What to Expect During Your Session

I’m so excited to meet you and spend time with your family.

Before anything else, I want you to know this: there is nothing you need to prepare perfectly, and nothing you need to “get right.” These sessions are designed to feel easy, relaxed, and natural, like a little pause in your everyday life where you get to just be together.

From the moment we start, I’ll gently guide you throughout the session. You won’t be expected to pose or know what to do. Instead, I’ll give simple prompts and little moments to respond to, things that help you connect with each other, move naturally, and forget the camera is even there.

There is no pressure for children to sit still, smile on command, or behave in any particular way. In fact, I fully expect playfulness, curiosity, shyness, silliness, and everything in between. That’s exactly what makes the story of your family so real.

We’ll take our time. Nothing is rushed, and we’ll follow the flow of your family as it naturally unfolds. If someone needs a break, that’s completely fine. If little ones want to run, explore, or cuddle up with you instead of “doing a pose,” that’s perfect too.

My approach is very gentle and observational. I won’t be placing you into stiff positions or asking you to perform. Instead, I’ll encourage connection, the little in-between moments, the laughter, the quiet hugs, the way your family naturally is together.

And if at any point you feel unsure or a bit awkward (most people do at the beginning!), that’s completely normal. It always eases within a few minutes as you settle in and realise there’s nothing to get right.

All you really need to do is show up as you are, be together, and trust the process. I’ll take care of the rest.

What to Wear

One of the questions I’m asked most often is, "What should we wear?"

The good news is that there’s no need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for your session. In fact, some of the most beautiful photographs happen when you’re wearing clothes that already feel like you.

The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident. If you're constantly adjusting a dress, tugging at a jumper, or persuading a little one to wear something they hate, it can take away from enjoying the experience. Choose outfits that feel good to wear and allow you to move, cuddle, play, and explore with ease.

Think Coordination, Not Matching

Rather than everyone wearing the same colours, aim for outfits that complement one another.

Soft, earthy tones and muted colours tend to photograph beautifully and work perfectly with the natural surroundings we often use for sessions. Think:

• Creams and oatmeal
• Soft browns and beige tones
• Sage greens
• Rust and terracotta
• Dusty blues
• Warm neutrals
• Light pinks

When everyone’s outfits work together, the focus stays on your connections and expressions rather than what you're wearing.

Embrace Texture

Texture adds so much warmth and depth to photographs.

Knitted jumpers, linen dresses, corduroy dungarees, cotton fabrics, flowing skirts, cosy cardigans and layered outfits all photograph beautifully and help create that timeless, storytelling feel.

Keep It Simple

I recommend avoiding:

• Large logos
• Character clothing
• Neon colours
• Busy patterns
• Clothing with lots of text

These can draw attention away from the people in the photograph and can make images feel dated more quickly.

A small pattern is absolutely fine, but if one family member wears a pattern, it often works best if the others wear simpler pieces.

Need a Little Inspiration?

If you're not quite sure where to start, I've put together a Pinterest board full of outfit inspiration for families, couples, children, and multi-generational sessions.

You'll find plenty of ideas for colour palettes, textures, and outfits that photograph beautifully while still feeling comfortable and true to you.

TAKE A LOOK HERE

Please don't feel like you need to copy any of the outfits exactly. The board is simply there to spark ideas and help you visualise how colours and styles can work together.

And remember, these photographs are about your family, not creating a perfect Pinterest moment. The most meaningful images come from genuine connection, laughter, cuddles, and simply spending time together.

If you'd like a second opinion, you're always welcome to send me photos of outfit options before your session. I'm more than happy to help you put everything together and make sure you feel confident and prepared before the day arrives.

Preparing for Your Session

The days leading up to your session don't need to be stressful. In fact, the best thing you can do is keep things as relaxed and normal as possible.

I know family life can be wonderfully unpredictable, and little ones don't always cooperate with our plans! Please don't worry if things don't go perfectly on the day. Some of the most beautiful photographs come from embracing the unexpected.

A Few Helpful Tips

Get Everything Ready the Day Before

If you can, lay out outfits, pack any essentials, and make sure everyone knows the plan for the next day.

A little preparation can help the morning feel calmer and allow you to arrive feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

Make Time for Snacks and Rest

Well-fed, well-rested children are usually happier and more comfortable during a session.

If your session falls around nap time or meal times, it's worth planning ahead where possible. Bringing along a few non-messy snacks and drinks can also be incredibly helpful, especially for younger children.

Don't worry though—if someone gets tired, needs a cuddle, or wants a snack break, we'll simply work around it.

Talk to Your Children About the Session

Children often feel more comfortable when they know what to expect.

Rather than telling them they're having their photograph taken, you might tell them you're going on a little adventure together, meeting a friendly photographer, or exploring somewhere new.

There's no need to put pressure on them to smile or behave perfectly. The less pressure they feel, the more relaxed and natural they'll be.

Trust the Weather

Living in Britain means the weather can sometimes have ideas of its own!

A little cloud cover can actually create beautiful soft light, and sometimes those windy, wild moments become the photographs families treasure most.

If the weather isn't suitable for your session, I'll always be in touch to discuss rescheduling options.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

If we're meeting at a location, try to allow a little extra time for travel and parking.

Arriving a few minutes early means you can settle in, take a breath, and start the session feeling calm and unhurried.

The Most Important Thing

Please don't worry about whether your children will cooperate.

Please don't worry if someone gets muddy, needs a cuddle, or decides they'd rather explore than smile.

Please don't worry if life feels a little chaotic.

Your family doesn't need to be perfect.

My job isn't to photograph perfection, it's to photograph connection, personality, and the people you love most exactly as they are right now.

Simply come as yourselves and I'll guide you through the rest.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide.

I hope it's helped you feel excited and prepared for your session.

Remember, the most important thing isn't perfect outfits, perfect weather, or perfect behaviour. It's simply spending time together.

I can't wait to capture your story.