Hello!
I am so excited to meet your family and capture some amazing memories for you. This guide will help you prepare for the photoshoot and make the most out of it.
What to wear
I have created a Pinterest board to get you inspired, check it out HERE.
Natural colours that “blend in” with Darwin’s stunning outdoor locations work best: earthy, warm tones look amazing, especially at sunset. Also the good old (off) white is a classic that never fails. Try to avoid plain black or patterns that are too busy and might be distracting. Clothes with texture are also great, e.g. lace, wool etc although most are too hot for Darwin 😉 If you are having photos taken in your home, get cosy! Something casual and comfortable, that you feel good in. (But if you want to go all out with a stunning gown, yes please, let’s do it!)
Decide first what you are wearing and then work out what everyone else is wearing around your outfit.
Keep in mind these photos will likely end up hanging on your wall, so wear something that you love! You could bring a couple of different outfits so we can have a play. Especially for the kids, it’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothes. If you are unsure, lay down everybody’s outfit options on your bed and send me pictures so I can advise you on what will look best. If you are having maternity photos, outfits that show off your beautiful round belly work best. Long flowy dresses or skirts are great; some mums choose to also bring along a sarong/kimono and a bikini to get changed into, so we can get photos of the naked belly.
What to bring
I always encourage my families to bring along something meaningful to them in this moment in time to include in some images, whether it be a game they like to play as a family, the kid’s favourite toy, blanket, storybook, or something related to individual hobbies – I had a couple once bring their motorbikes – sky’s the limit! If your pooch is coming along to the shoot, bring their lead, treats and toys, so we can decide when and how to involve them in the images. If you have a nice picnic blanket/beach rug bring it along too. Snacks (kids always get hungry when they’re having fun) and water. And don’t forget to cover up with sunscreen and insect repellent. If we are doing a home photoshoot, gather together special items or games that you would like to include in the images.
Tips and tricks
Some people get nervous before their photoshoot or dread being in front of the camera (often this is dad or the teenage kids) thinking they will have to pose and say cheese. Make sure everybody attending the shoot has seen my style of images and knows they are going out for something fun. If you have young children, plan a quiet day for them and try and get them down for a nap before the photoshoot so they arrive full of energy. Ultimately though, let the kids be kids. Don’t worry if they don’t follow instructions or don’t sit still. Some kids might need to warm to me first and might just want to snuggle up with mum for a while. This to me is just a perfect photo opportunity. Other kids might prefer to explore and do their own thing. Great, I can use this time to take some really natural individual portraits of them. I am used to working with little people and my photoshoots are very dynamic, so if one idea doesn’t work I find different ways of capturing the magic. Come to the shoot and have fun!
