Preparing for Your Family Photo Session
Before your session:
1. Choose Colours Carefully
Contrasting colours often work beautifully against the environment. For example:
During the Gauteng winter, brighter colours can add warmth and vibrancy to your photos.
In summer, when the landscape is lush and green, consider incorporating other colours rather than too much green.
HERE is a detailed What to Wear Guide.
2. Start with One Outfit You Love
Choose one outfit that you absolutely love and build the rest of the family’s outfits around it.
3. Wear What Makes You Feel Good
Your clothing should reflect your family’s personality and style. When you feel comfortable and confident, it shows in your photographs.
4. Make Sure Everything Fits Well
Well-fitting clothing photographs best.
For children, avoid buying clothes that are too big “to grow into.”
For adults, choose outfits that are comfortable and make you feel confident.
5. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Choose colours that work well together rather than dressing everyone in identical outfits.
The goal is a coordinated look that feels natural and visually appealing.
6. Dress for the Weather
Comfort is important. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately for the season and weather conditions.
7. Add Accessories
Accessories can add variety and personality to your photos. Consider bringing:
* Hats
* Scarves
* Hairbands
* Jackets or jerseys
We can create some images with accessories and some without.
8. Consider the Venue
Think about the location and the overall style you’d like your photographs to have when choosing your outfits.
9. Choose Timeless Styles
Classic clothing tends to age beautifully.
Aim for outfits that will still look wonderful when you revisit your photographs ten years from now.
10. Avoid Large Logos & Patterns and Cartoon Characters
These can become distracting and draw attention away from the people in the photographs.
If you wear a fitness watch, consider if you’d like to have it in your photos or rather not.
11. Don’t Forget About Shoes
If your shoes will be visible, make sure they complement your outfits.
Depending on the location and style of the session, barefoot photos can also work beautifully.
On The Day of Your Photo Session:
If You Have Young Children:
Please consider bringing:
* A favourite toy or comfort item
* Wet wipes and tissues
* Face cream for dry cheeks
* Lip balm (especially during winter)
Small snacks and drinks are always a good idea. If bringing something sweet, try to avoid anything that may stain mouths or tongues.
Preparing for the Day
Make Sure Everyone Has Eaten
A full tummy makes for happier children—and happier parents!
Ensure Children Are Well Rested
If your session is scheduled for late afternoon, try to plan the day so that younger children get enough sleep beforehand.
Allow Plenty of Time to Get Ready
Avoid rushing. Give yourselves enough time to get dressed and arrive relaxed.
Moms, this is a wonderful excuse to spoil yourself a little.
Professional hair and makeup can help you feel extra confident and camera-ready.
Bring Something Meaningful
Feel free to bring along an activity your family enjoys together.
These personal touches often create the most meaningful photographs.
Some ideas include:
* Favourite books
* Bicycles
* A picnic blanket
* Bubbles
* Ice cream for an end-of-session treat
Most Importantly: Relax and Have Fun
Some of the best photographs happen when nobody is looking directly at the camera.
Laugh together, play together, cuddle together, and simply enjoy spending time as a family.
Those genuine interactions create the authentic, heartfelt images you’ll treasure for years to come.
I can’t wait to capture these special memories for you!