Information Sheet & Questionnaire

The first thing to think about when planning your family shoot is the overall tone or mood you are looking to convey. This will help determine everything else: the location, posing style, clothing, activities, and more. Are you a goofy, fun-loving family? Are you more serious and reserved? Do you want photos that show you have a blast together, or are you interested in a classic posed portrait in a gorgeous location? Perhaps you see yourselves as a mix of the two? Or maybe you're a soft-hearted family wanting to convey your beautiful emotional bond. Start by asking yourself these questions and they will help you make all the choices required to plan our time together.

The location(s) you choose will have a major effect on the mood of your images and the story of your family that you want to tell. The background of a photograph helps tell the story of those within it, particularly if it is meaningful in some way to the family. The location will also impact how you and your family feel and interact within it, which will play a huge factor in conveying the tone and crafting the story of your family. Many families will choose a park they enjoy near their home, or even their home itself. Others will want a grassy field or body of water. Yet downtown locations such as the Farmer's Market, a particular cafe or bookstore, a favourite landmark or graffitied wall also help craft a unique story for you. When you are thinking about possible locations, consider your unique story as a family - your favourite activities, places to go on the weekend, memorable traditions. I usually suggest choosing two locations during a family session, so feel free to choose two entirely different locations if you want variety. I typically like to begin sessions just before sunset, so locations with good light are an asset for creating the most beautiful photographs possible. Want suggestions? I am here to help.

I like to break posing styles down into three main categories: posed, candid-posed, and candid. I tend to incorporate a combination of all three into my sessions. I'm certainly open to any ideas you may have. I encourage you to think about activities you like to do together - do you lay and look at the clouds? Have picnics? Play particular games? Have a particular Saturday tradition? Play musical instruments? Some of these unique aspects of you can be incorporated into your session via props and location. Whether you prefer a more classic posed portrait session or a more contemporary lifestyle-type candid session, there are many ways we can make your tell the unique story of your family.

Such a popular question, such a complicated answer! I of course encourage everyone to wear clothing that is comfortable and true to you. Your choice of clothing will depend on the overall mood of your shoot and whether or not you prefer a more relaxed or more formal look. There are, however, some recommendations I can make. First, co-ordinating outfits can make for a beautiful look - but do it sparingly. Avoid wearing the exact same solid dark colour because you will blend together! But a pop of the same colour on each person can certainly look sharp. Co-ordinated accessories such as hats and sun glasses can also be a fun addition. My approach to photography is one that focuses on stories and connection. So try leaving your Sunday best at home, and opt for that outfit that makes you feel like you.

Now tell me about you! Please fill out the information below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. This information will help me craft a unique approach to crafting your family's story.