Your Family Session Guide

Everything you need to know before your family shoot!


Hey there!

Thank you for booking a family shoot with me. I appreciate the trust you place in me to capture your memories. My sessions are relaxed, playful and documentary style. I let moments unfold naturally without stiff posing or pressure. Whether your family speaks Afrikaans or English, whether your kids are wild, shy or somewhere in between, this is meant to be an easy and enjoyable experience.


I photograph families across Pretoria, Pretoria East, Johannesburg and most of Gauteng. My work leans into soft, natural light and down to earth moments. Think real connection, relaxed movement, dreamy tones and images that feel as warm as they look.


Here is everything you need to help prepare for your session.


A tender moment between parent and baby outdoors during golden hour with warm sunlight in the background.
A series of five black and white outdoor family photos showing candid moments and interactions in a natural setting.

Helping Your Family Feel Comfortable


My aim is to capture your family as you truly are. Real smiles, real chaos, real love.

Let your kids know ahead of time what we will be doing. Tell them we are going to have fun, explore and play. You do not need to ask them to smile for the camera. I will guide them gently and naturally throughout the session. Kids lead the direction of the shoot. I follow their pace, their moods and their energy.

The best thing you can do is stay relaxed. Kids read your energy, so when you enjoy the moment, they will too.


What to Wear

What you wear will shape the mood of your photos. Simple and comfortable always looks best.

Choose clothing that you already know you enjoy wearing. Clothing that fits comfortably will help you relax and look natural in front of the camera.

Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully. Colours like cream, white, olive, tan, brown, beige, sage and muted blues work well in fields, forests, rooftops and coffee shop settings.

Avoid neon colours, bold logos, character shirts, and busy patterns. They distract from the emotion in the image.

Coordinate your clothing rather than matching. Choose two or three colours and let everyone work within that palette.

Wear clothing that allows you to move with ease. During the session we walk, run, cuddle, lift little ones and sit on the ground, so comfort matters.

If you are unsure, feel free to send me your outfit ideas. I am always happy to help.


A series of candid outdoor family photos showing playful moments and interactions in a natural setting at sunset.
A joyful piggyback ride in a sunlit park during golden hour, creating a heartwarming outdoor moment.

Preparing Your Kids


Children do not need to behave perfectly. Documentary style photography comes alive through movement and curiosity.

Here are a few tips.


  • Make sure they are fed and rested before the session.
  • Bring non messy snacks.
  • Bring toys they love or a simple game they enjoy.
  • Think of small activities you can do as a family. Reading a book, walking hand in hand, playing a simple game, dancing or running through a field.
  • Tell them ahead of time who I am and what we will be doing so they know what to expect.
  • Bring coffee for yourself because that always helps too.
  • And yes, bribery works. Ice cream after the shoot is always a win.


What to Bring Along

A few small items can make the session easier.

  • Water
  • Clean snacks
  • Coffee for yourself
  • A neutral blanket
  • Wipes or tissues
  • Touch up makeup or a brush
  • Warm jerseys for cooler weather
  • A spare outfit for small children
  • Toys or activities for the kids
  • Your favourite music which you can send me before the session. I will bring along a JBL speaker.
  • Music always helps everyone loosen up and enjoy the moment.



A couple in casual attire holds two small puppies while standing outdoors in a natural setting at sunset.
Family shares joyful moments together during golden hour photoshoot in a rustic outdoor setting.

Choosing Your Location in Pretoria and Gauteng

I guide you to locations that have the best light but I also want your input. Think about the feeling you want from your session.


  • Fields and forests for dreamy natural tones
  • Coffee shops for cosy and intimate storytelling
  • Mall rooftops for a modern moody look
  • Bookstores and libraries for quiet and calm moments
  • Mountain viewpoints for something a little more adventurous
  • Your home for relaxed lifestyle sessions


Some of my favourite Pretoria and Gauteng locations include:

  • Hedianga Farm
  • Brooklyn rooftop
  • Menlyn rooftop
  • Wolwespruit
  • Plato Colbyn
  • Rademeyers
  • Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
  • The Village in Menlo Park
  • Blos Cafe
  • Seatle Coffee Hatfield
  • Seatle Coffee Olympus


If you are unsure, simply tell me the vibe you enjoy and I will choose the perfect spot for your family.


A romantic couple strolls down a tree-lined dirt path during golden hour at sunset.
A black and white photo series showing close-up portraits of a young child's face with different joyful expressions.
Family shares tender moments together during golden hour photoshoot in a rustic outdoor setting.


On the Day of Your Shoot

The best photos happen when you stay close to each other and interact naturally.

Hold hands, cuddle, laugh, look at each other, move together and enjoy the moment.

Keep moving. Wandering, swaying, lifting your children, kissing their heads.

Be yourself. Your family knows how to be a family. I am just there to document it.

Think of this as a family outing, not a photoshoot.


Weather, Illness and Timing


Pretoria weather can change quickly. Cloudy skies are perfect for soft and dreamy light. If it rains heavily, we will reschedule.

If someone is sick, please let me know as soon as possible. It is always better to photograph happy and healthy children.

Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in before we begin.


Final Thoughts

Family shoots are some of my favourite sessions to photograph. They are honest and full of life. They hold the heart of what documentary style photography is all about. Real love, real connection and real moments.

Whether we shoot in Afrikaans or English, in Pretoria East or a Seatle Coffee shop, I want this session to feel natural and comfortable for you.

Thank you for trusting me to capture your story. I cannot wait to create something beautiful for your family.