Your Family Photography Guide
Each session is relaxed and gently guided so you can focus on being together while I photograph things as they unfold. Below you can find all the information you will need ahead of your session with me.
Session location
Family sessions can take place in the comfort of your own home or out on location. At-home sessions are a lovely way to capture your family in a space that’s familiar to you, adding another layer of meaning to your photos and preserving little details of everyday life.
If there’s somewhere special to your family, we can always head there too. Whether it’s a favourite walking spot or somewhere you love spending time together, these places can make your photos feel even more personal. Alternatively, I’m always happy to recommend some lovely local locations around Slaithwaite and the surrounding areas.
Your home
If you choose to have your session at home, natural light will be used wherever possible. In some situations, I may use a gentle flash bounced off the ceiling to help with the light. I can work with smaller spaces, so please don’t worry if you don’t have a large, bright or perfectly styled home.
Before I arrive, it’s helpful to clear any clutter from surfaces and the areas we’re likely to photograph. Your home absolutely does not need to be spotless or perfectly styled, I just ask that it’s safe and reasonably tidy. I may move lightweight items such as cushions or small pieces of furniture to get the best photographs, but I’ll make sure everything is put back before I leave.
Outfits
For family sessions, I recommend choosing outfits that complement one another rather than matching exactly. Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully, and textures such as knits, linen, cotton, denim and cosy layers help create a natural, relaxed feel. The aim is to choose colours and styles that work well together while still allowing everyone's individual personality to shine through.
I’d avoid neon colours and large logos or graphics, as these can be a little distracting in photographs.
If your session is outdoors, please keep the weather in mind when choosing your outfits, making sure everyone is comfortable and dressed appropriately for the conditions.
For indoor sessions, I usually recommend plain socks or bare feet for a relaxed, cosy feel. For outdoor sessions, choose clean footwear that complements your outfit and is suitable for the location.
I’m always happy to help with outfit choices, so feel free to pop me a message beforehand, or we can look at a couple of options together at the start of your session.
Most importantly, choose something you feel comfortable and yourself in. I want you to feel relaxed and confident, so you can focus on enjoying time together as a family.
Personal touches
If there are any specific photos you’d love to capture, please let me know beforehand. You’re very welcome to send me photos for inspiration, whether it’s a particular pose, detail or style you have in mind.
If you have any special items you’d like included, such as a toy or keepsake, have them ready for the session and let me know so we can make sure we include them.
If you’re ever unsure about anything, please just ask, I’m always happy to help.
Guidance
You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do during your session. I’ll gently guide you when needed, while keeping everything as natural as possible. There’ll be plenty of cuddles, interactions and time simply being together, rather than everything feeling posed. Just focus on enjoying time with your family, and I’ll take care of the rest.
We’ll capture a mixture of family photos, individual photos of the children, little details and natural interactions between you all. Please don’t worry about your little one's sitting still the whole time. Not everyone needs to be sat down looking at the camera in every photo. They’re welcome to run around, be a little silly and take breaks when they need to. I love capturing children as they are, and some of the loveliest photos come from those moments when they’re simply being themselves.
Try to keep your little ones’ routines as normal as possible on the day of your session, so they feel rested and comfortable. Having a few favourite toys and snacks to hand can be helpful, and there’s no need to worry if they take a little time to warm up to me. We’ll go at their pace and let them settle in naturally, capturing them just as they are.
Your experience
Your experience is just as important to me as the photographs. I want you to feel relaxed, comfortable and completely at ease throughout the whole process, so if there’s anything you’re not comfortable with or would like to do differently, please just let me know. I want you to feel fully informed and happy with everything, so you’re always welcome to ask me anything along the way, no question is too small.
After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images and have your full gallery ready within 1-2 weeks, unless I’ve advised you otherwise. You’ll receive a private online viewing gallery where you can look through your photographs and download your edited digital images.
I’m here to support you throughout the whole process, so if you have any questions after your session or once your gallery has been delivered, please just get in touch.
Save the moments that matter most