THE WHY
I specialise in family portrait photography because I am deeply passionate about photographing moments that evoke a sense of belonging and joy and capture the cherished essence of family.
When my boys see our printed photos on the wall or flick through the photo books, they remember our time together; they know they belong and know we are a family.
I'm here to make the process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Ready to Book! it's As Easy as 1,2,3,4
01.
Your Choice
Once you’ve chosen a package and date, Get in touch and I will send you a booking link.
02.
Booking
Click the booking link, pay the deposit, fill in a short questionnaire and sign contract.
03.
Clothing consultation
I will be in touch before the booking date to help you coordinate your outfits.
04.
Photo Day
I will meet you at Tomato Lake or at my home studio, I will guide you on how to pose and position yourself so you feel confidence and comfortable in front of the camera.
WHAT TO WEAR
Clothing
Clothing plays a crucial role in a photoshoot as it helps set the tone and enhances the overall aesthetic of the images. The right outfits can highlight individual personalities, create a sense of cohesion within the group, and ensure that the focus remains on the subjects rather than on distractions.
Well-chosen clothing also complements the setting, lighting, and mood of the shoot, making the final photos feel more intentional and polished. Coordinating colours and styles can create harmony, while thoughtful choices in fabric and fit contribute to flattering, timeless images. Ultimately, clothing helps tell the story you want your photos to convey, ensuring they are not only visually appealing but also meaningful.
Match the Floral
Choose a floral dress for one member of the family, consider the colours and patterns that can be easily incorporated into the rest of the family’s outfits.
Soft pastels for a light, fresh look. From there, coordinate the other family members' clothing by picking out colours from the floral dress.
For example, if the dress features soft pinks and greens, dress the others in complementary shades like blush pinks, sage greens, or neutral tones.
The aim is to create a harmonious and cohesive look, where everyone’s outfit feels connected without being overly matchy-matchy.
This approach helps create a balanced family look for your photoshoot.
White & Tan
For a timeless and elegant family look, consider choosing white and tan as your colour palette.
These neutral tones work beautifully together, creating a fresh and sophisticated aesthetic.
A white dress or shirt can serve as a clean, crisp base, while tan accents—whether in trousers, skirts, shoes, or accessories—add warmth and depth.
. To maintain balance, mix lighter and darker shades of tan, and incorporate textures like linen, cotton, or leather to add interest.
The understated elegance of white and tan ensures that everyone looks effortlessly coordinated, without overwhelming the eye.
White & Denim
White and denim is a classic, effortlessly stylish combination that works for any family.
The crispness of white creates a fresh, clean look, while denim adds a relaxed, timeless vibe. For a coordinated family look, start with white tops—such as shirts, blouses, or dresses—and pair them with denim jeans, skirts, or jackets.
Denim’s versatility allows for a range of shades, from light washes to deeper indigos, so you can mix and match while keeping the overall look cohesive.
This combination is perfect for photoshoots, offering a look that’s both stylish and comfortable.
Light Blue & White
Light blue and white create a serene and breezy combination that's perfect for family photos.
The soft, calming tones of light blue pair beautifully with the crisp, clean freshness of white, creating a look that feels both relaxed and elegant.
For a coordinated family outfit, opt for white dresses or shirts and mix in light blue accents, such as denim, soft blouses, or light blue accessories like scarves or shoes.
The contrast between the two colours is gentle yet striking, and they work well across all family members, from children to adults.
This combination evokes a light, airy feel, making it ideal for warm-weather family photos, offering a timeless, harmonious look that’s both stylish and easy-going.
CLothing to avoid
When preparing for a photoshoot, it's important to avoid certain clothing choices that can detract from the overall look or create distractions in the final images. Here are some things to consider:
- Busy Patterns: Large, bold patterns like plaids, stripes, or logos can draw attention away from the subject and create a chaotic effect in photos. Stick to solid colours or subtle prints for a more timeless, cohesive look.
- Neon or Bright Colours: Neon shades or overly bright colours can be harsh on the eyes and may clash with the lighting, making the photos feel less natural. Opt for softer, more neutral tones or pastels for a balanced and flattering result.
- Clothing with Logos or Text: Clothing featuring large logos, slogans, or text can be distracting and take the focus away from the people in the photos. Choose simple, classic styles for a more polished and sophisticated look.
- Ill-Fitting Clothes: Clothes that are too tight or too loose can be unflattering and may create awkward lines or shapes in the photos. Make sure everyone is wearing well-fitted clothing that enhances their natural shape.
- Shiny or Reflective Fabrics: Fabrics like satin or highly reflective materials can cause glare under studio lights or outdoor sunlight, making it hard to capture clean, crisp images. Matte fabrics tend to photograph better and give a more balanced look.
- Overly Trendy Items: While it’s fun to follow fashion trends, highly trendy clothing can quickly date your photos. Stick to classic, timeless pieces that will look stylish for years to come.
- Clothing That Doesn’t Match the Setting: If you’re shooting in a natural, outdoor setting, avoid formal wear that might look out of place. Likewise, if you’re in a more urban environment, casual clothing may feel more appropriate. Ensure your outfit matches the vibe of the location.
Posing Tips
Relax and Trust the Photographer: Posing is The Key to Beautiful Photos
When posing for a photoshoot, it’s important to listen to the photographer’s guidance and trust their expertise. Don’t worry about what your children are doing—they’ll be taken care of by the photographer, who will know how to capture their attention when needed. If you feel tense or awkward, it can show in the photos, so try to relax and focus on enjoying the moment. The more comfortable and natural you feel, the better the photos will turn out, as a relaxed expression and posture always translate beautifully on camera. Here are a few additional tips.
Skip the Camera, Look at Each Other!
One of the best ways to create genuine, heartfelt family photos is to focus on each other instead of the camera. i
When family members look at one another—whether it’s sharing a smile, a laugh, or just a warm glance—it brings out real emotions and connection.
These are the moments that turn a good photo into a beautiful memory!
So, next time you’re taking family photos, try a few shots where you ignore the camera and just enjoy the people you're with.
Pro Posing Tip: Shift Your Weight!
Want to know a simple trick for more flattering family photos? Shift your weight onto your back leg! i
By doing this, you'll create a more relaxed, natural look, and it adds a slight curve to your body, making the pose more dynamic.
Whether you're standing or sitting, leaning slightly onto your back leg helps you avoid that stiff, "posed" vibe.
Next time you're in front of the camera, remember this tip and watch how it makes a difference in your photos!
What do do with my hands?
Here are some simple tips to help you look natural and relaxed:
Hold Each Other: For family shots, holding hands or placing your hands on each other's shoulders or backs adds warmth and connection.
Use Props: Hold a meaningful item, like a child's favourite toy, or even a family pet to keep your hands busy and add a personal touch.
Natural Gestures: Place your hands casually in your pockets, or rest them gently on your hips. The key is to keep it relaxed and natural.
Frame Your Face: Gently touch your face or hair for a more intimate, thoughtful look.
Interlock Fingers: Interlocking your fingers can be a simple and elegant way to keep your hands occupied.
close the gap
The gap between family members can transform a photo. I'll often tell clients to close the gap, move closer together.
Warmth & Connection: Standing closer adds intimacy and showcases your love.
Better Composition: Tight spaces create balanced, beautiful shots.
Focus on Details: Close-up moments highlight unique expressions and interactions.
Next time you're in front of the camera, snuggle up! You'll see the difference.
Double Chin??
The double chin in photos?! Try it now...bring your ears forward!
It's wild, but it works!
So, if you're worried about that pesky double chin showing up in your photos, here's a posing tip for you: bring your ears forward. It might feel a bit strange at first, but it's a great way to elongate your neck and keep that chin away.
Another chin tip is to avoid having your chin and chest in line; try pushing forward and tilting your chin to one side or angling your body slightly to avoid the straight-on look.
Arms
What should you do with your arms during a photo?
Try placing your hands on your hips. This classic pose works wonders! It accentuates your waist and gives your hands a purpose. Just be mindful not to overdo it, or you might look like a superhero.
Keep your arm slightly bent and create space near your waist. The key is to keep it loose and relaxed, never pressing it close against your body.
nWear loose, longer-sleeved clothing and have arms away from the camera.
Try putting a hand in a pocket, have them crossed, or behind your back with a slight bend.
Stand Tall and Engage Your Core
Stand tall with shoulders back and stomach slightly engaged.
This posture makes you appear more confident and elongates your body, helping to avoid slouching and creating a more flattering silhouette.
Walk and Talk
Walk and Talk for Candid Shots
For a more relaxed and natural look, suggest clients try walking slowly while chatting with each other.
This helps create candid moments that show their true personalities, rather than stiff poses.
Capture movement with a genuine, in-the-moment feel.