I get asked very similar questions when it comes to booking and preparing for their sessions. So I’ve taken some time out to prepare this blog post for you to refer to if you are thinking about booking a session or if you have booked and have questions about the session. click here to contact me If I haven’t answered one of your questions! Let me know!
1) What is the best time to shoot?
Ahh, the classic. If you have ever get married or had family photos before, you probably have heard that golden hour is the ideal time for photos. You get that dreamy golden light and softer shadows that are perfect for family photos. So if sunset is at 6 pm, we would start your session at 5 pm. It’s best to arrive 10 mins before your session in case parking is more difficult (should your location be busy) or if there is a walk from the carpark to the actual shooting location.
Shooting with young children does mean that golden hour isn’t always ideal in terms of bedtimes and witching hour! During the summer in Perth, the sunset around 7:30 and getting happy, smiley kids out of the house at 6 pm to go and take photos isn’t the easiest task. Did you know that golden hour happens twice a day? That’s right, sunrise is also a magical time for family photos. If you have early risers, then this might be your perfect option!
2) What colours are the best to wear?
To give your photos a harmonious feel, I suggest you choose a clothing colour palette that works with your chosen location. For example, if your session is in a natural bushland area (think a national park) you will want to wear tan, beige, pale blue, white, sage or olive green etc. Denim is a great neutral fabric that can be worn by any member of the family. Using an accent colour through each outfit ties each family member in. Scarves, socks, hair accessories and jewellery are great ways to add in your accent colour. All my clients receive a Style Guide that goes into more detail about what to wear and how to coordinate family members with examples from clients of mine.
This year I started curating a collection of dresses as part of a client wardrobe that’s available to all clients.
3) Do you choose what location we shoot at?
I know a few tried and tested locations that are some of my favourites! Natural bushland will always be my favourite as I love the muted colours of the Australian bush. We have some of the best beaches here in Perth and when the weather is right, you get the most magical colours (think cotton candy coloured skies!)
In saying this, I am always up for scouting new locations! If there is a location that is special to you, then let’s make it work! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club or resort. Maybe it’s rural paddock or even a boat, airplane hangar or a rooftop view. The sky is literally the limit!
4) My husband/partner isn’t keen. What can I do to get him on board?
I get it. Most guys aren’t jazzed about the idea of getting their photos taken. This might be because of a previous bad experience. Or they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take a couple of minutes to communicate to your man to educate and explain why these photos are important to you. Show him my website and your favourite sessions. Explain why you love them what it would mean to you to have that experience and those photos of the family together. The most common thing I hear from guys before photo sessions is the following. Because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time I’m done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
5) What happens if its forecast to rain or my kids are sick?
The simple answer is we look at rescheduling, depending on both parties availability.
Weather-wise, I keep a keen eye on the weather leading up to every shoot. I stay in contact with my clients to either reassure or to make a decision. If this doesn’t work, we can look at changing locations. I have done family sessions where we have had to take a quick break in our cars or under umbrellas while some light rain fell. It all depends on you and what you are comfortable with.
6) How long does the editing take?
I love the get sneak peeks to clients within 24-48 hours of your shoot. From then, you can expect to receive your gallery of images in 3-4 weeks from your shoot day.
