WELCOME GUIDE
WELCOME GUIDE
Welcome.
Hello! Thanks so much for booking your session with me!
Below you will find some information on what to expect for your session.
Let’s make the most of it by styling you and your family in clothes that will bring your session to life. What you wear to your session can really elevate your photos, styling and colours play a huge role which is why I have put together this style guide.
Please take this guide into consideration and if you would like to use anything from my client closet you are more than welcome to.
Here’s What Happens Next.
BOOK
You’ve Paid your session fee and Locked your date in, Now complete questionnaire and contract.
PREPARE
Decide on location and outfits. Read through the client guide. I am here to help along the way.
SHOOT
I'll touch base and confirm weather and location the week of your session. Your remaining invoice is due the week prior to your session.
DELIVERY
Photo reveal day! You will receive your images within 3-4 weeks of your session via an online gallery.
FINAL
Choose your image selection’s or Upgrade to receive more images or order some prints via the online store. Your gallery will be available up to 21 days after being delivered, anytime after that a $25 fee will be issued to view the gallery.
‘ When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes.
but when you photograph people in black & white , you photograph their souls’
WHAT TO EXPECT?
I equally love creating images in your home or outdoors at the beautiful locations we have here so it’s totally up to you where we go which option you prefer. In-home sessions are very sentimental and I always try make sure I incorporate your home environment into the images, Outdoor sessions are just as special and I have many locations we can go to such as the beach, grassy fields, dirt roads, country/bush, or family property’s. I’m based in Port Stephens but am available throughout the hunter areas for additional travel fee.
I do tag locations on my Instagram for reference if there is something that you loved please mention it to me in your questionaire.
Outdoor Family Session’s I normally bring a neutral rug but you are welcome to bring your own. Pets are always welcome of course I will never say no to your fur babies. Newborn Session’s if you need anything from the client wardrobe please just let me know I can bring with me.
On the day of your session, just come with an open mind, I will give you prompts and give little direction to get that candid moment. I try not to have you look at the camera and smile as it just doesn’t look natural. If kids like music I do bring a speaker with me to loosen them up with their fav songs. The session is about the connection of your family so I like to have fun with you all and play. The more you just embrace the crazy the better the photos will be. Toddler’s will chuck tantys and not cooperate some of the time, bring food, snacks, and I will just go with it. Throw them around, play games, up on mum or dads shoulders.
To prepare for your In Home Session I don’t need a lot of space, as long as there is some natural light coming from a window I can work with that, all sessions will never be the same as not every home is the same, it will all depend on the lighting that we are working with. I like to shoot in the lounge room, main bedroom and bubs room ( if you have one ) some people don’t and that’s okay to don’t stress. Sometimes we only shoot in the one window being the best light but I don’t think you can ever tell lol.
I do prefer baby to be in a simple outfit, knits are super cute in the cooler months, I don’t really wrap babies anymore unless that’s the only way we can settle them then that’s what we will do. The babies will run the session.
I just ask if we can feed bub or top bub up right before I get there, the sleepier the better outcome we have for the session, again I know not all babies like to cooperate but I always do my best to get the shot, just try not to stress yourself as bub will feed off your energy, iv seen it so many times : ) Fur babies are always welcome in the session.
Cakesmash Session’s I provide the naked cake, If you could bring your own cake topper if that’s something you want on the cake, Coles have some basic ones but I can send you in the right direction for a custom made one or check out etsy. I can provide some dried florals I usually have a heap laying around the house. I like to keep things pretty simple. I will bring my neutral rug, ‘One Letters’ , wooden box and cake stand sometimes we use both, sometimes only one. I have some hats & fairy wings I can provide for girls, there should be a photo example in the client closet welcome to use. If you are having family photos I normally shoot these first and then we will do cakesmash afterwards. Make sure you bring wipes, a towel or something if you are wanting to wash your Bub off afterwards. Siblings, furbabies and yourself are always welcome to join in on the cakesmash I just like to try do Bub first as its their day after all.
WHAT TO WEAR.
It's Gotta Make Sense
Wear what is appropriate for the location and the activities we plan to do. We don't want you're outfit to stop you from enjoying it fully.
So, here's a friendly reminder for dad: no running down the beach with a surfboard under arm while wearing chinos, a dress shirt and shoes. It just doesn't quite match the scene!
If skating is on the agenda, throw on some jeans and your favourite Converse or Vans. Remember, when we're at the beach, feel free to ditch the shoes and embrace the sand between your toes.
No Matchy Matchy
Mix up your colours and textures. Try to have everyone in a different tone/colour/texture, this help to set each of you apart instead of blending in together. It shouldn't be super obvious that you're on your way to get your photos done.
Choose Practical
Wear something that is weather appropriate and something you can move freely in.
Can you move in it? Is it comfortable? Is it warm?
If you know you're going be doing alot of running around with your family, pants/jeans with a blouse/Tee are a great practical option.
Nothing will distract you from the present moment quite like clothes that are too tight or too big. Wear an outfit that doesn't require you to constantly readjust or fix.
If it's cold, load up on the layers. We can always remove them as we go, just make sure everyone is warm.
Personal Flavour
Add some spunk, show off your style and let your freak flag fly. Dig out your vintage finds, your flares, hats and/or include some props appropriate to the scene, whether it's a camp-fire, a guitar, picnic basket, your husbands treasured car or even your animals, Dogs, Horses, alpacas and Cows!.. Anything that is unique to you, your style and your family to make your session more personal.
BONUS.
~STYLING BLUNDERS~
THINGS TO AVOID
•Hat Hair. Hats are an awesome prop to add a touch of style and personality to your photos. However, we want to make sure those gorgeous faces shine through. So, I won't keep the hats on your heads for the entire session. To avoid the dreaded hat hair, it's best to bring your hats along instead of wearing them for too long before the session.
•Shoulder Frills. While they may look adorable, frilly shoulders on tops or dresses have a mischievous tendency to stick up and cover those beautiful faces. To ensure that your family's lovely expressions are not hidden behind ruffled fabric, it's best to avoid outfits with excessive shoulder frills for the session.
•Maxi Dresses. I love a good flowy maxi dress as much as the next beach lover, but they can be abit of a trip hazard when you're running after your kids. These are your photos and you you can wear one if you have your heart set on it, but a good alternative is a flowy midi length dress, one that you won't step on or need to hold up when you move around.
•Off the shoulder dresses/tops. I discovered this one through my own personal experience when I wore an off the shoulder dress to my own family session. I spent majority of the time trying to fix it up, I couldn't lift my arms to play freely with my kids and it fell down more times then I could count, it was a huge unnecessary distraction.
•Logos. We also want the focus to be on you, so best to avoid big distracting logos.
•Formal Attire. Sessions are loaded with activities and lots of movement. We are capturing your active, adventurous lifestyle, therefore it doesn't make sense to dress formally for the occasion.
•Perfectly Coordinated Outfits. It shouldn't be super obvious that you're on your way to get your photos taken. Contrary to popular belief, you don't all need to wear matching shades of beige or follow the latest photography session trends to rock your family photos. The goal is to capture genuine moments and showcase the unique personalities within your family.
CHOOSING A LOCATION.
We choose a location based on the activities your family most enjoys doing together.
The options are endless! Your questionnaire can help identify a location that will best suit your photography experience.
Flexibility is the secret ingredient to an epic session!
Mother Nature can be wild and unpredictable. Sometimes, the conditions may not align perfectly with your chosen location. Maybe the wind is being a bit too mischievous, or there's a fire smoking out the the place.
But fear not! More often then not there's a solution right around the corner. A nearby location that offers the perfect combination of protection from the elements and safety. Trust me, we'll find a spot that wil make your session absolutely unforgettable!
Leading up to your session, I become your very own weather, wind and surf guru. I keep a close eye on the reports, analysing the skies like a pro. If it’s looking like we arn’t going to get the look we want I will reschedule to an alternate date.
EVERY SESSION IS UNIQUE!
• Distractions. Say no to distractions, yes to presence! Please leave any potential distractions like phones, iPads, or toys in the car. Your captivating presence is all we need to create an amazing experience. Besides, who needs digital gadgets when you've got your family's amazing energy?
• Food. Satisfy those rumbling tummies! Nobody wants to experience the wrath of the hangry monster during the session, so make sure everyone has their bellies filled before we begin. I also know that toddlers and snacks go hand in hand, so you're welcome to bring some along. Steer clear of messy snacks or treats early on that can leave stains on clothing. However, as we progress fruits like watermelon, mangoes, and strawberries can be a fun for some messy play
• Water. There wil be plenty of action, don't forget to grab your trusty water bottles to stay hydrated and keep up with all the excitement.
• Sleep. Beauty sleep is no joke! Let's get those little rascals tucked in early the night before the session. If your session falls around their bedtime, consider adjusting naptime a bit. But hey, if they resist and refuse to snooze, don't fret. They always manage to summon their hidden energy reserves once they're out in the fresh air.
• Clothes. Save the fancy session outfits for the location. Trust me, your kids have a supernatural talent for turning their clothes into modern art within minutes of wearing them! Let's start fresh and clean, it won't last long, they will be messy so please pack extra clothes for the drive home.
• Body checks. Conduct a thorough inspection for any unwanted accessories like rogue hairbands or week-old bandaids. Also, it's a good idea to remove watches unless you have an obvious tan line.
• Toys. When packing toys for the session, remember that anything you bring along might become an unexpected star in the photos. Be selective and choose wisely, our magical editing powers don't extend to prying cherished toys out of determined little hands. If your child insists on clutching their beloved toy throughout the session, embrace it as part of their unique personality and let it shine in the photos.
• Pets. If you're bringing your adorable fur baby to the session, don't forget to bring a trusty leash along for the ride. While we love our furry friends, we don't want them to hog the limelight in all the photos. A leash can help keep them under control and ensure they don't steal the show during every shot.
• Arrive on time. Timely arrivals for perfect lighting! We've scheduled the session in sync with the sunrise or sunset, so it's vital that you arrive on time. We don't want to miss that gorgeous natural light, the sun waits for no one!
• Have fun. The key to getting the most out of your photography session is to let loose, play, and have an absolute blast with your family. Remember, there's no pressure to do anything that you or your loved ones don't want to do.
The more you embrace the experience and be present in the moment, the more naturally it will all unfold and authentic your images.
SESSION DAY PREPARATION
Whilst You Wait..
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