Session Prep Guide
Let’s get you ready for your session!
Hi, I’m Soph!
I’m so glad you’re here. This little pack has everything you need to know about your upcoming session - what to expect, how to prepare, and a few tips to make the whole experience relaxed and fun.
A bit about me: I’ve always loved photography - people, places, animals, adventures, you name it. But after having kids of my own (and chasing toddlers around with a camera!), I completely fell in love with lifestyle photography.
FOR ME, IT’S ALL ABOUT CREATING MEMORIES THAT FAMILIES CAN LOOK BACK ON AND RELIVE THE
joy, laughter and emotions
OF THE MOMENT
Whether you're looking to update the family album, create something beautiful for your home, or share sweet memories with loved ones, a family photo session is such a fun and special way to do it!
What Happens Next?
Questionnaire- please take 10 minutes to fill out your questionnaire. Feel free to include as much detail as you’d like - it helps me to get to know you better and plan for an amazing session for you! My sessions are very relaxed and go with the flow to get the best shots - but if there’s anything specific you’d like captured, this is the time to let me know (or send some inspo if you’d like!)
Location for outdoor sessions - If we haven’t already decided on a location, let’s chat about this now! You can let me know in the questionnaire, or shoot me an email. Here are the main spots I like to shoot at on the Northern Beaches. If you have somewhere else in mind I’m so happy to go there too :)
What to wear - It's time to plan your outfits! I’ve put together some tips below on how to plan your family’s outfits for your session. If you have booked a maternity session, I will send you a link to outfit options from my client wardrobe, which you are welcome to borrow from at no extra charge.
One week before your session - You'll receive a reminder email asking you to pay the balance on your session.
The day of your session - You’ll receive an automated email, plus I’ll send you a text message (night before for sunrise sessions, morning of for sunset sessions!) - confirming meeting spot and to do a final weather check. I don’t usually make a call on rescheduling until this point as the weather forecast can change so much in a few days.
What to Wear
Some tips to help you plan outfits for your photo session!
Dress comfortably
This is the most important. We move around quite a bit at my sessions, over the sand, rocks and often into the water! I am there to capture the love, connections and YOU as a family spending time together. If you or your family are uncomfortable - this will show in your expressions.
Make sure you feel like YOU!
Don’t normally wear flowy boho dresses? Then don’t wear one to your session! If you’re more of a shorts and t-shirt kind of family, or want to go all out and wear something that feels special, you do you! Imagine the photos framed around your home - how do you want to look in them?
Quick Styling Checklist
Colours
Choose a colour palette you love - coordinate, don’t match exactly
Avoid black as your main colour
Soft & earthy tones: white, cream, beige, rust, mustard, sage, soft blues, dusty pinks
Bright pops for personality: red, green, yellow, orange
Patterns & textures
1-2 patterns for every 3 people (florals, plaids, gingham work well)
Add texture: linen, knit, crochet
Outfit ideas
Flowy dresses/skirts for movement (perfect in the breeze)
Men: linen shorts + button-up or simple tee
Kids: comfy clothes they can play in (pack a spare set!)
Avoid
Large logos, licensed clothing, cartoon prints
Extra tips
Lay outfits side by side before your session to check they work together
Bare feet are best for beach sessions
Some inspiration
Your Session Experience
My goal is simple: make everyone feel so relaxed they forget there's even a camera there. All you need to bring is a good mood and an open heart. I'll take care of everything else.
Having everyone fed and ready before we meet makes a big difference. Kids do best when they're not hungry or overtired, but if someone's having a moment, don't stress. I've seen it all and we always come away with beautiful shots.
No need to tell the kids to smile or pose. Just stay relaxed and positive and let me do the wrangling. I'd also gently suggest leaving the phone or tablet in the bag as a bribe. And if all else fails, I'm not above The Wiggles at full volume. Last resort only, I promise.
One thing that really matters: please arrive on time! Your session is booked around the light, so aim to arrive a few minutes early if you can.
These photos have a way of becoming some of the most treasured you'll ever have. I can't wait to take them for you!
After the Session
2-3 weeks after your session you will receive an email linking you to your personal online gallery. Photos are watermarked. You’ll be able to download your digital photos (amount is dependant on your package), and it’s easy to upgrade to purchase extras or the lot.
You’ll also be able to order high quality print products through a professional, Aussie print lab, so you can get those photos off your phone and onto your walls!
Your gallery will be online for around 30 days, however I do encourage you to download and save your session images to cloud storage and a hard drive (I always recommend at least two spots!) as soon as possible so you know they are safe.
I would love if you could share your positive experience with your family and friends, even a shout out on social media if you share your images would be appreciated, my business thrives on word of mouth bookings which is the biggest compliment.
A few FAQs
How long is the photo shoot?
Family and maternity sessions go for 45-60 minutes. My sessions are very child-led, so I get enough shots in the first half and your child is over it, it's fine to finish a little early. Sometimes children can take a while to warm up, and the best shots in those sessions are often in the last half of the session.
What if the weather isn't on our side?
If it is wet and soggy, or if there are extreme winds, we will reschedule. I usually wait until the 24hours leading up to the session to make a call on this, and you’ll be contacted via text message if I think we need to reschedule. If it is overcast but dry, we will go ahead as some of my favourite sessions have taken place on cloudy days.
What should we bring?
Treats for the kiddies (bribery perhaps?), a beautiful blanket, water, your little ones favourite toy..... a relaxed and positive vibe.
Can we bring our pet?
Absolutely! Fur babies are most welcome. If you bring your pup along, make sure they get some brisk exercise before coming. This will allow for a (hopefully) slightly calmer canine during your shoot.
What if we are sick?
If you’re sick, we reschedule! Simple as that. Working with children I have come to expect that last minute texts or calls will occasionally happen. We want this to be a 1000% positive experience, so there’s no need to force it if anyone is unwell. Please try to give me as much notice as possible.
How and when do we get our photos?
Approximately 2-3 weeks after your session your photos will be available for viewing, downloading and ordering via your own private online gallery. You will be provided with a link to your own private gallery and you can select the images included in your package in your own time. You can also order prints and frames direct from your gallery from a professional printing lab.
