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 some of my favourite spots.

- Warrington (25mins from City)
- Doctors Point (20mins from City)
- Karitane (35mins from City)
- Tomohawk (15mins from City)
- Brighton (15mins from city)
- Chrystals (15mins from Milton)
- Nugget Point (30mins from Balclutha)
- Woodhaugh Gardens (Dunedin)
- Dunedin Botanic Gardens
- Glenfalloch Gardens (15mins from Dunedin city)
- Naish Park (Balclutha)
- Orokonui Eco Sanctuary (15mins from Dunedin, will need an entry fee)
- Evansdale Glen (25mins from Dunedin)
- Naish Park (Balclutha)
- Waipori River (Henly)

A little prep goes a long way, and means we can spend your session focused on what matters most: capturing you, your business, and your story in action.

Think of your photoshoot like painting a picture, the scene is already set, and now we’re painting you into it. What you wear becomes part of the artwork, so it needs to complement the colours, textures, and mood of the location.

Neutrals, whites, creams, and earthy tones always photograph beautifully and blend naturally with most settings. Avoid overly bright or artificial colours — they tend to clash with the environment and pull focus from the emotion of the image.

If you love colour, add it thoughtfully, one or two earthy pops paired with soft neutrals work perfectly. The goal is balance: outfits that feel like they belong in the scene while still letting you stand out.

outfit suggestions

Make sure your outfits…

have movement-

Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well! TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc... AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, startchy, etc...

are timeless-

Look for a something you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could still wear it!