Let me introduce myself  :)

 

My family photo sessions are playful and informal; they can capture the magic of an adventure in the park, and the story of your family's everyday life at home. Be prepared for a lot of fun and a bit of hard work. You know what makes your child giggle and smile more than anyone so don't be afraid to be silly with me by singing, dancing or pulling faces, and we can also pull a few little bribes along the way! 

 

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Relax, have fun and don’t worry about posing…

 

When it comes to being camera shy, or afraid of posing, you don't need to worry about a thing! I know that is easier said than done but my natural style of documenting real-life moments means you won't need to pose or even look at the camera if you don't want to. I want to capture natural and authentic moments so just focus on being yourselves and interacting with your little ones; the smiles; the hugs and kisses; even the grumps or the tantrums, please be assured that however they are feeling, we will make it work! 

 

Initiating games is wonderful - tickles, bundles on the bed, flying through the air - all the things that you know your child loves as well as quieter times of connection such as reading a special book together. At times, I may guide you into the best light and gently direct you so the result is flattering but that is the most 'posing' that you'll need to do.

 

I like to get a real mix of photos during the shoot, single portraits of the children, photos of you altogether, children with Mummy, children with Daddy, and some separate portraits of the parents.

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Photoshoots at home…

 

If your home doesn't look like it belongs in the pages of an interiors magazine, please do not worry! Over the years, I have photographed families in homes of all shapes, sizes and styles of decor. I can craft beautiful stories in any home and lighting condition as I believe there is beauty and light everywhere. Your home is your safe place and the foundation of your children's memories; as such it's the most natural setting for your family photo shoot. 

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Preparing your home for your in-home session…

 

When I arrive I will take a walk around the main rooms; your bedrooms, kitchen, main living area and garden, to look at the light and backgrounds. If you are happy to photograph the chaos of family life then we can just get going, if you like it really tidy, or a little in the middle (like I would!) Then there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the shoot. 

 

• Try and clear things from your bedroom and living areas that could cause distraction in the photographs, or that could look out of place, e.g. clutter from your bedside tables or kitchen surfaces. (A cupboard will do while the shoot is going on!) 

 

• Please try and hide or put away any plug wires.
   

What to wear… 

There is a little advice on my website, but if you are struggling then here are some more ideas, for Mummy, Daddy, baby or child. 

 

Mums...

Be comfortable - Choose a piece of clothing or a colour that you love, and work the rest of the family's wardrobe around that. Relaxed, casual clothing like jeans and a simple tee or blouse, or a long floaty dress work really well. 

 

Think about the location - Another consideration when thinking about outfits and colours are the backgrounds we are shooting against. Go for shades and tones that complement the decor and styling of your home, especially if you are looking to display the photographs as wall art. A good guide is to keep things neutral.  

 

In the spring and summer, a skirt or jeans and a tee are perfectly relaxed as are summer dresses. Outdoors, there is a lot of bight green around at this time of year so consider complementary pastel hues as well as natural shades. Dusty rose pinks, soft blues and dove-greys are beautiful spring-time colours and work particularly well when shooting against cherry and apple blossom. 

 

 

...For autumn shoots shades of teal, rusts, claret and mustard work particularly well as do natural tones like camel or taupe. For warmth consider knits and accessorise with a scarf rather than heavy winter coats.

Coordinate but don't match - A good tip is to try and coordinate what everyone in the family is wearing for a cohesive look. Choose 3 or 4 colours and shades that work well together but don't all match. A photo with everyone wearing blue jeans and white shirts will look flat and dated - let everybody's individual personalities shine through.

Go for neutral or natural shades and pastels - I am personally not a big fan of primary colours. Red can cause a colour cast on the skin so bright colours are best avoided. Instead, choose shades like blue-grey, cream, hues of pink or soft green. Like-wise, richer colours and can also have impact depending on the location and the season of the photo shoot: olive or forest green, indigo blue and dark purples are all great colours to consider for your family photo shoot.

 

 

Dads...

 

Please do not feel like you have to dress smart for the photo shoot. Relaxed and casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt, light shirt or a sweater work particularly. Starched shirts and Sunday best will feel too formal and make it harder for you feel relaxed and in the moment. The most important thing is to be yourself and to feel comfortable.

Be careful not to choose pin stripes as these do not photograph well. Softer, neutral colours tend to photograph better than bright colours - especially since bright colours can reflect on your skin.  

 

Babies...

• Keep it simple. Let your baby’s natural beauty shine through. Simple baby vests, a romper, or even just a nappy, will show off their soft skin and gorgeous baby rolls.

 

• If your baby has blue eyes - wearing a blue top will really help to bring out the colour.

 

• Avoid brand logos and cartoon characters - cute slogans can add personality and humour to the photographs but should be used sparingly.

 

• Pretty or characterful patterns can add interest and texture, but it is best to avoid large prints or checkered patterns.

• Please avoid shirts with collars as they will cover your baby’s face.

 

 

Choose blankets and swaddles that work well with the styling of your home and with what the rest of the family are wearing. Colours should harmonise and not clash.

 

We will most likely take photos on one of the larger beds. If the bed has a plainer and lighter bed cover that works well, if not then we can spread over a large plain throw or blanket. 

 

 

 

 

Children...

For the most part, the ideas are the same for your child(ren). If you want to document your children just as they are at this moment in time, it might be important for their (and your) memories that they wear their beloved Spiderman t-shirt or Princess Elsa tiara. If however, you would like some guidance on how to create a more styled look to the photographs, here are a few suggestions. Above all, make sure their personalities shine through.

 

Avoid logos and large patterns or stripes as they can distract. Instead stick to small prints and patterns.

 

Steer clear from bright, primary, colours. Choose soft hues like pastel shades and neutrals.

 

 

Siblings...

All too often, we hope of getting that 'perfect' photo but our young children have a completely different take on what that means - or refuse to comply at all. I see this all the time, so please do not worry if it happens! 

I love the challenge of getting siblings together for a photograph. One minute they are all cuddles and the next, too busy to take any notice of the other. For toddlers and babies I've found it’s best not to pressure them into anything they are not happy to do as they will more than likely refuse altogether. A little reverse psychology may be needed or a different focus until they are ready. For older siblings, it’s always fun to find something they enjoy doing together. It could be a case of raiding the dressing up box and playing pirates or as simple as reading a book together (see below for more suggestions).

 

 

Activity ideas…

The main thing is to enjoy your photo shoot and if you are having fun, your children with have a great time too.

- Feel free to be expressive and incorporate special things that mean the world to you: your pet dog or a family heirloom for example.

- If you have a hobby or interest that you enjoy to do as a family, let’s capture that. It could be baking cupcakes or just eating them! Planning an activity that the whole family enjoys is always a good way of helping everyone feel relaxed. Other ideas include: den building, tree climbing, playing in a sprinkler, fancy dress, making ice cream sundaes.

- Break the rules for one day. Let the kids jump on their beds or have a daytime bath. If it means happy & smiley faces who cares?!

 

 

 

A note to Mums…

As a mother, you are probably the family memory-maker, far too often behind the camera and never present in the photographs yourself. My aim is to celebrate the very special connection between you and your child(ren). Together, we'll create beautiful images that tell the story of your everyday moments and love; photographs you'll both treasure forever. 

Like so many women, you may not feel comfortable in front of the camera. Try and put these feelings to one side and remember the importance of being present in your family's photographs. In twenty years time, you will see yourself in a totally different light and your children will only see how beautiful their mother is and how much love you had for them.

 

 

A note to Dads… 

If you begrudgingly agreed to have photos, and are dreading the idea of spending a few hours with a camera pointing at you, then you are not alone! At the end of the session you may be surprised how much you actually enjoyed it. All you need to do is have the right mindset: be present with your family, play with your children and show them how they are loved. I won't even ask you to look at the camera if you don't want me to!

 

 

What to bring…

While I don't use props, you may want to gather any items that will have a sentimental value to you in the future. Be sure to choose pieces that are meaningful, otherwise it might end up looking contrived.

Consider:
- A range of blankets, crotchets or patchwork quilts.
- Any family heirlooms you would like to include.
- Special items like a first pair of shoes, a favourite teddy bear, toy or book.
- Wet wipes to wipe up any dribbles and runny noses. - For outdoor sessions a blanket, wet wipes and any of the other items listed above, plus a drink and a few snacks for your children if they get hungry. I recommend natural foods like fruit rather than wrapped snacks

 

 

 

When to expect your images…

Once the shoot is over, I will personally retouch your photographs and make other artistic enhancements typical of my style. This process normally takes around a week but can take a bit longer during busy periods.

Once finished, your images will be displayed in an online proofing gallery so you can choose the photographs you would like to buy. Please note that your gallery will be live for about 6 weeks only. Due to the volume and size of the files I work with, I am unable to keep any unordered photographs for longer than this period.  

 

 

Displaying your memories…

My work is only truly finished the moment I hand over beautifully printed products that will become your family's future heirlooms. My services include fine art printing, stunning album design and bespoke framing.

 

I would love to talk to you about any of these products and help you to make decisions on frames, sizes of print and mounts for example. 

 

 

Thank-you for choosing me to take your pictures!

 

I hope this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your family session! However if there is something I missed, or you need to ask a question, feel free to email 
lucywestimages@gmail.com
or call 07973374055

I look forward to meeting you soon!

 

Lucy :)

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