your family photoshoot: what to expect
Expect to have fun and be ready to play a little. As a Lifestyle Photographer, I'll direct more than pose you. I'll give you some fun prompts and capture your beautiful family enjoying time together.
Expect to laugh [even if it's a fake laugh!] But, know that I won't ask you to stand still and say 'cheese'.
Expect to have photographs all together, in small groups and individual portraits of the kids/everyone.
Expect to receive a BIG gallery of images that capture the magic of your family right now....because we know how quickly time races on.
what happens if it rains?
Clouds and overcast skies can be great for outdoor photos, but rain isn't. We'll check the weather forecast and reschedule for a dry day.
can we bring toys or props?
Absolutely! Your photos will become time capsules transporting you back to the magic of now. I'm happy to include favourite toys in some photos if you would like.
we'd love to include grandparents and fur-babies in our photoshoot
Ka pai! I'd love to capture the special connections with grandparents in your family photoshoot as well as your fur-babies. Please bring dog treats with you!
we have an idea that we'd love to do for our photographs
I’d love to hear any specific photos that you’d like to take and will do my best to capture it. Your photoshoot is about getting beautiful photos that reflect your family.
a member of our family has special needs
My goal is for you and your family to have a relaxed and fun time together while I capture your beautiful connections on camera. If a member of your family has special needs or preferences that I should be aware of, please do let me know….that way I can do my best to make my approach the best fit for your family.
should I wear makeup?
Yes, wearing light/day make up is recommended - or if make up isn’t your thing, use just a little tinted moisturiser.
what should we wear?
Choose outfits that you feel great and comfortable wearing; clothes that go together rather than match. Avoid large logos, characters or reflective fabric as they distract from the stars of the show: you and your family! Think about our location and remember contrast is your friend – stand out from the background, rather than camouflaging into the setting.
Scroll down for my Top 10 Tips to choose what to wear for your family photoshoot.
10 Top tips | Choosing what to wear for your family photoshoot
1. Feel great clothes | Start with your favourites – the clothes that you feel great wearing, that’s comfortable and reflects you. Choose one outfit and then start coordinating.
2. Coordinate | Coordinating rather than matching colours works fabulously. Think about adding a pop of colour.
3. A few things to avoid | Avoid neon and highly saturated colours because it can affect how your skin looks in photos. Avoid big logos because they can really distract from you and your whānau in your photos. Avoid clothing with reflective strips as they catch the light/flash.
4. Remember your feet | Wear comfortable shoes that suit your outfit or go barefoot.
5. Colours and prints | On camera, black isn’t as slimming as in real life – it tends to look like one big block of colour which isn’t as flattering. Prints can be great if it isn’t too crazy, too big, or too small – use the squint test to check if the print design is too much [lay your outfit out and look at it through squinted eyes. If it’s too much when you’re squinting, it’s probably not the best choice]
6. MColour wheel and matching guides | Use a helpful colour matching guide or the colour wheel to find complimentary colours (next to and opposite on the wheel). Also consider your photoshoot location to choose colours and accessories that help you to stand out from your setting, rather than camouflage. Try to have a small amount of contrast between light and dark tones.
7. Variety | Clothing variety is wonderful – a dress, skirt, trousers, button shirt, different fabrics and textures etc. Variety helps each person to stand out and allows everyone to wear outfits that reflect them.
8. A good fit | Fitted clothes look best – loose clothes add width in the camera and too tight clothes aren’t flattering. Choose sleeves that are flattering – long sleeve or ¾ sleeve works great for indoor photos.
9. Make up | Wearing light, day make up for outdoor photos and make up for studio photos is great. If makeup isn’t your thing, go for tinted moisturiser, mascara and a lip colour. If make up is your thing, think about your overall look to compliment. If in doubt, a neutral smoky eye and a pink or neutral lip works well.
10. Layout your selection | Layout the family outfits alongside each other to check how they look together – colours, textures, items and a pop of colour.
