Your Family Session Guide

A few small tips and thoughts to help you prepare for your family session, so you can relax and enjoy it, and come home with photos that really look like you.

Where shall we do the session?

We can take the photos in these settings:

Outdoors (my absolute favourite): nature offers a beautiful backdrop with seasonal colours, open meadows, parks or the edge of a lake or river. The “golden hour” (an hour after sunrise or before sunset) gives soft, flattering light. Don't worry, I'll take you to quiet places that few people know.

The comfort of home: if the children are very young and you'd like a cosy, lifestyle look, photographing you at home in natural light creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. I just need a quick visit beforehand to check the light.

My home studio: I use this when it rains or when I've set up a specific set.

These ideas will help you choose a place that reflects your style and creates a special atmosphere for your photos.

What shall we wear?

What you wear can make a big difference to how much you love your family photos. Try the clothes and shoes on the children beforehand: it really matters that they feel comfortable and are happy with what you've chosen. In fact, I recommend involving your children in the choice as much as possible. If your daughter hates dresses, don't force her and expect her to be happy during the session.

Coordinated outfits are a good choice, in neutral colours (ideally plain) that go well together. Avoid very bright colours or loud prints, unless they truly reflect your style.

I usually avoid outfit changes during the session so we don't lose time, but if you bring jackets, hats or scarves to wear over your clothes, we can vary the look in some photos. Do bring a spare change of clothes anyway, because accidents happen!

Make sure the children are rested and fed

I know it sounds obvious, but it really matters, especially for little ones. If your child still naps, give them time to rest properly, plus a few extra minutes to eat and get ready. Skipping the nap can cause trouble! We all know hungry or tired children get grumpy and aren't in the mood to smile for family photos.

Bring a light snack (ideally not too messy) and some water, just in case your child gets hungry or thirsty, or needs a short break. And let me know if I may bring a few sweets… they can be a great reward to motivate the little ones towards the end of the session, when they start getting tired.

Tips for your photos

1. Be yourselves!

Honesty and authenticity make the most extraordinary photos. Smile, laugh and interact as you normally would. Hug, hold hands and play together: that's what creates genuine, emotional images.

2. Happy children

If they want to explore or pick up a colourful leaf, let them. If they'd rather be held, that's fine too: I'll capture their sweetness cuddled up to you. Be patient during the session, photos take time. I know it well, I'm a parent too! Let me guide you, and simply focus on being with each other.

3. Portraits looking at the camera

Instead of telling your child to look at the camera, let me call them and catch their attention. While I take care of them, you just look into the camera naturally. That way you'll get more authentic, emotional photos without having to step in with words or instructions. Your patience and trust will be rewarded with beautiful pictures!

4. Expect the unexpected

This is probably the hardest tip to follow, but also one of the most important. Even if you've done everything to prepare the children, some days are simply harder than others. If your child doesn't want to look at the camera or smile, don't worry: let them be how they feel, and trust me to find the beauty in the moments you share.

5. Focus on your “why”

Why did you book a family session? Maybe for a greeting card too, but surely there's something deeper. If you chose me as your photographer, you want photos that capture the love, the bond and the essence of your family, not stiff shots or perfect poses. You want images that bring back emotions and memories and become treasured keepsakes. So even if there are tricky moments, remember to enjoy every second with your loved ones.

6. Look at your children, smile at your partner

Really look at them. Hug them, kiss them and think about how much you love them, even if they're not fully cooperating. When you focus on your children, your smiles become natural and relaxed. Not everyone needs to look at the camera at the same time: what matters is connecting with your loved ones.

7. Relax and have fun

You've got the whole family ready, dressed and on time. Congratulations! Now it's time to relax, have fun and enjoy being together. Leave it to me to guide the session! If the children need a few minutes to run around and let off steam, no problem: I'll take the chance to photograph you parents. Later we'll play together and I'll guide you into real interactions, with hugs, laughter and kisses. You'll see that your family is beautiful, exactly as it is.

8. Ask for what you'd like

If you have special ideas or requests, don't hesitate to share them. This session is made for you, and my goal is for you to be completely happy.

9. Tell me about yourselves and your children

Telling me a little about you and your children helps me connect with them better. What do they like most, what do they love…

And at the end of the session, why not celebrate with an ice cream or a pizza? A perfect way to finish!