OUTDOOR SESSIONS
A little preparation before your session can make a big difference! Outdoor family sessions are all about capturing genuine connections, little personalities and those beautiful in-between moments.
Here are a few of my favourite tips to help your session run smoothly and make the most of our time together.
1. Plan your outfits ahead of time
Try to have everyone's outfits organised a few days before your session. Think about colours that complement each other rather than everyone wearing exactly the same thing.
Soft neutrals, earthy tones and textures photograph beautifully outdoors. Avoid large logos, overly busy patterns and anything that might distract from the people wearing it.
My biggest tip? Lay everyone's outfits out together beforehand so you can see how everything works as a whole.
2. Keep the location in mind
When planning your afternoon, remember to factor in travel time, traffic, school pick-ups and anything else that might affect your arrival.
Outdoor locations can sometimes be a little further out than expected, so give yourself plenty of time to get there without feeling rushed. We want to start your session feeling relaxed, not flustered!
3. Try to time naps
If you have little ones, try to work their usual nap routine around your session where possible.
I know this isn't always easy (especially with toddlers!), but a well-rested little person can make things a whole lot easier. Don't stress if naps don't go to plan, though. We can always work with whatever the day brings.
4. Bring pyjamas for sunset sessions
Sunset sessions can sometimes run a little close to bedtime, especially during the warmer months when the sun sets later.
A little tip from me: pack the kids' pyjamas in the car! That way, once we're finished, you can get them changed and head straight home without having to worry about the bedtime routine.
5. Let the kids be kids
This is probably my biggest tip of all.
Please don't spend the entire session worrying about whether your children are smiling, looking at the camera or doing exactly what you've asked them to do.
Let them explore, play, cuddle, run around and be themselves. Some of my favourite images come from the moments in between the posed ones.
You don't need perfectly behaved children to have beautiful photographs. I promise!
6. Pack a little clean-up kit
Outdoor sessions can mean grass, dirt, sandy feet and the occasional muddy adventure!
If you'd prefer not to have little ones climbing into the car covered in everything they've found along the way, I'd recommend bringing:
Baby wipes or a packet of wet wipes.
A small towel.
Spare shoes or sandals.
A change of clothes if needed.
It's always handy to have these waiting in the car for the trip home.
7. Most importantly, relax and enjoy it!
You don't need to practise smiles, rehearse poses or worry about getting everything perfect.
Trust the process, enjoy spending time together and let me take care of the rest. My job is to capture your family as you are, right now, in this little season of life.
The best photographs aren't always the perfectly posed ones. They're the ones that feel like you.
