Family Session Guide

• Talk to your kids about the session before. It’s best not to surprise them with it, if they know what’s coming they can prepare themselves (even children as little as 2 need some warning).
• Please bring a comfort item for your kid(s). Also clean easy snacks and drinks and any other essentials they may need.
• Please read my blog “Tips To Help Prepare Young Kids For A Photo Shoot“
• Please also read my blog about sugar consumption.

COLOURS

• Stick to the same TONES, but don’t overly match.
• Neutral colours are always good – use 2-3 colours as your base, then everyone can use these to coordinate their outfits (please see matching colour examples “Colour Palettes“)
• Primary colours or versions of them, tend to work well (e.g. yellow/mustard, red/maroon, blue/navy/royal)
• With newborn shoots, stick to simple colours (grey, white, soft blues and pinks, cream, light brown) and simple clothing.
• It is essential that all the garments you bring are clean and ironed. The reason for this is that any dirty spots or wrinkles present will often stand out in photographs, detracting from the overall appearance and beauty of the images.

What NOT to wear (see example here)

• Avoid wearing thin, closely spaced stripes or other small patterns, as they can create a ‘moire’ effect in photographs.
• Avoid large logos, cartoon pictures, text on clothing or athletic shoes – its super distracting.
• Avoid wearing unironed or dirty clothing, the camera sees everything.
• Avoid wearing different styles or too many different pattern together, it will appear to clash in images.
• Avoid neon colours as they can cast unflattering hues on the skin, so it’s best to skip them.
• Avoid loose fitting dresses or tops for women. Dresses or tops with no definition.

SHOPPING

In case your are thinking of buying a new outfits dress/cloths to wear for your shoot, here are some ideas were to look at. Some Online Shops are from Overseas, just double check, delivery time and postage cost might vary from shops here in Australia:

Online Shops Australia

The Boho Shed

The Pure Boho

Coven and Co

Daughters of India

Petal and Pup

Wild Soul Australia

Online Shops International

Baltic Born

Etsy

ZeBuBeYou

Pink Blush

Aliexpress

Club London

The Halara

FOR HER

Choosing a hairstyle for your photo shoot is a wonderful way to honor and showcase yourself.

It’s a great idea to consider having your hair styled by a professional. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, its good to practice beforehand. There are plenty of helpful tutorial videos available online that can guide you in creating a stunning look for your special day.

Some hairstyles that complement shoots beautifully include:

**Soft Curls**
Soft curls radiate a timeless elegance, making them an excellent choice for maternity photoshoots. This hairstyle introduces a hint of romance to your look, framing your face with gentle, flowing waves. Soft waves suit all hair lengths and pair beautifully with a variety of outfits, from breezy dresses to fitted maternity gowns.

**Romantic Updo**
For a more refined and sophisticated look, consider opting for a romantic updo. This hairstyle can vary from a loose, tousled bun to a detailed braided design. An updo not only highlights your face but also conveys a sense of elegance and poise. It’s an ideal choice for showcasing earrings or accentuating a delicate neckline.

**Half-Up, Half-Down**
The half-up, half-down hairstyle strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and casual charm. This style is particularly flattering, as it keeps hair away from the face while allowing soft strands to frame it beautifully. You can enhance the cascading section with loose curls or waves for an effortlessly feminine touch.

**Natural and Flowing**
Embrace your natural texture by letting your hair flow freely for a relaxed and genuine look. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, allowing it to fall naturally creates a beautifully candid and effortless appearance.

**High-Fashion Hair Cut**
The right High-Fashion haircut can transform a look completely, embodying the essence of creativity and boldness.  Whether you aim for boldness, softness, or vintage glamour, each cut speaks volumes about the aesthetic you’re aiming to portray.

**Loose braids or twists**
Loose braids or twists elegantly frame your face while adding lovely texture. Bohemian styles, like fishtail or waterfall braids, offer a trendy yet relaxed feel, keeping your hair stylishly in place.

FOR HIM

On the day of the shoot, ensure your hair is clean and styled neatly. If you’re considering a haircut, book it a few days in advance so your hair can settle and appear natural.

Come freshly shaved. For anyone with facial hair, make sure your beard or mustache is well-groomed and trimmed for a polished look.

FOR KIDS

Avoid using too many styling products and aim for a natural, well-groomed look that emphasizes the child’s natural appearance.

FOR HER

Makeup will add a huge amount of self-love to the experience and plays a crucial role in enhancing your photography experience. It not only complements your natural beauty but also interacts beautifully with lighting and angles, ensuring you look radiant in every frame.

A professional makeup artist can be an excellent choice if you want to indulge and feel pampered before your session. After all, a photoshoot is an opportunity to relax, unwind, and embrace your beauty.

Whether you decide to hire a professional makeup artist or take the DIY route, there are effective strategies to achieve a stunning, camera-ready look.

DIY Makeup Tips for a Flawless Look:

1. Begin with skin preparation, as well-hydrated skin serves as the foundation for a flawless makeup application. Use a quality moisturizer and primer to create a smooth base that lasts.
2. Opt for a lightweight foundation that offers medium coverage and matches your skin tone seamlessly. Heavy foundations can appear cakey under bright lights, so aim for a natural finish that enhances your complexion.
3. For your eyes, choose soft, neutral shades instead of bold, dark colours. Define your lashes with mascara or apply natural-looking false lashes for extra pop without overpowering your look.
4. Finally, select a long-lasting lip colour in nude or soft tone which complements most maternity outfits and keeps the focus on you.

!!! Remember that the goal is to feel comfortable and confident in your skin, so choose makeup that reflects your personal style while ensuring you look radiant in your photos.

It’s always beneficial to do a trial run for makeup and hair to ensure everything looks perfect on the big day. 🙂

FOR EVERYONE

This is for all included in the photo shoot. Most of the time, hands and sometimes feet end up being seen on your photos, so feel free to treat everyone with a mani-pedi before getting your photos taken.

Bring a snack and water for everyone. The photo shoot might be a bit longer. Just make sure, that your teeth are clean and no food rests are stuck between your teeth after eating.