The great thing about a photo is that unlike most items in your home, it actually goes up in value as time goes on. That treasured photograph is the only link you have to time that has passed, and we all know how fleeting time can be. I have photos printed all around my home, some small, some large scale, and every time I see them I get a wonderful feeling rise in my body and I smile. They can help you recapture the feelings associated with that time.
The beautiful thing about a photograph is that, unlike most things in your home, it becomes more valuable with time. A treasured photo is more than just an image—it’s a window to a moment that’s gone, a slice of life you can never get back, but can revisit over and over again.
I’ve got photos all around my home—some tiny frames tucked into shelves, others blown up large on the walls—and every single one makes me pause and smile. There’s a feeling that rises up, something warm and familiar. They’re not just pictures; they’re reminders of love, laughter, and how quickly time moves on.
There’s one photo on my wall that always gets me. My son was two at the time, trying so hard to climb up onto a park bench. His little legs are dangling mid-air as he tries to hoist himself up. These days, of course, he just plonks down without a second thought—but I’ll always remember how determined he looked, how small he was, and how those little legs struggled to get up there. That photo takes me right back, every time.
So, how do you get photos that are truly worthy of your walls?
First things first: find a photographer you vibe with. Look at their work—do you genuinely like their style? Can you see your own family in those images without wanting to change a thing? If you find yourself thinking, “I like this, but I’d tweak that,” then they’re probably not the one for you.
Think about it like buying a piece of art. You wouldn’t go up to an artist and say, “I love this painting, but can you make it brighter? And maybe add red—I love red.” No—you buy it because it already speaks to you. The same goes for photography. Choose someone whose work feels just right.
Take the time to read their reviews. Do they give you a sense of what it’s like to work with them? Do people talk about their personality, their vibe on the day? Reviews can be such a great way to get a feel for who they are—not just as a photographer, but as a human being.
And when you reach out, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they take the time to connect with you, ask questions, show interest in your story? You’re inviting this person into a pretty special part of your life, so you need to feel like you can relax around them. Trust and comfort are everything. If you’re stiff or self-conscious during your session, it’ll show in the photos.
Once you’ve found your photographer, it’s time to think about location.
Now, don’t stress—you don’t need to pick it yourself. A good photographer will have a handful of go-to spots around Tauranga that they know work beautifully. I personally love choosing places without houses or buildings in the background—spaces that feel timeless and natural. That way, the focus stays on you, not on where you are.
Do you want a relaxed park feel? A beachy sunset vibe? Maybe you’d prefer something a bit more natural and earthy—like a gentle, flowing hill or a quiet spot by the river. Or perhaps your own home feels most “you.” Maybe your family loves a bit of energy and adventure—what about getting lost in the city for something a little more urban and fun? There’s no wrong choice here—just pick something that feels true to your family and your story.
Next, it’s time to style your shoot.
Start with your own outfit first, then plan your partner’s and the kids’ around it. You don’t need to match, but aim to coordinate colours and styles so you all look like you belong together—like a little unit.
Above all, be comfortable. If a glamorous gown is your thing, then rock that frock! If you’re more of a playsuit person, then go for it. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you feel good in. You don’t want to spend your whole session tugging at straps or worrying about whether something’s sitting right. You want to be fully present, having fun and making memories with your family.
And if you’re feeling stuck on what to wear, don’t stress—I offer a client wardrobe with beautiful pieces you’re welcome to borrow. It’s there to make things easy and help you feel amazing without the added pressure of shopping or second-guessing your outfit.
Ok, outfits are sorted—now it’s time to think about the day of your session.
If you’ve booked an outdoor shoot, chances are it’ll be scheduled around sunrise or sunset (that dreamy golden light we all love). If it’s a sunset session, you’ll want to keep the day low-key, especially if you’ve got little ones.
Please—for the love of all that is holy—do not spend the day at the zoo, a theme park, or an indoor playground. Trust me, they’ll be running on empty by the time your session rolls around, and you’ll be deep in meltdown territory.
You can absolutely get out of the house—just aim for calm, light activities. Think a gentle walk, a quiet picnic, maybe a relaxed visit to the beach. Save the high-energy stuff for another day. The goal is to keep everyone in good spirits so you show up fresh, happy, and ready to connect.
One of the biggest worries parents have is about naps and bedtime routines. And honestly? It’s almost never as big of a deal as people think.
I can’t tell you how many family sessions I’ve done where it turns out to be a complete non-issue. Kids love being outdoors—especially when they’re allowed to stay up past their usual bedtime. It feels like an adventure to them.
For winter sunset sessions, when the sun sets around 5–5:30pm, you probably won’t need to change a thing. But in the warmer months, when sunset can stretch out to 7 or even 8pm, you might need to tweak things a little—push their nap back, or let them sleep a bit longer.
Yes, it might throw off their routine for one evening, but it’s just one evening—and it’s one where you get to spend a dedicated hour or so simply playing as a family, uninterrupted. No distractions, no to-do list—just connection, laughter, and being present with each other. And that? That’s absolutely worth it.
Make sure the kids are fed before the session—a full belly makes for a happy little model. In the winter months, give them a solid snack before you leave and plan to head out for dinner afterward. It turns the session into something even more memorable—an outing they’ll genuinely enjoy and remember.
Ok, this one’s important: if your partner and kids make you late to literally everything (like mine do)... tell them the start time is 30 minutes earlier than it really is 😉 You’ll arrive right on time, with no stress, and get the full benefit of that beautiful golden light.
Pack light. Your photographer (me, if you’re booking with me!) might start snapping from the moment you arrive—even as you’re walking. The less you’re carrying, the more relaxed and natural that will feel. You really only need your car keys and maybe a pair of shoes, especially if you're heading to the beach. In the cooler months or on windy days, pack an extra layer or two for the kids to throw on as the sun goes down. Everything else can stay in the car.
Also, I usually bring a small bag with me that you’re welcome to pop your phone, keys, or any little bits into—so you don’t end up with awkward bulges in pockets or bags in hands. I promise to return everything safe and sound at the end of the session.
And finally—step into it. Embrace the chaos and have an amazing time. If having your photo taken makes you nervous, don’t focus on the camera—focus on your family. I like to imagine I’m on a deserted island, just me and my crew, and no one else around. That mindset helps you relax, laugh, play, and be truly you.
I hope this has given you a few helpful ideas to feel more prepared—and excited—for your family session. With a little planning and the right photographer, you won’t just end up with beautiful photos... you’ll create a memory you’ll hold onto for years to come.
Ready to capture this season of life in a way that feels real and meaningful?
If you're in Tauranga or the Bay of Plenty and beyond and want family photos that reflect your story—full of connection, love, and personality—I’d love to hear from you.
Click here and let’s create something beautiful together.