When to Shoot

• I aim to shoot around golden hour (the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset). That’s when light is soft, warm, and perfect for the “dreamy, ethereal” mood.
• Try to arrive on time (or a few minutes early) so we catch that beautiful light.
• I’ll share timings with you well in advance, but if weather conditions change we might need to meet slightly earlier for lighting purposes.

What to Wear & What to Avoid

Good clothing choices make a big difference; they help your portraits look timeless and cohesive, and keep the focus on you (not on loud patterns or clashing outfits).

What works Well

• Neutral and earthy tones: creams, whites, beiges, soft greys, muted browns, soft pastels. These blend beautifully with natural light and backgrounds.
• Soft fabrics / flowing clothes: long dresses, linen shirts, soft sweaters … especially for family or couple portraits. Flow and movement add softness and mood.
• Coordinated but not matching: choose outfits that harmonise (e.g. same tonal range or palette), rather than identical. This gives a more natural, relaxed feel.
• Comfortable, practical shoes (for family photos): especially if kids are involved or we’re walking around outdoors; brings ease and authenticity.
  

Simple, minimal accessories: a delicate necklace, a simple watch, neutral hats. Avoid big logos or flashy jewellery that may distract.

What to Avoid

• Loud patterns or logos: strong stripes, big checks, big brand logos – these draw attention away from faces and mood, and may clash with natural surroundings.
• Neon or overly bright colours: bright red, hot pink, neon green – they often “pop out” too much and ruin the soft, dreamlike vibe.
• Overly trendy / very stylised clothes: the goal is timeless portraits – clothes that are too trendy may date the photos quickly.
• Heavy makeup or very shiny fabrics: these may reflect the light too much, creating harsh highlights that fight your soft light style.
  

Too many different outfits: unless pre-planned, mixing five very different styles/colours can look messy in a gallery.

What to Bring

• Water bottles (especially if it’s warm/you’ve got kids)
• Comfortable shoes if there’s walking involved
• A favourite blanket, soft toy, or sentimental item (if you’d like to include it — adds personal feel)
• Spare clothes or layers if it’s a bit chilly (great for variety)
• Snacks or small treats if children are involved — keeps mood relaxed and natural

How to Prepare Emotionally / Logistically

• Try to avoid rushing – give yourself enough time to get ready and arrive a little early. Stress shows on camera.
• If you have kids – bring something familiar (toy, book) to help them relax.
• Let’s chat beforehand: if you want a mostly candid, natural session, or a mix of posed + candid. I’m flexible to your style.
• Feel free to share ideas – want sunset silhouettes, walking-through-long-grass, soft seated shots under a tree, inclusion of pets? Just say the word.