For a family sunset shoot

how to prepare

Nothing is worse than a hangry toddler, so make sure they have a proper meal before the shoot. This might mean bringing mealtimes forward or preparing an extra generous afternoon tea. A good, nutritious meal is ideal to fuel them for the shoot... but chicken nuggets usually work too!

eat!

Don't shoehorn your shoot into a tight timeframe, and keep other plans on the day minimal, especially after nap time. If the kids don't nap, don't worry - I have lost count of the number of families who show up with kids who have refused to nap and they always cope great. A photoshoot is usually something new for them and they'll love it! If your shoot is after their usual bedtime, try to push their nap later and let them sleep longer.

Keep it low-key

Organise your clothes the night before (or even earlier!). This includes underwear, shoes, socks, and accessories. This is also a great opportunity to check all your outfits work together. Can you do your hair while your partner takes the kids out to the park or while they are napping? Don't leave it til the last minute. Better still, book to have those things done for you.

be organised

Once you arrive, take a deep breath. Whatever you've forgotten is not important. We will create a gallery capturing exactly what life is like for you right now. There's nothing more beautiful than that. Want my top tips on how to get the kids to behave? Click here!

take a deep breath

Expect your children to get messy during the shoot. The best images happen when we let kids be kids, so I'll be encouraging them to explore and to splash around. We will try to get a nice clean family shot right off the bat, but after that just embrace it! You'll need energy too - I'll have you chasing your little ones, throwing them into the air, and singing at the top of your lungs. Making them laugh is your only job for an hour or so! Check out my favourite games to play

let kids be kids

Leave plenty of time to get to your shoot and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Allow for traffic, parking, and getting the kids dressed (I suggest having the kids travel in their everyday clothes, and change once you arrive - less chance of accidents!)
Consider making exceptions to otherwise steadfast rules if it means a calmer journey and happier kids at shoot time (allowing screen time, for example).


don't rush

The most important thing is not what you're wearing, whether there are clouds in the sky, or how long your toddler napped that day. It's that you're relaxed and ready to have fun.  If you're worried about weather, check out my blog post- and this one too.

I can't wait to capture the beauty in your everyday chaos!



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