STUDIO

based in South Morang, North East Melbourne

Your Family Session Welcome Guide. You know what this means? It means you’ve booked in your own magical family portraits with The Fitzroys. 

So awesome. 

I adore these sessions. I love meeting new little faces but I also love love love having families come back year after year and watching those tiny little faces become bigger and seeing the little personalities morph into wonderful kids.

If you’ve had a session with me before then you know what to expect; but if you haven’t, then this is to help set you up.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OF YOUR SESSION + WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

Please only have with you those being photographed at the session. Your session allows just you guys: parents and kids. It does not include extended family beyond that (unless you made a Group Family Session Booking). Please don’t feel like you need to bring anyone else for moral support.

You are blessed to have this “not rushed, but not super long” session; one thing I’ve learned from photographing families is that time goes fast, usually because we are having a lot of fun and keeping busy. My #1 priority will be photographing you as a family, but majority of time will be spent on you together at play. I will be looking for the perfect light but other than that I don't have a set plan as each session is different. I will be looking to see both you and your partner lovingly embracing each other at times, with some subtle (at times) romantic moments if you wish, all that beside busy baby or kids! In another words – you will have the perfect opportunity to be yourselves, pause for a moment and enjoy the time out in studio. I will gently guide you or direct you to certain position based on the source of light too. But my aim is to photograph you in a most natural (and flattering) way.

Sometimes little ones take a few minutes to warm up to me. Don’t worry about this, it’s normal and they are usually holding my hand, cuddling me or beating me up by the end of it! I don’t put a camera in their face straight away. I usually find myself getting to know your kids (and you!) first to find what will work best for you guys.

Prepare your kids in the normal way you would before a shoot (bribes are generally mandatory) and I urge you to connect with them and play with them as much as you can. A lot of kisses and cuddles too please. Please don’t worry about your children’s behaviour, and try if you can to avoid scolding them too much unless whatever they are doing poses a safety risk to themselves! Silliness is good. All I ask is that you relax, enjoy the time together and leave the rest to me.

If you are going to try and help me get your child to smile, remember to stand right behind me so I get good eye contact. Otherwise if you allow me to entertain them, that’d be even better.

Any hints you can give me to help your child open up quickly would be appreciated (e.g. favourite Paw Patrol or Frozen character!) I’d love to know as much about you as you’re willing to share.

WHAT TO WEAR

I have put together a seperate page on the subject, so feel free to read more about the details here.

There is a particular style that I adore – neutral tones, feminine for the girls and rich solid colours – I also put a Pinterest board together showcasing “stuff I love”. You can check it out here:

PINTEREST FAMILY INSPIRATION BOARD

However, this may not be for you. I also adore classic style, simple but beautiful tones with great fabrics. (It’s not unusual for people to spend more on their outfits than on their shoot by the way. Or maybe that’s just me when I get my family photos done…)

Want to text me your outfit choices? Go ahead, I’d love to see. 0451 442 710 or email them to me at studio@thefitzroys.com

Warning: I’m no stylist – most of my clients do a better job at this than I’d do. Here you are also welcome to look through the notes of the general FAMILY WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE

WHAT TO BRING ON THE DAY

You! That’s mainly it. I don’t use many props or gimmicks – I am photographing you and your most favourite people in the entire world. I don’t have high expectations of you knowing what to do either; I’ll guide you and make it seem seamless. So other than yourself, you may want to bring a nice blanket, favourite toy (but please mind those that are brightly coloured - they will stand out on photographs the most. The wooden or natural fabric ones work really well). I also have a nice selection of toys that you might want to use so don’t worry about it too much.

My biggest aim is to evoke those emotions you have for your partner and child(ren) and capture it for you – almost like bottling it up, and giving it back to you to open up forever and a day. You may not even realise on the day what I’m getting – all I ask is that you trust and leave it to me and have a good time with your kids.

The images will be real, something you and your children and your children’s children will appreciate for many years to come.

Excited yet? Me too!

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE DAY

Please allow up to 60 days for processing and delivery. If I put up a sneak peek on Facebook/IG and you love it and would like it sooner for any particular reason then feel free to let me know and I can send it to you. I only put flattering ones up (promise).

I edit in the order that I shoot so all clients receive their parcels in the order booked.

Your chosen image will be sent to production and will then come to your home directly as part of your family session experience. Your frame should arrive within 4 weeks after your favourite image has been shared with me.

That’s it for now.

I’ll be in touch a little closer :)

Take care and have a beautiful day x