If you’ve never had family photos done before, or you haven’t had any done with me, you might have a few questions or wondering what to expect. So here’s a little blog about it all, with some frequently asked questions, and some more info that maybe people don’t know, this will hopefully help to answer some questions.

How do I book a session?

The best way to book a session with me is to head to my booking calendar here https://app.studioninja.co/booking/karenwebbphoto-family-session and pick a date that suits. All the times in there are set for a sunset session, but if that doesn’t suit you, just let me know and I’m happy to chat to you about starting at a different time.

Do you do newborn photos?

Absolutely I do! I don’t have specific times locked into my booking calendar, but yes, I definitely still do newborns. Reach out and let me know that you’re keen and I can give you my available dates and times.

Can I pay it off over time?

Absolutely. When you book via the link above, you’ll get sent the invoice in full, but just let me know when you’ve booked that you’d like to pay in installments and I can easily adjust the invoice to reflect that.

What if none of the dates in your booking calendar work for us?

Please reach out to me and we can chat. I have the times and dates in my booking calendar set to work around my family and all their extra-curricular activities, so I know what juggling everyone’s different agendas looks like! But if none of the available dates work for you, just me know and I’ll see what I can do.

When is the best time of year to get outdoor photos done?

Honestly, any time. I don’t have a favourite season (ok, maybe autumn), but after photographing families for 8 years, all the seasons have their pros and cons.

• Summer can be bloody hot, sunset is super late if you’ve got little ones (sessions can finish up around 8:30pm), but it means you can wear light summery clothes. It’s generally guaranteed not to rain, and it’s usually not windy. Sessions near water will usually end up with at least one child going for a dip, and I’m all for that! But then you’ve got the risk of snakes depending on the location. And mozzies. And flies….

• Autumn can be hot. Or cold. Or absolutely perfect. If you’re after autumn leaves, there’s usually a 2 week window of brilliant colour around May, but if the weather is too windy before the session, the leaves can disappear literally overnight. Autumn is typically my busiest time of year.

• Winter is yep, usually cold. But a nice sunny winters day here in the North East is close to perfection. Or we can finish up not being able to feel our fingers and toes. Or you’ve always got the snow… And if you want a sunset session in winter, we’re done and dusted by 5pm, everyone can get home to dinner and no one gets to bed late!

• Spring can be unpredictable. It’s typically the season with the highest reschedule rate, due to the changeable weather. But spring can also be wonderful. And windy…

What are the best ages for my kids to be?

Any age! Newborns are delightful, toddlers are energetic and chaotic (and I love it), preschoolers are just fun, primary schoolers are chatty and generally keen to tell me all about their sports/computer games/friends/teachers… teenagers usually don’t want to be there, but you’d be surprised once we start, and then your adult kids are usually the ones booking in the photos for you!

But really, any age and any time of life is the right time to book in photos.

I don’t feel comfortable in my skin anymore, and I’d love photos but I don’t know how I’m going to feel about them.

Oh, I feel you. I absolutely get this sentiment. And we’ve sadly been conditioned since we were little that we are supposed to look a certain way to be worthy of being photographed. But please don’t let this stop you from seeing yourself as deserving of being in the frame with those you love.

My best advice if to wear something that makes you feel both comfy and confident. If those jeans don’t quite fit any more and that top you love is a tad more snug than it used to be, I’ll be honest, that will be the FIRST thing you see when you look back at the photos. You won’t see the love and warmth and happiness of your family spending time together, you’ll see your flaws. I hate this about our generation, but we’ve been programmed to see these in ourselves. I will cull most images that aren’t flattering, but I won’t cull all of them. When I see a radiant smile, and pure love and joy I’m going to put that photo in your gallery - regardless if you first only see a double chin. Firstly, because I don’t see the same flaws as you. And neither does any one else. And secondly because at the end of the day, our lives are counted in smiles and love and joy, not that extra chin that’s appeared since life got more stressful.

What time of day is best?

The times in my booking calendar are set to start approximately an hour before sunset, but these are just guides and for outdoors sessions. If you know that that time of day just isn’t going to work (kids dinner/bed times etc), I’m more than happy to move it to earlier in the day. Any time of day can work (though midday is the toughest). If you’d like your photos at home, then these times won’t be suitable - it’ll be too dark by then. Just let me know when you book and I can advise on times that will work!

Can we reschedule if someone gets sick or the weather is bad?

Definitely! No one wants a sick and grumpy kid (or parent) and trying to but on smiles and be happy when we just feel like crap isn’t worth it. And the same with the weather. If there’s 100% chance of rain forecast we will 100% reschedule it. Sometimes the weather can look a little iffy, and if you’re flexible enough I might ask if you’re happy for me to make the final call a few hours beforehand.

When we reschedule, I’ll give you a list of alternate dates and I’ll make sure we can get them done.

What do we wear?

I touched on this in one of the sections above, but my quickest advice is to make sure you’re comfy and confident. You don’t want to spend half the session worrying about how you look, or constantly adjusting your clothes - you’ll feel more self conscious and forget to relax and have fun. The BEST photos are made when everyone is ‘in the moment’ enjoying themselves and having fun.

I advise not to wear clothes with big logos on the front - these look a bit busy and date very quickly. But I don’t want you to spend the weeks before stressing about getting everyone in perfect outfits. I’d rather everyone be who they are and feel comfortable and natural, then dressing in your Sunday best and feel slightly out of place.

I wrote a blog about why I don’t offer styling advice here https://karenwebbphotography.com.au/blog/2023/9/7/why-i-wont-style-your-family-for-your-shoot-or-tell-you-where-we-should-do-the-photos

Do we have to do them outside?

Nope. I love doing photos at home more than at a location that you’ve never been to before. Your house doesn’t have to be picture perfect. We’re not doing a shoot for a home interiors magazine. We’re taking family photos for you. For you to remember this moment in time.

If you want outside at sunset, I’ve got no problem with that. I’ve got a range of locations I can suggest, but again, I’d much rather hear about a spot you love going together as a family.

How do you deliver the photos and how long does it take? How many photos do you deliver?

I deliver the photo via an online gallery, which I send to the email you’ve booked your session through approximately 2 weeks after your session date. If there’s going to be a delay, I’ll be in contact to le you know. The gallery will contain all the images I’ve selected and edited (usually between 80-100 photos) and from there you can select and download your 10 images, or you can purchase an upgrade if you just can’t choose!

Can I include extended family in our shoot?

Yes, but I ask that you please don’t be cheeky let me know first. There is an extra fee for additional families, but Grandparents are free!

What about our dog?

Yep, bring the family pooch along! They can make the session a whole lot more chaotic, especially if they are a chaotic little being themselves, but dogs are family!

We have some family members who are neurodivergent, and I’m worried about meltdowns.

Firstly, it always helps if you let me know ahead of the session. And feel free to give me as much info as you feel comfortable to help me help you all to enjoy the session. I’ve done LOTS of sessions with a range of abilities and neurosparkliness, I’ve got my own, and I will never judge another parent and what they have to face on a daily basis!

What happens during the session?

I try to make my sessions more like just your family (and me) hanging out for an hour or so. We chat lots (I’ll probably talk too much!), if we’re outside we’ll wander around and explore. I’ll guide you into some simple poses. I’ll usually start with the most posed photos, and try to get the shot of everyone looking at the camera first. After that, I don’t really want everyone looking at me. What I DO want is everyone interacting with each other and having fun together. I don’t mind little kids running free, in fact I encourage it, however, I can’t get photos of them if they don’t come back! I don’t mind kids getting dirty, and climbing trees, or jumping in water, but will only encourage that if you’re ok with it.

I try to remember all the combinations of people I’ve already got photos of, and will do my best to get them all - eg parent/s together with kids, each parent (if you’re a dual parent household) with all kids, and individually with kids, kids individually on their own, and all kids together etc. If you’ve got some specific photos you’d like - let me know. And if I forget something, just remind me!

How long does a session last?

My sessions usually last around an hour. Sometimes a little longer, sometimes they’re shorter. I’ll make sure I’ve got everything I can, but if it’s falling apart at the seams, or we’re out of daylight, then we might need to call an end!