'...THE REAL OVER PERFECT. ALWAYS.' 

Family, Newborn, Maternity & Motherhood sessions will forever hold a huge place in my heart. My passion has and always will be documenting moments to last a lifetime, and to me, there is nothing more special than the people around us, whether that is family by blood or family by pure love.


The way I capture moments is by purely documenting you as you are. Simply put...I'm a people watcher. Yet, I have a camera. Sounds a bit weird but I promise it's not.


I've always been a huge fan of 'natural photography' yet we all know that there is nothing natural about putting on a beautiful dress and matching outfits with our families to go and stand in a field or a woodland. That's just not what we naturally do, for obvious reasons. So instead of calling myself a 'Natural Photographer', I describe my work as 'The real over perfect. Always.'


Don't get me wrong, your tiny little team is perfect, but by this I mean that I capture the real moments, not the posed 'perfect' ones. I capture the moments that mean the most, the ones that are uniquely you. Sometimes strange, sometimes hilarious, sometimes totally unexpected...but always absolutely perfect because they are authentically you. And after all, that is the aim here right? To document you & yours in a way that can be looked back on for generations. A way that you will remember that exact moment, that exact belly laugh and that exact cuddle, exactly as it was, even 5, 10, 20 years on. That is what I aim do, for you.


This guide holds all of my best tips and tricks for you and your closest to have a little read through in preparation for our session coming up. I honestly cannot wait to meet you & your people and capture your most authentic love. 

CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR 


There are a million factors that go into choosing what to wear, and I know it can be tough to decide which outfit will suit your photos best!


Some good sites for lovely outfits are - Free People, Dawn & Day, Zara, NA-KD, H&M, ASOS, Reserved, Arket & Newbie.



HERE ARE MY GO TO TIPS: 

CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR 


There are a million factors that go into choosing what to wear, and I know it can be tough to decide which outfit will suit your photos best!


Some good sites for lovely outfits are - Free People, Dawn & Day, Zara, NA-KD, H&M, ASOS, Reserved, Arket & Newbie.



HERE ARE MY GO TO TIPS: 

WEAR SOMETHING YOU’RE COMFORTABLE IN 


I would always encourage you to wear something that makes you feel like yourself, not what you think you have to or should wear, or anything brand new or fancy. Wear something you feel beautiful in. Ensure it’s an outfit you’ve worn before and you know it's comfortable. Whether that be a dress, raw denim or a power suit.

ALLOW FOR MOVEMENT 


Throughout our session you will be moving a lot. You'll be throwing your little ones around and running after them. I'd always recommend a flowy dress for the mamas & a loose t-shirt or shirt for the dads with linen or jean shorts/trousers. Even if you are a mama-to-be on aMaternity Session you will still be moving. Plus, a long flowing dress can also be used as a prop to swish around, wrap little ones up in and cover any areas that you ate self conscious about. 

CONSIDER THE LOCATION & THE SEASON


Make sure to wear something that makes sense for the location, and terrain. You don't want to look out of place in the environment that you've chosen or be wearing stilettos in the sand. 


Suit your season of choice! Whether that is colour tones or textures. Wrap up in chunky knits in the winter & be cool & free in linen dungarees in the summer.

COLOURS 


I highly encourage you to choose colours that photograph well, hot pink may be your favourite colour but I can guarantee it will not photograph very well. I advise earth tones and neutral colours that aren't too bold or distracting. Beige, white, denim, rust, sage green, mustard, all look beautiful in the locations I generally shoot at and the studio - all of the earthy, natural tones. It's important to consider how the colours you wear will compliment the colours of the environment, without causing you to blend in or get lost. 

LITTLE ONES


Bloomers, shorts, dresses, rompers, dungarees and jumpers are amazing for the little ones, if it's chilly outside, layer up with knits, tights, etc - try to stick to a neutral colour palette as not to distract away from them. I always go for very classic outfits that will not date on photographs. 

PATTERNS


Stay away from any bold or distracting patterns and any large graphics or logos. I do prefer plain outfits but if you are someone who likes a pattern, I urge you to opt for minimal, smaller patterns as not to distract away from the rest of the photo. 

COMPLEMEMT EACH OTHER


Avoid being too matchy, matchy - ideally your outfits will complement each other but not blend into each other, we want to see your different styles & personalities. As seen in the photo to the right, mutual coloured outfits in two different styles. 

AVOID DISTRACTIONS


I advise against BIG accessories like big watches and make sure to take your phone and keys out of your pocket. Dad's this one is for you! 

ACCESSORIES


I highly encourage accessories like hats, scarves, jackets, jewellery, etc. We can make them work as props and change up the outfit for various different style photos. Make sure you look like you, bring your personality to life through your outfit!

BRING OPTIONS


I would always suggest to bring options and I can always be on hand to help with any outfit suggestions for any member of the family! 

HAIR AND MAKEUP 


All I want to say here is that I encourage you to go with whatever option you feel best in. Whether that's a full face of glam makeup or au natural. Bouncy curls or up in a high pony - match your usual style.

HAIR AND MAKEUP 


All I want to say here is that I encourage you to go with whatever option you feel best in. Whether that's a full face of glam makeup or au natural. Bouncy curls or up in a high pony - match your usual style.

PROPS 

I terms of props, I'll always bring a variety with me that I think will suit your family (this is why the questionnaire is important). Some of these props may include blankets & cushions, seating, a Moses basket, hats, etc. Other ideas of things that may suit you and your family's style is bringing your dog, a camper van, a bike, a classic car, surfboard, guitar, etc. Bust please don't feel like you have to bring any of these as I will bring the essentials if you would like them - please let me know if there is anything you would like me to bring.


I always advise you to bring toys and snacks/treats for your little ones, however, these should only be used as a last resort as they can be very distracting and may not want to let go of them. If you have older little ones, a little bribery never hurt nobody so always have a back up plan of something you can entice them with.


I also am very aware that phones and iPad's are very popular in keeping little ones entertained, but again, this should only be used as a last resort as it can change the little one's mood and make them very uninterested in being present in the moment with you. Having said that, sometimes these things are very much needed so it's always good to be prepared! P.S. to the parents, please also try to stay away from your phone as this hour is pure family time for you and yours, embrace that, try to be present. 

WHAT TO BRING


Along with a bunch of outfit options and any props you’d like, a few things that might be helpful to pack are:


EXTRA SHOES & A CHANGE OF CLOTHES - Sometimes it gets muddy, sometimes it gets sandy. Just be ready for that. Because you don't want to be driving home in your freshly cleaned car wishing you'd brought another pair of shoes. 


TOUCH UP KIT - Sometimes we may need a little touch up. Whether that's a crazy gust of wind making our hair into one huge knot or the sun being so bright it makes our mascara run. Just be prepared for anything. The most beaut summers evenings have turned into storms before. Also! For anyone opting for a beautiful beach session, a spray bottle of water or sea salt spray is always good to get that beachy look! 


A BACKPACK/CHANGING BAG - Mamas you know the drill! 


BEVERAGES & SNACKIES - This is mainly for the little ones and you'll know what to bring. But... parents if you wanna bring yourself an adult beverage along also, please feel free to do so. This is meant to be a fun experience, and if that includes a beer or 2 I can totally get on board with that, especially on those summer evenings. 

WHAT TO BRING


Along with a bunch of outfit options and any props you’d like, a few things that might be helpful to pack are:


EXTRA SHOES & A CHANGE OF CLOTHES - Sometimes it gets muddy, sometimes it gets sandy. Just be ready for that. Because you don't want to be driving home in your freshly cleaned car wishing you'd brought another pair of shoes. 


TOUCH UP KIT - Sometimes we may need a little touch up. Whether that's a crazy gust of wind making our hair into one huge knot or the sun being so bright it makes our mascara run. Just be prepared for anything. The most beaut summers evenings have turned into storms before. Also! For anyone opting for a beautiful beach session, a spray bottle of water or sea salt spray is always good to get that beachy look! 


A BACKPACK/CHANGING BAG - Mamas you know the drill! 


BEVERAGES & SNACKIES - This is mainly for the little ones and you'll know what to bring. But... parents if you wanna bring yourself an adult beverage along also, please feel free to do so. This is meant to be a fun experience, and if that includes a beer or 2 I can totally get on board with that, especially on those summer evenings. 

MINDSET


Treat this day like a date or a fun day out, easier said than done, I know. I recommend doing something together that day either in the morning or the evening - go to get ice-cream, go for a meal or just go to the park, dedicate this day to you and your family. But most importantly, let your little ones know that this day is about all of you, together.


Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you can relax and not feel rushed. If you feel relaxed, it will show in photos. If you feel stressed, that will also show. Plus, it'll radiate onto your little ones as well if they can feel your stressed vibes. 



If your kids are naughty don't feel embarrassed or get worked up about it (again easier said than done) but the whole purpose of this session is to capture them as they are. Let kids be kids. Let them splash in the puddles and get muddy. Let them run into the freezing cold British sea and let them tackle each other to the ground (so long as no ones getting hurt, we're all good).


I am a middle child with 2 brothers. I've seen it all, I've personally experienced it all and I've heard it all. Just let them be, and I guarantee the session will be a whole lot more fun for you. 

WHAT TO EXPECT


Let me give you confidence by saying first of all that your shoot is going to be an experience, and a good one at that. Know that 99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot will feel uncomfortable until you relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera! Trust me, I know how uncomfortable it can feel, but just trust in the fact that I do this most days; I'll always prompt and direct you and never ask you to do something that feels wrong or awkward If there’s ever a moment where I’m paused in between and you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry I’ll just be checking through the photos to see what we’ve got and then be getting right back to it.


I promise it will be fun and by the end of the session you'll be totally relaxed and having fun. The objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures, but to capture this exciting stage in your life, exactly as it is now.


My best piece of advice to you would be to have zero expectations. Embrace what comes, the wind, the rain, the laughter, the poo explosions (gross to talk about I know but we all know it happens, one time on my studio floor but we continue hahah) whatever unfolds.


Every shoot is unique, and we have no set pattern. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. I can’t give you any guarantees of what we will capture, let’s see what magic happens on the day. 

WHAT TO EXPECT


Let me give you confidence by saying first of all that your shoot is going to be an experience, and a good one at that. Know that 99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot will feel uncomfortable until you relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera! Trust me, I know how uncomfortable it can feel, but just trust in the fact that I do this most days; I'll always prompt and direct you and never ask you to do something that feels wrong or awkward If there’s ever a moment where I’m paused in between and you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry I’ll just be checking through the photos to see what we’ve got and then be getting right back to it.


I promise it will be fun and by the end of the session you'll be totally relaxed and having fun. The objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures, but to capture this exciting stage in your life, exactly as it is now.


My best piece of advice to you would be to have zero expectations. Embrace what comes, the wind, the rain, the laughter, the poo explosions (gross to talk about I know but we all know it happens, one time on my studio floor but we continue hahah) whatever unfolds.


Every shoot is unique, and we have no set pattern. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. I can’t give you any guarantees of what we will capture, let’s see what magic happens on the day. 

WEATHER

This is a big one when we live in a place like England - the weather is so damn unpredictable. My style of photography is very documentary style, meaning that whatever the weather, your session is all about you & yours. The weather is what it is on the day and we will go with whatever we have on the day, unless it is torrentially raining when we can postpone. However, please know shoots in the rain can be incredibly beautiful & emotive!


Alternatively, if it is too hot,  we will postpone. This doesn't happen often but it has happened in the past. There is no way I will risk any one of my clients getting over heated or exposed to too much sun just for the purpose of a good photo, especially little ones, it is not worth it.


Come cloud, wind or shine, we will be there!



PLEASE NOTE: All sessions will be taking place no matter what the weather is on the day of your session. Unless it is torrentially raining. Documentary style photography means that sessions are beautiful no matter the weather on the day and all that really matters is you & yours on the day. Embrace what comes & enjoy.


If you are someone who really wants the golden glow sunset (which cannot always be guaranteed in the UK) we will be able to postpone 1 time of your choosing, however there is always the risk of worse weather on the postponed date. If it is raining, your session can be postponed free of charge, however after your first postponement of your choice, you will be able to postpone again however there will be a £15 charge due to time reserved for you.

AFTER THE SESSION


After your session you will receive a sneak peek to hype you up a little bit and get you excited to see that final gallery. Your final gallery will be delivered to your email inbox within a few weeks of your session.


Thank you so much for this opportunity to photograph you & yours. I am SO excited for your session and please know that I am here for you, for anything you may need in the meantime! 


Millie xx