A comprehensive guide to ensure you have a wonderful session (and get the photos of your dreams).

Preparing for your session

Tips to help you get the most out of your photo session.

ARRIVAL: Our start time is the time allocated for the photo session to begin, so where possible I always recommend my families arrive 10 or so minutes early. This gives us a chance to say hello, get changed (if needed), discuss any last minute questions and mosey on over to the first photo location without eating into your session time.

OUTFITS: When choosing outfits for your outdoor family session, I highly recommend opting for lighter, natural colours (particularly whites, creams and beiges), earthy shades like ochres, browns, rich reds and emerald greens. Pastels in more natural shades such as blues, peaches and yellows can also suit some locations. This will help you stand out against those stunning, busy backdrops. Textured, natural fabrics such as linen, cotton or even light denims can be a great choice to help ensure your photos are classic and timeless, and solid colours for clothing, as opposed to busy prints/big patterns is also advised so that you don't blend into the scenery around you! Dresses are always a stunning choice for nature sessions, and I strongly advise to opt for looser garments - clothing with movement and shape fits in so much better with the organic shapes and natural setting of an outdoor location (think loose, linen shirt as opposed to tight, white t-shirts, and flowy pants as opposed to skinny leg jeans, for instance). For shoes, wearing something minimal is always best (sandals for example), but they should still be comfortable, practical and easy for you all to walk in. Try and organise your outfits as a whole, looking for colours and styles that compliment each other so nobody looks like the odd one out (like me in my very un-aesthetic runners and activewear!).

Some locations really call for specific colours to get the most out of your photos, forest locations particularly warrant opting for whites/creams where possible, or the very lightest of colours for your outfits. Whereas beaches and other bright and airy settings can even suit all black wardrobes if you're so inclined! If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out and we can chat through your options in more depth.

For more visual inspiration feel free to view my outfit mood-board for sessions here: https://au.pinterest.com/wildelementsimagery/session-outfit-inspiration/

HAIR/MAKEUP: For hair and makeup, generally the rule is the more natural the better. I tend to suggest quite subtle makeup and hair worn in a relaxed style you feel most confident with for everyone. Of course this is your photoshoot and rules are made to be broken, so if you're wanting to get more fancy let me know and I can plan accordingly!

Getting the best photos from your session:
I think the most beautiful photos happen when everyone is in the moment and having fun so your session will feel more like an hour to play and spend time together rather than forced poses and fake smiles. The main thing I'd suggest with little ones is just to relax and enjoy, if they can see you're having a great time the fun is contagious! If you're too focused on trying to get kids to sit and behave they're probably be counting down the seconds until the session ends. My advice is to lean into whatever interaction is bringing out the smiles and laughter and let me focus on turning these moments into truly beautiful photographs. I love capturing the natural moments so we'll embrace whatever chaos may or may not come our way (but having some of your children's favourite toys and snacks on hand is a great back up to help keep smiles flowing).

Bring alongs: You're welcome to bring any accessories or prop items you like as well, such as important jewellery, hats, picnic rugs (white/neutral colours preferred) - you could even bring an actual picnic if you want to make a day of it! Neutral style toys like balls, books and wooden cameras, rattles, plushies or even bubbles can all be incorporated into the storytelling with beautiful effect. And when in doubt I always encourage families to have a spare outfit + shoes for everyone just in case. Having some nice layering pieces like cardigans/jackets etc. for the whole family is always wise for location shoots as well. And last but not least, some water and snacks to hydrate and fuel you after a wonderful day of making memories.

If you have any further questions about the session or how to prepare please reach out and I'll be happy to answer your questions.