Outdoor photo sessions are fantastic - kids light up when they can run around freely, and trees or fields are great backdrops. Pick a place that is special to you: the park where your kids love to play, a forest where you walk your dog, the first trail you hiked as a family, or simply your back garden. I shoot outdoors throughout the year, but no matter the season, the best times of day for photos are the couple of hours after sunrise, and the couple of hours before sunset.

How about indoors? Your house doesn't need to be perfectly styled or even perfectly tidy! Home is where the heart is, and pictures of your kids scrambling over the back of your beaten-up sofa capture the soul of your family and home all in one...

For newborn shoots I always suggest doing the session in your own home, at any time of day to suit your family's schedule. These sessions usually last a little longer - we'll take lots of breaks to make sure your baby has time to feed quietly & be changed.

Don't worry too much about what to wear on the day of the shoot - the most important is to feel comfortable and confident.

Regarding styling: some people come to their session with their hair and nails done while others don't wear a scrap of make-up, and some families wear identical outfits, while others are mix and match... Everyone is different - come as YOU are, so that it's YOU on the photos and not a make-believe Pinterest family.

For a headshot or other studio session, please bring several outfits so that you have a variety of shots to choose from. You may be surprised by which clothes bring out the best of you in a picture. Hint: try some colour!

Children are sometimes super enthusiastic about having their picture taken - and sometimes not. Don't panic! No matter how shy or grumpy your kids are, during the time we're together there will be a brief window during which they will be less stressed. Focus on staying calm and relaxed yourself - if you're having fun, it won't be long before your kids join in.

You will receive a link to your online gallery of photos within two weeks of the session (sometimes less, depending on how busy the season). You can download all the photos from the gallery in high resolution, in colour and black and white.