Couples
SHOOT guide
In this guide you’ll find our recommendations on how to dress for your shoot, to help make the session a little more seamless so you can just focus on each other, embrace this time together and make some fun memories! Clothing choices can increase spontaneity on the day, or take some of it away. If you are worrying about wardrobe malfunctions it’s unlikely you’ll look or feel relaxed, the aim is to achieve the highest level of both comfort and spontaneity so you have a great experience on your shoot.
First and foremost we want you to wear something you feel confident in. If it’s important to you, and your clothing choices don’t align with our suggestions then that is fine too. These are just guidelines and at the end of the day we want you to go with what you feel great in. If after having a look over this guide, you’re still unsure, pop us through photographs of your options and we will help you decide. Enjoy the guide and see you on our shoot!
Let’s get those finer details planned to get the most from your photoshoot!
outdoor portraits
Outdoor shoots mean walking, sitting and exploring. Wear something you can move in. Maxi or midi dresses and relaxed outfits photograph beautifully and keep things natural.
The environment
Cold lips and goosebumps aren’t the vibe. Check the forecast and bring layers just in case the temperature drops.
The weather
Beaches are usually windy, which is actually great for photos. Flowy dresses and skirts create beautiful movement in the images. Expect a little sand and maybe some water, so pack a change of clothes for the trip home. If you're up for it, jumping in the water can create some of the most fun, intimate moments.
the beach
Golden light is magic... but moody skies can be just as stunning. We love shooting in both. If you have a specific look in mind though, let us know. We keep my schedule flexible so we can reschedule if needed and make sure you get the most out of your shoot.
rescheduling
what to
wear
We recommend women wear medium or long dresses as short dresses will be a challenge when we do any seated photos. Maxi dresses give you something to twirl in plus it covers your legs when you sit.
Consider colour and seams in undergarments. The right colour and the right type of underwear for whatever outfit you’ve chosen. Make sure there is no pulling / cutting in on you, no tight elastic etc. Do an underwear check to see if you have undie lines showing. This is particularly relevant for maternity shoots. If you don’t want bra straps showing choose clothes that properly covers your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
Strapless dresses can pinch in, you’ll be moving around a lot, not standing still in the ‘perfect’ position. You want to be able to sit/ stand / twirl in it.
Remove scrunchies and hair-ties on wrists
For ladies
Keep it casual and comfortable, most guys don’t wear dress shirts, especially in their downtime, so sometimes this has them feeling over dressed. Linen, loose cottons on collared shirts, breathable fabrics, or a T-shirt with an open shirt over the top will help look less business-y. Empty those pockets of phones and keys!
for gents
Colour Sets the Whole Mood
How to Make Everyone’s Outfits Work Together
things to avoid
- Patterns or large logos that are really large/geometric/very colourful/highly contrasting will draw the eye. We're not saying don’t go there at all but just be aware that the eye will focus on these strong patterns, especially if only one member of the family is dressed like this.
- Large logos – same as above.
- Matchy-matchy. As tempting as it may be to all dress the same (and easy) it really takes away each individual’s uniqueness and personality to dress exactly the same. Similar colour tones are great, but not necessarily the exact same colour.
Choosing one outfit is hard enough... choosing five can feel like a full-time job. The easiest trick? Start with one outfit you love (often mum’s dress) and build the rest around it. If it has a pattern or multiple colours, that becomes your colour palette. Lay everything out together on the bed or floor so you can see how it all works. Take a quick photo on your phone, it makes comparing options way easier. If it looks balanced laid out, it’ll look great in photos.
What you wear literally changes the story your photos tell. Our favourite palette? Warm, earthy, natural tones, think olive, rust, beige, dusty pink, soft creams. These colours photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you, not your clothes. If you’re doing family photos, aim to coordinate rather than match exactly. Same vibe, different pieces. A quick note: bright red, harsh black and pure white can photograph a bit tricky. Swap them for dark olive, charcoal, denim, off-white or cream, they give the same feel without stealing the spotlight.
Pants and shirts for very young boys are cute but not always that practical, as soon as you pick them up the shirt rides up and get creased, the pants ride down tags are out and the nappy is out, it’s fussy and can waste time. ( If you’re committed go for it) but rompers and all-in-ones are so much easier! They can be thrown up and around without worrying about adjusting the outfit to cover nappies etc
Pants and shirts for very young boys are cute but not always that practical, as soon as you pick them up the shirt rides up and get creased, the pants ride down tags are out and the nappy is out, it’s fussy and can waste time. ( If you’re committed go for it) but rompers and all-in-ones are so much easier! They can be thrown up and around without worrying about adjusting the outfit to cover nappies etc
Maternity clothing can be difficult, we know it can be tricky to find the perfect outfit when pregnant! The following advice really is dependant on body shape, how far you are along, and how you are carrying, but as a guide here’s what we recommend.
If you are comfortable with a form-fitting garment, this is ideal as with baggy clothing as it is easy to lose the baby bump shape and it means you have to constantly hold your belly if you want to show the curve. This can look a little unnatural and limits movement and posing options.
If you’d like to do some shots with the bump out we are all for it! Depending on how much skin you want to show, Kimono, wrap dresses, button dresses or shirts are all great options for this type of shot too.
MATERNITY
wear
hair and
makeup
Hair
If you’re wondering whether professional hair and makeup is worth it for your shoot, our answer is almost always yes. Not because you need it (you’ll look beautiful regardless), but because that little extra polish does wonders for your confidence. When you feel good, you relax. And when you relax, the photos feel natural, easy and like you.
Below is a list of makeup artists we trust to create fresh, natural looks that photograph beautifully. Reach out to them directly to book around your session and check their rescheduling policies too, just in case the weather has other plans. And a gentle nudge: if your hair, colour or brows are on your mental “I should really do that” list — book the appointment. Those little things often make the biggest difference in how much you love your photos.
Cherie B Hair and Makeup Artist
Marnie Jade Make Up Artist
Brydie Donaldson Make Up
Abbie Hartland Makeup Artist
makeup
DRESS
HIRE
If you can’t find anything you love in your own wardrobe, Lend Me The Dress offers an amazing range of beautiful garments you can hire in a variety of sizes and colours. Use the discount code ‘photographer20’ for 20% off. We can use these at the beach, but need to keep them out of the sand and water.
Baltic Born
Free People
Max
Avy and Co
Hazel and Co
Lullaby Club
Country Road
For the ladies
Barkers
Farmers
Country Road
Hallensteins
H & M
Three Wise Men
For the men
SHOPS WE
LOVE
what to
EXPECT
Here’s what you can expect on your couple shoot. In the beginning, we'll chat to get to know you a bit better and help you get comfortable. At the same time we will be scouting for the best light and may not shoot a single image for the first 5-10 minutes. I’ll usually start with poses that involve movement (such a walking) etc. I’ll always try to get one shot with both of you looking at the camera and this is usually done at the beginning of the shoot. The rest of our time together will be more casual and maybe semi-posed, but letting you focus more on each other than the camera.
If you already know you’re not super comfortable in front of a camera just let me know before our shoot, We promise you’ll forget all that before our time together is done. It can also help to go through some of our work in advance so you both know what to expect and can hopefully start to feel at ease before we meet, knowing we’re going to capture some awesome memories that really show who you are as a couple.
Be aware that sometimes we may not need the full timeframe of the shoot, we work quickly and can capture a lot in a small amount of time. On occasion, we may need to photograph for slightly longer. It’s all about capturing your connection through natural interactions and unposed moments, we just want you to relax and enjoy your session!
COUPLE & ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS
When it’s just the two of you, the shoot runs more like a relaxed couple session than anything overly posed. Think walking, moving, leaning into each other — natural moments rather than awkward, cheesy poses. A lot of mums-to-be feel a little self-conscious about their changing body, so we are always guiding you into positions that feel comfortable and photograph beautifully. If there’s anything you’re feeling unsure about, tell us beforehand and we will keep it in mind.
And dads-to-be… we know maternity shoots aren’t always top of your “things I’m excited about” list. But don’t worry — you won’t be standing there wondering what to do with your hands. If it helps, show them some of our work beforehand so they know it’s relaxed, natural, and over before they know it.
MATERNITY SHOOTS
WHAT TO
BRING
FOR TOUCH UPS
Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
Clothing & Props
Any outfit changes, plus a bag to throw wallet and keys & phone into that keeps them out of your pockets!
FOR SHOOTING NEAR WATER
If you are photographing near a body of water like the beach or a river or lake pack a towel and wipes. I always bring a change of clothes, even if it’s just for the way home.
An engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to get some practice in front of the camera before your wedding day, as well as learn some posing tips and tricks that will come in handy on your day.
The photos from this session are great to use for save the dates, invitations or in a Wedding Guest book.
A NOTE ON ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS
When you start planning what to wear and what type of location to have your photographs taken at, take into consideration your home and how you want to display your images. Do you want to put big frames on the wall or have a beautiful album sitting on the coffee table?
If you want a beautiful set of frames to put above your couch or in your entry way, think about what colour the decor in your home is. Not everyone is in their forever home, but if you are this is something to consider. There might be certain colours that will compliment your decor, or you may not want to have certain colours on the walls as they might look out of place. We're happy to chat over this if you aren’t sure!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR IMAGES
MATERNITY SHOOTS
more
inspo
Odds are, you already have a vision in mind about how you want to present yourself in these photos. But sometimes, that vision can be hard to describe when it’s not sitting right there in front of you. For more outfit inspiration Pinterest is where it’s at. We've curated a bunch of helpful resources like the ones you see here, so take a look at my boards below, and feel free to re-pin to your own board!
