“Our phones hold thousands of moments, but our walls and albums hold our legacy. What story do you want your grandchildren to hold in their hands?”

 

— William Dickie

1. Talk It Up (The Right Way)

In the days leading up to the session, frame it as an exciting adventure, not a formal event.

Do: “We’re going to play in the studio with William! He has a big camera and we might see pretty lights and flashes, and maybe even have a little tickle fight.”

Avoid: “We have to be on our best behaviour for the pictures tomorrow.” (This adds pressure!)

The goal is to make them feel like active participants in a fun activity, not passive subjects under a microscope.

2. Timing is Everything: Schedule Around Their Rhythm

This is the golden rule. A well-rested and well-fed child is a cooperative child.

Nap Time is Sacred: Never, ever schedule a session during your child’s usual nap time or too close to bedtime. I pride myself on my flexibility, but that only works if it aligns with your child’s natural rhythm.

Full Bellies, Happy Hearts: Ensure they’ve had a good meal or snack just before you leave the house. Pack their favourite water bottle and a few non-messy, non-staining snacks (think apple slices, plain crackers) for a quick energy boost during the session. Hungry kids are rarely happy kids.

3. Keep Outfits Simple, Comfortable, and Them

The best photos capture your child’s personality, not a stiff, uncomfortable version of them.

Comfort is Key: Choose clothes they can move, run, sit, and play in freely. Scratchy fabrics, tight collars, or fussy outfits will be a constant distraction and source of irritation.

Let Their Personality Shine: If your daughter lives in her favourite yellow dress, lean into it! If your son loves his gumboots, let him wear them. Authenticity always photographs better than a stiff, matching outfit they hate.

Pro Tip: Avoid large logos and neon colours, as they can distract from your child’s beautiful face and create unflattering colour casts on the skin.

4. Manage Your Own Energy (Your Secret Superpower)

Children are incredibly perceptive emotional barometers. They will pick up on your stress and mirror it.

Trust the Process: Your job is to relax and enjoy the experience. My job is to gently guide, engage, and capture your family’s unique dynamic. I have plenty of tricks, games, and patience up my sleeve to get those genuine smiles and connections.

Go with the Flow: If your toddler decides they only want to be held for the first 20 minutes, that’s okay! Some of the most tender, authentic photos come from those very moments. Embrace the unexpected.

5. Bring a “Bribery” Bag & Lower Expectations

A little motivation never hurts, but think beyond the classic “cheese.”

The Bag of Tricks: Pack their favourite small toy, a beloved book, or a special treat they only get on rare occasions. These aren’t just bribes; they’re tools to capture their wonder and excitement. (Note: Lollipops are great for a last-resort smile, but can create messy faces—have a cloth on hand!).

Redefine Success: The goal isn’t a folder of 50 images where everyone is looking at the camera with a perfect smile. The goal is to capture the essence of your family right now: the way your four-year-old squeezes your hand, the mischievous glint in your toddler’s eye, the way you naturally snuggle together. Those are the images that will truly take your breath away in years to come.

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