THE FAMILY GUIDE

There isn't just one way to photograph a family

My aim when making memories for you is to make them real, make them alive and make these images make you feel something.

One of my favourite ways to do a session is to create some adventure. We go on a walk, to the beach, whatever it may be, but the key component is action. We move and capture those little nuances your family have. The memories, the little hands in yours, you brushing hair from their eyes, those little movements you don't even know you're doing, they come more naturally when there is something happening.

I absolutely adore home shoots too. I love a kid that is so comfortable in their home that they show me around and can just 'be'. This goes for the parents too. You feel calm at home and very you in that space. The aim is that you all 'just be' as you are because these are the memories you will hold onto and remember. I like a bit of mess, a bit of crazy hair, silly smiles, cute little habits. This is the time you want to hold on to.

I am not a fan of the cheesy smile and something dies inside me whenever a parent tells their kids to 'smile at Mel', The key to any shoot whether it be a family or a wedding, whatever it is, that key is AUTHENTICITY. We don't need you to pretend that your life is perfect, that you kids never misbehave or have tantrums. These photos may not be the ones you want on your wall, but you will want them in your little box of memories. Trust me, it goes too fast. Having said that we do want to bring our best energy to the shoot. If as a couple, you're having a bad day and not feeling the love, you need to bring it, or it will show, or you really are feeling pretty yuck, please postpone, there is nothing worse than a couple that is not happy with each other on the day. I can't do much with that. So bring the love, the cuddles, the best tricks with your kids. Usually a tickle and a throw in the air are good smile starters.

Some kids are a slow burn with new people, so we don't have enter this session guns blazing. I'm happy for the kids to look at my cameras, to chat and be curious, to show me around to take our time, if the kids trust me, they will feel free to be themselves and enjoy the experience. I have three kids (albeit a bit bigger now), so I know how persoanalities can fluctuate and move, we will capture whatever happens and it wil be great.

Have a think about what you want to do with your photos. Some families want a more formal style portrait session for prints on the wall, so that means I might shoot in a slightly different way. Some extended family sessions mean more 'looking at the camera' type shots, but with a mix of candid. I really love to combine the candidness of the chaotic and the structure of some more posed memories. I always like one where we are thrown in there together. For the most part you can ignore me, but I do love to do a few more structured portraits with parents and each child and then families together, then let the chaos reign. If you really love a more arty style please let me know, I will throw in some more double exposures. If you're keen on film, I might shoot a little bif of that too.

As for what to wear, the onl thing I really don't like is thin stripes (on anyone!) they flare terribly on camera, so please avaoid them. So then what DO you wear? well I think the most important thing is to feel comfortable. Wear clothes you like that make you feel good, but being too dressed up for a family shoot, especially at home can just make you pop that ' formal' filter on yourself too. Wear things you can play in, throw your kids around in. If you want a cohesive look, matching is a bit much for my taste but wear palettes that compliment each other. If you have questions or ideas, I am happy to look them over. I think not overthinking is the key.

Timing is key. We would ideally book your session for the best light in the house, but that doesn't always align with how happy your kids are at that time of the day. So be guided by your children. When are they happiest (usually)? . If we can time that with some interesting light through windows then that would be ideal. I am comfortable photographing in any light but with in home shoots if your home is REALLY dark, then spaces might be limited but light by windows and doors can always be used. I love playful shadows and bright light to create something interesting.

I hope this helps a llittle bit. If you have any questions, please get in touch. xx