5 Easy Ways to Prepare for a Family Photo Session in Mandurah
Making the Most of Your Documentary Photography Session
So you’ve booked your session. Yay! or you’re thinking about it and you want to know what prep goes into a documentary photography session. well, the answer is simple… Very little.
As a documentary family photographer in Mandurah, I love capturing the real-life magic of our local families. This style is all about authentic moments without stiff poses, forced smiles, or the pressure to be “perfect.” Because, honestly, posing people has always felt as awkward for me as it is for you. With that said, even with my relaxed approach, a little preparation can go a long way in making your session smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
If you’ve already booked with me, we’ll go over all this and more in your pre-session consultation, but if you’re looking to get a little head start or learn more about my approach, you’re in the right place. My main concern is that you to feel comfortable, so I’ve put together five simple ways to prepare for your session without over-thinking or over-complicating it.
1. Embrace the Imperfections for Real Family Photography
The beauty of documentary family photography is that it captures real life; messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully unique to your family. Unlike traditional photo shoots we embrace the chaos and imperfections of family life. Whilst it is important to ensure that the space we’re using is clear of trip hazards for me to chase all the action with my camera, there’s no need to tidy up every corner of your home or worry about getting everyone on their best behavior for your session. Get the kids beyond getting them excited for a family day of fun rather than turning up the pressure with a planned ‘photoshoot’. The whole idea is that your family can just spend time together and be themselves without the pressure.
2. Choose Comfort for a Relaxed Session
There’s no need for matching outfits, perfect hair, and uncomfortable shapewear. What you wear should reflect your everyday life and personality. The goal is to feel comfortable so you can move freely and interact naturally with your family. Here are some tips to choosing outfits that are comfortable and let your personality shine through.
Wear what makes you comfortable, happy, and reflects your everyday life.
Neutral and earthy tones work well on camera, but personality always comes first.
Where possible, avoid large logos and busy patterns that could distract from the emotions and connections we want to capture.
For an outdoor adventure session, dress in layers and pack spares for little ones so we can adapt to unforeseen accidents and weather easily.
These are all gentle recommendations of course, if your 4-year-old is like mine and spends every opportunity in her golden princess dress, then we absolutely want to capture that.
3. Pick Meaningful Family Activities
A great way to create natural moments is to engage in activities that your family already enjoys. Think of everyday rituals and family fun like reading books, playing in the backyard, baking together, or even having a dance party, having an activity to focus on creates connections and makes for the most meaningful images. Try to pick something simple that you already enjoy and can all do together. It’s a great idea to involve kids in the process and get them excited by asking them what they’d love to do.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, I’ve put together some resources including family ritual ideas, family friendly walks around Mandurah, and (because baking is my absolute favourite thing to do with my kids) a selection of my best-loved kid-approved baking recipes.
4. Keep It Low-Pressure for the Kids
Instead of hyping up your upcoming session, set the tone and reduce any pressure by keeping explanations simple: “A friend is coming to take some pictures of us hanging out,” or “We’re going to have a family day tomorrow.” If they’ve already been involved in choosing the activities, they’ll be extra excited.
Avoid bribing or telling kids to behave. Remember the goal is for them to be themselves and if little ones are shy, that’s OK too, session lengths and the inbuilt buffer are designed to let them warm up naturally.
And if something goes wrong during the session, like juice spilled on an outfit, remember that it’s all part of real family life.
5. Trust Your Photographer and Stay Present for Authentic Photos
The best way to get beautiful, meaningful photos is to relax and enjoy the moment. The more you switch your focus from the camera to the moment, the more relaxed you and everyone else will be. If this is your first session with me, it can take a while to make this switch, and that’s totally normal. Remember the in-built extra time to allow the kids time to relax… That’s for you too.
Try to resist the urge to direct or stage moments beyond setting up family activities. Framing your magical moments is my job. Your natural connections are perfect as they are and if your child is having a tough moment, let it unfold; it’s part of your family’s real story.
Bonus Tip: Why You Should Print Your Family Photos for Lasting Memories
Once your session is complete, don’t let your family photos sit on your print USB. Check your print guide in your welcome pack to get the best quality prints that make your house feel like a home. And if you have questions or want to order professional prints, I’m always here to help. Just get in touch. Keeping your custom heirloom family album somewhere everyone can access (Ours live on our dining table) is a great start and means the whole family can relive magical moments. For more ideas on how to display your images, including some that are renter friendly, check out these 5 creative ways to display your family photos.
Quick view: 5 easy ways to prepare
No need to clean the whole house: Focus on tidying any trip hazards and let your home be your home.
Skip the matching outfits: Wear what feels comfortable and true to your everyday life but avoid bright colours, bold patterns, and logos where possible.
Choose a meaningful activity: Think of something your family already enjoys together; baking, cuddles, nature walks, etc.
Prep kids by keeping it casual: Talk about it like a fun visit or family day, not a formal shoot.
Trust the process: It’s about connection, not perfection — just show up as you are.
BONUS: Print your photos: Don’t forget to display your album, make use of your print USB, and display your images your way.
Want photos that truly feel like you? Relax, be present, and let the magic unfold.
Capture Real Moments with a Family Photography Session in Mandurah
Save yourself the stress of a traditional photoshoot. A documentary photo shoot is a fun, relaxed, memory-making experience; one that leaves you images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Not booked already and you’re ready to learn more and see if this is a good fit for you? Let’s chat.
Book your free intro call today and let’s create something beautiful together
