YOU’RE GOING TO BE FINE. I PROMISE.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just booked a session, and there’s a good chance at least one of these thoughts is running through your head:
My kids won’t cooperate. My partner doesn’t want to do this. I don’t know what to wear. I hate being in photos. What if it’s awkward?
Good news, most of my families feel exactly the same way before we start. And they’re always surprised by how much they enjoy it.
I photograph families where dad’s been talked into it, the toddler’s running the show, and mum hasn’t been in a photo in years because she’s always the one holding the camera. That’s not a problem for me. That’s literally my job, and I’m good at it.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your session. The short version? Show up, be yourselves, and let me handle the rest.
You don’t need to do anything
I handle everything on the day, where to go, where to stand, what to do with your hands, and how to wrangle the kids. You don’t need to plan poses, practice smiles, or come up with ideas.
Your only job is to show up and be with your people.
My sessions aren’t stiff or structured. I use simple prompts that create real moments, walking together, cuddling, playing, laughing. Things you already do at home, just in beautiful light with me capturing it.
There’s no lining up and saying cheese. No awkward standing around while I fiddle with settings. We keep moving, keep talking, and the photos happen naturally.
Quick Sessions run about 30 minutes. Family Sessions run about an hour. Either way, the experience is the same, relaxed, guided, and easy.
What if I hate being photographed?
Then you’re exactly the kind of person I work with.
A lot of my clients have been avoiding family photos for years because they’re self-conscious, or they don’t think they’re photogenic, or the whole idea just makes them uncomfortable. I get it. And I’ve done this enough times to know that the people who are most nervous beforehand are usually the most surprised by how much they love the results.
I know how to find the right angle, the right light, and the right moment for every person. You don’t need to be photogenic. You just need to be there.
What if my partner doesn’t want to be there?
Totally normal. At least one person in most families would rather be somewhere else, and that’s fine. I don’t need everyone to be excited. I just need them to show up.
No forced smiles, no fake enthusiasm. I’ll give your partner something to do rather than something to perform, and within about five minutes, they usually forget they didn’t want to be there.
What about the kids?
Kids don’t need to behave perfectly. They don’t need to sit still, look at the camera, or smile on command. I work with whatever energy they bring, if they’re running, we run. If they’re shy, we go slow. If they’re having a meltdown, we pause and reset.
Some of the best photos I’ve taken have been right after a tantrum, when everyone drops the performance and just holds each other.
One thing that really helps: don’t tell your kids they need to smile, don’t direct them yourself, or tell them to behave for the photos. It almost always makes them tense up. Just keep it casual, “We’re going to the park to play together, and Tony’s going to take some photos.” That’s all they need to know.
Bring whatever you need to keep them comfortable, water, snacks, a dummy, and a favourite toy. No judgement. I’m a dad of two. I’ve seen it all.
What to wear
This is the question I get asked most, and the answer is simpler than you think.
Wear something you feel good in. That matters more than any colour palette. If you’re tugging at your clothes or wearing something brand new that doesn’t feel like you, it’ll show in the photos.
A few guidelines that help everything look great together:
Coordinate, don’t match. You don’t need to wear the same colour. Pick two or three lighter tones that sit well together across the whole family, earthy neutrals, soft blues, olive, cream, tan, muted browns all work beautifully outdoors.
Keep it simple. Solid colours photograph better than busy patterns. Avoid big logos, neon, and tight stripes, they pull the eye away from faces.
Layers and texture add interest. A denim jacket, a knit cardigan, a linen shirt, these give photos depth without being distracting.
Shoes: neutral tones or barefoot on grass is great. Try to keep phones and keys out of pockets, I will have a bag on me to hold them if it helps.
If you’re stuck, take a quick phone photo of the outfits laid out and send it through. I’ll tell you straight away if they’ll work or if a small tweak would help. I do this all the time, it’s part of the service.
On the day
We’ll meet at the location and spend the first few minutes just chatting. No camera in your face straight away, I want everyone to settle in and feel comfortable before we start.
Most sessions are outdoors at parks, reserves, and spots with trees, open shade, and good light. I’ll choose the best location for the time of day and let you know the details before the session.
With young kids, the first five to ten minutes can feel a bit chaotic. That’s completely normal. Once they start moving and exploring, everything settles quickly.
I’ll guide you the whole way through, simple prompts like holding hands and walking together, cuddling in close, talking to your kids instead of the camera, picking them up, swinging, tickling, and playing chase. You don’t need to remember any of it. Just follow my lead and focus on each other.
After your session
I’ll have your full gallery edited and delivered within one week. You’ll get a link to view and download everything.
When your gallery is ready, I’ll send through a guide to the print and product options available, frames, albums, and canvas prints, so you can take your time and decide if there’s something you’d like for the wall. No pressure, just options.
The best way to get great photos
Show up, slow down, and be with your people.
Don’t worry about being perfect. Don’t worry about the kids. Don’t worry about how you look. That’s all my job.
The more you play, cuddle, talk, and laugh together, the better your photos will be. Every time.
If you have any questions before your session, or if you want to tell me about your kids (ages, personalities, anything I should know), send me a message. The more I know, the better I can plan the session around your family.
I can’t wait to photograph you guys.
— Tony
