Photo shoots are a lot of fun! It’s a chance to take a step out of everyday life and spend time together, playing, chatting and unwinding. I will capture you just as you are and I’ll suggest some things to get everyone smiling and the kids giggling. I love to capture genuine connection between people; knowing smiles, the way we hold those we love and the way families connect. I use light and colour either in the studio or on location, to tell the story of you and your loved ones.

FAQs

WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

There are lots of beautiful locations in the Bathurst area.

There are a number that I like to photograph in and I will discuss these with you. The season and occasion play a role in diciding where would be best for your session to take place.

My studio is located just a short drive from Eglinton and provides many different options. We can work inside the studio or outside in the leafy surrounds, the orchard or amongst the woodland and ponds. Alternatively, you may have a special location in mind either in your own garden, by the river or a family home. Happy to talk through the options. (please be aware that some locations will require a permit)

Newborn sessions occur indoors so that I can control the temperature for your baby.

HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION GO FOR?

Sessions last for around 1 hour, Extended Family sessions for 1 ½ hours.

WHAT DAY AND TIME WILL MY SESSION BE?

The most beautiful light to photograph in is in the hour before sunset. However for little ones this can also be a hard time of the day. We will discuss what will work best for your family and the location.

I REALLY WANT THE SESSION TO GO WELL. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?

The session will be an experience that you will look back on and enjoy. I’ll click away and capture the moments as they unfold.

I generally start with a few posed combinations then individual shots and then we will do some more playful and candid shots. I’ll prompt you with games or imaginary scenarios to get the kids smiling and laughing. I have four kids, I get it and I am flexible, just concentrate on loving your family, hold them, sing to them, laugh with them. I’ll prompt you with little games where needed and make sure the kids are running around where the nice light is falling. We will usually try a few different spots and angles to get a variety of shots. You don’t need to keep looking at the camera, just relax and enjoy. Genuine smiles happen when you are enjoying your time together.

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?

Not a problem. I know that people can get sick and emergencies arise. I appreciate 24 hour notice if you need to reschedule and then I will find another time for you.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS ON THE DAY OF OUR OUTDOOR SESSION?

If it is raining during a scheduled outdoor session we will use the studio indoors.

HOW MANY PICTURES DO YOU TAKE? DO WE GET TO SEE THEM ALL?

I will take a lot of photos, you will hear the shutter powering away. When I send you the gallery you will see the top edited images from the session; no blinking shots, out takes or 10 of the same shot. I will only give you my best work as a complete gallery.

DO YOU RETOUCH THE IMAGES?

I do remove obvious blemishes or the occasional fly on a cheek.

Family Photos Bathurst and surrounds Happy Family in Garden

Getting prepared for the shoot

OUTFITS

Here are some general guidelines and you may also find it helpful to look through the images on my website for other ideas.

Think of the outfits you choose as being another element in the artwork that will be your images. It’s important that the colours and tones of your clothes work well together. They don’t need to match.

Neat casual clothes work best. Too formal looks posed and too casual ends up looking like the photos you take on your phone every other day of the year.

Is there a colour that you really love that your family always look good in? Do you have a special dress that you would really like to wear? Find colours that go together - they might be complimentary colours or shades of the same colour. You may all choose to dress in more neutral colours.

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.

It may also be useful to consider the colours of your home where you would like the photos to be displayed.

Wear something that you are comfortable in, that you love! Every woman looks great in a fun flowing dress. Men look great in a shirt that is the perfect fit. Have a look at what you have, you don’t need to buy new, that nice necklace that you got last Christmas or those shirts Granny gave to the boys.

Dress up your feet too, those favourite boots that you don’t get a chance to wear, the pretty sandals, make sure shoes get a bit of a polish beforehand if needed.

Check out my Pinterest board here for some more ideas.

CHECKLIST FOR 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 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.
Pack some extra clothes for warmth if you think you will need them or for smaller members of the family who manage to get themselves covered in something.
Bring along any special props that you would like included, a special soft toy or family quilt, 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

You are welcome to contact me through my website or Social Media channels. After that I will give you a call to chat through the options.
In order to secure your photoshoot a 50% deposit is needed. Then 14 days prior to the photoshoot date a further 50% payment is made. Don’t worry, I’ll send you a reminder email.
I send out a sneak peek within a couple of days of the session. Your full gallery will be available to you within 2 weeks of the shoot date. I will send you a link to your online gallery that you can then choose to share with friends and family.
This is the perfect time to look through your gallery and flag 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.
The exciting part!
The best way to order your prints, frames and phonebooks is by us meeting up. I’ll be in touch after you have viewed your photos and we can arrange a time to meet up. I’ll show you some of the beautiful products that you can choose from and we can put together an order.
Once your photographs are ready I’ll wrap them up and drop them to your door. (just like Christmas!)
Of course you can!
Often grandparents just love the new print they see on your wall and decide they would like one too.
Your online gallery will be open for 12 months.
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, crop them, 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 works best for me