Top Tips to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot
- Naomi Seccombe
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Now that you've booked your photoshoot - It's time to start thinking about that to wear!
My Tip - Style Mum First!
You likely booked the photos; you deserve to look and feel your authentic beautiful self which will make looking back on these photos even more memorable. Take this opportunity to create a self-care moment! Book your hair in, get your nails done, splurge on a new outfit and schedule makeup for the day (if that's you!) You deserve it and you'll thank yourself afterwards!
What to choose?
Something comfortable & practical for the location. If its outdoors - we could be on dirt/gravel or grass. Heels might not be the best choice if you are planning to get down and run around with y
our little kids. Remember we are making memories - There will be piggyback rides & lots of cuddles - The options are endless! So, pick comfort and add your own authentic style.
Coordinate Family Outfits:
Choose a colour palette you like to wear and that suits your home for displaying photos - for example - white/naturals, blues/tan, pink/grey. Then have everyone wear variations of colours/shades within that colour range.
Avoid bold logos & text, neon colours or busy prints as they can distract from faces and disrupt the overall harmony of the images.
I still love a pop of colour, floral or pattern - and of course I love it more if this is your authentic style. I also recommend layering - this can help if it's a little cold but can also create a few different looks very easily within your photoshoot by simply taking off or putting on a jacket or scarf.
Got a special family rug that you'd like a photo with - you can base your colour palette off this if it suits.
What Season are we in?
Different outdoor locations look and photograph differently as we move through the seasons. Sometimes we have a beautiful green scene, other times we have the autumn colours. Think about this when choosing your colour palette.
Plan Ahead:
Lay your outfits together on the bed so you can see what everything looks like together. Plan for a potential jacket, especially for young children. It's Victoria where we have 4 seasons in one day and we want to keep them warm and happy.
Try on your outfits to make sure that everything fits and is ready to go. Iron any shirts, clean any shoes. Plan ahead for hair cuts.
Did you get the memo above that it's all about mum? Plan your appointments - grab a makeup appointment with Nicole Brown MUA & book a hair appointment with your regular hairdresser.
On the day:
Allow plenty of time to arrive at your location - Be sure to check your session confirmation email and SMS which will be sent out prior to your session. Bring baby wipes to assist with any mishaps on the way.
Keep Hair & Makeup soft and you:
It's okay to go a touch more polished than your everyday look but still stay true to yourself. Keep the kid's hair tidy and natural don't stress for over perfection, they will want to look nice but still be comfortable too.
If you are looking for a wizard on the brushes - Nicole Brown MUA is my go-to and will have you looking and feeling a million bucks for your photoshoot!
Newborn Sessions:
I'm adding a special note here for your newborn session because these sessions in the studio are just that little bit simpler and we really want to ensure the focus of your photos is of your family & your new baby. The same rules apply - dress mum first, pick a colour palate, lay out your outfits, ensure you are comfortable & book Hair and makeup.
I'll also add - don't worry too much about shoes - we won't see them.
I personally prefer neutrals & the minimalist approach for Newborn sessions. These colours don't date and they quite clearly ensure the focus is on your family without distractions. Staying all white or all black does not have to be bulk plain t-shirts. Add some texture with a dress, knit, lace, or layer with a jacket.
I do have some dresses suitable for use in your Newborn session too! Reach out if you'd like to access the client wardrobe.
You don't need anything for your newborn as we will wrap bub to keep them warm and calm and then photograph nude. I also have some tiny little knitted outfits in the studio wardrobe. If you have something that you'd like your baby photographed in, feel free to bring it along but its not essential.
Embrace Natural Poses:
The best photos often come when you're interacting naturally. Holding hands, laughing and looking at each other. I do a variety of 'posed' - what I call 'wall photos' and those more natural candid photos.
Remember - You cant see what I'm seeing through my lens... As a parent you often want your children to turn up to the photoshoot on their "best behaviour" but I do embrace the crazy (a little!).
Something I remind myself of when I'm on a photoshoot is the line from Dory in Finding Nemo (Just keep swimming) but I flip it to "Just keep smiling, just keep smiling" because I can see so much more through my lens than what you can over there and if you're smiling and happy, then everyone is winning!
Bring a Few Essentials:
You know your children.
If they need their special teddy - ensure it's in the car just in case.
Pack wipes, snacks, a hairbrush, lip balm, drink bottle - whatever you think you will need for the car ride and 30-345mins of photos.
A change of clothes for afterwards is sometimes recommended incase the kids want to play on the park.
Enjoy your experience:
Note to everyone - Just keep smiling!!
Things wont always go to plan on the day but if we keep the mood light and fun we will have the best chance at capturing your family's best authentic selves. Trust the process. If we need to take a short break to pick flowers because that's what Miss 2year old is focussed on - we absolutely will!
Try to relax and just be yourself and let me photograph the magic that is in your family.
Need help?
Still overwhelmed, unsure or just need to guidance. I'm always happy to help!
Feel free to send me your layout photo with your outfit ideas and I'll happily make suggestions & let you know what direction to go in.
Just don't forget these are YOUR photos and they are unique to your family - embrace that!
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