Pre Session Preparation Guide

What to bring

For the best photos & your comfort

A smile: Your happy and relaxed smile will make the photos look even better.

Bottle of water: Being photographed can be thirsty work.

Spare clothes: Bringing a spare set of clothes is a must—especially for little ones! Kids have a way of finding puddles, sand, or just general messiness, and having a backup outfit helps keep the session running smoothly. If we’re shooting at sunrise or sunset, it can get surprisingly chilly, so it’s always a good idea to pack something warm and cozy just in case. Better to be comfy than caught off guard!

A towel: A towel is always a good idea! Whether it’s a surprise rain shower during an outdoor session or a little splash at the beach, having one on hand makes drying off or cleaning up so much easier. Even if you don’t end up needing it, you’ll be glad to have it—just in case!

What not to bring

Not required during the session

Mobile Phones: I know it’s tempting to snap some pics or videos during the session but trust me, putting the phones away will help keep us focused and let you enjoy the moment.

I’d suggest leaving your phone in a bag or a designated spot so it’s out of sight. It’s also a good idea to avoid keeping it in your pockets since the outline always shows through your clothes.

I’m all about capturing those genuine, spontaneous moments, and having a phone in hand can sometimes mess with the flow of things.

I appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to make some great memories together!

Optional

Helpful & Fun

Snacks: If you’ve got little ones with you, packing some snacks can be a lifesaver, especially for encouraging those who might be a little shy about smiling! Just try not to bring them out too early—once they start snacking, it can be hard to stop! Also, avoid anything that might stain clothes or take too long to eat. We want to keep the energy up and the smiles flowing!

Props: Feel free to bring any special items or activities you’d like to include in the session. Things like baskets, bikes, skateboards, surfboards, small kites, heirloom pieces, champagne, or flowers are all great ideas! I do prefer to avoid balloons due to the environmental impact of single-use plastic, but if they’re important to you, I’m happy to include them.

What to wear

Simplicity is best! I love capturing natural, timeless moments. So, I recommend keeping your wardrobe simple and smart for our session. Clothes that fit well, especially fitted pieces, will help create a polished and flattering look. By choosing outfits that highlight your best features and reflect your style, we can capture beautiful, genuine moments that will stand the test of time!

Women & Girls: Long dresses and skirts bring such a soft, feminine touch to the shoot, and I absolutely love that look! If you don’t have one but want to wear something similar, check out Mama Rentals and use the code REBECCACOLEFAX for a discount. But if dresses aren’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine! Short dresses, skirts, pants, jeans, tops, cardigans, and knits are all great options. The most important thing is that you feel amazing in what you’re wearing!

Men & Boys: For guys, I recommend shorts, pants, or jeans with a collared shirt to frame the face beautifully. If we’re shooting at the beach, rolling up long pants is a great way to stay comfortable and still look sharp. Avoid shirts with large logos, images, or text, as they can be distracting and may not age as well in photos. Also, fabrics like thin stripes, velvet, mesh, and tweed can create odd shapes in photos, so it’s best to steer clear of those.

Family Coordinates: Instead of matching outfits, try coordinating with two or three colors that complement each other. This creates a more natural, cohesive vibe! You’ll get a much more relaxed and beautiful look that still feels unified. For outfit ideas and inspiration, feel free to browse my Instagram page or the couples, babies, family, or maternity galleries!

Colours

Neutrals: Think of shades like medium denim, beige, dusty pink, cream, grey, medium blue, medium green, and light brown—they’re all great choices! These neutral tones work beautifully with any backdrop, enhance your skin tone, and make for a flattering, timeless look in photos. They’re effortlessly chic and always a win.

Bright Colours: If neutrals aren’t your thing, no worries! Bold, bright colours can shine in photos too. Just like with neutrals, sticking to colours that are in the same tonal family can keep things feeling natural and balanced, while still adding that energetic, vibrant pop. Feel free to go all out with your favourite bright colours and mix them in a way that feels true to you!

White:White clothing can add a fresh, clean touch to photos, but just a little heads-up—if everyone wears the same shade, it can make you blend together. There are plenty of beautiful whites to choose from, like stark white, cream white, and off-white, but keep in mind that pairing stark white with cream white can sometimes make the cream look a little dull or off. My best tip? If you’re incorporating cream white, stick to just one person wearing it! It creates a soft, warm glow that looks stunning in photos.

Dark Colours: When it comes to dark hues, I recommend avoiding plain black or navy if you want to look your best in photos. These colours can sometimes lose their richness in bright outdoor light. For those beach shoots, black clothing can even make sand grains stand out—not the look we want! Unless your dark colour has a pattern – I feel it’s best to steer clear of black altogether.

Textures + Patterns: I absolutely love capturing different textures! Linen, cotton, denim, lace, and knits all add so much depth and personality to photos. Each fabric brings its own magic—cotton is soft and airy, linen drapes beautifully, denim has that laid-back vibe, and knits feel cozy and inviting. And don’t be afraid to play with patterns! They can really bring your photos to life and make them feel extra special. So go ahead, mix it up and enjoy creating those unique, memorable images!

Accessories

Accessories: To keep the focus on you, it’s best to stick with your everyday jewelry. Watches, sunglasses, hair ties on your wrist, or too many accessories can be distracting in photos. I may gently ask you to remove them during the session to keep things looking clean and polished—this way, we can timelessly capture your natural beauty!

Nappy Covers: For little ones, please make sure their nappies or diapers are properly covered during the shoot. These details can be tricky to edit later, so a well-fitted cover helps keep the focus on capturing sweet, distraction-free moments.

Footwear: If we’re at the beach, shoes are optional—go ahead and enjoy the sand between your toes! For other locations, feel free to wear whatever makes you comfortable, whether it’s sandals, sneakers, or casual shoes that match the vibe of your session. The goal is to keep things relaxed and natural!

Hats: Wide-brimmed hats can add a stylish touch to your photos, but they don’t always work for every shot. Sometimes they can cast shadows or hide part of your face, so I’ll help guide you on when to keep them on and when it’s best to go without. We’ll find the perfect balance to make sure your photos turn out beautifully!

Glasses: If you wear glasses regularly, feel free to keep them on—after all, they’re part of your everyday look! But if you don’t mind going without, it can help avoid glare and reflections in certain shots. Either way, we’ll make sure you look and feel your best.

Hair & Makeup: The best way to look like you in your photos is to stick with your usual hair and makeup routine. If you’re planning to visit a makeup artist or hairstylist before your session, let me know—I’d love to give them a special mention in your sneak peek! Need recommendations? Check out my FAQs for direct links.

Tanning: Your natural skin tone will always look amazing on camera! But if you’ve recently tanned, don’t worry—we’ll work with it to make sure your photos look great. The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Clothing Stains: Try to avoid wearing anything with stains for your shoot. While I can edit them out in Photoshop, it may come with an extra charge. A quick once-over before your session will help keep everything looking fresh and flawless!

What happens next?

Let’s Get Ready

• Check your email and complete the contract, and questionnaire before your session.

How We Coordinate

• As your session date gets closer, I’ll contact you directly for a pre-session phone call. We’ll confirm the time and location, and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Turn Up and Have Fun!

• Whether you’re camera-shy or natural in front of the lens, I’ll make sure you have a fun and relaxed experience. So take a deep breath and relax—you’re in excellent hands!

If you have any questions, feel free to explore my FAQs here or reach out. Otherwise, I’ll chat with you soon!