Preparing for Your Family Session: A Simple Checklist from Ulla
Family photos are about having fun together and capturing memories that last. But if you’ve never booked a session before, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. Don’t worry—I've been photographing families for 15 years, and my number one rule is to keep things relaxed, easy, and enjoyable. Here’s a quick, friendly checklist that’ll make your outdoor family session around Hobart stress-free and genuinely fun.
1. Picking Your Perfect Location in Hobart
First things first—let’s pick a spot you and your family love. Greater Hobart has beautiful, relaxed locations perfect for your photos:
Waterworks Reserve: Great for picnics and casual family play. Kids can roam and explore safely while you relax.
Cascade Brewery Gardens: Historic buildings and lush gardens give a timeless feel to your photos.
Seven Mile Beach: If your crew loves sand and sea, this stunning beach is ideal. Yes, kids might get sandy, but that's half the fun! Just pack spare clothes and towels.
Kingston Beach: A popular local spot, perfect for sunny afternoons and splashing at the water’s edge.
If choosing feels tricky, involve your kids in the decision. When they help decide between the beach or a leafy park, they get excited, making everything easier. And don’t worry about the weather—this is Tasmania! If Mother Nature throws us a surprise, we’ll simply reschedule. Easy.
2. Easy Outfit Tips and What to Bring Along
Next, let’s talk outfits. My best advice is always: keep it comfortable and keep it simple. Here’s how:
Coordinate, but Don’t Match Exactly: Start with something Mum feels great in, then pick a couple of complementary colours for the rest of the family. Simple patterns or solid colours always look timeless.
Dress for the Tassie Weather: Bring layers—jackets or cardigans if it’s chilly, breathable clothes if it’s warm. Comfort beats fashion every time.
Shoes and Accessories: Choose comfy footwear suited to the location—sandals, boots, or sneakers are all great. Leave sunglasses and bulky items in the car. If your glasses tint outdoors, consider using a clear pair for the session.
Include Your Culture: If you have special outfits or accessories from your cultural background, please wear them! It adds meaning and uniqueness to your family’s story.
Also, pack a simple “session bag” with a few essentials:
Water bottles and small, easy snacks.
Wipes or tissues for quick clean-ups.
Spare outfits for little ones (especially handy at the beach!).
A favourite small toy or comfort item.
And yes, your family dog is welcome! Just bring a leash, treats, and a towel if needed.
3. Getting Everyone Excited (and Comfortable!)
Feeling unsure is totally normal, especially if someone’s camera-shy (hello dads and teens!). Here’s how to make everyone feel comfortable:
Talk about it: Let the kids know it’s more like a fun outing than a formal event. Tell them they can run, play, and be themselves.
Involve everyone: Let your family help choose outfits or props. If kids suggest funny poses or ideas, it makes the session even better.
Address worries: If anyone feels awkward or camera-shy, reassure them we’re capturing real moments, not forced smiles. Even a toddler meltdown can turn into a sweet memory.
Plan a treat: Promise something fun after the session - like ice cream or pizza. Everyone loves a reward!
Respect routines: Schedule around naps and snacks so everyone arrives rested and happy.
4. On the Day: Relax, Enjoy, and Trust Me!
Session day is finally here! A few simple reminders to help you feel at ease:
Get some rest the night before. Everyone feels better with a good sleep.
Arrive a bit early. Gives everyone time to relax and get familiar with the location.
Go with the flow. Don't worry if things feel chaotic. I'll gently guide you, and we’ll capture beautiful, authentic moments.
Interact naturally. Hug, joke, play—focus on each other, not the camera. The real magic happens in these genuine moments.
Don’t stress small stuff. Wind in your hair, grass stains, or stubborn toddlers—they’re all part of the fun. Perfect isn’t real—your family is, and that’s exactly what we’re here to capture.
Trust your photographer (that’s me!). Nothing surprises me. I've seen shy kids, grumpy dads, wild puppies—you name it. I promise we’ll get beautiful, natural photos no matter what.
5. After Your Session: Enjoying Your Memories
Why go through all this effort? Because family photos truly matter. Kids grow up fast, and capturing these real, warm moments means you can revisit them forever. Within a few weeks after your session, you'll receive a gallery filled with genuine smiles and heartfelt interactions. These aren’t just photos—they’re lasting memories of your family as you are right now.
And trust me, the session itself will become a sweet memory, too. You might laugh about the chaos, smile about your kid’s funny expressions, or get emotional seeing how small your little ones look. It’s all part of the joy.
Final Thoughts from Ulla
Family photoshoots aren’t about perfection. They're about love, connection, and simple, honest moments. If you’ve been hesitating, now’s the time to book. I promise it’ll be easier than you think. I’m here to make sure you feel relaxed, happy, and genuinely yourselves.
Got questions or ready to book? Let’s chat! I can’t wait to help your family create beautiful, lasting memories right here in Hobart.
