Can't wait to capture this season with you!

 

Family - prep guide

 

Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer


Hello!


I'm so excited for our time together. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel calm, prepared, and completely yourself on session day. Grab a cuppa and have a read through — and don't forget to fill in your questionnaire (if you haven't already), so I know exactly what you're hoping to capture

 

 

Planning your outfits

 

 

Try to have everyone's outfits sorted and set aside about a week before your session — clean, fitting, and ready to go. Depending on your kids' ages, you can always dress them once you arrive at the location rather than fighting to keep them clean beforehand!

I'd recommend keeping a backup outfit in the car just in case of an accident or spill. If you're wearing a piece from my client wardrobe, I'll bring it along on the day — just have something comfy to slip into afterward when you change back.

 

Top tips


Prioritise your kids' needs going into session day — naps, snacks, a full belly. You're investing in this experience, so give it the best shot by having everyone comfortable and in good spirits. Truthfully, your kids just want to be with you — if you show up ready to have fun and let your family's personality shine, that's where the best photos (and memories) come from.


I also just want to reassure you that your kids don't need to be 'well behaved' let's just embrace their personality and go with the flow.


I don't want to hear:

"Please just smile we need one nice photo for nana"

This is not what they need to hear...


Let try instead:

"Mummy loves your cheeky smile and I'm going to tickle you (and bring them in for a cuddle)

This is going to get a much better and more authentic result.

Nails


Your hands will feature a lot in photos with your little ones, so give them a little love beforehand — smooth, chip-free nails go a long way in photos.

Hair & make up


If you have the time or skill, this is your moment to do your hair and makeup. At the very minimum, I'd suggest a little mascara and a swipe of lip balm — dry lips show up more than you'd think on camera! If you choose to book a hairdresser or makeup artist please mention to them this shoot is based on the weather incase you need to reschedule your appointment you can ask their policies.

Getting ready


Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you're not racing the clock. Prioritise kids naps, and early easy dinner. Clothes all ready for each family member. The more relaxed you feel arriving, the more that shows in your photos. This is your time to simply be present with your family. If you are planning to 'bribe' your kids please do not fill them up on sugar before the shoot, save it for something they get in the car at the end of the session.

 

Keep in mind


On the day


Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so nobody feels rushed — I want you to actually enjoy the session, not just survive it! Once we're together, let go of the to-do list and just be present with your family.

Please arrive on time and keep your phone handy in case I need to reach you. If we're shooting at sunset and start late, unfortunately that does eat into our time — once the light's gone, we can't get it back.

Think of the session as an hour of unplugged time together. Let the kids be kids, take my gentle direction, and then just make it your own — you know exactly how to get that real belly laugh or cheeky grin out of them, and that's what makes the photos feel like your family.

 

 

Prep guide


Session location

 

 

Outdoor sunset

 

Your choice of Marlborough location

I'll have my camera bag on hand for small essentials like keys, phones, nappies, or wipes — pop them in and I'll carry it while we shoot, so you can stay hands-free with your family.


Pack spare clothes in your car something warm and comfortable for you to change into when we are finished up just incase anyone get's dirty/wet. Depending on location even a bottle of water and a towel incase you need to wash your feet.


Shoes - if we're at the beach I recommend shoes that slip on and off that can get wet and sandy. For all other locations shoes that are practical and match your looks.

 

Home proerty

 

Your address

We will chat about where on the property we will start and finish the session so we have a plan for the shoot and also discuss what the best time of day for your session will be. Just make sure you're ready to go on my arrival. If we are starting inside no need to deep clean your whole house! Just tidy the specific spaces we'll use — bedrooms, lounge anywhere with a lovely natural window light. Beforehand, I may ask for a few photos, a quick video walkthrough. If we are heading outdoor for sunset I want to you to really take this opportunity to have fun, feel free and flow my prompts.  

 

Good to know


Weather & Rescheduling


Weather can be unpredictable, so here's how we handle it:


Overcast/cloudy: I may suggest starting 1–1.5 hours earlier to catch the best light.

Rain or strong wind: We'll postpone and find a new date together.


I'll always be in touch directly if I have concerns. I will contact you around 12pm midday on the day of the session to make any decisions.


Other reasons we may need to postpone:


+ Anyone attending the session is unwell

+ I'm unwell, or need to care for my son if he's under the weather

+ Extremely windy, rainy, or low-light conditions


We will postpone to the next mutually agreed date available.

 

Questions? I'm Here.
My inbox is always open — hello@augustluxe.com
On the day of your session, you can reach me directly on my cell: 0273585265

 

What happens next?!

 

step 01

 

Enjoy the session

The more you relax and enjoy the session by going with the flow the better the results will be! Remember gentle movement is key, I will guide the whole session so if you're feeling a little nervous about what to do please do not worry, I'm here to help.

STEP 02

 

4 weeks

Within 4 weeks after your session you will receive your online preview gallery to view and favourite your chosen images. (this is also when you can upgrade your package if you'd like). I will send full instruction on this process with your gallery.

STEP 03

 

Download, save & share

Once your final private online gallery is sent with a pin you have access to download, save and share. Please download and save to at least two places for safe keeping. Your gallery is online for 1 month and can be sent to your friends and family and has unlimited downloads.

STEP 04

 

Thank you

If you enjoyed your session with me, here are a couple of ways to support my business.


+ Leave me a google review

+ Recommend me to your friends

+ Tag me in any images shared online


Once again a massive thank you for choosing me to be your photographer.