A Few Things to Consider Before Booking a Family Photoshoot

A woman in a hat holds a child on a sandy beach, with the ocean and a pastel sky in the background.

Little Manly Photography

Hello there! I’m so thrilled you’re here and considering me as your photographer. It’s always such an honour to capture these special moments for families. Before we lock in your session, here are a few things to think about:

Location

I often photograph at the beach because, let’s be honest, it’s a stunning backdrop – perfect for kids, especially the little ones who love to explore. That said, I’d love for you to think about a location that’s meaningful to your family.

Where do you spend time together? What place will spark beautiful memories in years to come? Maybe it’s a local park, your favourite ice cream or coffee shop, or perhaps Grandma’s house with its magical garden. The possibilities are endless! My goal is to make sure these photos feel like you – your family, your story, this exact moment in time.

Two young boys in striped shirts lie on the grass, relaxing in the dappled sunlight of a garden.
A smiling couple holds their twin toddlers on a sunny beach, with water sparkling in the background.

Timing

As a natural light photographer, timing is everything. I don’t typically use studio lighting, so we’ll aim to make the most of that lovely, soft light nature provides. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

  • For families with young children: Morning sessions are usually best. Kids tend to be happiest early in the day, so we can capture those big smiles and giggles while they’re at their brightest.

  • Beach sessions: I recommend sunrise (yes, it’s early, but it’s so worth it!) or within two hours of sunset. You can easily Google “sunrise time + [date]” to check exact times.

  • Park/City sessions: Timing here is more flexible and depends on the location.

  • At-home sessions: Late morning – around 10:30 am – usually works best, as most homes have good natural light at that time. If your home gets its best light at a different time, just let me know when booking, and we’ll make it work!

A Few Other Things to Keep in Mind

  • For beach sessions: If you’d prefer to avoid crowds, sunrise is your best bet. Beaches are beautifully quiet then, the light is magical (especially on the surf side), and the weather tends to be milder – a huge bonus during summer when afternoons can get windy. If you’d rather not wake up early, weekday afternoons are quieter than weekends or public holidays.

  • If mornings aren’t your thing: Consider a late autumn or winter session, when the sunsets are earlier – perfect for families with little ones who can’t stay up too late.

All of this is just a guide based on my experience – every family, location, and situation is unique. We can absolutely tailor the session to suit your preferences and needs.

I hope this clears up a few things and helps you feel ready to book your family session! I can’t wait to create something beautiful and timeless with you.

Two children jump playfully on a grassy area, with palm trees and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
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