What to Wear:

This is the most common question I am asked!

You should choose something both comfortable and that reflects you and your personal style.

Focus on complimentary tones, beautiful texture and simplicity so that your connection with each other is the focus of your photographs in years to come and not what you were wearing. Try to coordinate colours by picking 2 or 3 colours and working neutrals around them. The below image gives you an idea of what I mean but is in no way a strict guideline. Generally speaking only have one pattern happening and the rest should be more solid colours for simplicity’s sake.

Try to avoid heels pretty please!! Most of my locations for outdoor sessions are either bushy, grassy, rocky or sandy so heels are just not a practical choice. It is also rarely a practical choice when running after your babies for a cuddle and play. Also try to avoid being too matchy-matchy (e.g the whole family in white shirts etc), and large brand names on clothing as it is distracting.

Texture is always better than pattern and textures such as linen, cotton, denim, corduroy, silk and lace always photograph well. All of these little considerations will help to set a mood for your photographs and at the end of the day the session should be all about you and your family and your personal style (or lack thereof!) is part of that.

For in home sessions - Don’t forget the doona! I almost always photograph my clients on the master bed, so it's worth choosing a doona cover that compliments your outfit choices. If in doubt, go neutral, white is always a winner! The Kmart linen look quilt cover is one of my favs and super affordable.

Below are some suggestions of the places I personally LOVE to shop because of their patterns, colours, tones, textures and all round great photogenic vibes. Please note: you are not required to buy a bunch of new stuff for your family photos! This is simply a list for those really unsure - or for those who want an excuse to go shopping!!

For you: Seed Heritage, Country Road, Sportsgirl, Susans, The Self Styler, Maive & Bo (Maternity), Feather & Noise. Also if you are looking for something a little special to wear but don’t want to buy something, check out Mama Rentals who rents out beautiful maternity/non-maternity gowns that are perfect for your maternity/newborn/family sessions, and as my client you will receive an exclusive discount too! Just use the code LaurenKennedy.

For the kids: Seed Heritage, Country Road, Jamie Kay, Rock your Kid, Ruby loves Sonny, Love Henry, Aubrie, Rosie Cheeks, Indi Kids, Miya & Me, Next, Heyaj

Tips for Outdoor Sessions:

How to prepare: The best way to approach a session with me is not to worry about standing and smiling or posing etc. I will pop you somewhere in great natural light and tell you to just interact with your loved ones, so maybe refrain from talking to your loved ones that day so you have heaps to chat about during our session! Have up your sleeve a number of little sayings or games that make your kids laugh etc. We will obviously stop and grab those mantle place pics for the grandparents but the focus of the session will really be on you and your loved ones just being you and loving on each other.

What to bring (or what not to bring!):

Don’t bring the pram for the same reason as I say not to wear heels. Most of my locations are off road, some have stairs and to be honest your little ones will be in it for less than 10 minutes over the whole hour. Hold your little ones and let me capture it as we go or even better, let them run free and I can capture their curious nature and personality. You don’t need to bring anything with you other that yourself, that said you you have a blanket or anything you would like to have in the images, please bring it along.

Unpredictable little loves:

If your little one is grumpy, don’t worry about it just let them be. If you get anxious about it they are more likely to continue. Relax and have fun with them. Slow down, be present and love on them. If you do these things there will be plenty of beautiful moments for me to capture.

Weather:

We will monitor the weather the week leading up to the session. Unless huge rain fall is predicted I won’t reschedule until the day of the session and we can get a better idea of the situation on the day. A little sprinkle can add some magic to your photos so don’t be afraid of the weather.

Rescheduling:

If you need to reschedule due to weather or sickness this is totally fine but you will have to accept that I may not be able to get you in again on a weekend for a few months in the busier times of the year. I want everyone feeling their best for the photos so there is no fee or anything when rescheduling.

Tips for Newborn Sessions:

How to prepare:

Don’t stress about this too much! You’ve just had a baby after all and I totally get the sleep deprived loved up fog you will be in! “Lived-in" homes are the best but I would suggest decluttering a little in the areas you think we might be shooting in, the reality is that you don't want anything too distracting in your images but you also need your personality there so you don’t want it bare. I want to capture the REAL you and your true connections with them being the primary focus.

What to have out for baby:

have 2 or 3 outfits that you love handy which we may or may not use depending on bubs and how the session is going. Try to make sure bubs hands and feet (and legs if possible) are visible. Also have any wraps you particularly like or blankets etc. Also have out any items that have sentimental value and you would like included in the shoot. I have a bag of blankets and wraps that I bring with me so no need to worry if you aren’t the sentimental type or haven’t had a chance to head out to the shops yet (you just had a baby after all!).

Where we will shoot:

Beds are awesome! Nothing better than snuggling up on a big bed to get those lovin feelings out! Kids rooms, nursery’s and main living areas are also usually great. At the end of the day we are going to be spending the most time in the places with the best natural light. If you need some guidance you are more than welcome to send me through some images of your spaces for advice before your session.

What happens when I turn up:

I usually arrive with my camera and a few bits and pieces in hand, kick my shoes off and ask for a tour of your home. I'll get familiar with the space, the light and I'll give you a run down of the shot list and my plan for your session. At every session I follow the lead of the youngest kid - eg. if there is a toddler running around, they are boss for the day. Older kids and adults tend to be a tad more flexible! I have a loose order in which I shoot but I will change that up if I need to. I give direction and guidance to a point, such as positioning you in the best light, asking you to look at each other, set up games and cuddles etc but mostly I am just creating a space and opportunities for connections to happen naturally.

Temp:

Newborn babies need it super warm to stay nice and sleepy so it is best to have the heater or air conditioner on to heat the place up and make it nice and warm to encourage them to stay nice and sleepy

Feeds:

I allow plenty of time for feeds and cuddles so don’t stress about having bubs fed before I arrive, we will just go with the flow.

Visitors:

It is best to keep the number of people to a minimum to reduce confusion and stress on the day, one person to keep siblings entertained is great but spectators tend to just get in the way, in the nicest possible way of course.

YAY, you are all booked! Now what….