What to Bring to your Family Session

Let’s start with the basics: when it comes to what to bring, the goal is ‘as little as possible’. The less you carry, the more relaxed you'll feel, and that's what we want. That said, there are a few handy items I recommend bringing along to make your session smooth and stress-free. Have a read though, and if you don't have young kids joining in your session, feel free to breeze over anything that wouldn't pertain to your family dynamic.

1. BAGS

If you do need to bring a few essentials, please try pack everything into one back-pack style bag. I sometimes like to shoot while we're simply strolling to a new spot, so I'll be the one carrying the bags and my gear. On that note... the less bags the better! If we are not far from the car we can always run back to grab anything. However, if you'd prefer to have things on hand (which I totally understand with kids), please try keep it as compact as possible.

2. mess-free-snacks

Sessions held around kids dinner time can prove quite challenging with hungry little tummies. 

If a client asked what would be the most important thing they should bring to a family session, unequivocally, my answer would be, MESS-FREE SNACKS!

Don't be shy to slip a few treat items into your bag too... you never know when you may need to bring out the big guns. I do not advise physically showing these to the kiddos ahead of time and keep it small and colour-free unless you'd like blue tongue lizard family photos or you're happy to embrace your new family member, the never ending lollipop.

3. WET WIPES AND TISSUES

Before becoming a parent I never once had a wet wipe in my home. After becoming a parent... I'm not sure how I ever lived without them. Please bring along some wet wipes to wipe up crumb filled little faces... and other situations only fellow parents will understand.

Please bring along some tissues for drying tears and wiping little noses, Especially in the winter, the cold weather can cause little noses to run.

4. A CHANGE OF CLOTHES

If you're going to give little ones snacks on the way to your family session, consider only dressing them once they arrive at the location. Please arrive a little earlier than our agreed time to allow enough time to get them changed into their session outfit.

5. A TOWEL

If we are photographing your session near water, please bring a towel with you and leave it in the car. While I tend to keep kids out of the water to start with, as long as you're okay with it, an end of session super fun splash around can most certainly be put on the cards.

6. Water bottles & jumpers

For the warmer months, please ensure that you bring along some water to stay hydrated, and in the cooler months please make sure you have something coordinating on hand to throw over the top of your outfit if you get cold.

7. picnic (not a necessity)

I am all for setting a scene and giving everyone something to do. So if you feel so inclined, feel free to pack yourselves a cheese and crackers style, pretty wicker picnic basket along with a neutral coloured picnic blanket and we will make a thing of it. Now, this is not a must-have item... I'm simply saying that if you'd like to incorporate a little family picnic, you are more than welcome to do so. Please discuss this with me prior to your session if it is something you would like to do as I can help with making it as simple and beautiful as possible.

8. YOUR DOG (IF YOU WANT TO)

Yes, that's right... they are part of the family after all. So, if you have one and it's not going to stress you out, bring the little fluffball along! I love including pets in sessions, but there are a few things to keep in mind so if you do plan to bring your dog, just let me know ahead of time so we can go through a few things.