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As a mum of energetic kids I totally get that Mum’s are nervous about how their kids are going to behave during their families portrait session. I too have faced this anxiety on the other side of the camera. My advice – leave it to me. I have been photographing families for 10 years (& I have been a Mum for 15!) and I know that keeping kids engaged, having fun and not “sitting still and smiling at the camera” are the key to capturing your family in a unique and authentic way.

The key for me is play. I use play throughout my sessions to engage kids and capture the natural connections and love that are your family. We usually start all sitting together, snuggled up close and play whispering games, family guessing games or animal noise games to capture some sweet close ups and lots of laughs. Then we move onto more active games -running games, jumping games, hugging games or playing with bubbles.

I came to family photography through photographing my own children, and I never got an authentic, beautiful smile by asking my kids to “smile at the camera”. And I will not get it from your kids that way either.

Even Dads often need “something to do” in order to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Here are my tips as a mum, and photographer, about the best way to prepare you family for the photo session:a

1. Talk to your kids about the session.

Before the session, make sure you explain to your kids that you are going to have family photos. And explain why – maybe it is someones birthday, a special milestone, coming up to Christmas or just because everyone keeps growing so quickly. Maybe you already know that you want a new family photo for the wall, tell you kids this.

Then explain to them what’s going to actually happen during the session. Where are you going? Are you going to be in a studio or by the beach? How long is the session going to last? And is there a reward waiting for them when it is over (I am all for a little bribery).

2. Preparation and expectations.

Arrive with everyone dressed and ready for the session. Trying to change kids into a different outfit when you arrive for the shoot can be the difference between a toddler who is excited to be part of the photos and one who refuses because their favourite t-shirt just got taken off them. If it is cold and we are shooting outdoors, make sure that kids have enough layers on so that they are warm and comfortable. Cold kids are unhappy kids.

When my clients arrive I start by telling my families that we are going to have some photos, but more importantly we are going to play some games together as a family. Depending on the age of the children, I am usually explaining this directly to them, rather than to the parents.

I explain that there are going to be some photos of everyone together as a family, some of everyone sitting together cuddling, some of everyone up and about playing, some of just the kids together and then some of the kids by themselves.

I explain to them that even though we are going to play some games, they need to listen to what the I ask them to do so that our games are the most fun and the photos the best they can be.

3. Keep it short and simple.

My sessions usually last between 45 – 60 minutes. And never longer. Young kids have short concentrations and I would never expect them to be cooperating and concentrating for that whole time. The exception to this is for an in studio newborn session which can last 2-3 hours. In which case older children can either be taken home or for a walk after their part of the session if over, or even taken to school or daycare.

Reassure them that it will be fun.

4. Reassure Dads

I find the most nervous person is quite often dad. Dad’s feel nervous about having to smile and be told what to do. He has often been dragged along as well. So giving him something physical to do during the shoot is important. Playing with his kids, tickling, chasing and cuddling are all great prompts for reluctant and nervous dads.

5. Relax.

An experienced photographer is used to dealing with kids that don’t sit still . I have lots of tricks that I know that will help the process go smoothly.

If you get stressed your kids know you’re stressed.

Relax and enjoy Your session.

Watch your kids interacting with each other, watch them interacting with the photographer.

Having a photo session is about creating memories of this age of your kids. Enjoy those moments of the session as they happen. Enjoy those little quirks that make your kids who they are. Let me engage with your kids and capture their individual personalities.

6. Do Not Tell Your Kids to Smile.

Most importantly don’t tell them to smile. Kids often have that awful fake smile especially when aged between 5 and 10 years old. As a photographer I have lots of tricks to get them to laugh. And it will be far more natural than asking them to smile at the camera.

As a devoted mother, you consistently shoulder the mental load of your family’s well-being. From packing lunches and washing clothes to orchestrating family activities and managing schedules, you effortlessly handle it all.

However, there is a small drawback. Since mothers tend to be the ones immersed in these tasks, they often find themselves behind the lens, capturing precious moments. While having countless photographs of your children is undeniably delightful, it means that you, dear mum, are not present in many of them. In fact, you may even consciously evade being caught on camera due to personal insecurities.

But it’s time to change that. You deserve to be on the other side of the camera, in amongst the beauty of your family, the family you created. Let me explain why.

YOUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE MEMORIES

It may be difficult to contemplate, but there will come a day when you won’t be here anymore. And when that time arrives, all your children will have left are the photographs of you. They will yearn to revisit those cherished moments and see your radiant smile, just the way they remember it.

However, if you consistently stay behind the scenes, rarely stepping in front of the lens, they will be left with only a handful of glimpses capturing the essence of who you truly were. These shared moments, these significant milestones, deserve to be documented with you in the midst of them, not just hiding out behind the camera.

Think about the joy your children will experience when they stumble upon these treasured family portraits, brimming with love and togetherness. Let them see the way you embraced every special occasion, the way you radiated warmth and affection. By being present in these photographs, you ensure that your children will forever hold on to the memories of a remarkable mother who played an irreplaceable role in their lives.

Step into the frame, and let your children witness the love and happiness that surrounded them throughout their lives. They deserve to have enduring memories of you, a source of comfort and joy for years to come.

YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR DAUGHTER TO LOVE HERSELF AND YOUR SONS AS WELL

As a mother, it is your profound desire to instill a sense of self-love within your children. In our society, it becomes even more crucial to teach your daughter the importance of loving herself, as she will inevitably face societal pressures to conform to narrow standards of beauty, perpetually emphasising the need to be thinner, younger, and more conventionally attractive. What she truly needs is to witness your unwavering confidence and self-love, regardless of whether you fit into society’s limited definition of beauty. In fact, it is especially crucial for her to witness your self-love if you don’t conform to those societal ideals. And your sons need to see this too so that they grow up valuing and loving the women in their lives just as they are.

Each time you shy away from the camera or recoil from the flash, a subtle message is conveyed to your daughter—a message that you don’t deem yourself worthy of being captured in the frame, that you don’t perceive yourself as beautiful. Is that the lesson you genuinely want to impart to your children?

Instead, offer your children the invaluable gift of lasting memories and demonstrate the astounding beauty that resides within each and every one of you. Consider scheduling a family photo shoot with a skilled professional family photographer who understands how to showcase your family’s unique charm and ensure everyone looks their absolute best. Through this experience, you will not only cherish the memories being created but also provide your children with a timeless visual reminder of their own beauty, inside and out.

Let your daughter witness your self-acceptance, embracing your own unique features and radiating genuine confidence. Show your sons the importance of appreciating and respecting women for who they are, beyond societal standards. By actively participating in family portraits, you inspire a powerful lesson—that self-love is a treasure worth embracing, that beauty transcends societal expectations, and that your children are worthy of capturing in the frame alongside their remarkable mother.

In the years to come, as your children grow and perhaps start families of their own, they will fondly look back on these cherished portraits. The memories they evoke will remind them of the profound love and acceptance they experienced as part of a family that celebrated their individuality and encouraged self-love.

So, Mums, embark on this journey of self-love and family portraits, hand in hand with your children. Together, you will create a legacy of beauty, strength, and unwavering love that will endure for generations to come.

The Northern Beaches of Sydney are renowned for their natural beauty, pristine coastline, and picturesque settings, making them an ideal backdrop for unforgettable family portraits. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the best locations in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for your family portrait session. From golden sandy beaches to rocky headlands and lush parks, these spots offer a variety of stunning backdrops to capture your family’s joy and create lasting memories.

Curl Curl

Curl Curl Beach is a gem of the Northern Beaches, offering a long stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful vegetation-covered sand dunes. The dramatic cliffs at the northern end of the beach provide a captivating backdrop for your family portraits.

The sand dunes stretching between North and South Curly beaches offer the perfect place for play and exploration to capture candid moments of your family away from the hustle and bustle of the swimming areas, providing privacy and calm for your family photos.

Shooting during the early morning sunrise or late afternoon sunset golden hours will provide soft lighting and a tranquil atmosphere.

Narrabeen Lakes

The tranquil waters of Narrabeen Lakes offer a unique setting for family portraits. Explore the sandy beaches, jetties, and lush surroundings of the bushland to find the perfect spots. The calm lake waters provide beautiful reflections, while the surrounding park and bushlands offer a mix of natural beauty and recreational areas.

Shooting during the early morning or late afternoon will ensure the softest lighting and a peaceful ambiance. There are plenty of areas to explore making it easy to escape the crowds and busy pedestrian and cycle thoroughfares, whilst providing space for play and exploration to capture those candid, natural moments with your family.

Parks and spaces around the lake are dog friendly making this the perfect location for including your fur-baby in your family photos.

At certain times of the year there are even some beautiful floral blooms that pop up around the lake to create a truly magical setting.

Long Reef Headland

Long Reef Headland offers panoramic views of the coastline, making it a spectacular location for family portraits. The grassy cliffs, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking ocean vistas create a stunning backdrop.

Capture your family against the backdrop of crashing waves or silhouetted against the rising sun. Timing is crucial here, with the golden hours providing soft, warm light and a magical atmosphere as well as avoiding the crowds who walk around this spectacular headland each day.

This location does require some walking especially if heading down to the aquatic reserve under the headland cliff. Dogs are not permitted into the aquatic reserve under the headland so be sure to check with your photographer about where you are having your photos. Ensure everyone is capable of the physical exercise needed to reach the headland and make the steep descent and ascent to the aquatic reserve below if planning to explore the rock platform.

The Beach Rockpools & Ocean Pools

The enchanting rockpools and ocean pools around the beaches of the Northern Beaches provide another picturesque location for capturing beautiful family portraits.

The ocean-side rockpools provide a serene atmosphere and a natural backdrop of rocky formations. Capture your family exploring the rockpool, or position them on the surrounding rocks for a visually appealing composition. In still waters the reflections can be mesmerising.

Search for sea urchins and star fish in the naturally formed pools on the rock platforms. Sunrise or sunset shoots will enhance the warm colors and create a dreamy ambiance. Of course, always check the tides and ocean conditions when planning a shoot near the rockpools. These areas can be a precarious place especially with young children.

And be prepared to end the session in the warmer months, with the kids in the pool! Bring some towels and a change of clothes, because it can be hard to resist the cool waters on a hot summer morning. Sometimes it is even hard to resist for the adults!

Practical Tips

Plan your shoot during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most flattering light and atmospheric conditions. This also helps to avoid crowds who love to visit the beautiful beaches year round.

Consider the tides and weather conditions when shooting at the beach to ensure safety and comfort. If the weather is going to be cold, make sure your family dresses for the conditions – cold kids don’t love having their photos taken.
Coordinate outfits that complement the natural surroundings, such as earthy tones or soft pastels.
Communicate with your photographer to discuss your vision, get their expert recommendations, and make the most of the chosen locations.

The Northern Beaches of Sydney provide an abundance of stunning locations for capturing family portraits. From the golden sands of Curl Curl Beach to the tranquil waters and bushland of Narrabeen Lakes and the dramatic cliffs of Long Reef Headland, these spots offer a range of backdrops that reflect the natural beauty of the area. By planning your shoot during the golden hours, coordinating outfits, and embracing the unique charm of each location, you can create family portraits that evoke joy, love, and the timeless beauty of the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

These locations offer diverse landscapes and backdrops, allowing you to choose the atmosphere and setting that best suits your family’s style and preferences. Remember to consider factors like lighting, privacy, accessibility, and any specific guidelines or restrictions that may apply to each location. Ultimately, the best location will depend on your personal preferences and the vision you have for your family portraits.