I get a lot of people mentioning that they love my natural style of photography. Lifestyle photography is just that, photographing families in their own home, in their own environment. Children especially feel more relaxed in their own home, though there are some things I do to obtain more authentic and natural shots with a little direction from me. I start by getting down on their level and asking them questions about themselves. I then get them to show me their rooms. By now they’re starting to feel more relaxed and we commence the shoot. Movement is one of the secrets to natural shots, gone are the days of posing totally still and saying cheese to the camera. You have children doing something, either playing with a favourite toy, having a book read to them, hide and seek, etc. Another secret to obtaining their trust is showing them their photos on the back of the camera. Ask them how they would like to be photographed next, this makes them feel involved.

Mums and Dads appreciate to be guided too. I don’t like to call it posing just giving them direction about what to do next, i.e. standing in the best light, where to put your hands, where to sit, and especially to look at each other. I think we’re conditioned from a young age that we need to do our cheesy smile at the camera but not anymore as we don’t have to worry about wasting film in our cameras.

I’m so thrilled for previous clients when they ask me back to photograph a new addition to the family. I photographed their second born baby girl two years ago and they’ve now welcomed their third baby girl. I love coming back and seeing how much the children have grown. Congratulations, she’s beautiful!