FAQ’s

LOCATION  

As I'm a family photographer I recommend we photograph at your home. This is where everyone is most comfortable and the photos will have more meaning to you. Majority of the session will be outdoors in the backyard where we can all relax and move freely.  We can also incorporate an additional location to the shoot.  For instance we start at your home, then we can go to a field/creek/beach/coffee shop to finish the shoot - the options are endless.  But where ever we go I want it to have some kind of relevance to your family. Having a second location also adds variety to your gallery of photos and a change of scenery can be very helpful for stir crazy kids!

TIME

I rely on natural light for my sessions.  Majority of my shooting happens outdoors in the late afternoon about two hours before sunset when the sun is low, soft and golden.  I also offer early morning/sunrise shoots because the lighting is very similar at this time but I understand this time slot isn't for everyone.

WHAT TO WEAR

Something you feel great in but most importantly comfortable!  Simple as that.  You can then just dress everyone else in a complimentary way to your outfit.

My style of photography is very natural and I want your wardrobe to reflect this too.  That definitely means no matching blue jeans and white shirts.  I will also add that if you're thinking about ironing a shirt for anyone, then you need to choose something else to wear. I don't know of anyone who irons clothes just to wear around the house on a weekend. T-shirts work perfectly and to be honest, you will feel more relaxed in one.  Keep it real guys. If you're going to wear a dress/skirt, please know that I will have you sitting down at times so if it's too short then you may find it hard to get comfortable or into a favourable position.

Natural and neutral shades work so well and avoid dressing any two people in the same colour because they will blend into one and it’s hard to distinguish between bodies.  PLEASE don’t wear black or navy for this same reason and no t-shirts with large logos/images/wording on the front because they are distracting and will date. 

Don't be afraid of patterns either - just not too many though. I suggest just one family member wears a pattern shirt/dress and everyone else in complimenting shades of solid colour/s.  

If you need help or inspiration with clothing options I have collected some broad ideas of what can work well.  Please click here to have a look.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

If we are shooting indoors and you're worried about your home, please don't stress.  All I suggest is that you de-clutter the rooms that I would most likely shoot in which are the main bedroom, kids bedrooms and lounge. I will really only be working in the rooms with the best natural light.   

What's also important is the linen on your bed.  It's a good idea to have a clean and neutral coloured bed spread/pillows in your main bedroom.  What also works nicely is if you have a crocheted or patchwork blanket for example that can be thrown onto the bed to add texture and a pop of colour.

DAY OF SHOOT

When I arrive at your home I would love for you to show me around, that way I can work out the best areas to work in.  I will most likely need to stand on your sofa/bed at some stage and I may need to rearrange some furniture to accommodate for the lighting, so just a heads up.  I will be guiding you on how to achieve natural family photos with regards to lighting and I will also suggest ways in which you can sit together and interact.  I let the session unfold and I capture exactly what I see. Please don't feel you can't be yourself in front of me.  If you enjoy an afternoon wine or beer, please know that it's ok to crack the bottle open while I'm there. Hey, it may even help you relax...!

HOW & WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

Your images will be ready to view online within 2 weeks of our session and it will be sent via email with a link to view your private online gallery. You will then be able to download your photos and even print them directly with my recommended printer, Atkins Photo Lab.

PRINTING YOUR PHOTOS

When you receive your online gallery and you are ready to print, Atkins Photo Lab have an online store which is linked to your photos. They produce photographic products that will last for generations and their products are hand made, carefully crafted, and truly special.  As well as printing and enlargements, they also offer albums, canvases, calendars and even framing for your printed photos!  It's super easy and so convenient.

Everyone knows you can get prints done very cheap at the big named businesses, but you won’t get any where near the same quality than Atkins Photo Lab gives as they are experts in their fields.  

*If you choose to use another printing company I can not guarantee quality of the final printed product.

WHAT IF WE ARE UNWELL ON OUR SESSION DATE?

No problem -  we reschedule.  Just let me know as soon as possible and we'll work out another date that suits us both.

WHAT IF IT'S RAINING ON OUR SESSION DATE?

We reschedule.  I'm happy to work in all weather conditions mother nature throws at us but rain is where my camera and I stop.  

*There will be an $80 fee if you choose to reschedule more than twice for reasons other than illness and weather.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN’T CO-OPERATE DURING OUR SESSION?

There's nothing I haven't seen, trust me.  I have two kids of my own and I get how these things happen every now and then, or even on the daily!  It might be your tweenager going through the 'too cool' stage or your toddler screaming because you picked him up but he wants to be put down...  Please don't let this stress you out and ruin the experience.  I'm here to capture your family in it's genuine form and if that means tantrums, then so be it!  I want real life, not cheesy fake smiles.

CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP ME?

This is something I don't do.  It wouldn't be true to my style of honest family photography if I did.  I will remove the odd blemish but that's about it.  These photos are not about how you look.  I want you to treat this experience as an opportunity to connect with your family, drop your insecurities and to make some lovely memories with them. You'll be able to give your kids a tonne of images showing them how much they are adored.  Trust me, your kids won't look back on these photos and think anything but 'look how we loved'.