let's do this

 

Family session guide

What to wear

the most common thing that I'm asked!

Finding the perfect outfit can be a challenge! You want to look nice, and be cohesive with the group, but you still want to be you, and feel comfortable in your skin. This guide should help you, but if you still have questions, just let me know - I'm happy to help.



Plan as a group


​You can decide as a group if you want your session to be super casual or more formal - just keep everyone on the same page - one person wearing a hoodie and someone else in a fancy dress would be a bit weird!


Matching a tonal range looks awesome

(eg everyone in different Autumn colours)

Tone appropriate


Speaking of tones - Choose versions of primary colours if you can. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal). Deep, rich colours are lovely, as are soft pastels. Work with items that you are drawn to. Black and white are fine, but try to add another colour too and again make sure everybody isn't matching!

Good sense


Dress for the weather, and be flexible

Layers add dimension and depth. In the summer, layer your dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. In autumn and winter? Cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, etc.


Wear appropriate shoes for your location.

What to avoid.

Just trust me guys


Big logos

Baseball caps

Fluorescent colours

Uncomfortable clothes

Thin stripes or checks

Location, Location, Location


The location you choose helps set the tone for your family session. Some families love the golden light and open space of the beach or countryside, while others prefer the comfort of their own backyard or a favourite spot that holds meaning. I’ll help guide you to places that photograph beautifully and suit your family’s style — whether that’s playful and adventurous, or calm and cosy.


The most important thing is that it feels like you.


Please note that travel fees may apply (but honestly, it's so worth it!)

 

Tips for children

 

  • HAVE FUN - the number one tip for getting your kids to smile naturally and be themselves.   When parents are having fun, the kids are too.
  • ​Make sure they are well fed beforehand
  • Dress them in clothes that look good - but ultimately that aren't unconformable for them to be in.
  • Have wet wipes and tissues on hand
  • Have a few bribes on hand, but don't offer them until we run into trouble. If kids know there is a treat before the session they start to get a bit impatient for them early on.
  • If there are a couple of shy ones, show them a picture of me and tell them my name and that I'll be there taking some photos. Sometimes it can be helpful to let them know that I'm a mum too.
  • It's worth saying it again - have fun! Your mood matters. Please approach our session with a relaxed energy. If you are stressed and focused on trying to make them perfect little angels, they will pick up on that mood and respond negatively. I do not expect your children to behave perfectly. Please don't insist that they smile directly at the camera for every image. Also, be prepared to act a bit silly and energetic if needed!

Family films



These take around an hour and a half to two hours, and can be shot at the same time as your photographic lifestyle session. For the films we want to capture those beautiful ordinary moments that you'll miss when the kids are all grown up, so they will always start at your family home.  Film sessions are family led - I won't give you too much guidance on the day. Plan for lots of cuddles and interaction with the kids. You can plan to do your favourite everyday activities when I'm there and you can add some special stuff too if you want (going for ice-cream, or to the park etc.)

Tips for your film


Make sure all of the house lights are off. It might seem dark but it works better than the colour cast that artificial lighting causes.


If you are planning activities, a couple of different ones will be fine, you don't need to cram in tons, we want the session to feel natural and relaxed.


Encourage the kids to focus on the task at hand instead of me.


Clothing does make a difference - see clothing tips above but in particular avoid thin stripes as they tend to cause visual banding.

Testimonials

Hey Tegan!

Oh my gosssssshhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Do you know when I look through these photos all I see is laughing!!! Like happy , genuine , cracking up, laughing! Do you know how freaking cool that is! I love it!!!!! We had so much fun with you. And so so grateful you once again captured amazing memories for us all to have .

You really are amazing.

Thank you again so so much!!!

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

 

Kaity

 

We have used Tegan for multiple family shoots. She is such an awesome person who puts you at ease and the girls thinks she is pretty cool too! They will smile, pose and interact with her which is always helpful when trying to get photos of us all together. The photos are always absolutely stunning and everyone always comments how beautiful they are. I love how some of the photos are of us posing and others of them are natural and in the moment! I would highly recommend Tegan to take your next family photos!

 

Chantelle

 

We were lucky enough to have Tegan work with us for both our Electrical Contracting Company new brand launch, and our Family photos with our 3 teenage girls and our dogs. We couldn't be happier with the photos we have. Tegan was so easy to work with, she was professional but fun, and managed to relax even the most nervous and camera shy ones of our group. She understood what we were trying to achieve from the photo shoot and captured our ideas beautifully - absolutely highly recommend her!!

 

Megan