Tips for making your photoshoot with a toddler and newborn easier!

You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world and you’d love to document this special time with your growing family, but you’re not sure how to make this happen with a toddler or older children. The first few weeks are an adjusting period for everyone in your family, which is why I love and highly recommend doing your newborn photos at your home. Being at home takes the stress out of having to prepare a day bag of snacks, spare clothes, toys, nappies etc. Even the thought of trying to get everyone dressed and into the car on time is enough to put parents off leaving the house in those first few weeks.

LET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER HELP OUT

The best thing about coming into your home is we can stop and start photos again at any time. If you need to change and feed your newborn halfway through the session your photographer and partner can entertain your toddler with fun photo ideas in the meantime. Some helpful hints I use with children are “let’s read a book with Dad” or “can you show me your favourite toy”? This gets them excited and gives you a 5-minute breather from photos.

MAKE IT FUN AND LIGHTHEARTED

The last thing young children want to do is be told to sit still and smile at the camera. It’s a rare moment when this happens! You’ll see at the beginning of this blog post I got a great photo of their toddler looking at the camera and smiling. This was at the start of our photoshoot which is often when I can grab their attention straight away for that key shot, the rest of the session you’ve got to go with the flow while making it fun and interesting. To mix things up try taking photos in a different room, this is often a good way to reset your toddler’s attention span. Also, give them a break while you have some photos separately with your newborn.

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 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.

Titahi Bay Family Photos!

Family is everything. I think a lot of us this year have reevaluated our priorities and been reminded of how important it is to stick together and make time for our family.

My cheeks hurt from smiling so much while editing my family session with @merlephotographs. These photos and the beautiful people in them bring me so much happiness! The doggos loved the beach and being involved too.

Tips for styling your family photo session - D.I.Y. mini hot air balloon

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.

It's been 6 months since my newborn and family session with baby Albert, take a look at our last shoot here to see how much he has grown! Claudia has been so supportive of my business, this is our third shoot together and when she said she wanted to do a creative session for Albert... of course I was all in! Take a look at what she came up with and the amazing homemade hot air balloon.

START WITH YOUR LOCATION

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 photoshoot? What kind of vibe are you wanting - do you want the environment to be outdoors, or do you prefer an in-home session? Do you want to add in some props for this special occasion and do they match what you’re going to wear?

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

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 could be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy). The grass and soft tones of the beach worked perfectly with the earthy tones this family chose to wear.

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. You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfit around what you’re going to wear. You might think it sounds a bit selfish but you also deserve this moment to shine.

ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR

Add in some extra textures so it doesn’t become too matched and don’t be afraid of an extra pop of colour. Avoid big and bold patterns (like floral tees), the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions. 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.