Your Pre-Shoot Guide

For Laid-Back, Natural & Beautiful Family Photos

Hey there, I’m so excited to be capturing your family! This guide is here to help you feel totally prepared for your session, from what to wear to what to expect on the day. My approach is all about keeping things natural, relaxed, and true to you, so forget the stiff poses and forced smiles—we’re here to capture your family as you really are.

Much love,

Tracey

What to Wear (And What Not To)

The number one rule? Be comfortable and be yourself. Your photos should reflect your family as you truly are, so there’s no need to dress up in anything that feels unnatural.

Some easy style tips:

✔ No matching white shirts! Coordinated? Sure. But overly matching outfits can feel staged.
✔ Stick to earthy, neutral tones—they always look amazing in natural light, especially at the beach.
✔ Fun colours are totally okay! Soft pastels, warm rusts, and rich tones can add personality without overpowering the scene.
✔ Avoid bold logos, loud patterns, or neons—they can be distracting in photos.
✔ Black isn’t always the best choice. It can feel heavy and lose detail in soft light.
✔ Accessories are great! A hat or a cosy cardigan in winter can add warmth and texture, while in summer, packing a swimsuit can give you the option to finish the session with a dip.
✔ Let the kids have a say. You’d be surprised how well a child’s outfit choice can work in a photo. Plus, if they feel good in what they’re wearing, they’ll be happier on the day.
✔ If we’re at the beach, be ready to get wet! The best sessions end with sandy feet and splashes in the water.

My favourite look for family shoots?

Cool casual—think relaxed, effortless, and a little bit lived-in. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, comfy jeans, and barefoot beach vibes always photograph beautifully.

At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel good. This is just a guide, not a rule book—so if you’re happiest breaking all the style “rules,” go for it!

What to Bring

You can absolutely just show up as you are—but if you want to add a little extra personality to your session, here are some ideas to make your photos even more you.

To add meaning and personality:

✔ A favourite teddy or special blanket
✔ Skateboards, bikes, or scooters
✔ Guitars or other instruments
✔ Paddleboards or surfboards
✔ A picnic blanket and some snacks for a relaxed moment together
✔ A fire pit hangout at home (if that’s your vibe!)
✔ Pool or ocean swims—because who doesn’t love a spontaneous splash?

If any of these sound fun to you, let me know! I’d love to incorporate them into your session.

To keep things running smoothly:

✔ A change of clothes for kids—just in case!
✔ Snacks and water (because we all know how quickly kids go from fine to starving).

No matter what you bring (or don’t bring), your session will be all about capturing the real, unscripted moments that make your family yours.

What to Expect at Your Shoot

My family sessions are all about capturing real moments, not perfectly posed ones. They’re filled with movement, energy, and are completely child-led. Here’s what that means:

  • No forced smiles or “Say cheese!” Instead, I'll focus on the giggles, cuddles, and chaos that make your family unique. We’ll start with those sweet, slow moments—lots of cuddles, kisses, and quiet play—as the kids warm up. Then, we’ll shift gears into more energetic activities like races or jumping over waves.

  • Your kids call the shots. If they want to run wild, climb trees, or bury their feet in the sand, we’ll roll with it. Whatever feels natural for them, that’s what we’ll do!

  • There’s no “wrong” way for kids to behave. As a mum, I get it—kids have their moods, their energy bursts, and sometimes meltdowns. It’s all part of the magic, and I’m here for it.

  • Come with no expectations. If your toddler just wants to be held or if your little one can’t part with their favourite toy, that’s completely okay. We’ll embrace whatever comes our way, and it’ll be perfect.

  • This time is all about enjoying each other. Your session with me is an hour just for your family to slow down and enjoy being together. Focus on your kids, the love you share, and let go of any worries. Whatever happens during this hour, just know it will be perfect because it’s your moment.

A note for parents: Please make sure you and your partner are on the same page about my approach to capturing the session. This is your time to relax and let things unfold naturally. Let the moments happen as they will. It’s all part of the beauty of family life.

Getting the most out of your kids

  • Skip the “smile” or “pose” requests. If they’re not in the mood, it’ll show. Let them play, explore, and just be themselves—I’ll capture the real magic in the moments in between.

  • Dress them for comfort. Make sure your kids are wearing clothes that won’t need adjusting throughout the session. The less fiddling, the more time they have to relax and enjoy the moment.

  • Make sure babies and young children are well-rested and fed. A nap and a full tummy can make all the difference in their mood and energy levels!

  • Play, cuddle, and interact like you normally would. The best photos happen when you forget I’m even there. Just focus on your kids and enjoy the time together, and I’ll be there to catch it all.

What Happens After the Shoot?

Once your session is done, I’ll go through all your images, selecting and editing the very best ones.

  • You’ll receive your online gallery within three weeks of your shoot.

  • From there, you can select your favourites or upgrade your package if you want more.

  • Your photos are yours to download, print, share, and cherish forever.

  • Pro Tip: Order Prints from Your Online Gallery

    I highly encourage you to take advantage of your online gallery’s print store for the best quality prints. It’s an easy way to ensure your photos are printed to the highest standards, capturing every detail and making them last for years to come.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has given you a feel for how your session will flow. At the end of the day, my goal is to make this a fun, relaxed experience that leaves you with a heart full of memories and a gallery full of images you’ll love forever.

If you have any questions, just ask—I’m always happy to help. Otherwise, I can’t wait to meet you and your family soon!

See you at your session!

Tracey
Golden Sundays Photography