Christmas Family Photos

Thank you very much for choosing Gem Clipsham Photography to capture memories of your family. This guide will help you as you plan all aspects of your photo shoot.

I just love shooting families together. All the details, the connection, the posed, candid and joyful moments. It is so special to be allowed in to capture a family just as they are, together in time.

My photographs are known for their richness, their candid details and the connection between people. I use light and colour to tell the story. We have lots of fun along the way with games and stories to bring out your best.

FAQs

HOW LONG WILL THE PHOTOS TAKE?

Family Christmas sessions take 20 minutes, we will photograph in front of a Christmas themed backdrop.
Please be sure to allow enough time to arrive at the venue on time. Due to the nature of Christmas sessions I won't be able to go over time because of the impact on the next family.

WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Family Christmas Photos will take place at 31 Woodside Drive, Mt Rankin, just a short drive out of Eglinton. It will take 15min from town to get there so please leave enough time.
You will see my car parked out the front and I will meet you there. We will then walk into the grounds to the setup in the gardens.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

If it rains we will move indoors to my studio at the same location. I will have a Christmas themed backdrop set up and we will go ahead with the booked time and date.

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?

Not a problem. I know that people get sick, or emergencies arise. I appreciate 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule, and I will find another time for you.

I REALLY WANT THIS SESSION TO GO WELL, WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE SHOOT?

Christmas family photos are fun and relaxed. I don‘t expect your kids (or you!) to perform for me, or to be perfect. Just be natural and to be yourselves. Enjoy your session and your time together so when you look back you remember a fun time together. I also want you to look forward to coming back!

I will start with posed photographs of the whole family and then we’ll do individual shots and family combinations. I make up games and silly sayings to get everyone smiling naturally and encourage connection.

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL YOU TAKE?

I take many photos, you will hear the shutter snapping away. I will present to you the best 10 images for you to keep. These are carefully selected and edited, ready for you to print and keep.

Getting Ready

WHAT TO WEAR

I have put together a pinterest board with examples of coordinating ideas. Here

Family Christmas Photos can be a little bit different to an ordinary Family Photo Shoot. You might like to have more of a Christmas theme to your outfits or have some little props.

Coordinate, rather than match.

These are your photos so I want you to be comfortable and love the look of your family when you look back on the prints.

Something timeless and whimsical works well, flowing dresses, simple collared shirts, neutral pants - layers, accessories and textures add interest and depth, necklaces, cardigans and soft flowing scarves.

Try to avoid bright white, choose a cream colour instead. Avoid any neon colours, they will throw the balance of the image. Avoid any bold prints or text on your clothes as these can distract from you the subject matter.

Wear what feels good! Flowing dresses look good on nearly every woman, you know the outfit, the one everyone compliments you in. Make sure you dress everyone in clothing that fits well. You really don’t need to buy things with “room to grow” - in fact, a little smaller is better than a little too big. Clothing that is baggy does not make people look good in pictures, but a well-fitting or even slightly small (but not skin-tight) piece will skim the body and be much more flattering.

Dress up your feet, too. I love boots in pictures, as well as nice dress shoes, cute sandals, or colorful slip-ons. Barefoot is another great look.

CHECKLIST BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Try to make sure the whole family have had a chance to relax before the session. You might like to have some quiet time at home together before you get ready. Then listen to some of your favourite Christmas family tunes in the car on the way.
Clean and neat hair, styled the way you would have it if you were going out for dinner (not going to your wedding). Avoid large bows on little girls, small ones work well.
Hands and nails should be clean and trimmed.
Little faces wiped, don’t worry I always have a packet of wipes with me.
Come ready to enjoy yourself.
Bring along any special props that you would like included, Christmas themed props or special family keepsakes, these add to the story of the images.
Little ones might appreciate a small snack or water.
I don’t keep treats on me but I do have some stickers to give out when we are done.

Most importantly just show up ready to have fun together. You enjoying the moment with your family will make for the perfect photo.

From booking to hanging on the wall

I require a 50% payment at the time of booking and the remainder to be paid 48hrs before the session commences.
Payment on print orders (prints, framed prints, cards ect) can be made through the digital gallery that I will send you. I accept payments by credit card.
Your full gallery will be available to you within 2 weeks of the shoot date. I will deliver your images to you via a private web gallery that is password protected.
This is the perfect time to look through your gallery and choose the images that you love. Think about where you would like them to hang in your home and your workplace. Would you like some to give as gifts to family members. These are professional images and deserve to be seen and enjoyed.
I will send you a request to choose your favourite image to be printed, this will be done through the highest quality printing house in Australia.
Once they are ready they will arrive on your doorstep ready to enjoy!
Of course you can!
I am always happy to help with any framing requests you may have. There are many beautiful options available.
I will keep the digital gallery open for 6 months, feel free to come back later and purchase some more prints. You will be notified before your gallery expires.
Copyright for your digital images remains with me - you do not own the copyright nor do I transfer copyright. However, you DO get print rights. With every digital file purchase I provide a release form giving you permission to print digital images and post them online to your social media accounts and share them with friends and family. You may not alter them in any way other than cropping, as it is illegal to edit copyrighted material without permission from the work’s creator.
Email is my preferred method of contact, I will provide you with my mobile number should you need it on the day.