Frequently Asked Questions
I want to make your family photo session as smooth and relaxed as possible, so please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Check out the questions & answers below, or contact me HERE if you have another enquiry.
What is your style of photography?
My photography is all about relaxed, natural images that best capture you and your family. I’m not about perfectly posed images - instead, I love capturing the natural, emotive connections between family members. I love photographing the details of your chubby little toddler's hand as he grips yours, the laughter you share while splashing in puddles and the gentle kisses you give your baby. To me, beautiful photography is all about the details and the moments your family share together. I’m just there to capture them!
Where will our photo session take place?
We're lucky in Geelong to have so many great locations to choose from! Whether you'd like sunset at the beach to capture that golden light, in a park with lots of lovely long grass or a cosy photo session in your own home, we will work together to decide what suits your family best. I have my favourite outdoor locations to recommend, but if you have a special place in mind, that's great too!
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible! I tend to book out 3-4 months in advance - sometimes even longer in the summer season - so the sooner the better.
What should we wear?
This is always the first question I get asked! My biggest piece of advice is to always wear something you love, and that you feel like yourselves in. I want you to look like YOU in your family photos. Wear clothes you love… Whether it’s flowy dresses, ripped jeans, sunnies, a tutu - whatever you fancy! They’re your photos for your walls, for you to love forever.
There are some colours and things to avoid though, as they tend to overwhelm your photos… Too much black, red or fluro colours, for example. It’s also best to stay away from large brand names and slogans. Try to complement each other's clothes, but without being too matchy. You don't all need to wear matching jeans and white shirts, for example! Instead, choose your outfit first and then find complementing outfits for everyone else.
If you have any questions about your clothing choices, feel free to contact me before your session to ask.
What actually happens at our session?
I will arrive at your house or our chosen location, camera in hand (and maybe a little step-ladder as I'm only 5"2!), and get to know you all a little bit first. We'll have a chat, I'll say hello to your kids so they can get used to me and we'll go over our plans for the session.
My photo sessions are always relaxed and laid back. I’ll usually capture some family photos of everybody first, then we’ll break off into different combinations - just the children, just the parents, kids with mum, etc. We’ll explore the location and take photos in a few different spots together.
I’m a bit awkward having my photo taken. Will you tell us what to do in the photos?
I will gently guide you when necessary, but will try to avoid posing as much as possible. I’ve been doing this for five years now, so have had lots of experience with getting people to relax and not worry about the camera. Some families even say they forgot I was there because they were so busy playing, which I love!
I might ask you to sit in a particular spot so the light is perfectly behind you, or I might ask you to squish in closer next to your children, but I won’t force you into cheesy, awkward positions. I’ll encourage you all to cuddle, play, tickle or splash in puddles while I snap away with my camera. Mostly I want you to relax and have fun together, because that’s where the beauty is!
I really want that beautiful golden light in our photos at the beach, but my daughter goes to bed early. Can we have our beach shoot at lunchtime instead?
Unfortunately not! Beach shoots are best in the evening during golden hour to catch that beautiful glow as the sun starts to set. During the day, the light is generally too harsh for the beach, which can cast shadows on your faces and make everything look washed out. (And also, beaches are really busy during the day. You probably don’t want squillions of people in bathers in the background of your photos!)
If you’re worried your little one won’t cope well being up a bit later for your photo shoot, you could aim for autumn / winter / spring, when the sun sets much earlier. Alternatively, you could choose a beautiful shady location like the Botanic Gardens or by the river, which are both perfect for the mornings.
(I generally find children are super happy to be playing at the beach with their parents though, even if it is a bit later than usual! We can keep them busy and happy with tickles, splashes and lots of playing time… It’s only one night, and think how well they’ll sleep for you when you get home!)
What happens after our session?
Within 48 hours of your session, I will send you a couple of sneak peeks. 3-4 weeks after your session, I will email you a secure link to view your full online gallery, where you can choose your favourite photos to download. These are yours to print or share wherever you like.
I love the idea of an in-home session, but my house isn't perfect!
Please don't worry! As long as you have a cosy bed or a couch to sit on and some natural light, we will be fine. I've done many in-home sessions in just one room and the photos were some of my favourites. Just clear any clutter away that you don't want in your photos. The main rooms we might be in would be the living room and the master bedroom.
A little tip - make sure you love your master bedroom bedspread, as this will feature in many of your photos!
What if my toddler doesn't want their photo taken or if my teenager is grumpy or if my baby cries?
Of course these things will happen! I'm a mum of two boys, so I totally get it. We'll all work together to keep them happy and entertained... We'll play chasey and blow bubbles and read their favourite book, and give plenty of breaks when needed. And if all else fails, remember, it's not about perfectly posed photos - I'd rather a cute little bottom lip sticking out and chubby hands on hips rather than a forced smile any day!
Will you retouch our photos and take away my double chin?
Not really, no. I will professionally edit your images to bring out the best in colour and tone, but I won't change how you look by making your teeth whiter or your legs slimmer! I can remove dribble from your baby's chin or boogers from your toddler's nose though, if you'd like me to.
What if we're all sick, or if it's raining?
We can reschedule, no problems. I'm happy to shoot in any weather aside from rain - we'll just keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your booked session time.
Do you travel for photo sessions?
Sure! I'm based in Geelong, but am happy to travel further afield to Torquay, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Anglesea, Melbourne, etc. I just ask that my travel fees are covered if travel time is longer than an hour.
I'm ready to book! What's next?
Yay! Contact me HERE to get started!