I love getting to know all the families I meet and we always have a lot of fun together.

I often hear from Mum’s that there is someone in their family who is not keen on “having their photo taken” – don’t worry – I find a relaxed non-demanding approach and a few jokes works with everyone from over-tired children, unenthusiastic teens to overworked Dad’s (who have “only had one Saturday off in the last month!”)

Actually, Dad’s regularly tell me that they actually had fun and it was totally different from what they imagined. That makes my day!

Secrets to successful portraiture

1. Location

Your family has special places they love to play and relax such as a particular beach or park, I know so many of the best spots in town with the best backdrops which work for many families so I’m happy to work with you to pick the right place for your family.

2. Clothing.

We are creating lifelong family heirlooms and it’s really important not to be wearing loud clothing that clashes with the back grounds and the other clothes worn. I recommend simple, elegant plain clothing with no patterns, stripes, check or logos’ if at all possible. You don’t have to have exactly the same colour but similar tones will show off your expressions and in 20 years you wont be embarrassed to have them hanging on your walls. Be lenient on your sons about their hair. Let them express themselves with confidence and you will be rewarded with compliant teenagers and memories for life. :) Jeans and t-shirts are usually the best most relaxing clothes to wear. Mid tones such as greys come up really well in portraits.

3. Timing

With young children, early mornings or after their afternoon nap works best. A family portrait sitting can be stressful if you are all rushing and tired so pick a day where you can relax for a few hours before and make the most of the together time with your family. I don’t recommend having a big night out before your shoot or having strict appointments right after your shoot as you will be preoccupied. The sun in the late afternoon is gentle and golden and my favourite time to take portraits. I do have some locations that are so excellent that I can take portraits all day long and the light is wonderful as I select different locations based on the time of day. I am happy to help with timing to suit your family.

4. Family Occasion

Plan to make your portrait sitting day a happy memory so that every time you look at your portraits they will bring back happy memories. Your children will feel so loved and secure looking at themselves with the family on the walls. Be sure to have fun with the kids instead of getting cranky with them for being cheeky. Cheeky can be excellent in portraiture. Lets aim to have fun and make it a special day for everyone.

5. Relax

Your job is to have fun and set everyone at ease as we go through the different set ups and wonder around the locations to capture all the back drops you liked. Please don’t bring your camera to the portrait sitting! Leave it up to me to take all the portraits. It’s distracting for you and for your family if 2 people are trying to take portraits and I will not be able to get the best from you. Your job is to be totally present and having fun with the people you love.

6. Snacks

Be sure you don’t arrive with hungry tired kids as I will have a hard time capturing their best. Bring along water and clean snacks for the kids so their clothes don’t get dirty and if possible small things that can be eaten quickly in between setups without dirtying their teeth.

If you have any questions about getting ready for portraits please send me a message or call. Don’t worry too much about everything being perfect because it is so much more important to get the images. Time waits for no one and so any images we can capture will become very important in your family history.

I have had the most amazing experience of photographing people both young and old who have then passed away. It warms my heart that the images I have taken have been able to bring comfort to families in their sadness. From a newborn baby in hospital that passed away the next morning to a 100 year old lady that passed away not long after receiving her letter from the Queen.

Also families that have lost their children or parents or uncles or cousins, it has made me very acutely aware of the importance of taking many varieties of set ups at each sitting just in case.

Unfortunately as my mum always says, “no-one gets out of this world alive”

So please don’t leave your family portrait sitting in the “One Day” pile – one day may never arrive and you will lose the precious memories that are ours, only today.

Hi Margherita,

I just wanted to take the time to let you know how wonderful the experience was doing the photo shoot with our kids on the beach at Christmas time. We all had such fun & you made us feel very relaxed. It was just a fun afternoon at the beach with my family. The images & photos you have left with us are the greatest Christmas present i have ever received. They will be with our family for generations to come. Every time i look at them, they remind me of the best Christmas holidays I have ever had. Now our beautiful family photos hang on my wall next to your beautiful photos of our wedding day (wow what fun we had that day). You are without a doubt a professional and your work speaks for itself. No matter the event in our lifetime i will always have you there to help create the timeless memories that you are able to produce.

Our family would just like to say “Thank you so very much”

Kindest Regards,
Dave, Caz, Kyus, Sage & Keisha.

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