Family • Maternity • Lifestyle Portraits

First things first — you do not need to show up perfectly polished or with perfectly behaved kids.

My sessions are relaxed, lightly guided, and focused on connection over perfection. I’m not looking for stiff smiles at the camera every second — I’m looking for the way you laugh together, the way your kids cling to your legs, the in-between moments, the silly looks you give each other, the movement, the feeling.

This guide is here to help you feel prepared without overthinking it.

What to Expect

Lifestyle sessions are designed to feel natural and low pressure.

That means:

movement instead of rigid posing
prompts instead of awkward “say cheese” moments
genuine connection over perfection
room for kids to be kids
lots of candids mixed with gentle direction

Most people show up saying they feel awkward in photos. Almost everyone leaves saying, “That was way easier than I expected.”

Shoots usually last 30-60 minutes. Bring some layers in case the Newfoundland weather is moody. See Weather below.

Having everything ready the night before your session will take the pressure off on the day of. Keep stress to a minimum and try to approach each other with kindness in the hours leading up to your session.

What to Wear

The biggest thing? Wear something that feels like you.

If you’re uncomfortable, constantly adjusting straps, worried about wrinkles, or trying to wear something that doesn’t feel natural, it tends to show. The goal is put together but not too curated.

Colours That Photograph Beautifully

I always recommend:

neutrals
earthy tones
soft muted colours
warm textures
linen, cotton, knits, flowy fabrics

Creams, browns, soft blues, olive, oatmeal, rust, muted greens, charcoal, soft black, and warm whites all photograph beautifully. Coordinating always photographs better than matching.

Try to Avoid

neon colours
large logos
bright graphics
overly busy patterns
perfectly matching outfits
athletic wear unless it fits the vibe intentionally
Baseball hats (shadows)

Think of your outfits like they belong in the same colour palette — not like uniforms.

Weather & Rescheduling

Newfoundland weather likes to keep things interesting. If the forecast looks questionable, it’s always a good idea to have a backup indoor location in mind just in case. Depending on the conditions and availability, we can also reschedule if needed. Often, your home works well for this (better than you think). Sessions don’t automatically need to be cancelled because of imperfect weather.

I can absolutely photograph in:

light rain
moderate wind
colder temperatures

As long as it’s still sensible and comfortable for everyone involved we will usually continue. Some of the most beautiful sessions actually happen in moody weather. I’ll always reach out ahead of time and we’ll make the best call together.

For Families

Please do not stress about your children behaving perfectly. Seriously.

Kids move. Toddlers wander. Babies need breaks. Someone may refuse to smile for five minutes and then suddenly become a ham. It’s all normal. I’m not expecting children or adults to perform.

Some of the most meaningful images come from:

cuddles
movement
tickles
curiosity
snack breaks
little moments in between
doing something you’d do normally together
sharing an experience

A few things that help:

avoid scheduling during nap time if possible
bring easy, non-messy snacks
don’t over-prep kids beforehand
keep the mood light and calm before arriving

The less pressure everyone feels, the better the session usually goes.

For Maternity Sessions

The sweet spot for maternity sessions is usually around 28–35 weeks. By then, your bump is beautifully visible, but you’re hopefully still relatively comfortable moving around.

For outfits:

fitted dresses photograph beautifully and accentuate the bump
flowy dresses move beautifully (I have some in my client closet, ask me for details)
textures always add depth
simple is usually strongest

Most importantly: choose something you feel good in. Not trendy. Not overly complicated. Just something that feels like yourself. Think about natural fabrics and outfits that suit the backdrop.

Partners, children and pets are always encouraged to be part of maternity sessions if you’d like them included.

In-Home Sessions

Your home does not need to look like a magazine. The goal of in-home sessions is to document your life as it feels right now — the light in your living room, the nursery you spent months preparing, the way your family exists in your space.

Before your session, it helps to:

open blinds and curtains, turn off overhead lights
tidy visible clutter in main spaces
make beds with neutral bedding if possible
put away things you don’t want in photos

That’s honestly enough. Natural light matters far more than a perfectly decorated house.

Hair, Makeup & Final Touches

Professional hair and makeup can absolutely help you feel more confident on camera, but it’s never required.

A few small things that photograph beautifully:

moisturized skin
neutral nails
steamed clothing
soft, natural makeup if worn
hydrated skin and lips

The biggest thing is simply feeling comfortable and like yourself.

During the Session

You do not need to look at the camera constantly. In fact, some of my favourite images happen when you forget the camera is even there or in between setups. I’ll guide you the entire time with prompts and movement so nothing feels overly posed or awkward.

You’ll probably spend more time:

talking
walking
cuddling
laughing
playing with your kids
interacting naturally

That’s intentional.

A Final Note

These sessions are not about perfection. They’re about remembering.

The way your child reached for your hand. The season of life you’re in right now. The people you love exactly as they are.

Years from now, the photos that matter most are usually the ones that felt real.

I encourage you both to think of an activity you can do together that makes things feel more organic. A picnic, beach beer, bikes, whatever fits your interests and personalities. The best photos come from natural scenarios like going for a walk, enjoying a coffee, shopping for books or records. It takes the pressure off of creating everything from scratch in a totally neutral environment.

Here’s a link to my Newfoundland portrait photography info and portfolio!