Evans Family portrait at Lillydale falls

11 May

I photographed Katelyn, Jaylah and Nevaeh at Lillydale falls.

It was the start of Autumn and while the leaves hadn’t quite turned yet, it was still so beautiful. Lillydale falls isn’t somewhere I get to regularly (even though I’m often at Hollybank, just 10 minutes up the road) so I’m really glad the Katelyn asked for this location for their family portraits.

Looking at these images, it’s hard to tell that Jaylah was NOT having any part in the shoot, she was still getting over a bug, she was cranky and cold and all she wanted was snugs with Mum, (and nothing to do with me!) Slowly she warmed up to me, but it definitely took some time and patience and some tickles from Mum too! I also think that having Ted included in the family portraits was great for moral support!

One of the most common concerns I have from parents is they’re worried their child won’t cooperate during the shoot. Can I say it’s one of my biggest concerns too? BUT i have never * Touch wood * have had to reshoot a family because I got NOTHING from a child. It also illustrates the importance of involving your child in the planning process, if they’re helping choose the clothes they wear or able to choose something important to them that they’re able to bring to the shoot then they’re so much more likely to engage. I also like to photograph everyone individually, this is mainly so I get a chance to have some one on one time with each child, I can get to know them and learn about their interests and that way I can engage with them on a meaningful level talking about things they care about.

Heading into winter most people dismiss the idea of family portraits. I like to say that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices. If you’re warm and rugged up (and not pretending it’s summer) you’ll make amazing portraits! If it’s raining I usually like to leave the decision up to you. If it’s pouring with rain, normally we’ll reschedule, if it’s raining but not super heavy that’s your call! If you don’t want the kids out in the wet, I get that! We can either reschedule or find an alternative location that provides us with some shelter! OR if you want to grab your rain coats, gumboots and umbrellas we’ll embrace the rain!

Katelyn ended up with a beautiful portfolio box filled with matted prints that she can now put on display as is, frame, or keep safe in the box! I’m kicking myself that I didn’t photograph the box before she picked it up because it’s one of my favourite products and it looked amazing filled with her images!