Extended family shoot - Melbourne

When Claire and Donald wanted me to take photos of their extended family I was very excited! Donaldn parents had arrived from Scotland and it was a fantastic chance to get a photo with both grand parents and Claire's brothers family. The weather held out and we got all the photos taken before it started raining ..

How to prepare for your family portrait session - 5 tips

Family portraits are something a lot of people are avoiding because it just seems so difficult to get everyone in the same place let alone produce some relaxed and fun images to cherish on your wall for the next 20 years. We all have childhood memories of our mums telling us how to smile when the photographer arrived but the only thing you were able to think about was the itchy wollen jumper she told you to wear. And mums remember how their children pulled funny faces and ruined the whole portrat.

Family portraits can be tricky but a little bit of preparation makes a big difference and you can make the whole experience so much more enjoyable for the entire family.

1. Plan

 Plan ahead - there are several things to consider before the shoot:

Where do you want to take the photos? Indoors or outdoors? With little children make sure place is safe and easy to access. Around your home or on location? If you are an adveturer at heart, a little hike to your favourite place is not a bad thing. What ever you decide make sure it's something that suits your lifestyle. 

What time of the day is good for everyone? Little children are usually at their best in the morning so sunset shoot might not be a good idea.

Props or no props? Consider if you want to use any props such as funny hats, sunglasses, balloons, etc.  

 2. Relax

Bring your happiest mood with you and relax - your kids will take your lead so if you are happy and positive about the shoot they will most likely do the same. 

3. Don't tell your kids to smile

I know it's very intuitive but try to resist it. My son pulls the most ridiculous faces when I tell him to smile - it's funny but not very natural. Most photographers work really well with children and get the best out of the little ones without asking them to smile. 

                Left image: asked to "smile"                                                     Right image: natural expression and contact

4. Be yourself

Let's face it - most people hate to have their photo taken. Try to be yourself - no-one is expecting you to pose like a supermodel. Just be your wonderful normal self- that's all. However if you want to get your make-up and hair done please feel free to do that - I'm sure it will boost your confidence and make you feel beautiful. 

5. Coordinate

Coordinate your outfits - maybe mum can choose her outfit first and then build others around her. Not matching but complimenting. You can add a bit of colour with scarves or accessories.  

I like to show family chemistry in my images i.e. how each family member react to each other - to me it's beautiful, it's life. It's not about how you look but what connection you have with the other people in that image. You can see love and connection in an image straight away, you can't fake that.

So what are you waiting for - book your next family portrait session - it's so worth it!

Our month in photos - October 2012

Our month has been full of activity - I think we've had record amount of playdates in October. Still cool weather but few really nice and warm days. Waiting for summer.

Photo session giveaway

53 Days until Christmas! Can you believe it! 

I love christmas and thought to celebrate it by giving away  

a photo session (valued at $189*).

One hour of giggles and hugs with your family, private online gallery to view your proofs and one 8x10" matted print. How good is that .. 

Now how do you get this photo session I hear you ask! 

You just need to go to my website contact page - on the right hand side there is an area to sign up for my newsletter!** 

Once you have confirmed your subscription you are in for the draw to win a portrait session. 

Winner will be drawn Fri 30th Nov at 3pm***  

and winner will be announced here on my blog.

Sign up! This is a fantastic chance to get a memorable 

christmas present for your family/loved one/mother/daughter/son/granny/grandpa. 

Signing up also means that you will be the first one to hear about my future promotions and offers. 

*Not redeemable for cash
**Your contact details wont be forwarded to 3rd parties.
**Winner will be drawn using http://www.random.org/ so ensure fair go for everybody.