As a mum myself, I know that getting the whole family ready for a photoshoot can feel like a mission. Outfits to organise, snacks to pack, kids to wrangle… it can be easy to feel stressed before you've even left the house!

The good news? Your session doesn't need perfect children or perfectly behaved adults. My goal is to create a relaxed, fun experience where your family can simply enjoy being together.

Here are my top tips for making the most of your family photoshoot.

1. Plan Your Day Around Your Session

Try to keep the rest of your day as relaxed as possible.

Avoid squeezing your session in between birthday parties, sport, errands or other commitments. Kids can become overtired and overstimulated very quickly, especially if we're shooting close to sunset.

Instead, think of your photoshoot as your family's special event for the day. Have a slow morning, enjoy lunch together, leave work early and leave plenty of time to get ready without rushing or arguing in the car because Dad was home late for work!

2. Leave Earlier Than You Think You Need To

Nothing creates stress faster than running late.

Aim to leave home 15–20 minutes earlier than you think you'll need. That little buffer gives you time to find parking, settle the kids, fix any last-minute wardrobe mishaps and arrive feeling calm.

A relaxed family always photographs better than a rushed one.

3. Skip the Sugar

I know it can be tempting to promise an ice cream or a bag of lollies before the session as a reward...

But trust me… save the treats until afterwards!

Sugar highs often turn into sugar crashes, making little ones extra emotional, energetic or tired during the session. Instead, offer a healthy snack before you arrive and keep the celebratory ice cream for afterwards. It's a lovely way to finish the experience.

4. Put the Screens Away

If possible, avoid phones, tablets and screens in the car on the way to your session.

Instead, chat together, play "I Spy", sing songs or simply enjoy the drive. Children are often much more engaged and connected when they haven't just come off a screen, making it much easier for us to capture genuine smiles and interaction.

5. Let the Kids Be Kids

Your children don't need to sit still, smile on command or look at the camera the entire time.

In fact... I don't want them to!

We'll run.

We'll cuddle.

We'll explore.

We'll play games.

We'll have tickle fights.

The magic happens in between the poses, the giggles, the cuddles and the tiny moments you don't even realise are happening.

6. Don't Stress if Things Don't Go to Plan

Every parent worries that their child will refuse to smile or won't cooperate.

I promise you, it's completely normal. I've photographed hundreds of families, and some of the most beautiful galleries have come from sessions where Mum apologised the entire time because she thought everything was "going terribly."

Children don't need to be perfectly behaved. They just need to feel safe, loved and free to be themselves.

7. Trust the Process

You don't need to worry about what to do with your hands or how to pose.

That's my job.

I'll gently guide you into beautiful light, suggest little games, prompt natural interactions and capture all the in-between moments that make your family unique. The less you think about the camera, the more authentic your photographs will feel.

8. Be Present

This is the biggest one.

Forget about whether everyone's hair is sitting perfectly. Don't worry if your toddler gets dirty or your child decides they only want cuddles.

Just be with your family. Laugh together. Hold hands.

Pick your kids up even though they're getting heavy. Soak in this season of life exactly as it is.

Because one day, these photos won't just remind you what everyone looked like, they'll remind you how it all felt. And that's the kind of memory worth holding onto.