Have fun and embrace the process of having photos taken! Preparing for stress free photos with children.

My favourite jobs are always the ones when parents let their children have fun! Yes it’s important to get a staple photo of everyone smiling and looking at the camera but what a lot of people don’t realise is that sometimes the best photos are when you’re not looking at me and you’re in the moment. Having your family photos taken does not need to be stressful. Here’s one of the best family sessions I’ve done in 2022 and a few simple ways you can prepare to have the best experience on the day of your photo shoot.

FIRSTLY - IF IT TURNS TO SH**, IT’S OK

I’ve seen it all.. there’s not anything that will shock or bother me when photographing kids. Don’t feel like you need to apologise for a tantrum or something that your kid said. I’m there to work through all of that, I have thick skin and I have a few tricks up my sleeve. When you don’t realise it I’ll be capturing moments. Every time when the photo shoot feels like it’s gone terribly for parents they are always pleasantly surprised by the photos taken in between the chaos.

PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN

Start talking to your children about the photoshoot a few days prior to get them familiar with the idea. Talk about it with excitement but also make it sound normal and fun, you don’t want to overwhelm them with expectations of how you think it will go. Tell them what to expect from your photographer. You can tell your children that your photographer is a friend, so they don’t seem like a stranger.

EXPECTATIONS

If you go into your photoshoot feeling stressed and nervous about how your toddler or kids are going to behave, the chances are they are going to pick up on this tension. They might not want to sit still, look at the camera and smile. If you put pressure on them it might make it harder. My best piece of advice is to go with the flow and work with your photographer to capture natural moments together, these are often the best photos! You might need to make it fun and let your child play, be convincing that its fun!

LISTEN AND GO WITH THE FLOW

Towards the end of your session let your kids run in the sand and roll in the grass, create a fun memory with them. Children will go through different stages and phases. They may only want one parent to hold them and getting them on their own isn’t going to happen without tears. The best way to work with children is to not force them but to comfort them, they might be nervous! Work with what you can. Sometimes bribes can work, or perhaps they just need their favourite toy.

Would love to hear if this post resonated with you or eased some of your worries going into your photo session! Also let me know if you love this style of photographer over the more formal and posted look of family photos!

What to wear for your family photo session

Booking a family photoshoot is an important milestone for your family and I understand why you want to plan your outfits in advance. I’ve put together some easy tips and ideas to help plan what your family is going to wear.

START WITH YOUR LOCATION and ask yourself these questions:

Will your photo session be indoors or outdoors?

What time of year are you having photos taken, do you need to dress warm and comfortably? I photograph all year round, which means some families will need to dress appropriately for the season.

Do you want your outfits to look natural and cohesive with the environment? For example, if we’re going to a beach, it makes more sense to wear shorts or a dress and flat shoes, rather than dressing in a formal suit or heels.

MUM PICK YOUR OUTFIT FIRST

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit first! I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love. Is this a reason to buy the dress you’ve been eyeing up? You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfits around what you’re going to wear. You deserve this moment to shine!

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

Think about what the colours will be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast. If your photos are in a garden setting with lots of green, you might want to avoid wearing all green but you could add in one element of the same colour. Try to pick colours from the same palette or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral).

If your photos will be at home, grab inspiration from your decor and the colour of paint on the walls. You might like to grab some options from your wardrobes and lay them out on the furniture to see how they look in the environment.

ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR (AVOID TOO MUCH BLACK AND TEXT/LOGOS)

If you can, try to avoid black. While black can make us feel confident, it doesn’t always photograph the best if there’s too much of it. If your only option is to wear black pants, pair them with a coloured or textured shirt to break it up. This is important for maternity sessions, black (or even dark navy) coloured dresses can make it hard to see baby bumps.

Add in some textures if you are going for a matched look (everyone wearing the same colour). You can break this up with either a different type of fabric or a small pattern. Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text). Small and delicate patterns are ok, the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions.

Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour somewhere if that is more your style! No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable, then keep it authentic.

IF IN DOUBT, WEAR WHITE

White, beige, creams, and any light-coloured dresses or shirts always photograph incredibly well during sunset. White can sometimes be misunderstood to look too bridal or too bold. Lighter colours are perfect for engagement sessions, maternity photos and family sessions (maybe not as suitable for younger children who might want to run around and play).

DRESS LIKE YOURSELF

Dress like yourself most importantly! If you don't like wearing dresses, then definitely don't wear something that doesn't feel like you. Pull out your best pair of trousers and a t-shirt if you need to.

There are no rules for what is and isn't acceptable. It may be a professional photo session but don't let that intimidate you or make you feel like you have to dress a certain way. You want to recognise yourself in the future.

If you're having a tricky task convincing your little ones to wear a particular item, give them a few options that suit and then let them decide, it will get them more involved with the process.

RECAP

• For a more natural look, think of your location and what clothing would make sense to wear there in the current season.

• Try to pick colours from a similar colour palette or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral)

• Mums, pick your outfit first!

• If you can try to pick outfits that aren’t all black (especially avoiding black or dark-coloured dresses for maternity bump photos)

• Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text)

• Add in some textures if you are going for matching coloured clothing

• Dress like yourself

• If in doubt, white will always be a colour that suits everyone and will be forever timeless

STILL NOT SURE? BRING OPTIONS!

Still not sure, bring plenty of options or send me some pics beforehand for some ideas! Sometimes picking an outfit can be a last-minute decision. It really can come down to the weather on the day. Don't overthink or overcomplicate it. Wear what feels good and is practical enough to help you feel comfortable during your photos.

Bring options for children, especially if you need to have snacks on hand in the car ride on your way, you may want to change into outfits when you arrive. But also, a little mess on clothing isn't ever really a big deal and usually won't show up in photos anyway.

Bring coats and jackets, plus a hair tie in case the weather turns it on for us. Wellington can be highly unpredictable, which always keeps me on my toes!

Winter Family Photo Session - Eastbourne Wellington

Eastbourne is a popular Wellington spot for its long grass, beach setting and harbour views. Here are some of my favourite photos taken at this location from a recent session with Hannah, Josh and Archer, who had the best smile! This session was to celebrate Archer’s 1st birthday.

Wellington Newborn and Family Photography at Home!

My at-home newborn sessions are perfect for parents who have recently welcomed their newborn into the world. The reason I offer this type of photography and not studio photography is that being at home feels truly authentic and natural, while also making it so much easier for parents to get professional photos!

You may still be figuring out your baby’s routine while possibly feeling like you haven’t quite had enough sleep. I’ll be able to take away the pressure of having to be somewhere and the logistics of planning an outing with a newborn. If you have a toddler or younger children, they may feel most comfortable and settled being at home for these photos. We can also include any pets, which is a nice bonus!

I also really love that these sessions are taken in a space that is personal to your family, so in years to come your little one can see the home they grew up in (I know I feel nostalgic looking at my old family photos). Your space doesn’t need to be stylised or overly tidy. I’ll use 1-3 spaces that have minimal clutter and can help clear away anything that isn’t suitable when I arrive. I can make any home work for photos if there is enough natural light.

I like to capture moments of your family interacting in your everyday life setting while keeping things relaxed and easy-going. When your little one needs a feed or if your toddler wants a snack we can pause photos and since you’re at home you’ll have everything you need right there. We can also use any props or special blankets in the photos so you’ll get a lot of variety (Grandparents and Aunties love seeing their knitted gifts being put to good use).

At this point in time, I don’t offer studio portraits for newborn photography but if you're wanting natural and less posed photos taken in your home, this kind of session might be what you're looking for! These sessions are available all year round, so you can pick any time to update your family photos (weekends are limited during summer so do get in touch to find out more about my availability).

Here are some reviews and testimonials from families I’ve photographed! You can also check out my Google reviews for more up-to-date feedback.

“Jaymee took some family photos of us with our 4 month old. We are so happy with how they turned out and will treasure them for many years to come. Thank you Jaymee for your prompt communication and turnaround, as well as your fun and easygoing nature during our shoot.”

“We are so happy with our photos and would 100% recommend Jaymee and go back to her again. The shoot was super relaxed and we were really impressed with Jaymee’s quick turnaround, great communication and professionalism.”

“Jaymee took some incredible photos for us. But not just that, she was friendly, calm and created a great atmosphere, which really helped make the session in our home with two young kids a success!”

Wellington family photography and styling tips for your photo shoot

Woooowie, how beautiful is this family! I had so much fun with Sam, Stefan and their two boys. They also gave me the best testimonial which seriously made my week! I freaking love my job.

"Jaymee did an amazing job with our family photos, I am so glad to have found her. She felt like a part of our family and was a true hero in making the whole experience a calming and sentimental time for us. Jaymee was so good with our two boys, she is a natural with children!"

I wanted to use this session as an example of different ways you can style your outfits. Booking a family photoshoot can be an important milestone for your growing family. It’s an important event and I understand why you would want it to be perfect because it’s not often you get professional photos taken.

Planning what your family is going to wear is going to add an element of styling to your photos. To form a cohesive look start with your location. Where will you have your family photo shoot? What kind of vibe are you wanting - do you want the environment to be outdoors like this session here, or do you prefer an in-home session?

Next think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast with the background. The colours might be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy).

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit and then style your children around what colour you’re wearing. I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love so do a little research and spend an afternoon trying on some options (might be a good excuse to buy a new dress). You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable then keep it authentic.

Feeling nostalgic and the best types of family photos at home - Wellington family photographer

When I think about what best represents a family photograph it's more than just a posed image. It's your home that you've built, the space that you are most comfortable in, and your most favourite place. I look at photos of myself as a kid and the images that speak to me the most are the ones where I am sitting on the couch with Mum and Dad, or playing outside wearing gumboots and farm clothes. These photos give me a feeling of nostalgia.
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If you've been thinking about updating your family photos, an in-home lifestyle shoot might be perfect for you! One day your children will have the same feelings looking back on old photos. I offer these sessions all year round and I travel to you, so it's perfect if you have a newborn or younger childen.

This is my third time photographing Amanda and her family, it’s such a pleasure seeing clients again as their family grows.

Tips to prepare for your in-home lifestyle and newborn photo session

Family sessions at home capture a mix of unfiltered real moments, done in a stylised way. These sessions are a personal favourite of mine if you have a newborn! I’ll be able to capture your family in an authentic way and you’ll feel more comfortable being in your own space.

PREPARING YOUR SPACE

A home is made to be lived in and no one is expecting every room in your house to be clean or tidy, especially if you have kids. There is absolutely no pressure to prepare your entire house for photos but having one or two spaces ready to use before your photographer arrives is key. Often your bedroom, living area, or a children’s bedroom is a great space to use for a lifestyle session. You may want to put away some toys or hide clutter but you definitely won’t need to clear everything out of the space, you still want it to look like your home and not something out of a flashy magazine.

PREPARING YOUR NEWBORN AND TODDLER

Let your children know a photographer is coming to your home for some fun and they will be taking some pictures. Asking your children to sit quiet and still usually doesn’t work and it can make your photographer seem like a scary person coming into their space. Make it fun and playful, prepare some activities that you can all do together. Let your kids run around and your photographer can interact with them, we love building trust with them and making the process enjoyable for everyone. Relax and try not to stress over their behaviour on the day.

For your newborn, do what you need to do. Stick to your feeding routine and don’t be afraid to feed during your session if you need to. You’ll likely plan to have your photos taken at a time when your baby usually sleeps but come the day of your photos their sleeping habits might be out the window. Your photographer will be able to adapt and allow you to settle your newborn if you need extra time.

WHAT TO WEAR

You’re at home so you want to be comfortable but pick outfits that make you feel confident. Coordinate your outfits with each other and with your space, think of using similar tones and complementary colours. I personally love earthy and light tones, whites and creams are particularly great for a newborn session. Avoid busy patterns and text on shirts. At the end of the day, if you want to be in your PJs and your baby wants to run around in their nappy, that’s completely ok too! The goal is to capture authenticity.

Wellington maternity photographer - Reasons to have a maternity session

If you’re counting down the weeks until your little one arrives this could be the perfect time to book in your maternity session. From 30 weeks is usually a good time for photos depending on your pregnancy, you want your bump to be visible but still be feeling comfortable enough to enjoy your session. There are so many reasons to book in a maternity session, take a read!

YOUR PREGNANCY JOURNEY

Pregnancy is different for everyone and you may feel self-conscious about having your photos taken at this time. Your body is changing in the most incredible way and having a photo session is a way of shifting your focus towards celebrating the new life you are creating, instead of worrying about your appearance.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Your pregnancy may feel as if it’s taking a toll on your body and if we are being real… you can’t wait for your baby to arrive just so you can start to feel normal again. Once baby is here and in the years to come, you’ll be so focused on raising a child that your pregnancy will feel like a very distant memory! Having photos to look back on will allow you to relive some of those moments you had together during pregnancy and remember that feeling of being so eager to meet your little one.

YOUR FAMILY IS GROWING!

When your little one is older you can show them photos from when they were in Mum’s tummy! If you are someone who likes to look back at old family photos, your maternity session is the best place to start your own family album. You can document your family’s growth by following up with a newborn session.

DISPLAY YOUR IMAGES

Wedding photos are often put on display throughout homes and a maternity session signifies another milestone in your life together. Professional photos are worth putting on display. You can also use your photos for your gender reveal, there are lots of ways to get creative with this.

Cosy Newborn Session at Home!

Claudia, Steph and their daughter Coco welcomed baby Albert into the world and we celebrated in the best way possible with a newborn and family lifestyle session. This session was cosy, in their element at home and playful.

You may remember our beachfront maternity session a couple of months back, you can check it out here!

I love lifestyle sessions like this because there is a mix of unfiltered real moments but done in a stylised way. Claudia did an amazing job preparing the space for our session.