The Complete Family Guide
WHAT TO EXPECT & HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
What if it's Raining?
We are lucky enough to not have to worry about too many rainy days in Hawkes Bay. If you'r up for the adventure rainy days make for the most amazing photos. I understand with little ones that sometimes it's not an option so if the weather is bad we can reschedule for the earlier available date or I have a small studio we can use.
What if My kids don't play ball?
Firstly when do kids really play ball
when you want them too. Secondly ! have worked with tiny humans for a long time now and also have my own so know exactly what it's like.
Trust in me, I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get their attention.
The best thing you can do is just let them be kids and trust I will capture the little moments in-between the chaos
How many pictures will I receive?
80+
I don't put a limit on so you will get all the good ones
Tip #1
For the little loves who don't sit still, in the weeks leading up to the session start showing them some songs like Round and Round The Garden, Row Row Row the Boat and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. These are some of my go to's to get them to get them to sit still for a second and a great way to capture authentic moment between
you and them.
tip #2
Pack snacks for the kids, a change of clothes for any accidents and have a treat on hand if there is a need for
bribery. Mini Marshmallows are the BEST. They are tiny and mess free
tip #3
Focus on connection over perfection. Just be in the moment with your family and don't think about anything else. Thats all my job
Location
The location will set the overall mood and feel for your family session.
We can go on an adventure together or if you'd prefer I can come visit you at home. A favourite toy, a well-
worn sofa, walls imbued with love and memories.
The timing of the session is determined the location. 90% of sessions are done during golden hour
(That hour before the sun goes down) but some locations we lose the sun a lot earlier.
l have my preferred locations which I know work well but if you have somewhere that is special to your family let me know.
What to wear
The main takeaway here is that you always want to look like YOU.
There is no right way to do this, we all have our own personal style and taste. I just want to encourage you to stay true to who you are, wear something thats makes you feel pretty, comfortable and at home.
For the mama's...
I do have a large Client Closet you are welcome to use. You can have a look on my Instagram Highlights and I am more than happy to bring any to the session for you.
Colour
Rule of thumb with colour is to keep it neutral.
We want the focus of the
images to be the emotion in your faces, so the less distracting your clothes are the better.
Bold colours can also reflect back onto your skin so the more muted or
neutral the tone the better.
Neutral don't always mean black and white either. If you going to wear green make it an earthy green... forest, khaki, moss or olive.
Going for orange, lean more towards rust, mustard or burnt orange.
Stay away from the punchy strong colours.
Pattern's + Textures
We want to compliment each other not to match....
Find complimentary colours that look good side by side. Too much contrast can be distracting so if one person is wearing white, we want the other to be in cream/grey/lighter colours as well rather than black.
Textures are a dream to capture. Knits, linens, waffle print or corduroy.
Style
Choosing clothing that adds
movement to your images is key.
You want your clothes to flow with you as you move. Picture the wind catching your sleeve as you wrap your arms around each other.
You are going to be moving (as fast as the children as times) so the last
thing you want is to feel uncomfortable because your jeans
are too tight or saying "you cant do that, this outfit wont let me"
On the day
The week before the session you will receive a email from me checking in to confirm time and location.
Connect on the day...
Relax, unwind, choose to do what you love on the day of your shoot.
The photoshoot itself is much more about the experience than it is the photos.
Children in their element, exploring the world.
Time spent together with nothing to think about but each other.
We start the session with some quiet moments, get that one photo that we all know the grandparents will want with everyone smiling and looking at the camera then we get all the beautiful chaos.
We play games, ask questions and explore our surroundings I gave you all the prompts to capture authentic moments together and use
our sense's like feel, sight, sound and smell to make the session a enjoyable experience.
after the shoot
After your shoot I go home and backup all your images to keep your memories safe.
Your full gallery will be ready 4 weeks from your session
ANY questions at all I am always here to help
See you soon
R x
