Outdoor Family Session Guide

Welcome to your Outdoor Family Session Guide.

Thank you so much for booking a session with me. I’m so excited to capture some lovely memories for you.

While you’ll come away with beautiful photographs, I also want the session itself to be something you enjoy. A chance to slow down, spend some time together as a family and make memories that you can look back on for years to come.

During the session, I focus on capturing your family in a relaxed and natural way. I might guide you towards a particular spot or give you a few prompts or games, but it definitely won’t be a stand-and-smile-at-the-camera kind of photoshoot. Expect lots of cuddling, playing, exploring and simply being yourselves.

Outdoor sessions are especially lovely for children because they have space to move around, explore and have fun, which often leads to the most genuine photographs.

Sessions usually last around 60–90 minutes, so there’s plenty of time for everyone to settle in and feel comfortable. I’ll gently guide you when needed, but for much of the session it should feel more like a relaxed family walk than a formal photoshoot.

Everything will be prepared beforehand, so on the day you can simply turn up, take a breath and enjoy spending time together while I capture it all as it unfolds.

Below you’ll find a few helpful tips on:

  • What’s included

  • What to expect on the day

  • What to wear

  • What happens if the weather changes

  • Guidance for partners

My goal is to make the experience easy, relaxed and enjoyable, while capturing images that feel natural and timeless.

What’s included

Your Outdoor Family Session includes:

A relaxed outdoor session of 60-90 minutes, giving plenty of time for photographing, exploring and settling in. Children are always welcome to take the lead, so if we need a little extra time for cuddles, feeds or shy moments, there’s no rush.

5 professionally edited digital images included

Styling guidance

A private online gallery with the option to purchase additional images

  • 1 additional image - £20

  • 3 additional images - £35

  • Full gallery - £75

What to expect on the day

Outdoor family sessions are designed to feel relaxed and natural, allowing space for your family to simply spend time together while I capture those moments as they unfold.

There’s no pressure for children to sit still or smile at the camera. I’ll work with whatever energy they bring on the day, whether that’s exploring, playing, cuddling, or taking things slowly.

During the session: I’ll gently guide you into natural, comfortable positions. We may take a slow walk through the area and stop in a few lovely spots for photos.

Children are welcome to explore, cuddle, move around, or take a moment if they need to. Please don’t worry if your child feels shy, clingy, or a little unsure at first. This is completely normal, and I’ll always work at your child’s pace to create relaxed, genuine images.

Timings

For full-length sessions, I block out my morning or afternoon/evening for you, so there’s no need to feel rushed during the session or worry about hurrying little legs along if they’re moving at toddler pace.

That said, because outdoor sessions depend on the position of the sun and the quality of the light, it’s still best to arrive on time. This is especially important for sunset sessions, as that lovely golden light doesn’t last long, and once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Weather

Outdoor sessions rely on natural light and dry weather. If the forecast looks very wet or windy, we can simply reschedule to the next suitable date. I will be in touch the day before your photoshoot to confirm everything is going ahead.

How to prepare for your session

What to wear

The aim is to keep outfits simple, comfortable and timeless, allowing the focus to stay on connection rather than clothing. I recommend starting with one person’s outfit. It’s usually easiest to begin with the person who finds it the most difficult to dress. Once you’ve chosen their outfit, pull a few colours from it for everyone else. Make sure to try everything on beforehand, and make sure the kids can actually move in it

You don’t want everyone to match exactly, but you do want the outfits to feel like they belong together. Think coordinated rather than matching, similar tones, complementary colours and a mix of subtle textures usually photograph beautifully.

Recommended:

Soft neutrals such as cream, beige, white, denim and pastels.

A few richer tones can work beautifully for contrast, such as blush pink, soft blue, sage or muted green. For autumn or winter photoshoots consider colours like rust, mustard, deep greens.

Light textures like knitwear, linen, cotton, chunky knits, which photograph beautifully outdoors.

Layers such as cardigans, knit jumpers or jackets, as the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. Layers also work nicely in photos and can easily be removed for a slightly different look during the session.

Depending on the weather and location, wellies or practical shoes may also be helpful, especially if the ground is damp or we’re walking through grassy areas.

Try to avoid:

Bold logos or text. Brightly coloured trainers. Your feet will be in the pictures so it’s best to also consider the footwear.

Very busy patterns - they tend to take away from the emotions and connections in the photos as you notice the patterns first.

Large watches, phones in pockets, or hairbands on wrist. Empty out your pockets beforehand.

If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to message me for guidance.

What to bring

A few small items can be helpful during the session, especially when little ones are involved.

  • Wipes (always useful!)

  • Snacks in case your child gets hungry

  • A comfort item if your child has one (this can stay nearby and doesn’t need to be in the photos)

  • Spare outfits

A little note for parents

Try not to worry too much about correcting or bribing your child during the session. I can get some of the loveliest photographs when children are being silly, energetic or just completely themselves.

The main thing is to stay relaxed, laugh along with them and act like whatever they’re doing is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen. A happy parent in the background photographs much better than a stressed one!

The best photos will come from letting the kids be kids and embracing the chaos.

For the dads, partners and anyone else who tends to stay out of the frame...

Firstly, well done for making sure your significant other is actually in the family memories too. They are so often the ones taking the photos, organising everyone and making sure the memories are captured, which means they can easily end up missing from them.

During the session, your main job is just to stay close and get involved. Put an arm around someone, hold a hand, scoop a child up, join in with the silliness and keep connecting with your family. You don’t need to worry about where to stand or what to do, I’ll guide you when needed. The best photos usually come from simply being present, relaxed and affectionate with the people you love.

After your session

Your online gallery will be delivered within 3 weeks

Your gallery will contain a selection of beautifully edited images from your session.

You’ll be able to choose your included images and, if you find it hard to narrow them down, additional images will be available to purchase.

Galleries will remain open for 1 month from the delivery date to allow you to view and select your images.

See you soon

I can’t wait to meet you and photograph your family. I hope this guide has helped you feel a little more prepared, and most of all, I hope you’re looking forward to the session. Try not to overthink it, just come as you are, enjoy the time together and let me take care of the rest.

If you have any questions before the session, or need any help with outfits, locations or anything else, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.