Session guide for families
This guide is your one-stop shop to prepare for your photoshoot... Showing up to the same location at an agreed upon time is just not enough to create photos that you’re going to swoooon over! And I want you swooning! So, grab your gang, get comfy, and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk thought this guide together! I promise you, it will be every bit worth it!
what would you do if me and my camera were’nt around?
We could absolutely go to the nearest “pretty location” and take a bunch of pretty photos at sunset with you looking at the camera like models. And hey, if that’s your vibe, let’s do it! But if that doesn’t represent who you are, or your story, let’s go deeper.
I want to take an intentional and collaborative approach to these photos. From the location, to what you wear, any themes, and beyond. The more vision and ideas you can give me, the better. If you have a go-to family activity that you love to do together, tell me!
And even if you don’t think that your idea is “photo-worthy”, ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not the beauty/vanity, but the story they tell.
location suggestions
Know we live in paradise but unsure what location is best? Here are just a small sample of my favourite spots.
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Warrington (25mins from Dunedin City)
Doctors Point (20mins from Dunedin City)
Karitane (35mins from Dunedin City)
Tomohawk (15mins from Dunedin City)
Brighton (15mins from Dunedin City)
Chrystals (15mins from Milton)
Nugget Point (30mins from Balclutha)
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Woodhaugh Gardens (Dunedin)
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
Glenfalloch Gardens (15mins from Dunedin city)
Naish Park (Balclutha)
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Orokonui Eco Sanctuary (15mins from Dunedin, will need an entry fee)
Evansdale Glen (25mins from Dunedin)
Naish Park (Balclutha)
Mt Stuart Reserve (near Waitahuna)
Dunedin Botanic Gardens (Dunedin)
Make sure your outfits…
Have movement
You want to be able to move, sit, walk, cuddle, run around and generally be yourselves without fighting with your clothes. It’s even better when the clothes move with you. Think soft, flowy, relaxed and textured.
Try: flowy fabrics, soft layers, movement, texture and clothes you can actually move in.
Avoid: stiff, restrictive or overly structured clothing that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Feel timeless
Think about the 5-year rule.
Would you have worn it five years ago? Would you still happily wear it five years from now?
You don't need to dress like you're stuck in 1997, but choosing pieces you genuinely love rather than something you'll probably hate when the trend disappears means you'll be much happier looking back at your photos.
Feel like you
This is probably the most important one. Your photos should look like you.
If you're a colour person, wear colour. If you live in jeans and boots, wear them. If you've got a favourite dress, jacket or pair of earrings that feels very you, bring it.
These aren't photos of some imaginary perfectly styled family. They're photos of your actual people and your actual life. So please don't feel like you have to completely change your style for the photos.
A few things to avoid
There aren't many rules, but some things can be distracting or uncomfortable in photos.
Try to avoid:
Very stiff or restrictive clothing
Sports or athletic wear, unless that's genuinely part of your life
Large logos or obvious branding
Very busy patterns
Super-trendy pieces that might date quickly
But ultimately, wear what makes you feel good.
I'll give you guidance if you want it, but you don't need to follow a set of rules to get beautiful photos.
FAQ’s
