Family Session Preparation Guide

A little planning can help you arrive feeling comfortable. Pick the tips that work for your family.

• Full tummies help, grown-ups too. Try to have something to eat before we meet, and bring water and a few simple snacks for breaks.
• Make time for rest. Keeping to your children’s usual naps where possible, or having a quiet moment beforehand, can help everyone feel ready.
• Leave some breathing room. If you can, avoid tiring activities just before or straight after the session. A birthday party before a sunset session can be a lot for little ones, and having no rush afterwards helps you relax too.
• Choose outfits in advance. Having everyone’s clothes ready the day before can make getting out of the door easier. Familiar, comfortable favourites are perfect.
• Plan your journey. Check the route, parking and meeting point beforehand, and allow a little extra time to settle in.
• Give hands a little love. Clean hands and nails, a little hand cream, and removing old polish or applying fresh polish can make a lovely difference. Everyone’s hands often appear in close-ups when you’re holding hands or cuddling. No manicure is needed, just hands that feel clean and cared for.
• Pack a few comforts. Wipes, spare clothes and warm layers can be handy. A favourite toy or comfort blanket is welcome too.
• Leave perfection at home. You don’t need to arrive perfectly prepared. We’ll take things at your family’s pace, with time for breaks, cuddles and real moments together.

Wear something that feels like you and lets you move, sit and cuddle comfortably. There’s no need to buy anything new or dress everyone the same.

A few ideas, if you’d like a starting point:

• Choose colours you love. Soft shades, rich tones and bright pops of colour can all look wonderful. A colourful outfit can bring lots of personality to your photos.
• Patterns and textures are welcome. Florals, stripes, tartan or a favourite statement piece can all be part of your look.
• Layers and comfortable shoes help everyone enjoy being outdoors. A favourite cardigan or jumper is always useful on a cooler day.
• Think about comfort. Try moving, sitting and picking up your child in your outfit beforehand. If something needs constant adjusting, it might not be the best choice for the session.
• Think about the location. Colours and textures that sit comfortably with the setting can help the photographs feel connected to the place. You might choose soft coastal colours at the beach, earthy tones in nature or something that reflects the character of a city. These are ideas only. Wear what feels like you.

These palettes are a few colour ideas to choose from. You don’t need to wear every colour in a row. They’re inspiration, not a shopping list. Mix them, change them or choose something completely different. Feeling like yourselves matters most.

These are gentle suggestions, not rules. Wear what feels right for you, and ask me if you’d like a second opinion.

• Large logos and very busy patterns can take attention away from faces and make images feel less timeless. Bold colours are absolutely fine.
• Transition lenses and sunglasses can hide your eyes or change how your eyes look in photographs. If you have another comfortable pair of glasses, you are welcome to bring them. Sunglasses are absolutely fine for a few photographs too.
• Very large or distracting accessories can draw attention away from faces. If you love a statement piece, bring it. It can be a lovely part of your personality.
• Hats can be beautiful and work well with some outfits and locations. A large brim can shade your face, so we can always take a few photographs with and without it.
• Clothes that feel tight, ride up or need constant adjusting can make moving and cuddling awkward. Try sitting and bending in your outfit first.
• Very short skirts, dresses or outfits that show more skin than you feel comfortable with are worth checking while sitting or picking up children. Choose whatever lets you move confidently.
• Open backs and low necklines can sometimes show bra straps, bra bands or underwear when you move. Try your outfit sitting and bending, then add a layer or choose a different undergarment if you would prefer more coverage.
• Overly complicated outfits with lots of pieces, ties or delicate details can become distracting. Keep it simple if that feels more comfortable, or wear the outfit because you love it.
• Visible underwear, chipped polish or pet hair are worth a quick check if they would bother you in the photos.
• Very stiff or brand new shoes can make walking and playing less comfortable. Choose a pair you can move in, or bring a second pair.
• Phones and keys in pockets can create bulky shapes, so pop them in your bag before we start.
• Matching exactly is not necessary. Coordinating is lovely, but a little variety usually makes photographs feel more natural and personal.

If you’d like a hand choosing, send me a photo of your outfit ideas. I’m happy to help.

• Let children be children. Shy, lively, curious, serious or a little unsure, it is all welcome. There is no need to practise smiles or ask them to behave perfectly.
• Let them play. Running, exploring, having a cuddle or stopping to look at something are all part of the session.
• Take a break when needed. We can pause for a snack, a cuddle or a little quiet time, then try again when they are ready.
• No rush is needed. Sometimes the moments in between are the ones that make the best photographs.

The more people there are, the more lively things can get, and that is completely normal. There might be lots of talking, children running around and a little organised chaos. I am used to it and will guide you through.

Most important photographs first. If there are family combinations you really do not want to miss, let me know beforehand. We will take these while everyone is fresh, especially the children.

Then we relax. Once we have captured the important group photographs, we can move around and let things happen naturally.

You do not need props. The focus is always on you and your connection, but meaningful things from your family can make the photographs even more personal.

• Bring something with a story. A teddy from a grandparent, a handmade blanket, a favourite book or a family heirloom can add a personal touch.
• Use everyday things. Reading, playing, baking or having a little tea party at home can create natural moments.
• Encourage outdoor play. Bubbles, a ball, a kite or a picnic blanket can get everyone moving.
• Make weather part of the fun. An umbrella or a pair of wellies can create playful photographs on a drizzly day.
• Keep it meaningful. You do not need lots of props or anything specially bought for the session. If the children ignore them, a stick, leaf or something they discover can be part of the fun.

UK weather can be unpredictable, and that is part of what makes it beautiful. A few simple things can help:

• Do not worry too far in advance. The forecast one or two days before your session is usually more useful. I am as flexible as I can be if something unexpected happens.
• Sunny is not the only perfect weather. Bright midday sunshine can be harsh. Soft, overcast light creates beautiful, gentle and even light.
• A little wind or drizzle can be lovely. It can add atmosphere, movement and a little romance to your photographs.
• Morning or evening light is often most flattering. Sessions close to sunrise or sunset usually have softer, warmer light, especially on a sunny day.
• Safety comes first. If heavy rain, strong winds or unsafe conditions are expected, we can reschedule or look at an indoor option.

Pets are very welcome. They are part of the family too. I have a cat myself and absolutely love photographing cats and dogs, including all their funny little personalities.

• Tell me they are coming. We can choose a suitable location. A quieter spot may be better for a dog who finds busy parks overwhelming, while some pets are happiest at home.

• Let them be themselves. There is no need for your pet to sit perfectly or pose. Curious, energetic, cuddly or a little chaotic, it is all part of their personality.

• Bring their essentials. For dogs, pack water, treats, a favourite toy and poo bags. For sessions at home, keep a few treats nearby.

• Do not worry if your pet does not cooperate perfectly. Some of my favourite photographs happen when they completely ignore me.

I will give you gentle guidance and simple things to do together, but there is no need to remember poses or constantly look at the camera.

• Follow your children’s lead. Play, talk, cuddle, explore and enjoy your time together.
• Take your time. If someone feels shy, tired or overwhelmed, we can pause for a cuddle, a snack or simply wait until they are ready.
• Stay connected. Hold hands, stay close and let the children explore safely.
• Forget about perfect smiles. Laughter, quiet moments, wriggly bodies and big feelings are all part of your family. My job is to notice the connection and take care of the rest.
• Have fun. Relax, enjoy your time together and let yourselves be present. This session is about love, connection and celebrating your family.

Once we say goodbye, your family time does not have to end there. If you can, leave a little time afterwards to enjoy the day together. An ice cream, lunch, the playground or somewhere cosy for a treat can be a lovely way to finish without rushing straight home.

While you are enjoying your day, I will be busy getting your photographs ready.

• Sneak peeks within 48 hours. I will send you a few favourites to give you a little taste of what is to come, along with your final invoice.
• Your full gallery within 3 weeks. Your photographs will be carefully edited and delivered in a beautiful online gallery, ready to view, download and share.
• Enjoy them for years to come. You can order fine art prints, framed photographs and albums if you would like to bring your memories into your home.