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.
What to expect
The more you relax, play, and stay present, the more honest the memories we’ll capture together. I take a documentary, approach which means I’m not there to line you up, tell everyone to sit still, or ask kids to smile on cue. I’m there to follow your family’s energy and photograph what unfolds.
Every family arrives with their own rhythm. Some kids are a little shy and need a minute to warm up, happy to stay close and have a cuddle with mum or dad. Others show up full of beans and need space to move, run, and play, and I’ll happily encourage that. Mum, dad, everyone, you’ll probably end up running up the beach too, so leave the shoes at home.
I’m a mum of three, so noise, chaos, tears, and small children running away don’t bother me. That’s real life, and it’s often where the best moments live.
These sessions are about having fun, leaning into the chaos, loving on your kids, and soaking up time together. I’ll guide you when it helps, like finding the best light or keeping everyone close, but mostly I’m giving you space to be with your people, while I chase your kids and tell the story.
A note for parents.
You don’t need to entertain, perform or keep things under control.
I love big energy! I won’t ask your kids to stop running, in fact I’ll probably encourage it. If they want to climb, splash, spin, shout or take off down the beach or through the house, that’s fine with me. Your role is to run with them, connect, play or sit quietly for a cuddle if that’s what they need.
And one more small but important thing, please don’t point at me and ask your kids to smile. It usually just ends up with photos of parents pointing at the camera! Instead just give them YOUR full attention, even a little tickle to bring on a natural laugh.
The most meaningful photos aren’t when they are smiling on cue, it’s always in the moments that happen in between.
Your session runs 60–90 minutes, and home sessions sometimes stretch closer to two hours because they’re slower, gentler, and I don’t cap the time. We go at your family’s pace.
For a beach or outdoor session, we’ll usually start about an hour before the sun drops, when the light softens and everything turns golden. The exact start time shifts through the year, and it often lines up with witching hour. If that timing doesn’t suit your family, we’ll start earlier or lean into full sun. We’ll make the timing fit your crew.
Home sessions are usually booked for mid-morning, but if naps or life get in the way, we’ll find a time that works for your littles (and you). No stress.
Around two weeks after our session, your online gallery will land in your inbox!
How to Prepare
Engage in Activities You Love
Think about an activity your family already enjoys, something that naturally brings you together. It might be a trip to your favourite beach or creek, reading stories in bed, playing in the backyard, or simply wandering together. Familiar activities help everyone relax, bring out natural smiles and interactions, resulting in photos that truly capture your family’s unique bond.
Bring items that let fun unfold!
This is your chance to tell your story. Bringing a few meaningful items can add a personal touch and help the session feel even more like you.
For summer sessions, think about what you’d normally pack for a fun day out. Swimwear, a change of clothes, towels, or a bucket and spade for little ones who love the sand are all perfect. If water is part of your life, don’t be afraid to jump in.
If your family loves adventure, bring the things that reflect that. Bikes, trikes, skateboards, surfboards, or anything else that naturally fits into your world. These are the items that invite movement, play, and connection, and allow the fun to unfold in a way that feels natural.
Time and Location
In-Home or Outdoors
Choosing between an in-home or outdoor session really comes down to what you want your photos to hold onto from this season of life.
Home sessions are about slowing things down. They’re perfect if you’re drawn to documenting the everyday, messy beds, morning light through the windows, stories on the couch, snacks in the kitchen, and the little routines that make your house feel like home. They tend to feel quieter and more intimate, especially for families with younger or more reserved children.
Outdoor sessions feel more open and free-flowing. Beaches, creeks, and wide open spaces give kids room to move, explore, and play, and often suit families with lots of energy or a love for being outside together. These sessions lean into movement, connection, and the natural rhythm of the landscape around you.
If you’re torn, think about where your family feels most like themselves, or what you’d love to remember when you look back at these photos. Both options are relaxed and child-led , they just tell slightly different stories.
For a look at my favourite locations and find might suit your family best, you can explore the location guide below.
Sunrise, Sunset or somewhere in between
When it comes to choosing a time, light plays a big part. For outdoor beach sessions, sunrise and sunset are best, the light is softer, the beaches are quieter, and everything feels a little calmer.
In-home sessions and hinterland locations work beautifully in the mid-morning, when the light is gentle and spaces feel bright and open. We’ll always choose a time that suits your family, and I’m happy to work around nap schedules and whatever else your day needs.
What to Wear
Comfort first
What you wear plays a big role in how your photos will look and feel, but the most important thing is that everyone is comfortable. When you feel good, it shows. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely especially for kids! So they can run, climb, and play without feeling restricted.
Colours matter
Try to avoid everyone rocking up in all white T-shirts, instead, aim for complimentary colours that work together. Think soft, earthy tones or muted shades that sit nicely alongside each other. Small patterns or subtle textures are fine, but avoid anything too bright that will distract from the natural flow of the images.
For a deeper dive on colour choices, layering, and styling your family for your session, check out my style guide here.
Dress for the environment
Think about the location and what makes sense for it. If we’re at the beach, lighter fabrics and layers work best, something that allows for movement and doesn’t mind a bit of water or sand. If we’re at a creek, soft linen and easy, comfortable clothing is perfect for exploring and getting a little adventurous.
At home, it’s all about feeling like you belong in the space, your comfy jeans and favourite shirt, something that feels like you and fits the everyday vibe of your home.
A few styling tips
Wear texture — denim, linen, and soft knits photograph beautifully and add depth.
Avoid big logos — they date easy and can look out of place in an outdoor environment (a small logo is fine, but big characters can dominate the image).
Keep patterns simple — a few subtle patterns are great to mix it up but too many bold prints together can feel busy.
Avoid bright white cotton t-shirts for the boys and men! — they don’t photograph well, especially in bright locations like the beach. Soft cream or grey works much better.
Add a pop of colour — one bold piece can look amazing, but keep it balanced across the family.
Bring a backup outfit — especially for kids who will run straight to the water!
If you’re still unsure, have a browse through my style guide for more inspiration on how to bring your families outfits together in a way that is authentic to you.
Client closet
If you’d rather not think about what to wear, take a look at my client closet page. I’ve got pieces for mum and children that you are welcome to borrow for you photo session.
A final word
Focus on Each Other
Try to forget the camera is there. Spend time with your family, laugh with your kids, share a cuddle with your partner, and stay in the moment. I’ll take care of capturing what unfolds naturally.
If you’d like a photo with everyone looking at the camera, just let me know. Otherwise, kids tend to be far more settled and engaged when your attention is on them, not on being asked to perform
Embrace the Chaos
Kids will be kids, and that’s where the good stuff lives. They don’t need to be still or quiet. Let them move, explore, and be themselves.Some of the strongest images come from kids doing what they love, whether that’s running, climbing, or getting completely sidetracked. Those moments are often the ones that feel most true when you look back.
Be Present
There’s no need to manage the moment or aim for anything specific. Just be with each other.
Whether you’re holding your newborn, playing with your children, or sharing a quiet moment with your partner, being present allows real connection to come through, and that’s what turns photos into lasting memories.
