When selecting your families photographer you must take the time to select someone you feel matches your families style & needs.  Make sure you view all website galleries, does the photographers style match what you are looking for?  Do they offer the backgrounds you have in mind?  If you are happy with what you see then the next step is to check out prices and products.  Does the price match your budget?  Do the products match your needs? Don't forget an expensive photographer does not equal a great photographer,  it probably just suggests very high overheads they need to pay for.  The next step is to phone the photographer and discuss your needs and dates.  Was the photographer helpful?  Did they sound bubbly & friendly?  Did you feel comfortable speaking with them.  If the answer is yes then you have found your families photographer. :) 

Studio Session:  A studio offers many great benefits, a background with no distraction making your family the focus of the portrait, your photographer has full control of lighting allowing them to create great effects.  If you are looking for classic portraits that won't date, a simple black backdrop with the right choice of clothing and lighting will be a beautiful treasured memory.  Studio sessions do require a bit of posing especially for family shots however there is enough room for children to crawl around, stand or play in the studio area in safe surroundings. 

Location Session:  A location offers many great benefits, show your families style with a location chosen that means something to your family, a beach, a park or a garden area.  A location offers a more relaxed environment for kids to run around and also offers more natural options for images.  Your family will not be such a main focus on location but become one with the surroundings.  Keep in mind that you will have alot of natural environment elements to contend with such as sun, rain, wind, cold or heat, ants & bugs are sometimes a problem as well.  Keep in mind that you may have to reschedule your shoot should the weather turn bad, or have your backup plan of having your session at the studio instead.  The children will have more area to run around in which sometimes becomes a little difficult for parents juggle.   
 

It is suggested that you book your photo session around your childs feeding and sleeping times.  The best time to book is generally within 1/2 an hour after your childs sleep & feed.  This is when they are most happy, it is suggested to bring a snack & drink for during the session as well.  A studio session will allow you to book any time convenient to you, however if selecting a location shoot you will be looking at a late afternoon session so make sure this will work with your children.  Your end product will rely heavily on how your child is feeling, as you know, if a child is tired or hungry, it doesn't matter what your photographer does to get them to smile, they are not going to respond.  So please help your photographer to get the best portraits they can by booking the best time for your baby or child.  
 

Once you have chosen your photographer and you have discussed and booked the location and time for your photo session it is important to select the right clothing for your family.  

For your photography session in the studio we will be using a black background.

We have found from experience that basic coloured clothing produces the best photographs. Patterns can detract from your natural beauty and contribute to images dating quickly. By keeping clothing simple we will be able to produce images which are timeless and classic in nature.

When choosing clothing, try to stay away from items with logo’s, writing or patterns, these items will distract from the photo and clash if having group portraits taken. Pastel or light colours will look washed out.

For a more casual style portrait jeans with white shirts look great. If you have any ideas but are unsure bring in a few items and we can have a look at them on the day.

In particular for new born, infant and toddler shoots we request that the parents each bring along for themselves:
• A plain black shirt or blouse per parent; and
• A plain white shirt or blouse per parent

We recommend the following for the new born, infants and toddler:
• White singlet, top or jumpsuit
• White disposable nappy
• Any favorite outfits

Maternity/pregnancy sittings are required to bring a form fitting top at least around the bust line. It is important that this top is not oversized as this will hide your form. A button up blouse is also required to allow button up on bust line but an opening over your belly. Pants can be jeans, black slacks or skirts. A crop top is also a great idea and a robe for between shots. Remember if anyone else will be in your shoot choose clothes that go well together.

Maternity/pregnancy sittings will be showing a lot of skin, make sure you remove any tight fitting clothing eg. Bras, tight pants, that will leave marks on your skin at least several hours before your sitting, remember to fully moisturize your skin. (Do not use glitter based moisturizer as this does not photograph well).

Try to keep your jewelry to a minimum, just items that are sentimental can be a nice touch. Jewelry can distract from the photo and also reflect with the flash lights. Watches and belt buckles can also be a problem.

If you have seen any pictures you would like me to try to recreate bring it in with you, this will also help me to understand the type of portraits you are interested in.

Be open during your photo session, discuss what you are looking for and try new ideas.

Organize your clothes and accessories and pack any items you will bring with you the night before your sitting, having everything chosen and ready will help you and your family have a stress free morning when getting ready and help you leave in plenty of time for your sitting. Feeling calm and unrushed on arrival will help you relax during your session.

Finally if you have young children, bring a toy or teddy that will help comfort your child if they become upset, choose something that can be photographed with your child.

You are welcome to change outfits during the shoot. In fact for larger shoots we encourage our clients to bring along a suitcase worth of clothes if they feel necessary.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

We would advise keeping makeup clean and natural looking for casual sessions.

All subjects are requested to arrive with their hair and make up done prior to all photography sessions. It is recommended that gentlemen be dusted with translucent powder to reduce “hot spots” in the images. 

Ladies please don't wear a glittery based makeup or moisterizer, it may look good for a night out but does not photograph well. 

Ladies having maternity shots - don't forget to moisterize your entire body.

If your session is taking place outdoors we would ask that you use either product or clips to avoid fly away hair in photos due to breezes.

As some of our shots may be close-ups, you might like to consider trimming nails and such. If you have any blemishes that you are concerned about please let us know and we will either Photoshop them out during post processing or light and photograph during the shoot in a way so as not focus on them.