Lighting and location will have a massive impact on the look of your images. I highly recommend choosing an outdoor location and having your session during sunset known as golden hour. This starts 1 hour before sunset.
I do have a location guide to help you choose a location suited to you and what you're are dreaming of. Beach, hills, field or maybe on your own farm/property?
Please feel free to ask me about locations and timing if you're not quite sure, I'm here to help. If you're brave enough for a sunrise the lighting would also be stunning!
I do understand that in summer the sunset is quite late and often past kids bed times. There are definitely ways you can support them to get through a later session like an extra day nap, snacks or some bribery of a treat on the way home. Photos during sunset are always so worth it.
However I do get it, perhaps you would like mid morning or an afternoon session because that's when your little one/s is the happiest. I want to keep this as stress free, easy and enjoyable for everyone. Check out the location guide for mid morning or afternoon sessions that work well.
If you have a beautiful home with great natural lighting you can absolutely have a session in your own home. Generally the best time for an in home session is mid morning or afternoon. This is a great opportunity to have some really natural relaxed images, sitting on the couch, laying on your bed and your little one/s playing the comfort of their own space. We can also get more creative with lighting and get outdoors too. You might have a cute front door, garden area or a back yard full of toys. I recommend if you have your session in home to have it as an activity based session where we can make a plan.
Imagine this:
~ Making coffee
~ Cuddles and tickles on the bed
~ Eating pancakes
~ Picking flowers or strawberries from the garden
~ Playing on the swing
~ Popping the sprinkler on
~ Having an ice cream
~ Going for a little stroll down around your street with the dog
Pick a couple, keep it simple and enjoy making some memories in at your home.
Once you have decided where you would like the session that will help deterime what time of day/day of the week suits best. We can always reschedule if you want to change your original booking for example from an outdoor sunset session to an in home mid morning session. Also know that you are welcome to have the session on a location that is not on the guide.
For mum I suggest having something that is beautiful and comfortable for you. It is an opportunity for you to dress up or keep it more casual. Honestly these are your photos I want you to feel good for you. I have a client wardrobe that you are welcome to use, a lot of the dresses fit a range of sizes and are beautiful neutral colours.
The general rule for photos is to wear neutral or earthy colours. I suggest avoiding colours like bright blue, red, yellow, black and crisp white or anything that has large words/logos across the top.
Paring neutral colours like off whites, creams, pastels, browns, greens, earthy colours and including different material/patterns and textures is really great. I do have a small range of small kids clothes in the client wardrobe too.
I recommend having you all stick to 1 outfit and definitely making sure the kids are warm enough. Please have an option if they need to add another layer like a jumper or cardigan.
If you would like any styling advice please let me know.
I typically start the session with getting each combination of parents with each child, all together etc. A nice portrait of your kid/s then encourage play based prompts, keeping things moving and fun. I really want this session to be focused on you enjoying time with your little one/s. Connecting with them, playing, giving kisses and cuddles. Allowing things to unfold naturally - embracing the chaos.
