Preparing your family session

The outfits

Outfit choices do a lot for the harmony of your photos. My advice:

• Choose outfits in matching tones, without being identical, for a coordinated yet natural look.
• Favour quality fabrics such as cotton or linen, which fall nicely and photograph beautifully.
• Avoid writing and patterns: your photos stay timeless, as beautiful in ten years as today.
• For colours, I recommend warm or pastel shades, soft rather than flashy.

A little tip: prepare and try on the outfits the day before, to avoid any last-minute stress.

What to bring (and travel light)

Come as lightly loaded as possible, so nothing weighs you down during the session. Simply bring some water and a small snack, best enjoyed after the session.

Before leaving, check that pockets are empty (to keep the clothes' lines clean) and remove scrunchies or hair ties from wrists. I will remind you on the day, but a bare wrist instantly looks better in photos.

The locations

I take you to places I deeply love, places that make your images shine. Depending on the mood you are looking for, several settings are possible:

• The forest, for a natural, soft, enveloping atmosphere.
• The Old City of Jerusalem, for a setting full of history and character.
• The charming, typical neighbourhoods, full of authenticity.
• The fields, for the golden light and wide open spaces.
• The sea, for softness, sunset colours and a holiday feel.

Together, we choose the place that feels most like you.

The right time and the light

I photograph in the golden light of late afternoon, that magical hour when the light is soft, warm and flattering for everyone. It is what gives the images their luminous, timeless feel. This light only lasts a while, so punctuality is precious: it lets us enjoy the most beautiful moment without rushing.

Preparing the children

The secret with children is that they should not experience the session as a chore. Tell them about a lovely family outing rather than a photo session. Avoid scheduling just before nap or meal time, so they arrive rested and in good spirits. You can also plan a little treat to motivate them. And rest assured: I am gentle and patient, I am used to it, and I always adapt to their pace.

Hair, make-up and small details

Stay natural and true to yourselves; that is what makes photos genuine and luminous. Light make-up is more than enough. Think of the small details that sometimes show in close-ups: neat nails, and above all avoid new shoes that hurt, as well as fresh sunburn or tan lines.

The right mindset

This is the most important point, so here it is, plain and simple: come relaxed and trust me. Nothing is set in stone, there is no failed pose and no wrong way of doing things. My role is to guide you at every moment, so you have nothing to think about. The session is a moment to live together, not an exam. The more you let go, the more beautiful the photos.

The weather

If it rains, no worries: we simply reschedule the session to another date. And if the sky is cloudy, rejoice: a veiled sky gives magnificent, very soft light, a true dream for photographers. Your photos will only be more beautiful.

On the day

I send you the exact meeting point in advance. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, enough time to settle in and take a breath before we start. You will also have my number, so you can easily reach me on site if needed.

After the session

You receive your private online gallery within two working weeks, ready to view, download and share. Start thinking now about lovely ways to bring your photos to life: a framed print, a magnet on the fridge or a beautiful album to leaf through as a family. Beautiful images deserve to exist beyond a screen. I will be delighted to guide you through the choice.