Family Session guide
Family sessions are about letting things unfold as they.
This guide is here to help you understand how I work, what helps on the day and how we create space for real moments, not perfect ones.
Time and Location
Outdoor locations
The best locations are usually the ones that already mean something to you.
The beach you always end up at. The creek your kids love jumping into. The place you go when you want to be together without overthinking the plan.
We’re lucky to have so many beautiful beaches and hinterland creeks to choose from, and chances are there’s already a spot your family feels at home in.
Some locations are open and expansive, with plenty of room to roam, run, and explore. Others are quieter and more tucked away, suited to slower moments and staying close. Whether it’s sand between your toes or a shaded creek bank, each setting offers space for movement, play, and genuine connection.
If you’re not sure what feels right, you can explore the full location guide, or reach out and we’ll choose something together that fits your family.
Choosing a time isn’t just about the light, it’s about what works for your family.
Beach sessions can happen at sunrise or sunset if you love that soft, golden light, sunrise is calm and quiet, sunset has that warm end of day feel. If witching hour at the beach is your idea of hell, morning beach sessions are a great option, brighter, a bit more lively, and often perfect for kids who are fresh and ready to go!
Creeks and hinterland locations work best in mid-morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and more shaded.
In-home sessions are usually scheduled mid-morning, but I’m always happy to work around your family and choose a time that fits your day.
We’ll plan something that works for your real life, naps, sport, early starts and all.
Sunrise, Sunset or somewhere in between
In-home sessions
In-home sessions are some of the most meaningful sessions I photograph.
Your home is where your real life happens. The cuddles on the couch. Snacks at the kitchen bench. The toys on the floor. The small routines and in-between moments that make up your days. It’s where your kids feel most themselves, moving freely through spaces they know by heart.
These sessions aren’t about a perfectly styled house or asking everyone to sit and smile. They’re about documenting your family as you are, in the place that holds your everyday life.
The result is a gallery that feels deeply personal, not just beautiful photos, but a record of this season, in the home you lived it.
What to Wear
Styling is more than choosing clothes. It sets the tone for your whole session.
Ask yourself, do you want your photos to feel timeless? Or do you love the idea of capturing this exact stage, your child in their favourite graphic tee, the well-worn tutu dress they refuse to take off?
Your oufit speaks. It tells part of the story before anyone even moves. Soft neutrals feel calm and lasting. Texture adds depth. A bold print or character shirt places your photos right in this moment of life.
Clothing isn’t an afterthought. It’s one of the tools we use to shape the feel of your images. The right pieces pull everything together without overpowering the connection.
If you’re unsure which direction to go, I’ll help you choose. We’ll make sure what you wear supports the story you want to tell, not distracts from it.
If you’d like more help styling yourself or your family, you can download my Style Guide for extra tips.
A Few Tips!
Lean into texture. Denim, linen, soft knits, anything with a bit of movement or weave adds depth and photographs beautifully without trying too hard.
Try to avoid big logos and loud patterns. A little is fine, but too many bold prints together can start to feel busy.
Skip bright white tees, particularly for men and boys. In strong natural light they can look harsh. Soft cream, beige, or gentle grey tones feel more natural and blend better with beach and bush settings.
If you love colour, choose one hero piece and let everything else support it. One pop is plenty.
Mum, Dad, everyone… there’s a good chance you’ll end up in the water or at least with sandy feet. So leave the fancy shoes at home and let your hair do its thing!
If you’d rather not think about what to wear, take a look at my client closet!
I have a collection of dresses and outfits you are welcome to borrow for your session.
What to expect on the day!
Timing and Flow
Your session will run for 60-90 minutes, I don’t really put a time cap on it, we just shoot until there is no light left!
This is the fun part.
I take a documentary approach, so I’m not there to line you up, tell everyone to sit still, or ask the kids to smile at me. There’s no awkward posing and no pressure to perform. You don’t need to “do” anything.
The more you relax and stay present with each other, the better your photos will feel. I’ll guide you when needed, but mostly I’m watching for the in-between moments, the way your kids reach for you, the laughs, the chaos, the cuddles.
Gallery Delivery
Your online gallery will arrive in your inbox 2-3 weeks after your session!
You don’t need to entertain, perform, or keep things under control.
I love big energy. If your kids want to run, splash, climb, shout, or spin, that’s fine with me. Your job is simply to connect with them. Play, walk, cuddle, or sit quietly if that’s what they need.
One small thing: please don’t point at me and ask them to smile.
It usually just leads to photos of parents pointing at the camera.
Instead, give your kids your attention, a cuddle, a tickle, a moment together.
That’s where the real moments live.
A final word
Embrace the Chaos
Kids are not meant to stand still and smile on cue. They run. They climb. They get distracted. They tip water everywhere. That’s the magic.
Some of the strongest images come from the in-between moments, when your child is doing the thing they love most. Those photos tend to mean the most later on because they feel honest.
So if things feel a little wild, you’re doing it right.
Be Present
You don’t need to manage every second or aim for a perfect outcome. Just be there.
Hold your newborn a little tighter. Chase your toddler. Brush the hair out of your child’s face. Lean into your partner.
When you’re present with each other, the connection shows. And that’s what turns simple photos into memories you’ll hold onto for years.
