About the shoot

On the day, we’ll create natural, relaxed photographs, some will be totally candid moments, and in others I will guide & direct you in a natural way. I usually start family sessions by engaging with and photographing the children in an informal and playful way, while their energy is higher and they can let off steam! We'll then move on to any group photographs, and portraits of the grown-ups!

It can be a good idea to let your little ones choose favourite toys and games to play with at the start of the shoot, and this can also create some brilliant photo opportunities! You may also like to consider activities or games you like to do together as a family, which could also be fun for photos (e.g. nature walks, quick games you like to play outside or around the house, football, croquet, etc).

Colour-Scheme

I recommend choosing a basic colour-scheme for your session as early as possible so that everybody has time to prepare outfits in good time. This is worth considering so that you compliment each other in the photos and don’t clash too much, if possible! This could be blues & greens, oranges & reds, bright colours, pastel colours, neutrals - whatever feels right to you - and let everyone have their own take on that. Try to coordinate before the day so you can have a look at outfits together and check you’re happy with what you’ve picked out.

What to Wear

What do you have in your wardrobe right now that makes you feel great when you put it on!? Choose an outfit that makes you feel good! This is your time and your photos, so wear something you love and feel comfortable and feel ‘like you’ in.

Try to have outfits ready at least a week before the shoot so there’s no last minute rush. I recommend trying your planned outfit on as soon as possible (with the shoes (if wearing), jewellery and even the underwear you’ll need!) to make sure you’re happy with how everything is sitting.

Avoid wearing items with bold brand logos or printed statements as they can dominate and be distracting in the photographs. I would also avoid wearing tops that have very fine lines printed as they can create a wobbly ‘moiré effect’ in the images.

How to pose

I’ll be capturing natural moments between you as well as directing you for beautiful shots. Here are a few tips!

Ease into it. You might feel a bit awkward in front of the camera at first (so many of us are!), but trust that you’ll warm up as we go. Try to breathe, relax, let yourself shine and have fun with it. I’m 100% here for your self expression, so you do you!!

There’s no way to ‘get this right’ - every family is unique and your photos will be, too! There is no pressure to make this perfect.

What helps to make for the best family photos are when everyone is as close together as possible... cuddles, connection, laughter, play, and tickles make for incredible, personality-filled shots.

Know that you don’t have to be looking at the camera all the time. We’re wanting to capture natural moments between you, so true interactions and real moments are what we’re going for.

Please do not worry if your kids are playing up or not cooperating at times - I bring a playfulness and lots of patience to sessions, and it’s good for us to hold that intention. Letting them be silly is part of the fun, and helps them feel like they can ‘be themselves’ - and more relaxed photos usually come after this! Give them lots of cuddles and encouragement and we’ll get beautiful photos.

Self care & Preparation

• You may want to have your hair cut and styled by your hair stylist before the shoot. Know that you love how it looks and feels good to you!

• Check that your nails are trimmed, eyebrows are how you like them, and facial hair is as you like it for the session, etc.

• Have your outfits hanging up, ironed if necessary, and ready for the day of the shoot.

• If you wear glasses, give them a clean before we get started.

• Try to stay hydrated leading up to the session, and keep skin moisturised and happy. You may like to bring moisturiser with you.

• Aim for everyone to get an earlier night sleep the night before if possible(!), and take the rest you need leading up to the session (I know this can be easier said than done) so that you give yourself the best chances of feeling good on the day.

• Have had a good meal before we get started and it’s a good idea to have snacks and treats to hand!

Things to remember to bring on the day

• Spare outfit for yourself and little ones in case needed, as well as tissues, wipes, water, snacks, etc. (Ideally snacks that aren’t too messy!)

• Hair brush or comb, lip balm, and any other makeup / beauty items you might want.

• Bring your favourite moisturiser or suncream in case needed.

• If possible, avoid wearing sunglasses within 30 minutes of your session as they can leave marks.

What happens after the shoot

I’ll be processing your photographs and preparing your gallery of your new images! You’ll receive your gallery within 21 days of the session. From here you can download your shots, and order prints if you wish!

I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions at all, just pop me an email at becky@beckyrui.com.

I am so looking forward to seeing you!

Becky