TIPS for your PORTRAITS
You definitely get more from your photos if you spend time considering your wardrobe & sharing these tips with your loved ones
My StyleIf everyone is familiar with my style they’ll know it’s fun, candid & not about posing and smiling for the camera. All you need is trust in the process and there is no need to try to control the shoot or the kids in a strong way. Let kids be kids, we’ll reign them in together but the number one rule is to walk into this as a fun, playful experience & a chance to express the love you feel for each other in a real, light-hearted way.
Don’t tell them ‘cheese’.
Sometimes people start telling children to smile and look at me. In this context, it doesn’t work. We need the kid’s attention for an hour and they’ll not want to play ball if they feel its not fun & they must ‘do this and do that’ straight away.
I will have my ways to make them smile and look at me that are more indirect.
Please don’t have adults standing behind me saying ‘smile!’ ‘look at me’ - anyone not being photographed needs to step away and have a drink.
just be chill
Adults just need to focus on being with their children, playing, feeling & looking relaxed. Let me do ‘the work’ whilst you ‘be chill’.
How to PrepareHaving a relaxed day together with lots of healthy food and some time in nature is a good way to keep kid’s energy ‘relaxed’. Keeping things low key, hydrated and rested.
Like, eg, I wouldn’t take them to kid’s parties, load up on sugar, skip a nap & then throw them in front of the tv with cheezels and think that will have top quality results…
It’s nice to feel connected as a family, especially with your partner. I’d even take a moment to have a cuppa together and chat about how special it is to create these memories to cherish.
Having all your clothes laid out the day before is so good, no last minute decisions or arguments.
BribesHaving a bag of bribes/treats on hand that are scalable and non-messy. eg gummy lollies, tiny teddies, dried fruit. Avoid crumbly crackers, chocolate and stuff that takes ages to chew. And then you might have some kind of toy, pressie or clear promise for after. Better if its visual.
TBH EVERYONE needs bribes. I won’t judge, you do what you gotta do.
I also say YES to a beer or champagne for adults because, it helps settle you in to the ride.
Hair & MakeupYou want to look & feel like yourself but taken up a notch. The camera doesn’t see makeup as much as it just sees a more flawless face. This is like an elevated version of yourself right?
Makeup
Do as much or little as you like.
Some women go to Mecca or MAC and get makeup (often paying for product in exchange for service) and they may get their hair blow dried before. If there is ever a good time to make a few appointments its before a shoot, get your nails done, treat yo self. Cause, it’s like, forever in print. Very worthy cause.
Just don’t go full thick foundation as it does make faces look a bit flat. Just ensure there is a glow to you as my editing is flattering so don’t stress about wrinkles and blemishes - that is softened in the process, so just focus on the overlook look & “shimmer” & colour in your face.
Hair
Hair at the beach is a joke. No lie. Its usually windy & everyone goes nuts. Expect it and have backup ways you can do up your hair properly - not just a last minute lacky band. It’s actually harder with kids as their thin flyaway hair get all over their faces so please plan for that with nice clips/ties or hair spray.
PropsAccessories
Bring accessories like hats, jackets, fun earrings, rugs, snuggle blankets that might make some difference in the photo variety.
FOOD PROPS
Things like lollipops, python snakes, cupcakes, cute drinks, something very ‘you’ to enjoy as a family - watermelon slices, donuts… and wipes!
toy props
Attractive toys that make for big fun… eg bubble blower, hoola hoops, fairy wings, a ball. Something they LOVE.
Big GroupsI love big groups. It’s an event!
There is a lot going on so I recommend having some adult entertainment (champagne and snacks) and letting everyone know about the tips, especially smiling. I find lots of adults gather behind me trying to get the kid’s attention & the kids then look in all directions so it doesn’t work.
Let everyone know to go drink their champagne instead when I’m with kids and smaller groups. But I’ll call on help of individuals when I need it.
Make sure everyone fully understands the colour scheme & there is some diversity between you eg: you don’t end up wearing heaps of the same colour.
When you have lots of people there is the potential for a lot of different combinations of groups, but I always want some space for natural candid moments to unravel so leave space between the formals.