I'm so glad you're here! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture these treasured moments for you. I know how rare it can be for everyone to be together at once. Your memories are truly precious and it means so much to have been asked to capture them for you!
I want you to come into your session feeling at ease. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourselves. Where you can play and connect as a family. When you arrive, we’ll take a moment to say hello and get to know each other a little before we ease into it. Don’t worry about what to do, I am ready to capture the candid moments of fun, connection and love between you and your family.
Usually with extended family sessions I will aim to get the different group shots you guys are after first (e.g. the big family group, grandparents and grandkids, each individual family, all the grandkids together, etc. My questionnaire has a spot where you can list the different combos you’d like to get), but I also know that kids will be kids, so if they get over it a bit we can have a bit of a play and get some more candid shots before coming back to the group pics.
Once all the more formal shots have been taken, I will capture more candid shots. I know kids won’t really want to be told to pose or smile, so I tend to follow their lead. I’m looking to capture your natural behaviour and how you interact with each other. Be silly. Tell jokes to one another, rumble with your kids, chase them, throw them in the air, swing them around, give them piggy back rides, whisper in in each others ears, encourage play and have a fun time with them and I’ll be there snapping away. In this way I capture more natural moments between you, genuine emotion and laughter.
I am so excited to create a memorable experience for you, and to capture this part of your story!
Below I have outlined:
1. Questionnaire
You would have received a questionnaire alongside your invoice. Please set aside 10 minutes to complete it for me. This will help me get to know you and will help personalise your session.
2. Location Guide
I use all natural light and love shooting in the outdoors, in nature. I have a number of locations for you to choose from in my attached Location Guide, however if there is somewhere which holds your heart which you would like me to capture you in, I am more than happy to check it out and work with you - I love using places which you have a connection with and am always open to new locations! We can also shoot in your own home or backyard, as this can be a comfortable and intimate space to help you feel more at ease. OR if you feel like going for a family stroll through Katoomba and want to stop at a cafe for a coffee/milkshake, I’m down for that as well.
3. Planning emails/call
Not everyone will need or require a call, however if you would like to schedule a phone call to help us plan your session, I'd love to chat, otherwise we can communicate via email if that is preferred. Here we will discuss locations and clarify any questions you may have
4. Photoshoot
The ultimate goal is for you to have a great time and enjoy the experience. Try not to think about how you want your photos to look and focus on your partner and your surroundings. You will receive plenty of gentle guidance. The more you can be present in the moment, the more naturally the moments will unfold and the more meaningful your images will be.
5. Gallery Delivery
Within 3-4 weeks of your shoot date, I will send you a link to your online gallery where you will be able to view your images and select the Gumnut Collection, or upgrade to the Banksia or Waratah Collections. Within your gallery you will also have access to my print store. You can access the store via the Shop tab. It is filled with beautiful and quality products to choose from. All handmade in Australia and you have the ability to order directly through the gallery.
So you’ve booked your session
My favourite time of day is the hour before sunset. When the sun gets low it creates the most beautiful light and you get some glorious colours. It’s also when the light is most flattering. That’s why I like to schedule our sessions around this time. During daylight savings time, this could be around 6:00/7pm and 4pm during winter. That being said, I also love a morning session, to capture some blue sky fun, so if sunset doesn’t suit you, don’t stress, I offer flexibility and I am happy to work with you.
I’ll always keep an eye on the weather forecast in the lead up to your ‘shoot and will keep in touch with any updates. Sometimes a little drizzle adds effect to what you’re going for – a moody look rocked by you and the conditions. We could move the ‘shoot to your home or somewhere indoors instead… Or you could want to reschedule and that’s so fine too. I’m flexible, and we’ll be in touch the whole time.
Let's make styling your shoot something to get excited about, not overwhelmed. I'm here to help you piece everything together and make this as stress-free as possible. It's all part of the creative process, let your true style shine!
Once you have chosen a location for your session, please keep this in mind for what you decide to wear at your shoot - especially when it comes to footwear. e.g. if we're shooting at a beach, thongs are ideal so we can kick them off when on the sand and embrace the water, boots or enclosed shoes would be ideal for the mountains.
What's most important is that you feel like yourself. You are welcome to email me a photo of your outfits laid out on the bed and I can pop you through some feedback and can bring a couple of options for an outfit change on the day to add a bit of variety.
As far as clothing, keep it simple. The more comfortable you are in what you’re wearing, the more natural your images will be! I recommend you wear something that makes you feel good.
I suggest choosing Mum’s outfit first and working out from there. Work out what vibe you would like your photos to portray. If you're a casual fam and jeans are your vibe, then go for it! If you feel like going all out and frocking up for the occasion, I am here for that too.
Think about texture and movement, as this adds depth and interest to the photos. In the warmer weather, flowy dresses or tops add a lot of interest to your photos, tulle skirts for twirling. During winter a great way to add texture to your photos is through knits, beanies, scarfs, etc.
Please also consider the location when choosing footwear. We may be doing a bit of walking on uneven ground, so ensure you're wearing something comfortable.
Throw in a little colour if you’d like, but try to avoid super bright colours, which could create a colour cast on your skin. Also, try to avoid too many overwhelming patterns, logos and character t-shirts, as these can compete and distract. I give some examples further below.
Please don’t feel the need to match everyone. I find that if you stick to a bit of a colour palette, working with complementary colours or varying shades of the same colour, this works really well. e.g. if you tell everyone to wear either blues, whites, creams, and browns, that way they can wear shirts in different shades of blue or white, or a dress with blue and white patterns, mixed with denim or tan trousers, etc. so you’re all coordinated, but not too matchy.
Or, if someone is wearing a pattern with lots of colours, use that to base what everyone else wears - they can all pull a colour from that pattern to wear.
I'm all for it if you feel like dressing up for the occasion. Beautiful dresses look amazing against nature, they add texture and movement and can be quite the contrast
.
I am partnered with Mama Rentals, who hire beautiful gowns for mums to wear in photoshoots. If you would like 15% off gown hire (excludes accessories, men’s & children’s clothing), please use the code LISAJAYNE at checkout.
www.mamarentals.com.au
Example 1: Neutrals/Earthy colours
Neutrals always work well. Natural, earthy colours compliment every background. They are timeless and always work effectively to create pictures that never go out of style. Think about texture, layers, movement and complimentary patterns.
Example 2: Pastels
Pastel colours always provide a beautiful contrast to the natural surroundings. Think about texture, layers and complimentary patterns. Tulle skirts for twirling always add a gorgeous element of movement.
Example 3: Vibrant
If you’re a colour lover, please dont feel you have to mute your vibe for me. The only thing I suggest is to be a little considered about what colours you’re all wearing. Too many bold patterns can be overwhelming, but if one of you wears a pattern, you can pull on some of the colours from that pattern for the other people to wear.
Big distracting logos, licensed/character t-shirts or overwhelming clashing patterns. We want your family to shine in your photos, and we dont want a t-shirt or loud pattern to steal the spotlight. I am not saying to avoid patterns all together, just not everyone in pattern. If you have something in mind and want to run it by me, I'm happy for you to email me a photo and I can let you know what would work and what doesn't.
Patchy fake tan. I love a bit of a glow myself, but please don't overdo it with the fake tan. It makes my job a little tricky when I'm trying to balance and even out skin tones in my edits.
Smart watches. For truly timeless images, I recommend not wearing smart-watches. These can date a photo and also be a distracting piece.
Bulky pockets and hair ties on wrists. I will have a bag with me for you to put phones, wallets, keys, hair ties, etc. in before we start the session.
In order for us to have every chance for great family moments, I recommend making sure your little ones have eaten recently and rested well during the day. Feel free to bring water and non-messy snacks (or bribes) along with you in case they need a little top up.
Prep your family. Let your kids know that a friend will be coming a long to take some photos, so they are not surprised when we get together. Explain what will happen, how much fun it will be and how they can participate. Encourage them to have fun during the shoot and perhaps show them photos of other families enjoying the experience so they know what to expect. Reassure them that the photographer is going to be fun and wont make them do anything they dont want to do.
Please arrive and be ready to start on time! Remember, your session is scheduled according to the light and, unfortunately, the sun will not wait for us (rude, I know!). Please take traffic and parking into consideration in your planning. If in doubt, it’s best to arrive early.
Clothes - If you can, save your fancy photoshoot outfits for the location. I know how messy kids can be. Getting them dressed at the location saves them from crushing and getting grubby. Please pack some warm clothes for the drive home, just in case.
Body Checks - When you arrive, please conduct a thorough body check for any unwated accessories like hairbands on wrists, wallets, keys and phones in pockets. I'll have a bag with me for you to throw those things in,
Dogs - If you are bringing your dog along to the shoot, please make sure you bring them on a lead so that they dont run off.
Please follow @lisajayne_photography on instagram.
I am so excited to meet you and create new memories with your family! I'd love if you'd follow along on my instagram, get to know me a bit more and see what your session could look a bit like!
insta: @lisajayne_photography
FB: lisa.jayne.photography.sydney
hello@lisajaynephotography.com.au
