Family Photoshoot Sydney | My Top Tips
Here are my top tips for your Family Photoshoot Sydney. The sessions usually feel like you are just hanging out as a family and enjoying yourself. This is the style I choose so I can capture the most natural photos of your family with a relaxed and authentic connection.
1. Location
Where should I have my photos taken? This is a common question. I have been photographing portrait sessions at different locations over many years so I know the good spots around Sydney and the Northern Beaches. Whale Beach and Palm Beach are my two favourite beach options. Some other special places for beach photography are Clareville Beach, Turmetta Beach, Balmoral beach, Freshwater beach and Collins Beach. If your wanting a bush or reserve setting, the best and somewhat secret ones I know are McCarrs Creek Reserve and McKay Reserve. If you are after both bush and beach settings, I usually start at a bush setting, then we head down to the beach.
2. Clothes
Choose clothes that make you feel yourself and are comfortable. It doesn’t need to be formal if your’e at the beach or park. It’s better to wear something that fits with this outdoor location. As a Northern Beaches family photographer, I advise that there’s no need for your family to have matching clothes or all wear the same colour unless you want too. If you think it looks good it will work well, but try to avoid bold patterns, big logos or fluoro colours.
3. Relax about toddlers and small children
I am prepared for what may come up as a lifestyle family photographer. If the little ones in your family are excited or active during the session it is normal. Part of being a photographer is being able to capture the images that you aren’t able to as a partner, parent, or friend. I am used to photographing small children and working with their personalities in front of the camera. We work around the kids, allowing them to have a break, something to eat etc whenever needed.
4. Time of day
It’s best to have your shoot when the sun is soft, which creates a beautiful light. This is in the early morning and afternoons. During the middle of the day, the sun is at its strongest and it may be hot, so it’s worth getting up early or doing the photoshoot in the afternoon to get the best light for natural photos. We can speak about the best time in relation to the location you are choosing and what suits you and your family.
5. What to do with photos after
This is the exciting bit! Portrait photos capture the beautiful moments in life and remind everyone how lucky they are. There are so many ways to view and hold these memories. Hanging a canvas print or photograph in your home or bedroom brings so much warmth to any space, and creating a beautiful album lasts a lifetime. There are many options and you can come into my Avalon studio on the Northern Beaches to get some ideas of what you would like to do. Most people have a combination of both digital and prints and have a hard time choosing because they love them all. I am happy to guide you on how to frame images and sizes. I have lots of examples on my studio walls for you to check out, plus beautiful portrait display albums.
6. No need for nerves
If you haven’t spent much time around professional photographers or have only ideas about them you may feel a little nervous and that is normal. But I am used to being with everyone behind the camera. If you have any questions I’m always happy to answer them or speak with you on the phone. Time goes quickly and prioritising capturing your beautiful family, connections and moments is a priority for me.
