THE 'NO-STRESS' GUIDE TO PREPPING YOUR FAMILY FOR A PHOTOSHOOT

You’ve booked the shoot, yay! You've picked your outfits (after twenty outfit changes, let’s be real), and now… the anxiety starts creeping in.

“What if the kids won’t cooperate?”

“What if my partner looks like he’d rather be mowing the lawn?”

First: take a deep breath. I’ve seen it all. I promise, the imperfect moments are usually the magic ones.

But just to help you feel a bit more in control, here’s my go-to guide to keeping things smooth, stress-free, and fun!

1. Don't aim for perfect. Aim for real.

Let go of the pressure to have Pinterest-perfect children. Real laughs, cuddles, and cheeky side-eyes from toddlers are what make your photos yours. Trust me, the shots you’ll treasure most are never the posed ones.

2. Bribe smart. Think fun, not food

Snacks can help, but sugar highs and sticky fingers? Not ideal. Try:

• A new toy they’ve never seen before

• A post-shoot family picnic or playground visit

• Letting them be the “boss” of a few photos (they LOVE this)

3. Dads

Some dads show up ready to rock. Others… not so much.

Give them the heads up:

• “It’ll only take an hour.”

• “We’re capturing memories, not posing for Vogue.”

• “All you have to do is be yourself and love on us.”

And... Maybe throw in a beer or burger after? Whatever works, motivation is motivation!

4. Get ready early, then let it go :)

Plan to be ready at least 30 minutes before you actually need to be. That way, if someone loses a shoe, needs a nappy change, or decides their socks are the enemy, you’ve got time.

Then… just roll with it. The chaos can be beautiful, too.

5. Leave the vibes to me!

It’s my job to keep the energy light, the laughs flowing, and the kids (and adults) feeling relaxed. You don’t need to play director. You just need to show up, love on your people, and trust that I’ve got the rest.

Bottom line? You can’t control every detail. But you don’t have to. You’ve already done the hard part — deciding to capture this season of life. And I promise, however messy, noisy, or unpredictable it feels in the moment…

It’s going to look like magic on camera.

Ready to create some chaos-covered memories?

Let’s book your shoot — I’ll bring the calm, you bring the chaos!

6. Perth lifestyle photographer offering candid, natural light photography for families, couples, individuals, and small business owners. Specialising in beach photoshoots at iconic Perth locations like Cottesloe Beach, Trigg Beach, and Scarborough, as well as nature-filled outdoor sessions at Bells Rapids, Guildford Meadows, Hyde Park, and the Swan River foreshore. Experienced in maternity photography, family portraits, engagement sessions, branding and content creation for creatives, and relaxed in-home photography sessions across Perth and surrounding suburbs. Capturing real moments, golden hour magic, and warm, authentic storytelling through modern, light-filled imagery. Photography services available across Perth hills, northern suburbs, and coastal locations, with flexible session options including outdoor shoots, home sessions, and access to a personal photography studio coming soon. Whether you’re looking for timeless family memories, intimate couple portraits, or professional branding imagery, I create a calm, comfortable environment that allows your personality and story to shine.