YOUR SESSION GUIDE
HINTS + TIPS
Playing in the last of the autumn leaves - Canberra family photographer
PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
My approach to family portraits is to capture images that show real family moments.
Plan a picnic or a family project that everyone can get involved. Maybe an outing somewhere fun or a dog-washing session in the backyard. I will capture your family at work and play, and find those genuine moments that will create magical memories for your walls.
LOCATION
Nature / outdoor locations are fresh and beautiful.
Urban Locations give a funky modern look to your images
At home for relaxed and fun portraits.
Where will the session take place?
In your home or another location of your choosing. I can help you out with location suggestions. It’s great fun to plan a family outing or project that I can document for you. If at home I will walk around identifying the best light and locations in your home/location. Your home is a great starting place then we can walk to a local park. Children can interact with their toys, read stories or even have a jump on the bed. I will look for uncluttered backgrounds and areas that have good light.
If on location, I encourage you to bring anything you want to incorporate into the shoot. We can discuss this prior to the session. Outdoors is great fro climbing trees, running around and playing games!
GOT A DOG? Bring them along
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
Anything goes really. You need to be comfortable and relaxed. Dress up as much as you like with your fancy shoes or casual and comfy in jeans and a Tshirt. Think about the impact of the image that you want up on the wall of your home. Try to select complimenting colour palettes if you want to “match” your outfits.
Some general guidelines for what to avoid:
* T-shirts with logos (plain is much better) * Colours that clash * Fine stripes * Bold patterns, they can draw the eye away from the important subject YOU.
WHAT TO BRING
WHATEVER REPRESENTS YOUR FAMILY
… and some other tips….
SNACKS for small breaks – it really helps young children as they can get tired and hungry.
WATER to drink.
WIPES for grubby faces ( but not before I take a photo of every smudge).
EXTRA LAYERS in case it gets cold.
OTHER IDEAS scarves, beanies, gumboots, feather boas, teddy bear, a favourite storybook and picnic basket, bubbles, your pet dog.
Anything which is special to your family that tells the story of who you are.
LET THE KIDS BE KIDS
Children will bring a whole gambit of fun to your session and I am here to let you know- IT’S OK!
The more you try and pull them in line to “look at the camera / behave/ settle down….”
……….. the more it may go awry!
Let’s face it- your children whether they are toddlers, teenagers or somewhere in between. They will bring their own flavour to the session
And again I say THAT’S OK!
So
Let it flow
Let me redirect the kids
Give them time to get into the flow
Then we’ll get the best from them- the fun, the cheekiness, the attitude and, all the things that make up your amazing kids. Let’s capture it all.
And best of all- you don’t need to be upset, impatient or even angry with them, you get to have fun too and relax into it!
AND maybe none of these things may happen.
If you take anything away from this remember- Kids ride on the wave of the adult energy.
If you are frustrated that they are not sitting down quietly looking at the camera, their behaviour will often totally frustrate you more. So sit back, let me hang with the kids and capture them in all their childhood glory. You won’t regret it when you look back in 20 years tme and smile at how their personality shone through!
A new situation like a photo session with a new person (me) can find kids:
Being shy and reluctant to cooperate or even talk (give it time, they’ll warm up).
Showing off and being what you might call silly behaviour.
Doing the opposite of what you may ask (best to ignore it)
Acting like they are too cool to be there (I’ll get around that :)
Don’t Stress, it’s all normal. Sometimes a bit of bribery and corruption can help (we’ll break out the bubble blower later or have a play on the playground or head out to dinner- whatever works for you) but be careful not to over-use during the session otherwise it may become ineffective.
