order the highest quality fine art prints and albums