Mother sitting with 2 daughters in Medowie bushland

Guide to a Fun-Filled Newcastle Family Photoshoot

Let's face it—wrestling alpacas might be easier than wrangling kids for a photoshoot. You dream of picture-perfect portraits capturing your family's love and laughter, but visions of forced smiles and meltdowns dance in your head. Fear not! Family photoshoots can be an absolute blast, filled with genuine joy and heartwarming moments. I specialise in capturing the beautiful chaos that is family, and with a little planning, you can ditch the stress and embrace the fun.

Setting the Stage for Smiles: Pre-Shoot Prep

Planting the Seeds of Excitement: A heads-up is magic! Chat with your kids about the photoshoot a few days beforehand. Instead of springing it on them, frame it as an adventure. Tell them you'll be going on a fun outing to take some pictures and make silly faces. Show them some examples of family photos you love (especially those with kids having a blast!), and get them excited about creating their own special memories.
Taming the Wardrobe: Comfort is key! Let your kids wear clothes they love and feel confident in. Avoid itchy fabrics or anything too restrictive. Coordinate outfits loosely with a colour palette, but don't get hung up on everyone matching perfectly. Newcastle's stunning beaches and parks often look fantastic with natural, earthy tones or pops of bright colours that reflect your family's personality.
Packing the Fun Arsenal: Think beyond bribes (though those can be handy!). Pack a bag of tricks to keep the smiles flowing. Bubbles are a classic for a reason – they're light, portable, and practically guaranteed to elicit giggles. Sidewalk chalk can turn any concrete jungle into an artistic playground. Bring along a favourite stuffed animal, a silly hat, a soccer ball, or anything that sparks joy in your little ones.

Mother sitting and playing with her 2 young daughters in bushland in Medowie NSW

Let Loose and Let Love Shine: During the Photoshoot

Embrace the Candid: Forget stiff poses and forced smiles. The most magical photos capture genuine connection. Let your kids run around, explore the location, and be themselves. These candid moments of playfulness and interaction are pure gold. We'll be there to capture the laughter, hugs, and silly faces that tell your unique family story.
Games Galore: Remember those pre-packed fun-starters? Put them to good use! Have a bubble-blowing contest, draw masterpieces with sidewalk chalk, or play a quick game of catch. These playful interactions not only create genuine smiles but also help loosen everyone up and ease any camera shyness.
The Power of Play: Don't be afraid to get down on their level, literally and figuratively! Play peek-a-boo, chase butterflies, or build sandcastles together. Engaging with your kids and having fun alongside them creates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that translates beautifully into the photos.
Sweet Incentives (Optional): Let's be real, sometimes a little bribery can work wonders. If your child needs an extra nudge to cooperate, pack a small treat or reward for good behaviour during the shoot. It doesn't have to be candy – a sticker sheet, a chance to pick the next location, or a special post-shoot ice cream cone can go a long way.

Mother and father playing with their baby boy in the ocean at Birubi Beach Port Stephens

Beyond the Smiles: Creating a Memorable Experience

Location, Location, Location! Familiar surroundings can make a world of difference. Consider a park your kids love to frequent, your own backyard, or a favourite beach spot in Newcastle. When they feel comfortable and at ease in their environment, they'll be more likely to relax and have fun.
The Newcastle Backdrop: Our beautiful city offers endless possibilities for stunning photoshoots. Whether it's the golden sands of Bar Beach, the lush greenery of Glenrock Lagoon, or the historic charm of Newcastle East, let's use Newcastle's unique character as a backdrop for your family's story.

Remember: The most important ingredient for a successful photo shoot is to relax and have fun! There will be moments of chaos; that's a given with kids! But those unscripted moments can often lead to the most precious and genuine photos. I’m here to capture the real moments, the laughter, the love, and the beautiful chaos that makes your family unique. So come on, let's create some magical memories together!

P.S. Still feeling a little nervous? Don't hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to chat about your vision for the photoshoot and answer any questions you have.

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