What Actually Happens at a Family Photo Session: A Sutherland Shire Family Photographer's Honest Guide

If you've never had professional family photos taken before, the whole thing can feel a bit mysterious - maybe even nerve-wracking.

I get messages all the time from Sutherland Shire mums asking:

• "What if my kids don't cooperate?"

• "How long does it take?"

• "What are we supposed to DO?"

• "Will it be awkward?"

So let me pull back the curtain and show you exactly what happens at one of my family sessions. Spoiler alert: it's way more relaxed (and fun!) than you think.

Before We Even Meet

You receive a session guide with all the practical stuff - what to wear, location details, what time works best for your family (yes, even 8am in full sun if that's when your toddler is happiest!).

We have a session planning call where I ask about your family, not just names and ages, but personalities. Is your toddler a runner? Does your baby hate tummy time? Is dad nervous about photos? This helps me plan how we'll approach the session.

And here's the most important thing I tell every family: There's no "perfect" way to do this. We're going to work with YOUR family's rhythm, not against it.

When We First Arrive

I don't immediately start shooting.

Instead, I spend a few minutes just chatting. Letting your kids get used to seeing me. Maybe I'll play peek-a-boo with your toddler, or admire your baby's tiny hands, or ask your older kids about school.

This isn't wasted time, it's the most important part. Because relaxed families = beautiful photos.

If we're shooting at a beach or park (my favourite Sutherland Shire spots include Darook Park, Greenhills Beach, and Blackwoods Beach), I'll often suggest we just start walking. No lining up, no "stand here and smile."

Just you, being with your family, while I capture the natural moments that happen.

What We Actually Do During the Session

Here's what might surprise you: I rarely ask you to "pose."

Instead, I give you things to DO:

• "Can you swing him around?"

• "Whisper a secret in her ear"

• "Chase them down to the water"

• "Can big brother show baby sister the shells?"

For the little ones:

• Toddlers? We let them lead. If they want to run, we run. If they want to dig in the sand, we dig.

• Babies? We work around feeds, nappy changes, whatever they need. No rushing.

• Big kids? I ask about their interests and get them talking. Suddenly they forget about the camera.

For mums (this is important!): You don't need to know what to do with your hands. You don't need to worry about your outfit or your hair or anything else. I'll guide you through everything.

And if you start to say "I'll just stay behind the camera" nope. Not happening. Your kids need YOU in these photos. That's non-negotiable 💛

How Long Does It Take?

My family sessions are typically 60 - 90 minutes.

But here's the thing I never rush. If your baby needs to feed, we pause. If your toddler needs a moment to warm up (like the little guy who took 35 minutes recently!), we take that time.

The session ends when we have the photos, not when the clock says so.

Some families are done in 60 minutes because everyone was relaxed and happy from the start. Others take longer. Both are completely fine.

What About When Things Go "Wrong"?

Let me be really honest: Something ALWAYS goes "wrong."

• Toddlers have meltdowns

• Babies need nappy changes mid-session

• Someone gets sand in their eye

• Dad's shirt gets covered in spit-up

• Big sister decides she's "done" with photos

And you know what? Those moments often create the best photos.

The photo of dad comforting your crying toddler? That's real love right there.

Mum feeding baby while big brother plays nearby? That's your actual life.

The candid moment when everyone's laughing because someone fell in the sand? That's the memory you'll treasure.

I don't need perfection. I need REAL.

Locations: Where We Shoot

Most of my Sutherland Shire families choose:

Beach Sessions:

• Greenhills Beach (beautiful at Sunset)

• Blackwoods Beach (gorgeous for families)

• Wanda Sandhills (dramatic and different)

• Darook Park (beautiful any time of day)

• Oak Park (great for little ones)

• Voodoo (beautiful for Sunrise)

In-Home Sessions:

• Your actual house, where your family lives

• Perfect for newborns and families who just want to be comfortable

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The "perfect" location is whatever works for YOUR family. I've shot amazing sessions in full sun at 9am because that's what worked for that family's schedule.

After the Session

Within 4 weeks, you'll receive your private online gallery with all your beautifully edited images.

You can download them, share them, print them they're yours to keep forever.

And here's what I hear most often: "I can't believe how much fun we had, these are amazing"

That's exactly the point 💕

The Real Truth About Family Sessions

Here's what actually makes a family photo session successful:

NOT important:

• Perfect behaviour from kids

• Ideal weather conditions

• Everyone looking at the camera

• Matching outfits

• Pinterest-perfect poses

ACTUALLY important:

• Families being themselves

• Kids feeling comfortable

• Mums stepping into the frame

• Capturing real connection

• Having FUN

Common Questions Answered

"What if my kids won't cooperate?" I work with toddlers all the time. I've never met a child I couldn't win over (even if it takes 35 minutes!). We'll make it work.

"What time should we book?" Whatever time works for YOUR family. Tired toddler at sunset? Let's do 8am. Baby naps all morning? Afternoon works great.

"What should we wear?" I send a detailed guide, but the short answer: wear what makes you comfortable. Coordinating colours is nice, but comfort > perfection.

"Will it be awkward?" Only if you're worried about it being awkward! I promise I'll guide you through everything. Most families tell me it felt more like hanging out than a photoshoot.

"How much does it cost?" My family sessions start at $350. Check out my full pricing and packages HERE

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

If you're a Sutherland Shire family ready to step out from behind the camera and into your family's story, I'd love to chat.

Here's what happens next:

1. Send me an email to hello@stillsbyjp.com.au

2. We'll chat about your family, your vision, and find a time that works

3. I'll send you all the details and answer any questions

4. We'll create some beautiful memories together

No stiff poses. No stress. Just your family, exactly as you are.

Let's do this 💛