Prep Guide
Thanks for booking
You probably already know this but I get excited about every single session that I do, I absolutely love my job. I really want you and your family to relax and enjoy your session as that’s where the magic will happen.
This guide is your go-to for what the next steps are and how to prepare so we can get the best possible photos of your fam. I hope this guide answers any questions or hesitations you have but if there’s anything else, please let me know. I’m here to help.
xx Madi
The Next Steps
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Questionnaire
Fill out the questionnaire that came in the same email as the link to this prep guide. It let’s me get to know you so I can really tailor the sessiona around your family.
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Pre-Session Check In
About a week before your session, I’ll touch base to confirm details, check the forecast for outdoor sessions) and answer any last-minute questions.
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Your Photoshoot
Relax and enjoy! I’ll guide your family every step of the way to capture your family in a natural and beautiful way.
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Sneak Peek
Within a couple of days, you’ll receive a text with a small preview of your session as I know you’ll be dying to see some!
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Gallery Delivery
Within two weeks, you’ll receive a beautifully curated gallery with a base edit to select your favorite images.
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Final Edits & Deliver
Once you’ve chosen your favourites and confirmed your package, I’ll fully retouch them and deliver the final images within a week.
Choosing a Location
We are spoiled for choice here in South East Queensland aren't we? Over the years I've scouted for plenty of great locations that I can suggest. However it's totally up to you where we go. If you have an idea or something a bit out of the box or fun I'm all in and would love to hear about it. Here are a few tried and tested spots that I love below along with the option of an in-home session.
Lowood (Most Popular) - This is an incredible location for your photoshoot. The sunset is beautiful and the views are incredible. This is private property and there is a hire fee of $50 (cash on the day) but so worth it in my opinion!
Willowbank - This is a beautiful spot with gorgeous light. There are often Kangaroos around but I've been shooting there for years and have never had an issue with them.
Anstead - I love this location, it has long grass and some beautiful trees. You get a gorgeous sunset too. This spot can sometimes be busy on the weekends as it's a popular location to get photos done.
Oxley - For my Brisbane families that still love a field/nature vibe, this is the place to be. This spot in Oxley is great because you get the field look while staying on the nice lush mowed grass. It also has a toilet block here and lots of parking which is handy.
Sherwood - I love this location because there is so much space for the kids to run around if you have busy toddlers. The light coming through the trees is stunning. It has toilets and parking.
Kholo Gardens - This park is an all time favourite, I love spending my afternoons shooting here. There is lots of space for kids to run around and play. The afternoon light is beautiful but it also photographs well for a morning session if sunset isn't your vibe or too close to the kids bedtime. There are toilets and lots of parking.
Queens Park Ipswich - This spot is gorgeous and wonderful for photoshoots. There is lots of greenery and it's so close to Ipswich locals.
What to wear
I want you to feel beautiful, comfortable and relaxed, and for your photographs to reflect that too. Clothing is really important to the overall feel of your images, but rest assured I’m here to help. Please keep in mind these are just recommendations and to take what you want from it. You know your family and style the best but if you are interested, here are some of my tips.
START WITH MUM
Often it’s easiest to start with yourself. You can either borrow a dress from my client wardrobe below or pick something yourself. Start with a piece you love and feel beautiful in and coordinate the rest of the family from there.
MOVEMENT + TEXTURE
Movement is the secret to relaxed and natural looking images. You can accentuate this by having some clothing that has a bit of flow to it like a long maxi. For the rest of the fam, have a go at using a variety of textures like linens, waffled materials and chunky knits for winter.
COLOURS
You can’t go wrong with neutral/earthy tones. These colours are timeless and work well with every backdrop. It puts more of a focus on the connection with your family which is what we are capturing.
TRY TO AVOID
Steer clear of multiple bold patterns that clash, dressing everyone in the same thing (white t-shirts and jeans), fluro colours or large distracting logos. Dads don’t need to ‘dress up’ in business clothes. Chinos and a relaxed linen button up or basic tee works perfectly.
CLIENT WARDROBE
I have invested in a range of stunning dresses in various sizes that I know photograph well and are flattering for all shapes. There is a question in your questionnaire where you can specify what dresses you would like me to have ready for you. Every garment is washed and steamed between each use. You can see the client wardrobe below.
STILL STUCK?
If you’re still umming and ahhing check out my Pinterest boards HERE for some serious inspo! Flick me a message if you want a second opinion or you need a hand deciding.
The day of your session
PREPARING THE KIDS
Sleep + Food = Happy Kids. I know it can be tempting to hold off on a meal so you can reward them with a special treat after the shoot but it’s best to have snack before hand so they are functioning on full tummies. Same for little bubs. If you’d like some breast-feeding photos just let me know and we can work that in.
Pitch it to your kids as a fun arvo out and try to avoid telling them to ‘say cheese’ or smile. Instead we can focus on cuddles, snuggles and things that might make them smile or giggle naturally.
THE SESSION ITSELF
For outdoor sessions once we meet I will show you around where I plan on shooting. I’ll connect with the kids before I even get my camera out. I’m super down to earth and love getting to know my families. We’ll chat and move between a few different spots getting different combinations of your family as we go. Outdoor sessions are great as kids can run free and explore. I have a few games to play with the kids to get them on board if need be and lots of prompts for mum and dad to capture that genuine connection. You don’t have to look at the camera for every photo, in fact most of the time you’ll spend looking and interacting with each other. Before you know it, we will be done!
After your session
After your session, you'll receive a beautifully curated gallery of the best images within 2 weeks, all with a base edit to help you choose your favourites. Once you've selected your images and confirmed and paid for your package, I’ll carefully retouch each one to perfection so you’ll receive timeless, polished photos you'll cherish forever. You’ll have these one week after making your selections.
I hope this guide has answered all your questions. My main goal is to capture your family and the moments that happen between you. So do your best to relax and have fun.
If you still have any questions please let me know. I can't wait to create some beautiful images with you.
