Do the parents need to be in the photos too?

Not many parents like having photos taken of themselves and you don’t HAVE to be in the photos, but I HIGHLY recommend it. Our society makes us all super critical of ourselves but it is SO important that you are in the photos with your kids. Research has shown that having family photos displayed in the home boosts children’s self esteem and their sense of belonging.

We take sooooo many photos of our kids but are rarely in any with them. I strongly encourage everyone to be in photos with their kids. Not just professional photos, but everyday phone photos too. Make sure you occasionally take a selfie with them or ask someone to snap a few quick photos of you with them. In years to come when our kids look back on these photos they will want to see us in the photos with them to know that we were actually present during their childhood. Don’t just do it for you, do it for them!

When looking at photos of yourself, try not to criticise the extra weight you are carrying since having your babies, or the wrinkles that have developed due to all the sleepless nights. Instead I recommend you focus on the expressions of your children; their pure joy and love for you. Try to see yourself as they see you because it is their opinion that matters most.

How does the client closet work?

When you make a booking I ask for your dress size. I then send you photos of the dresses I have available in your size, you select your favourite dress(es) and I bring them to the photoshoot for you. Once at the photoshoot location you get changed into the dress and at the end of the photoshoot you get changed back into your own clothes and I take the dress back with me to get it laundered and ready for its next use.

You don’t need to wear a dress from the client closet and many people have their own clothes that they prefer to wear. I offer this service because many people don’t own anything suitable and don’t want to have to go out and buy a dress just for a photoshoot, particularly for maternity and newborn photoshoots where the dress only fits them for a couple of weeks.

How do I convince my partner to get photos done?

In my experience, nine times out of 10 it is the Mum organising the photos and the Dad doesn’t see the point and would never have chosen to have professional photos taken. If this is you, I suggest explaining to your partner that it is important to you. Perhaps have it as a present they can give you for your birthday/anniversary/Christmas etc. This way you get what you want and they don’t have to think of a present. Win win! Alternatively bribery can work well haha- If they do something you want, in return they get something they want. Another win win situation! If they are REALLY apprehensive it can sometimes work well to get them to have an alcoholic beverage before the photoshoot to calm their nerves and get them to loosen up a bit. Binge drinking before a photoshoot is NEVER a good idea, but one drink can sometimes work wonders. I’ll leave it at your discretion to determine whether this strategy would be beneficial for your particular circumstances.

If your partner flat out refuses or you are pretty sure they will be a sour puss and annoy you, leave them at home and do the photoshoot without them so that we can focus on the love and bond you share with your child/children.

What hours and days of the week do you work?

I can provide photography services 7 days/week however weekends do book out quite a way in advance. If you have young children I suggest booking a time when they are likely to be happiest (not during their normal nap times). The best lighting outdoors is in the morning just after sunrise or late afternoon in the hour before the sun sets so if possible I suggest doing outdoor photoshoots at these times. Studio photoshoots can occur any time of the day. During your consultation call we will discuss the options and book the photoshoot on a day and time that will work well for your family.

We are wanting a large group photographed, is this something you can accommodate?

My packages are designed around family photography where only the immediate family are present (eg parent(s) and kids), however I love doing extended family shoots and generational photoshoots where the grandparents come too. If you have more than 6 members in your family or would like to have an extended family/generational photoshoot I can most definitely accommodate this however please contact me for pricing as there may be a small surcharge for additional people to attend.

Where do the photoshoots take place?

The choice is yours. We can do it in my studio in Glenelg North, an outdoor location, or your family home. I have several outdoor locations I frequent including, beach, field and forest locations. I know these locations well and regularly do photoshoots at these locations which enables me to know all the best spots at different times of the day. If there is a location you love or that has special meaning to you I am more than happy to provide a photoshoot at other locations throughout Adelaide.  During your consultation call we will discuss the options and book the photoshoot at a location which will enable me to capture photos you will love.

What happens if it is bad weather?

Indoor photoshoots are not affected by the weather and can take place rain, hail or shine. For outdoor photoshoots I keep a very close eye on the weather forecast and I’ll touch base with you the day beforehand if the weather is looking like it will be very wet or extremely hot at the scheduled time of the photoshoot. I’m generally happy to take photos in any weather however I always liaise with my clients and make sure everyone is happy to proceed given the forecast weather on the day. Overcast skies actually make for amazing photos so I’m usually keen to go ahead if only a small amount of rain is forecast. Most of the time if there is a little bit of rain we can either keep going, use umbrellas which looks super cute, or take shelter while the rain passes.

What if my kids don’t behave?

My style of photoshoots don’t need the kids to “behave”. It’s about them being kids and playing and having fun. They don’t need to sit still and fake smile at the camera. I usually get photos of them smiling at the camera but their smile is a natural giggle because their parents are doing a silly dance behind me, or the tickle monster is about to go and tickle them. I usually try to get photos of each kid on their own, siblings together and the whole family but I follow the kids’ leads, go at their pace and get the shots when the opportunities arise rather than having a rigid structure of set poses as this wouldn’t be fun for anyone!

How will you get a nice photo of my kids in such a short time if I can’t ever get a nice photo of them?

I personally hire professional photographers to take photos of my kids as I find that it’s almost impossible to take good photos of my own kids. Whenever I get out my camera they run away and refuse to participate, but if someone else is providing the instructions they listen intently. I often find the best photos are ones where they are interacting with you, not necessarily looking at the camera so you just need to have fun with them and let me capture the love. Life with kids can often be chaotic and I believe there is beauty in capturing that chaos, especially because it won’t last forever.

 What can I expect during the photoshoot?

I know that preparing for a photoshoot can be very daunting and stressful as not many people love being in front of the camera, and lets face it, leaving the house with the kids can be difficult at the best of times!

Try to come to the photoshoot with an open mind and try not to get stressed about the small stuff. I have many tricks to make everyone feel comfortable and have fun to get good photos. Quite often parents come completely frazzled because of one thing or another, but within a few minutes everyone is usually relaxed and having fun. Sometimes kids will start off extra shy or they may be a bit cranky after being woken from a car nap but try not to let this worry you. After they are given a bit of time to warm up they will be running around having a great time, and until they are comfortable we just focus on getting lots of photos of them with you.

During the photoshoot you can expect to play lots of games and have fun. I give you activities to do and games to play to distract you so that you can focus on your family, not on me and the camera. Some things I get you to do can sound strange but they often result in the best photos. There will be lifting and swinging of kids, running, skipping, dancing, singing, tickles, and loads of other fun activities. Kids always have THE BEST time, and adults usually enjoy themselves too, even the reluctant Dads who had to be dragged to the photoshoot practically kicking and screaming. Most of the photoshoot is centred around the kids and we generally just do whatever they are wanting to do. For babies and toddlers we also follow their lead and change activities and stop for a drink/snacks as needed.

What is a matted print?

It is a print mounted onto thick board with a white boarder around the print. This prevents the prints from being creased and torn and makes it easy to display the photos.

Do you always put photos on social media?

No, absolutely not. When booking with me I ask whether you are happy for photos to be used on social media, my website, marketing etc. Many clients prefer that their photos are not publicly viewable and in these instances all of their photos remain private and for their eyes only. Although I love sharing my work, I completely respect your decision if you prefer to keep your photos private.

Do you offer discounts to repeat clients?

Yes!! I love watching families grow over the years and I always look after my repeat clients by offering them a special deal for subsequent sessions.

What do I do if I have a question that wasn’t answered here?

Please get in touch. I’m more than happy to have a chat and answer any other questions you may have. You can call or SMS me on 0422896108, or click here to book in a convenient time for me to call you.