BABY & FAMILY PRE-SHOOT GUIDE

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your family portraits. It is a privilege to be welcomed into your home and trusted to document a meaningful chapter in your lives.

My approach extends beyond simply creating beautiful photographs. Each session is designed to feel calm, natural, and genuinely reflective of your family as you are. From the moment I arrive, my intention is for you to slow down, settle in, and simply spend time together.

Whether your session is centred around pregnancy, a growing baby, or everyday family life, I work in a gentle and unobtrusive way, allowing space for real connection and interaction to unfold naturally. Home life is often busy, emotional, and beautifully imperfect - particularly with young children - and that natural rhythm is an important part of what I aim to preserve. Your family’s comfort is always my priority, and I approach each session with patience and care.

This guide has been thoughtfully created to help you feel prepared and at ease ahead of your session. If there are any meaningful details, ideas, or moments you would particularly love captured, please feel free to share them with me in advance. I always welcome the opportunity to create something personal and considered for every family I photograph.

I look forward to creating something truly special for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TIMING

Sessions typically last around 1–2 hours, allowing plenty of time to settle into the session naturally. We begin with a few gently guided portraits before moving into a more relaxed, documentary approach, capturing the connection, interactions, and moments that feel most natural to your family.

There is never any pressure to rush. The session unfolds at its own pace, with plenty of flexibility for breaks, snacks, feeds, or simply taking a moment when needed.

STYLE

My approach is unposed, relaxed, and centred around genuine connection. Your only role is to simply be present with your family.

I will gently guide you into natural, flattering positions where needed, while also stepping back to quietly observe and document the honest moments in between - the interactions that make your family unique.

The session is always led by your children’s rhythm. If they need a break, a cuddle, a snack, or a moment to reset, we simply pause and continue when they are ready.

LOCATION

Sessions can take place either in your home or a chosen outdoor location. Whether that’s a walk through the park, at a favourite family spot, or simply documenting life within your own four walls, the setting should feel comfortable and meaningful to your family.

If you would like any guidance choosing the right location, I would be very happy to offer suggestions and talk through ideas with you.

CHILDREN

I work with children in a calm, playful, and unhurried way, allowing space for their personalities to come through in their own time.

It can help to frame the session as a fun morning or afternoon together, rather than something they need to “behave” for. The most meaningful photographs often come when children feel relaxed, free to move, explore, and simply be themselves.

They are always welcome to step in and out of the session as needed, with no pressure or expectation.

PETS

Pets are very welcome - they are an important part of the family story. If you would like them included, simply let me know your comfort level and we will incorporate them naturally into the session where appropriate.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

(FOR IN-HOME SESSIONS)

Your home does not need to be spotless or styled like a show home. These sessions are rooted in real life and authenticity, and I want your space to feel like yours, not a set.

That said, a little preparation does help create a more considered and timeless final gallery, and also allows me to work more easily with the light and composition on the day.

LIGHT

Open all curtains and blinds before I arrive so we can make the most of natural light. I work entirely with soft, window light to create a calm, airy feel throughout your images.

TIDY

There is no need for a deep clean, simply clearing surfaces, putting away laundry, and removing anything you would prefer not to be visible in your photographs is more than enough. If anything looks distracting in the frame, I will move it during our session.

Making the bed with a simple, neutral duvet or bedding also helps create a clean, timeless backdrop for family portraits where needed.

ON THE DAY

When I arrive, I’ll spend a little time getting to know your family and gently exploring your home to find the most flattering light and natural spaces for us to use.

Sessions are always relaxed and unhurried, allowing everyone time to settle in before we begin photographing.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

(FOR OUTDOOR SESSIONS)

When choosing a location for your session, it’s often best to think about places that feel meaningful or familiar to your family. The most natural photographs tend to come from environments where everyone feels relaxed, comfortable, and free to interact naturally together.

TRAVEL

Where possible, try to choose a location that is not too far from home, particularly with younger children. Keeping travel simple and relaxed often helps the session begin more calmly and allows little ones to settle more easily into the experience.

ROUTINE

It can also be helpful to consider your family’s usual rhythm and the places your children naturally enjoy spending time. Whether that’s exploring nature, playing freely in the park, or simply being outdoors together, familiar activities often encourage the most genuine interaction and connection.

ON THE DAY

When we arrive, we’ll take a little time to settle in, explore the space, and allow everyone to feel comfortable in the surroundings before we begin photographing.

I’ll gently guide you throughout where needed, while also leaving space for natural movement, interaction, and the quieter in-between moments to unfold.

WHAT TO BRING

WATER AND SNACKS

Having water and a few simple, mess-free snacks nearby can be incredibly helpful for little breaks throughout the session, even if your children have eaten beforehand.

Neutral snacks that won’t stain clothing or faces tend to work best.

BABY WIPES

Baby wipes are always useful to have on hand for quick clean-ups - whether that’s sticky fingers, grass marks, spills, or little faces needing a refresh between photographs.

SPARE CLOTHES

With babies and young children, accidents happen. Bringing along a spare outfit or two for little ones can offer reassurance and flexibility if needed during the session.

TREATS

A small treat can sometimes help encourage confidence and cooperation when needed, particularly with younger children. Smarties, small fruit snacks, or anything that can be swallowed quickly without leaving a powdery or colored residue on faces work well.

DOG TREATS

If your dog is joining us for the session, a few small treats can be helpful for gaining attention and rewarding calm behaviour throughout. Pets are always welcome and very much part of the story too.

STYLING & WARDROBE

A helpful rule of thumb: If your outfits feel cohesive when laid out together on a bed, they will photograph beautifully as a whole. Ensure clothes are freshly ironed to help elevate the final images, and keep children's outfits simple (plain rompers, simple dresses, or separates) so their features remain the focus.

DO

Coordinate with intention: Instead of trying to find identical outfits, aim for a complementary palette that allows individual personalities to shine. Subtle, repeating motifs feel beautifully connected and nostalgic.

Look to your environment: Take a glance at the rooms where we will be shooting. If your home features rich personality, distinct artwork, or punchy pops of color on your shelves, don't be afraid to pull those tones into your wardrobe! Choosing a bold, solid colour that complements your interior decor creates an incredibly intentional feel.

Embrace textures: Cotton, linen, and wool add beautiful depth to photographs without adding visual clutter. Rich textures are the secret to keeping simple outfits looking luxury and editorial.

Think about feet: For in-home sessions, barefoot is highly encouraged to keep the mood relaxed and intimate. For outdoors, choose timeless footwear that matches the tone of your outfit.

DON'T

Avoid identical matching: Dressing everyone in the exact same colour or identical outfit can look rigid and unnatural. Focus on harmony rather than replication.

Skip bold branding: Avoid bright neon tones, excessively busy modern patterns, or clothing with large logos, branding, or cartoons that pull attention away from your family connection.

Mute the extremes: Pure black and pure white can feel harsh in natural light and come across flat in your images. Opt for softer, richer alternatives like cream, oatmeal, charcoal, or deep earthy hues.

Minimise accessories: Delicate jewellery is lovely, but avoid chunky accessories or large watches that distract from the emotion of the images.

WARDROBE INSPIRATION & EXAMPLES

To help you visualise how these pieces come together, here are a few classic, timeless outfit formulas that photograph beautifully both in-home and outdoors:

MOTHER

The Timeless Minimalist: A flowing midi or maxi dress in a soft neutral (cream, oatmeal, or sage green) in a breathable fabric like linen or cotton. Alternatively, a textured knit or a relaxed-fit linen shirt paired with comfortable linen trousers or light-wash denim.

The Editorial Pop: A high-quality, mid-to-heavyweight knit or a tailored dress in a bold, rich solid tone (like a vibrant coral, deep terracotta, or rich forest green) that echoes a favourite accent piece or colour story in your home decor.

The Nostalgic Print: A beautiful, vintage-inspired floral or subtle block-print dress that establishes a soft colour palette for the whole family to draw from.

Footwear: Barefoot for in-home sessions, or simple leather sandals/neutral boots for outdoors.

FATHER

The Classic Base: A high-quality, plain crew-neck t-shirt, a fine-knit polo, or a lightweight button-down shirt (linen or soft cotton) with the sleeves casually rolled up.

The Palette: Lean into soft greys, dusty blues, off-whites, or grounding earthy tones (tan, olive, taupe, or navy) that balance the colours chosen by the rest of the family.

Bottoms: Well-fitted chinos (beige, sand, or navy) or classic light-to-mid wash denim.

BABIES & TODDLERS

Keep it Simple & Textured: A plain, sleeveless or short-sleeved romper in a ribbed cotton or linen blend. A simple dungaree set, a soft knit bloomers-and-top combo, or a cotton sundress.

The Coordinated Detail: A sweet outfit or bonnet featuring a delicate, repeating pattern that subtly matches a print or tone worn by Mum.

The Bold Pop: A solid, punchy knit or romper that coordinates directly with a parent's outfit or a standout colour element in your living space.

Note: Textured, button-up details or subtle ruffles look beautiful in close-ups, but try to avoid stiff collars or stiff denim on babies, as these tend to bunch up around their faces when they are held.

OLDER CHILDREN

Girls: A simple cotton dress, a linen blouse paired with a skirt, or neutral trousers. Look for subtle textures, soft embroidery, or muted tones that effortlessly tie the family’s chosen palette together.

Boys: A plain linen shirt, a cotton t-shirt, or a fine-knit top paired with cotton shorts or chinos.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Before your session, it can be helpful to consider the environment that we will be shooting in.

If we are shooting in your home, take a moment to notice how the light moves through your spaces and which rooms feel naturally bright and comfortable. Areas with soft, even natural light - often near windows or patio doors - tend to photograph most beautifully.

If we are heading outdoors, consider the seasonal landscape and the timing of our session. The softest, most flattering light outdoors occurs during the gentler hours of the day. We will work together to time your shoot around both this beautiful natural light and your children’s usual nap and mealtime routines.

No matter where your session takes place, please remember that there is no need to overthink the details. If you would like to explore outfit options or talk through location ideas in advance, I am always very happy to offer guidance. Together, we will create a gallery that feels cohesive, considered, and timeless.

Please feel free to get in touch at any time if you have any questions ahead of your session. I am here to help you feel fully prepared, relaxed, and at ease.