What To Wear: Styling Tips:

COORDINATE OUTFITS:

This does not mean everyone has to be 100% matching with Jeans and a white shirt! In fact, I rather recommend picking a colour palette that suits you as a family, suits the location and then sticking to colours within that palette, making sure all of the colours work well together, rather then match. Its always a great ideal to flat lay all of your outfits your planning out on the bed and look and see if it all works well and ties in together. So co-ordinate, rather then Match, its less cheesy that way.

COLOURS AND PATTERNS:

If you wish to wear clothes with patterns, try and choose patterns which are smaller so it doesn’t distract from you all as the subjects. And avoid big logos, or big distracting bold prints. Its always nice to make sure your patterned dress or shirt has colours within it that suits the rest of your family also. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, cotton, knit etc.

KEEP IT TIMELESS:

Neutral, natural tones are timeless and always work effectively to create pictures that never go out of style. Simple outfits and not too bold colours. But of course, be yourself.

BE YOURSELF:

This is the most important part. You need to feel comfortable and like yourself, You don’t need to dress up and wear fancy clothes unless that’s your jam, Just pick outfits that suit your personalities and the location which we are meeting. You want to be able to move around freely. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!

DRESS FOR THE LOCATION AND SEASON:

Of course you would like the photos to make sense for the location and season we are in. If we are meeting at the beach on a nice day, Men can wear shorts and a t shirt or button down shirt, little boys, the same, and ladies and little girls, pending your personalities, you can wear a light flowy dress for example. If its Autumn, I suggest warm tones that match in with the season, burnt oranges and browns look great for example, knit jumpers, and jeans, or cozy cardigans, anything that looks and feels the vibe of Autumn. Spring can be floral, light, bright and fresh. And Winter warm woollies, gumboots if its raining, jackets and beanies. Really nice to have the option to do some layering too in the cooler months. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colours AND styles.

LAYERING:

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

PERSONALISE YOUR SESSION:

These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys fishing, suggest doing your session on the water and bring your rods if you want. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively. I can always help with this too, I can bring bubbles if you request it, or wine for a couple to crack open, I always have blankets and picnic rugs in my car as well if we need. & happy to help organise any ideas you may have beyond that.

THINK OF YOUR HOME:

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their décor ,colours, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will look lovely on your walls.

PLAN AHEAD:

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to. Keep make up natural, but still have some on. You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of colour on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.

OUTFIT CHANGES:

If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. THIS IS A MUST if your having a beach session, kids always get wet! Hahaha! Also, you will get a lot more variety in your shots if we have time to do quick outfit changes too, so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck! You can always wear your own outfit too and i do have client wardrobe items for the Ladies/Mums of the session if need be can pop one of those on for some variety too.

SHOES:

I usually recommend shoes without heel, but if you wish to have heels on, come in flats and change into those for shots. For most locations we do a little bit of walking so you need to be comfortable and safe. Honestly, i dont take alot of Photos with your feet/shoes in them anyway.

NOW TO BREAK IT DOWN SIMPLY:

·        Select or decide on your location with your photographer

·        Think about your outfits based on what colours you like, the setting, the season and what you like. Plan it ahead of time

·        Pick neutral, timeless and plain outfits

·        Pick one person’s outfit to start with, then co-ordinate with that base outfit.

·        Remember to CO-ORDINATE not Match.

·        Lay all of your outfits out on the bed to make sure it all matches a few days of so if needed.

·        Come to your session ready to connect with your loved ones, be comfortable and to have fun. Bring spare changes of clothes or alternative outfits for changes. Towels if having a beach session just in case and anything you want to bring to personalise your session to suit as a family.

I really hope these tips help you when planning your photo sessions ahead of time and i really look forward to capturing your precious memories. Styling really can make such a difference to your images and is such an important part of professional photos :)

Below are some examples of Previous clients outfits:

Preparing your Kids for a Photoshoot:

Here are some tips and tricks to help you mentally prepare yourself, and your kids for a photoshoot.

As a Parent of two myself, I know how daunting it can feel when considering booking a photoshoot which includes your CHILDREN! They are strong willed little champions and dont always smile or pose for you when you ask them to, so why would they participate in a photoshoot?

Well the answer to this, is not simple, all kids are different, BUT i will say from experience, with my style of Photography, they will do much better then you expect, because 1# i am a fun, goofy and friendly stranger who will do anything it takes to make them feel at ease, and 2# they will participate, because YOU are participating. A huge portion of a photoshoot with me, is me, capturing you as a family, playing and exploring naturally, as you do.

I totally understand when parents are concerned about their sessions though! because you are investing in the shoot, you want the best value for your buck and you want those smiles, you worry they will act out through the session and so you feel hesitant.

I get it, My daughter (4 years old) hardly ever smiled in photos growing up, she is a force to be reckoned with and strong willed as heck, she hates having her picture taken too, and my son, sure hes smiley, but hes 20 months old. He doesnt sit still for more then a second.

I have some tips to offer to help, however all i can say is, embrace your kids as they are and try not to worry, after all, they feel your worries and the more relaxed and fun you are having, the more fun and relaxed they will be.

Here, then are some tips to assist you to get your children ready (and yourself as well) for a successful family portrait photography session. And, capture your beautiful family in its happiest state.

Tip #1: Consider the session time

If you are including young kids in the family photography session, the span of the photoshoot can be vital. You know your kids best. Do they take a little bit of time to warm up to strangers? then i would recommend the full hour session to give us time to warm into it? or do your kids lose interest fast, perhaps a 30 minute session is best to hit the happiest moments and then finish off.

Also, some kids are better in the mornings and some feel better in the afternoons, only you know what will be best for them. Sunrise and Sunset is always best for photos, however sometimes, Sunrise is too early for them and sunset is too late, so we need to work out what is most important to you, lighting or your kids moods.

Generally also, with 1 hour sessions we would have extra time to explore, play, change outfits if we want and in an hour we are likely to get more background options, and different lighting scenarios. Whereas the 30 minute session is shorter, faster and less time to explore or play so we would just meet somewhere to gather a variety of shots then it will be done, before any meltdowns can potentially occur.

In both time frames we can get a lot of beautiful photos. Sometimes even, 2 hours is a good option if say, we want to walk a long distance to get to a special location, sometimes that special location and the adventure giving time to get to know one another better can also make all the difference aswell!

Tip #2: Get your kids on board in advance

Before 1 or 2 weeks of your specialized family photoshoot, start talking with them about the shoot. Explain to them that they will be meeting with me, and how its just a fun excuse to play and cuddle together. However, it is also good to ask them to smile for the camera, and talk with them regarding how significant it is that they maintain good behaviour. And, if you have arranged a family outing after the photoshoot, talk about that as well how it can be like a reward for doing so well (sometimes this works for me ;) ). If that outing is in their favourite venue though, it’ll boost their mood.

Tip #3: Happy adults equal cheerful children

This one is important, Our kids are like little sponges. If you are frustrated and stressed whilst getting prepared for the shoot, then most likely your children will be the same. On the day of the photoshoot, choose to be upbeat and happy around your children (even if you are doing it unwillingly). Irritable adults during the photo session make it less probable that you will have photos of smiling, happy kids. They see you having fun, they see the photographer is upbeat and fun, then surely, they are going to have fun! win win!

Its also a great idea to tell me, your photographer a little about you as a family and about your kids interests, so that i may use that information to keep them engaged, interested and happy.

In conclusion

At the end of the day however, there is no way to know for certain if your kiddos are going to behave, smile or have fun on the day. But with all of these notes in mind, a positive attitude and a little preparation, it should go well :)

Be sure to tell your photographer what shots are most important to you, and if there are any special and meaningful things you and your kids do together you should do those things at your session. Also, we will try things, and they may not work, then we can try different things and come back around to it. I will always do my best to read the situation and your kids to get the most out of the session for you all :)

What to expect from a classic wedding day

From getting ready to reception:

Getting Ready (Groom & Bride Prep)

House or Hotel

Couples often wonder if they should get ready in their homes, or in a hotel before their wedding day. Firstly, it is most important to be as close to the ceremony venue and limit your driving distance, as you will feel more relaxed. Hotel rooms are often a good choice as they are usually tidy and bright. This allows for you to really focus on your day, and detach from everyday life. Big bright rooms are best, with plenty of light, have some drinks, fresh flowers, nibblies and play some tunes. Or you can create this atmosphere/space in your home. Its up to you and your budget too of course.

Who Will Be there?

It is important to think about the atmosphere you would like before you head down the aisle.

Make sure everyone who is there with you are people you genuinely enjoy the company of and connect with.

Usually you would have your bridal party members, but also often for brides we can see your Father and Mother there with you, and for grooms, they often have their Mum and Dad too, or any other special family members they may wish to be there with them.

This is entirely up to you and depends on your family dynamic.

Just so you know, i am not there to direct your prep, instead i’m just there to capture things as they happen and capture real emotion. So if you would like that lovely reaction of your family members when they see you in your dress, or reacting to a nice letter , i’m there to capture that.

Allow plenty of time

There is nothing worse then feeling rushed on your day. Brides often start their day very early with hair and makeup, and i would get there while your having your finishing touches done and about to put your dress on. I allow for up to 2 hours to capture bride and groom prep if close by to each other.

Last thing you want is to feel like you need to rush this process, allow for time to relax, talk, laugh, and it is so nice to have family to have react to your dress. I will be there to help keep you on time for your ceremony, but be sure to have your special bits and peices out ready for me to photograph (flowers, rings, invitation, details).

What to wear?

Do you need to wear the same style of clothing and or matching robes? No, no way. You can wear whatever you like. Many people to purchase matchy robes to get ready in, or cute pj sets. But this is not always necessary and totally up to you. As a general rule though, we recommend sticking to attire that is simple so we can focus on you rather then the clothing.

Pick attire that works well together and is visually appealing together or works well in your colour schemes for your wedding.

Think about what kind of colours and look you wish to convey and that will help with the overall look and story.

Space and Light

Pick your space to get ready based on how much natural light and space there is. If your bedroom is too dark for example dont worry if we need to move to getting ready in the living room, it is more important to have space and good lighting then anything else. You want to have room to move about and have your entourage getting ready with you. This also helps as i am able to move more freely around you and capture different angles.

Please take the time to tidy up, I am happy to move things and help with this, but it does help if things are tidy and not cluttered before i get there. It doesn’t need to be perfect and we can always use outside and around your home/the venue if we need to.

Take a deep breath!

Last but not least, you need to relax and take a deep breath. ENJOY IT!

Not everyone chooses to have their bridal prep part photographed, but i do highly recommend it. Do not over think it, i will not get in your way, i’m just there to capture some meaningful moments and fill out the story of your day. The lead up to your wedding is huge and all the planning may feel like a lot, but at the end of the day its for one precious day, and your off to marry the person of your dreams! how wicked is that!

Now lets talk, Ceremony

Take it slow

When it comes to your ceremony, the biggest tip i have is to take it slow on the day. Make sure that before your wedding day, it is all planned out with your celebrant and the timing allows for you to not speed through it. I know you likely don’t want to have the attention on you for too long, but i just recommend slowing down, taking a deep breath and really embrace and take in the moments when you are walking down the isle to the love of your life, when you get there, stair into their eyes, as though there nobody else even there and fully engage yourself in the love. You only get this moment once, so take it all in and enjoy it all.

Speak with your Celebrant

Ensure that you have spoken to your celebrant about your wants and needs, consider hiring a Celebrant that dresses or acts the way you feel would best suit your vibe and overall day. Be sure to ask them about where they stand during your ceremony, you may need to ask them to stand to the side so they are not in the middle of the two of you. Ask them how they usually do this. It is fine if you don’t mind that they stand in the middle of you , but please tell them to step to the side during the first kiss and ask that they don’t stand in front of your bridal party.

It may also be worth while asking them to announce the ceremony to be unplugged, so you do not have all your guests holding up phones in your professional images.

Allow plenty of time for portraits afterwards

When planning your timing with your celebrant and reception. Please try to ensure it is planned at a time when you have lovely afternoon light, however allow yourself at least 30 minutes after the ceremony to cuddle people and get some family portraits with immediate family, then it is recommended to leave between 1-2 hours after that for bridal party and couple photos. Consider if we need to go far for the location in which the photos will be taken and consider when the sun sets.

I can help you with this when you are planning your timeline to ensure you are to get the most out of the time we are given. Again we want to avoid feeling rushed or uncomfortable at all times too so prepare to have some bottles of water/drinks for after the ceremony as well for yourself and your bridal party.

Look at your partner

Please try to stay in the moment, the more you simply enjoy and embrace the moment you wed the love of your life, the better your images will turn out.

I will not speak or direct you at all during the ceremony, so it is important to just remember that the more love and expression you show to your loved one, the nicer your images and moments will be.

Try not to have a serious face, and try not to stare at the celebrant - even though they will be talking to you, keep your eyes on your loved one. It looks much more meaningful and beautiful that way.

Lighting

The best lighting is always early in the morning as the sun rises, or late in the evening as the sun sets. Sometimes we cannot ensure perfect lighting for our Ceremony because we really want to ensure we have enough time for some family portraits and then our bridal shoot before the sun sets. Also, in Daylight savings time, the sun sets around 7-8pm (pending your location) and so, usually your reception has already kicked off at this point. Its a great idea to consider this in your planning, and even consider planning to pop out of your reception for 20-30 mins or so with your new husband/wife and get those portraits done at sunset. Or plan the schedule around lighting and sunset.

Having nice low light can make all the difference in the quality of imagery.

This is an example of midday full sun, blue skies.

Have fun

Once you have had your first kiss, you will usually sign your documents. Feel free to have a little celebration though or kiss again, really just celebrate the fact you got married, sometimes this can be when i really can capture such a fun and happy moment. After signing, i would usually recommend then that you walk down the isle together and i will get everyone to stand and celebrate the newly-weds - You remember to celebrate too - this could be a good time to organise some confetti, petals or bubbles to be thrown/blown as you walk down the isle!

This can really be such a wonderful shot, one of my favorites if done right - so have fun! it will pay off i promise.

The bridal photoshoot that follows the ceremony isnt for everyone, but it honestly can be one of the funnest parts! its all about attitude though, think of it as a fun, break away from the chaos part of the day, to capture the most beautiful photos which will likely be the ones that end up on the wall. It is the first little section of the day as a married couple where you can first, have some fun with your bridal party, and secondly, have some time alone as a couple to really take it in with each other. A break before heading to the party section of the day!

NOW ITS TIME TO PARTY!

Reception Entry

Allow your guests time to get into the reception space, and build up some excitement for your arrival. I recommend entering with some fun and funk, perhaps dancing on entry to some of your favorite tunes. Remind your bridal party that they are vibe setters! the more fun they, and you are having, the more fun everyone else will have.

You want to create an energy in your reception that suits you both as a couple, whether that be a mellow and relaxed vibe, or a high energy party, i suggest creating the vibe that you would most enjoy and then everyone else will enjoy it because you are.

Food

Do the food the way you would like it, do you like a sit down meal, alternate meals, seating plans. Or do you like everyone to be up standing and mingling. You need to select a venue that will be able to serve the food the way you would want it served! Timing of food service depends on the entertainment, speeches and timeline for your evening.

Timeline

It is important to develop a timeline with your co-ordinator, dj, photographer and venue to ensure everything has a time and a place and that way it all can run quite smoothly. If you have people giving speeches, i recommend giving them a guide for how long they can speak, so they can write a speech that doesn’t go on and on and on, unless you like to sit and listen to these of course.

The timeline gives a guide for speeches, cake cutting, dances and when to start the party - d - floor.

Night Portraits

This is not for everyone, but some venues are set out so beautifully, it would be a waste not to pop outside and grab some flash night photography. This is what you can discuss with us, and usually i would have a flash already set up for you, and tap you on the shoulder at some point in the evening to steal you and your partner away for a sneaky 5-15 minutes to take it all in, breath some fresh air and get some cracking good night shots together

You can also co-ordinate a bunch of legends (trustworthy people) for some sparkler exit photos too, recommended 10 - 20 people but can sometimes be more, the larger the group the harder it can be to co-ordinate and get a perfect shot. But this is a photo you can discuss with us to make happen if you like.

Otherwise, just crack on with the night and dancing, you can expect that as your photographer we would be documenting the fun on the dancefloor, sometimes these can be such legendary shots, and we can also sneak around to tables and groups and grab couple, and group shots.

I also have a few sneaky tricks up my sleeve for making it fun to get some photos with your friends and family at the reception too, so if it is important to get photos with friends and family, please do let me know :)

Its the end of the night

Time to go home or back to the hotel room together to enjoy the start of life as husband and wife. Hopefully you have a sick ass honeymoon to look forward to as well.

sneak peaks will come through a day or two after the wedding (sometimes even same night) and the full gallery is expected between 6-8 weeks :)