So you’re considering a lifestyle family photography session but feeling unsure - you're questioning if this is worth it, based on your family’s natural ability to be, well… themselves!
Is a family photography session worth the investment of time and money?
You’ve seen beautiful images of gorgeous families looking like they're having the time of their lives and although you want your family to appear this relaxed and happy, you just can’t picture your hubby instinctively draping his arms around you while your darling kids organically run up to the two of you and snuggle in as though they’ll never let you go…
No... instead, your hubby (bless him) will probably be more intrigued by the latest mountain bike that just whizzed past or drone he can see someone flying in the distance. And to add insult to injury your kids are likely to turn even more feral than usual and honestly make it seem that the gravel stones in the pathway are in fact the most fascinating things they have ever seen in their lives! All while you stand and smile at a lady holding a camera, mindfully willing your darling little family to just hug you and look like a picture of perfection…
You’re just not so sure you’re going to look good on paper, especially the photographic kind!
Let me put your mind at ease Mama - I’ve got you and your family, so that you’ve got this!
What you can expect at one of my outdoor photo shoots
My lifestyle sessions are first and foremost about you guys spending quality time together and having fun!
You don't need to worry about the photos - that’s my job! It’s about loving on one another, making your children the center of attention, which immediately gets them to engage and play with you. I find that when Mum and Dad focus on making some memories with the kids, and let go of expecting them to have model behaviour, everyone relaxes and that’s when the magic happens.
I prepare you for your family photography session
Once having booked your family photo shoot I will send a questionnaire to help me get to know you all a bit better. Here you can mention any concerns, family dynamics and let me know any expectations you have. This ensures we both arrive at the photo shoot on the same page and prepared.
I will also send you my client prep guide which has all the info you need on what to expect on the day, how to prep your family for a photography session as well as some wardrobe inspiration and advice on what to wear for a family photo shoot (if you feel you need it).
We decide on a suitable location based on your needs. For my outdoor sessions I can recommend some of the most beautiful locations that Melbourne has to offer (including in Melbourne South Eastern Suburbs, Bay side and Morning Peninsula).
I guide you through the entire family photo shoot
I’m not just going to shout action and expect you to know what to do.
Lifestyle family photography is about capturing your connection to on another and aims to keep things very natural and easy, however, it stills requires direction and guidance from me as your photographer.
Therefore, I guide and direct you into different poses but within these I encourage interaction so that you can still be your fun and quirky selves which will show through in the beautiful photographs. The poses include standing, sitting and even moving around a bit. Within these I ask you to cuddle, tickle, whisper and play games. I don’t want you to look at the camera unless I call you and I don’t expect you to smile unless you are having fun!
While I always try to get some more traditional family portraits with everyone looking at the camera, this is not my priority! To me, the most beautiful family photos are those that show your connection to each other which doesn’t involve looking and smiling at the camera but rather genuinely smiling at one another.
I always base the shoot on the cues I get from your children. If one is seriously camera shy, I’m not going to start by focusing in on them first! Just the same, if your children are running around like dynamos and are keen to explore a bit then I’m not going to choose that time to ask them to sit down and give you a cuddle.
Even with my guidance and direction during the outdoor photoshoot, your personalities and family connection still shine through. This makes for a unique gallery of beautiful photographs capturing the absolute best of your crew at this stage of your lives.
My Lifestyle Family Photography Sessions are affordable, offering great value
I am an all-inclusive photographer which means that for my full Lifestyle Family Photography Sessions you walk away with all the digital files (jpegs).
During your family photo shoot I aim to get a variety of images for your digital gallery including various family portraits, individual child portraits of each of your kids and some shots of you and your partner. Gallery sizes vary according to the size of the family but I guarantee a minimum of 50 images.
Therefore, you won’t be agonising over which images to choose to purchase, they are yours to own forever and print as you like. Of course, I do offer prints, albums and other products that you can easily and conveniently order through me but there is no obligation at all.
Time is of the essence
We’ve all heard it before “the days are long but the years are short” – but really take that in for a moment. It couldn’t be more true! I’m sure you can’t believe just how quickly time has gone since your first was born and I’m telling you now, it’s not going to slow down!
Please don’t put off getting professional family photos because you feel it might be too difficult and too much effort or that your kids won’t behave – I’m a Mum and I know what kids can be like! And while it might take a bit of effort and bribing (both the kids and your partner) I truly believe that family photos are so important and something you will never regret investing in! It doesn’t matter your weight, whether your kids will behave or if your outfits are colour coordinated... You and your family are beautiful and your story deserves to be captured!
Lifestyle Photography is about capturing your family’s story creatively, authentically, and beautifully
Nothing brings me more joy than to show you just how beautiful you and your family are!
If you have been on the fence about booking a family photo shoot I hope this can convince you that the session isn’t something to be concerned about but rather something to look forward to! Just treat this as special family time to connect and let me worry about the rest!
Contact me to today to enquire about booking your Family Lifestyle Session
xoxo
p.s. All images here are of me and my family. Captured with the help of my beautiful friend, Lara Bunn, under my direction and posing and all edited by yours truly too.