[null, {"document_url": "https://www.kirstyhamiltonphotography.com/welcome-to-your-extended-family-session", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/t/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ea/1525163791904/9M3A2034.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/t/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ea/1525163791904/9M3A2034.jpg", "formatted_filename": "M A", "alt_text": "9M3A2034.jpg"}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.kirstyhamiltonphotography.com/welcome-to-your-extended-family-session", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ed/5b4e1d60aa4a99c904675c58/1531846093362/9M3A2394.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ed/5b4e1d60aa4a99c904675c58/1531846093362/9M3A2394.jpg", "formatted_filename": "M A", "alt_text": "9M3A2394.jpg"}, {"document_url": "https://www.kirstyhamiltonphotography.com/welcome-to-your-extended-family-session", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ed/5b4e1dc6575d1f08e7b13875/1531846176547/9M3A2620.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a3ed/5b4e1dc6575d1f08e7b13875/1531846176547/9M3A2620.jpg", "formatted_filename": "M A", "alt_text": "9M3A2620.jpg"}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.kirstyhamiltonphotography.com/welcome-to-your-extended-family-session", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/t/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a403/1519393334165/9M3A2229-2.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597610d6d2b85704bb5e4f8a/t/5b4e1a6088251b90f269a403/1519393334165/9M3A2229-2.jpg", "formatted_filename": "M A", "alt_text": "9M3A2229-2.jpg"}, null]
Hello and thank you so much for booking your extended family photography session with me, I am really looking forward to meeting you and capturing some special memories of you and your family. I have included some information below to help you prepare for your session and hopefully answer any questions you might have. What should we wear?

This is the first question most people ask after booking their session. What you wear is important because it can really enhance your final gallery. I want you to feel comfortable in what you are wearing because that will ultimately show through in your photos.

The first thing I suggest you do is have a look in your wardrobe and think about your own personal style. We all naturally gravitate towards certain colours and textures. Pick your outfit and then co-ordinate the rest of the family around what you are wearing.

For extended family sessions I usually recommend sticking to neutral colours such as grey, black, white, beige and navy as these are timeless. Textures such as linen, cotton, denim, corduroy, silk and lace always photograph wonderfully.  If you all very organised  and you want to make a statement with a co-ordinated colour scheme, you can choose a bold jewel colour or a soft pastel palette for everyone to work with. Do feel free to let me know if you would like further advice on what to wear if you don't want to stick to the neutral colour scheme. I am more than happy to talk you through co-ordinating colours for your photos.

Avoid the matchy-matchy look (everyone is black t-shirts and denim will seriously date your photos).  Also try to avoid large brand names or logos and busy patterns on clothing as they can be distracting.  These images will be in your family for generations to come - so it's definitely worth putting some thought into what you might like to wear.

The main thing to remember is to choose something you feel comfortable and great in!

What can I expect from our session?

My sessions are very relaxed and all I want you to do is have fun with your children, while I snap away with my camera. I don't need you all to look at me and smile for every single photo. So you don't need to look at the camera, unless I ask you to. If you are having out an outdoor session, I will have scouted out the location before we meet to find the best places to take your photographs.

I will direct you to stand or sit in certain places, according to where the light is best, but if you have booked me, then you are obviously not after stiff or overly posed photos. I take a more documentary/lifestyle approach (as you can see from my portfolio). I really want to capture those natural connections between you that make your family unique to who you are. So instead of having everyone posing for the camera for the whole session, I will do some posed photos and then encourage you to play or engage in an activity together to get those natural smiles and big, belly laughs. My sessions are fun, especially where small children are involved, and I keep things light-hearted and a bit silly to get the best out of you and your children. I aim to get photos of the whole family together, as well as individual portraits and family groupings so you have lots of variety in your final gallery.

Do I need to tidy up for an in-home session?

You do not need to de-clutter your entire home before a session, (after all your house reflects your unique personality which is what makes in-home sessions so great) but you just need to be aware that whatever is in the room will end up in the frames I shoot.

I'm worried my children will not want to smile for the camera or misbehave

Please rest assured that I don't want your children to be anything other than themselves. I don't need them to sit still or 'be good', I have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old who point-blank refuse to pose for me, I've become an expert in taking photos on the run and I have a lot of tricks to make sure that I get those lovely, connected family photos that you are after. Please do not bribe your children to behave for me, I find this never works (especially if sweets are involved). Of course you know your children best and if you want to give them something as a treat at the end of the session as a motivating factor, that is entirely up to you.

If you have toddlers or small children, please don't worry if they have a tantrum or a meltdown during our session. It's my job to make sure you get the kinds of photos you see in my portfolio and I can guarantee that melt-downs routinely happen at every single session I do that involves small children. If your child becomes upset, we'll take a break, distract them and make sure they are happy before continuing.

I find it helps (especially with toddlers and babies) if they have had a nap prior to our session and are well rested. It's always a good idea to have snacks and a drink on hand if we need to take a break for little ones to refuel. I generally let the children lead our sessions. I want them to be fun so that you all enjoy the experience (yes, even you Dads!). So I tend to play a lot of silly games - incorporating movement into my photographs is always important to me. My goal is to keep them engaged in what we are doing so that they stop noticing the camera. What happens if it rains?

We all know just how unpredictable the great British weather can be. If rain looks inevitable then we will rearrange the session at a time to suit you. If it is merely overcast then we will go ahead with the session. At certain times of day, overcast skies are actually preferable for photographers, those clouds keep the harsh sunlight off people's faces and if there are lovely flowers or bright colours about, they really pop in that even light. If it rains unexpectedly during your session, I'll provide you with any photos I managed to capture and we'll take cover and see if we can resume our session as soon as possible.

When will I get my photos?

I promise to get your full gallery to you within 10 days of your session. I normally do an initial edit and I like to post some of my favourites on my social media accounts within a few days of our sessionsnas this helps me promote my business. If you do not want me to share your photos, please do let me know. Your gallery will be live for three months so that you can download, save and print your photos.

One last thing before you go...

If you haven't already done so, please would you fill in the questionnaire I have sent you. Having  your contact details, the names of your family members and knowing a little about your family in advance of our shoot helps me to get the most out of your session and capture unique images that reflect who you truly are, right now.

If you have any further questions or want clarification on anything mentioned above, please do not hesitate to message, call or email me. I can't wait to meet you and photograph your family!