Family walking together on autumn path holding hands. Tetbury, Cotswolds.

A woman and child playing with fallen autumn leaves during Autumn Mini Session in a park surrounded in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Welcome and Style Guide

Thank you for choosing me and allowing me to capture some beautiful moments for you. It is such a privilege to be invited into your family home this Christmas.

This guide will help you choose outfits that photograph well and create timeless cohesive images as well as all the details you need ahead of your session.

Session Length:

Your session is designed to last approximately 30 minutes.

The Experience:

I encourage you to think of an activity you can do inside your home and some outside as well, I will decide on the best light on the day and advise where I think is best for photos. Having an activity will make the session more fun for all involved, this could be putting up decorations, colouring / making christmas cards, decorating cookies, making a cake or you could simply be playing together as a family.

Please feel free to contact me at any point before, during, or after your session should you need anything at all.

Optional Upgrades:

Entire Gallery 15+ Images : £110

Tel: 07464 761069

Step 1

Start with one persons outfit, choose the fussiest / hardest person to dress and then you can plan other outfits around it OR pick your favourite outfit that you love to wear first, then pick out some colours from it to dress the family.

Step 2

Choose colours that feel Christmassy without looking too “Christmas catalogue”

You don’t all need to match (no matching PJ's here please)

Choose a few colours that work together and complement the festive setting around you.

For example:

Warm neutrals — cream, oatmeal, camel, tan

Deep greens — forest, olive, sage

Rich reds — burgundy, berry, cranberry

Winter blues — navy, denim, muted blue

Warm tones — rust, mustard, chocolate

And if your family loves colour (like me)? Wear it! A gorgeous red jumper or patterned dress can look incredible against a winter backdrop.

Try to avoid everyone wearing the exact same colour, lots of competing patterns, or head-to-toe black, these can make the images feel a little flat and lose some of that lovely festive warmth.

Most importantly, wear something that actually feels like you.

I never want you looking back at your photographs thinking:

"I love the photos… but I would NEVER normally wear that." 😂

These photographs are about your family, so let your personalities come through. The goal isn't perfectly coordinated.

It's you, but photographed beautifully.

Autumn clothing colour palette featuring warm, earthy tones including cream, rust, mustard, olive, plum, and burgundy swatches.

Step 3

Coordinate, don’t match. Select colours that compliment each other, lay each persons outfit out and see how you feel, if you want - send them to me and I can advise further if you are unsure.

One trick you could use for making sure that your clothes work well with the location is to match the tones and colours of your outfits with the elements in the environment. The goal is for the entire image to present a feeling of togetherness without having any distracting elements, but be careful not to completely disappear into the background by using only matching colours - go for complementary ones instead.

Step 4

Patterns can be worn but in moderation, avoid anything too bold or distracting. Delicate florals can look gorgeous, 1-2 for a family of 4 is perfect. Choosing textured fabrics for family photos adds depth and visual interest to the images without being overwhelming.

Step 5

Go for layers and textures as they add visual interest. This could be knits, jackets, sweaters or light layers. Layers add dimension, so bring Cardigans, Hats and Scarves etc.

Step 6

Wear something comfortable, clothing you can move freely and play in. Autumn/Winter and on location shoots can be a little muddy so be prepared and aware of this when planning your outfit.

Family sitting together on a dock watching swans swim in a lake during Autumn in Cotswolds and Wiltshire, Chippenham.

Step 7

Ladies, floaty dresses work great for most photoshoots, especially postpartum. Men, smart chinos or jeans with a shirt or round neck jumper. Toddler girls wearing dresses, I would advise a pair of cycle shorts underneath and for toddler boys, rompers, dungarees, chinos are a few suggestions.

Step 8

Footwear is SO important, basic white trainers can look great, wellies or Boots for Autumn shoots. For at home sessions, make sure your socks are clean, avoid white socks as they show the dirt and are often worn out. Try and match your outfit (no black socks) - bare feet can work great at home, it is the perfect excuse to book in a pedicure!

Step 9

This one is also SOOOOO important. Remove smart watches and hair bands from wrists and remove phones from pockets (I am more than happy to look after them temporarily). Other jewellery such as rings or necklaces can add a nice touch to photos but nothing that may distract from you, the gorgeous subjects.

Step 10

The most important of them all, wear something you feel good in, have fun, bring snacks for babies/toddlers, make up for emergency touch ups and more importantly, enjoy the session!

Need more help? WhatsApp me: 07464 761069

Planning Tips & FAQ

Do you provide any props for the photoshoot?

I always have blankets with me for you to sit on and incorporate into a photo.

I feel I need more help, can I send you some pictures of outfit choices?

Absolutely! Feel free to contact me any time on WhatsApp - 07464 761069

What if the weather is bad?

We reschedule, I allow wiggle room for unpredictable British Weather!