The three things stopping you from booking your family photoshoot (and some ways to work around them)

A little while ago I reached out to my Instagram audience to ask a simple question - what is stopping you from booking a family photoshoot?

My inbox was flooded with messages from so many mothers telling me they really wanted the photos, but there were a couple of things holding them back.

I am going to share them with you, as well as a way we can work around the hesitations, together.

The Cost

This was the answer I expected to receive. Cost of living is at an all time high, families are stretched financially and I can understand that having photos taken isn’t always financial priority.

It probably won’t surprise you that I think photos of your family, of you and your children are an investment and they are worth every cent. But, for the purpose of this blog, I am going to approach this more practically with a few tips on how we can make the cost of a photoshoot be less of a barrier.

1. Book a couple of months in advance, so there is a less of a financial outlay in a short space of time. To secure a date with me you will be required to pay a small session fee and then nothing until the day of our session. This allows you to spread the cost of the session out.

2. Talk to me about a payment plan. I am very open to working with you to come up with a payment plan that is within budget for you. You can split the cost of your session over multiple weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments ahead of your session.

3. Keep an eye out my mini sessions. I run mini sessions a couple of times a year (Mother’s Day & Christmas). They are a quick and affordable way to update your families images. Be sure to join my mailing list to get first dibs when mini sessions are released.

I am committed to ensuring my services are affordable and accessible for all families.

Not Looking or Feeling Photo Ready

We are all unique, with our own individual journeys and bodies. So, if you've been hesitating to book a photoshoot because of your weight or your appearance it's time to let go of those fears and embrace your beauty. Here’s how we can work together to make you feel like a million dollars:

1. Styling - your outfit selections play a huge role in how you feel on the day and the end result of your gallery. Wear something that you feel incredible in! Work with styles that compliment your shape, particularly any areas you feel insecure about. I am a message away if you need help deciding on outfits. Also, treat yourself to getting your hair blowdried and make up done on the day for the extra dose of confidence!

2. Let me know your concerns - in the lead up to our session, you will be sent a pre-shoot questionnaire, if there’s anything you’re feeling insecure about that please do let me know and I can be mindful of this during our session.

3. I get it - I am a mum of two, I have had two c-sections, heart surgery and have more stretch marks than I would like. I know what it feels like to be insecure about your body or your appearance. I know sometimes it feels hard to overcome these insecurities, but I promise you you will not regret it having beautiful photos taken with your children.

Family photoshoots are an opportunity to capture precious moments, emotions, and memories. One day, you and your kids will hold these photographs in your hands and be so grateful to have them. You won’t focus on your weight or appearance, but instead reminisce on just how small your kids were, the way they looked at you like you were the most beautiful person in the world, because you are.

Your husband hates photoshoots

I could probably write a whole blog post dedicated to this topic! The frequency of this answer really surprised me, so it sounds like there’s a few fellas out there that need a little bit of convincing.

If you’re in the midst of trying to talk your husband into a photoshoot with me, tell him this:

1. You won’t be expected to be perfectly posed for a whole hour. My sessions are incorporate lots of play and fun, you actually won’t spend too much time ‘posing’ for me at all. Instead you’ll be laughing, playing, tickling and throwing kids around while in a beautiful location. I promise, it’s not at bad as you think its going to be.

2. When I started photography, before leaving for my first shoot my husband gave me a very valuable piece of advice - “go easy on the dads, babe”. And that has stuck with me. I know most dad’s idea of fun isn’t having a family photoshoot. I will ensure every effort is made to make them feel comfortable and enjoy the process. And if needed, I can blow bubbles and bribe them with lollies ;)

I hope this blog helps alleviate some of your concerns or doubts about booking a photoshoot with me. If you have any questions or there is anything else on your mind that is holding you back from booking, please feel free to get in touch and we can work together to create the photoshoot of your dreams.

Woustina x

Your ‘wild child’ is no reason to avoid a family photoshoot

I hear it all the time - “I really want to book a family photoshoot, but my little one is a little wild at the moment, so I will wait until they’re older”.

As a mum of a 3.5 year old with endless energy and loads of sass, I can assure you, I get it. It is a tricky age, one where you can’t go shopping without entering into full blown negotiations over LOL Dolls or Squishmallows, the words “no, stop that and be careful” don’t quite register and don’t even get me started on the risk of full blown tantrum over, well anything.

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, sometimes it is easier to avoid the things that might be hard.

I am here to tell you that you don’t have to avoid your Family Photoshoot, because.. wait for it - it doesn’t have to be hard.

Here’s how:

Reframe Your Expectations

You have invested in a family photoshoot and you want the perfectly posed smiling photo to frame and use for your new Facebook profile photo. Let’s not focus on getting that magic shot for the duration of the session. Instead, do your best to immerse yourself in the experience. It is a beautiful afternoon, you’re out in nature watching the sunset with your favourite people in the world.

Get caught up in the magic. Have fun with it, play and laugh with your children. Then, when the time for a quick ‘everyone look at me for a quick smile’ photo opportunity comes along, everyone is genuinely happy and enjoying themselves.

Let Kids, Be Kids

Do you know what’s better than a perfectly posed photo? An image of your kids mid-laugh, genuinely having the best time. When they’re bigger, these are the photos you’ll look back on with the most enthusiasm. They will take you back to how their little smiles looked with baby teeth, the spark in their eyes as they laugh with you, to the sound of the giggle, and them saying ‘more!’ as you tickle them.

During my outdoor sessions, we will incorporate a lot of play and music. In fact, we’re playing, dancing and exploring for most of the session. Mums can expect to twirl and dip, while Dads can gear up for piggy back rides and throwing kids up in the air. If your children want to run around, make funny faces, tell poop jokes - let them, and join in!

The one thing I ask you not to do, is ask your children to ‘behave’. I want them to be comfortable to be themselves, to be free and to be happy and not feel like the session is a chore.

Practical Choices with Styling & Location

Choosing a location that suits your family, particularly your children is imperative to the success of your session. You may have your heart set on a particular landscape, but please consider if this is the best fit for your family.

For example, if your children don’t like getting sand on them, avoid having your session at the beach. If you think they will be bothered by long grass, then it would be best to avoid sessions in the field.

Making practical choices with your family styling is also crucial. During the winter months, dress your children warmly to keep them comfortable and cozy. Incorporating chunky knits and cozy fabrics adds a beautiful element to styling your winter session. It is also important to consider if your child is sensitive to any fabrics and avoiding anything that may irritate them.

Take the time to prepare

The day of the photoshoot can feel like a mad rush, between getting yourself and the kids ready (and potentially dragging your partner away from weekend sport on TV). Do your best to take the time to prepare what you can ahead of the shoot to limit your stress on the day - have your outfits organised, ironed and ready to go the night before. Pack some healthy, mess free snacks for the car ride to the location - feel free to also pack some bribery if you think that is required.

I also recommend you to talk to your children about the session. Talk about how fun it will be, how we are going to a special spot to spend the afternoon together, playing and laughing and how I will be there to take photos. Tell them that you’ve told me your favourite songs and that we’re going to dance and play games. Focus on the fun aspects, not the expectation for them to ‘behave’ or smile for the camera - this approach really sets the tone for a fun, stress free session.

I hope this blog helps you realise that having a wonderfully wild little one is no reason not to capture this stage of your motherhood and family journey.

There is fun and magic to be captured at every age and every stage and we might as well have some fun in the process, right?

Woustina x

Your complete guide to creating a flawless make up look for your photoshoot, with Rosie from Rosie’s Beauty.

So you’ve booked your family photoshoot - YAY! Now, it is time to prepare.

You’ve probably been so busy planning the whole family’s wardrobe and getting everyone else ready for your photoshoot that you haven’t had the chance to even think about or book a make up artist for yourself.

Booking to have your make up professionally applied ahead of your photoshoot is a great way to prepare for your photoshoot as well is treat yourself to some much deserved pampering. Although, time and budget constraints mean this isn’t always possible.

Never fear, I have teamed up with my most trusted make up and beauty expert, Rosie from Rosie’s Beauty in Carlingford to help you create your own flawless make up look for your upcoming photoshoot.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably heard me sing Rosie’s praises. She has been my go to for all things beauty, skin care and make up for the last eight years. There is no one else I would let near my eyebrows. She has expertly tamed my wild eyebrows and taught me so much about skin care and make up application.

Below you’ll find some useful tips, from Rosie, to help you perfectly apply your own make up ahead of a photoshoot.

The perfect and flawless make up starts with a beautiful base. How can we best prepare our skin for make up? Is there anything we can do in the lead up to a shoot or event to help?

Skincare

If you don’t currently have a skincare regime, the ultimate starter to prepare your skin is to find a cleanser designed for your skin type. Skincare products can become overwhelming, don’t prescribe your own skincare or even base it on other friends recommendations, I have been using Dermalogica skincare for over 30 years. I highly recommend a complimentary skincare consult to get you started if your not currently using any products.

Five easy steps to follow in preparation if you currently have a skincare regime:

1. Remove makeup with a cleansing oil or balm.
   If you are currently a makeup wearer, using a cleansing oil/balm depending on your skin type to remove all makeup before cleansing is ideal. This allows your prescribed cleanser to work effectively.

2. Cleanse your skin
   Using circular motions gently massage your cleanser avoiding eye area to remove all impurities, dirt and oil.

3. Use an exfoliant
   Exfoliate 1 - 2 times per week to remove any dead skin cells that may be blocking your pores. Exfoliation will alleviate dry patches that can lead to an uneven complexion or blotchiness.

   Be Warned: If you have sensitive skin, certain exfoliating formulas may be a bit harsh for you.

4. Toner

   Toner is an often overlooked step, it helps calm and protect the skin while helping to prepare it for the most crucial step moisturising.

5. Moisturiser
   Avoid using any hydrating oils before applying your makeup, as you need your makeup to last and not slide off especially on hot days. A light application of moisturizer is ideal especially with SPF for outdoor photoshoots.

6. Eye Cream

   Equally as important as your toner and moisturiser to hydrate around the eye area day and night. There are certainly lots of eye creams on the market that target and deliver results. If you experience dark circles, my recommendation is to use Vitamin C to brighten this area. If your eye area is dry then a hydrating eye cream would be ideal.

For the style of my photos, I love a fresh, glowy and flawless look - what sort of products and techniques can we use to achieve this look?

Primer

Before we begin our makeup application, its important we apply primer. Primer helps to create a smooth landing for your base and will help extend the longevity of your foundation, blush, bronzer and other face products.

There are different primers that work on counteracting redness, brightening skin and minimizing open pores. Take a small amount of primer and apply this to the centre of the face working outwards, followed by your choice of base.

Below are a list of bases you can work with:

• Tinted Moisturiser - Minimal wear/coverage

• BBB Cream - Tinted moisturiser with a touch of coverage

• Foundation- More coverage and great for those wanting a flawless look

What to go for? BBB Cream or Foundation?

BBB Creams are your lightest weight base, if you are a non makeup wearer and feel foundation is
just a bit more than you like than certainly use a tinted moisturiser or BBB cream. This is a great option for In Home Newborn Sessions and In Hospital Sessions.

If you’re looking for more coverage, then a foundation is for you.

Achieving fresh glowy flawless look can be achieved using the right shade of foundation! To find the perfect shade, test the foundation on your jawline and make sure you match your décolletage. The décolletage is below your neck and across your cleavage.

Foundation should be applied with a brush, working in sections of the face and avoiding the eye area.

What’s Next?

Concealer

Apply a lightweight concealer under the eyes, the lid of the eye area and any areas with blemishes. Lightly blend out using a blending fluffy brush.

Powder

Set your makeup in place by applying powder to the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin to set makeup and absorb excess oil for long lasting shine control.

Contour

Gently contour your features by applying contour tones(generally brown tones)along the cheekbone.

Pro Tip: Your guide for contouring is working from the earline towards the corner of the lip, around the forehead and under the side of the jawline.

Blusher

Blend a soft coral toned blusher into the apples of the cheeks, extending up above the cheekbone towards the hairline.

Highlighter

Don’t over do the highlighter as this can create a shiny effect, which may not be the effect your after for a photoshoot.

Eyeshadow

Keep your eyeshadow looking natural, sticking to one colour for your eye make up. Keep your smokey eye look for your girls night out!

Mascara

Before applying mascara use your lash curler to curl your lashes. A lash curler makes a huge difference to the lashes, as it lifts and curls the lashes back which opens up the eyes.

Follow on by applying two coats of mascara to the lashes, don’t double dip the mascara as it clumps the lashes together!

If you decide to add false lashes or lash extensions be mindful that the length and thickness can create unflattering shadows can make your eyes appear. Keep them as natural as possible and opt for individual lashes, rather than heavy strip lashes.

What are some looks / colours to avoid when doing your make up for a photoshoot? 

Blending is key to a great look in photographs. You know those small foam eyeshadow applicators that come in your eyeshadow palettes? Throw them out! Use a brush to apply your eyeshadow, use natural tones all over the lid of the eye. Smokey dark eyeshadow is best left for nights out at the club!

If you are going to use a bold bright lipstick, keep the eyes simple.

If you’re going to fake tan, keep it light and natural and don’t apply fake tan to your face, use a bronzer to add colour and match your foundation to your décolletage

Avoid makeup with a shimmer, anything with a shimmer will reflect light back towards the camera.

Speaking of eyes - I have heard you talk about complimentary colours before - can you tell me a little more about what colours work with what complexions and eye colours? 

Brown eyes can use any colour, but for a photoshoot use tones such as soft pinks, burgundy and natural browns. These tones will compliment the eyes.

Blue eyes can use warm tones of golden brown, peach and champagne to balance the eyes. Complimentary colours are your natural browns, warm earthy tones of orange will make your eyes pop.

Green eyes can use plums, pink and dark burgundy to beautifully bring out the eye colour.

Are there any pointers you could give us for how to best apply eye make up for a photoshoot? 

Keep it Simple!

Start with dividing the eyelid in half (lash line, to the socket, and up to the brow line)- using a brush apply contour colour (generally brown tone) onto the socket area, working from the outside in. Then add a peachy coloured shade under the socket, to the lash line.

Complete the look with two coats of mascara to the upper lashes and one coat to the bottom lashes and remember not to double dip your mascara as it creates clumping of the lashes.

How long before a photoshoot should we do our eyebrow waxing / facials etc?

Where possible, I highly recommend 12 weeks prior to get your eyebrows back into shape and get your skin photo ready.

Every time I have an important occasion coming up, I always end up with a giant pimple. Can you share some pointers on how to help settle a pimple and cover it with make up?

DON’T TOUCH IT. Don’t squeeze pop or pick at it.

Warm Compress

Prepare hot bowl place a wet washcloth into the bowl, squeeze excess water then hold over the area for a few minutes. Keep dipping the cloth over the area until the pus comes to the surface.

Another option is topical cream - benzoyl peroxide.

Do you have any other wisdom or advice you could share with us?

Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.

Life is abundant and life is beautiful. Keep your head high, your chin up and most importantly
keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about. Rosie x

Rosie, thank you so much for sharing your expert knowledge with us.

Rosie’s Beauty is located in Carlingford, New South Wales. You can find Rosie at www.rosiesbeauty.com.au and www.instagram.com/rosiesbeauty

5 Tips for an Incredible In Home Newborn Photoshoot

In Home Newborn Sessions are such a beautiful way to capture the early days at home with your precious bundle of joy. The sleepy snuggles, the wrinkly fingers and peach fuzz, and my favourite, the sweet newborn lip pout. There is so much to be in awe over at this age.

I also understand that this is a delicate and tender time and the thought of a photoshoot can be stressful. I am a mother of two, I have been there, I understand the array of emotions you are navigating at this time are not always easy.

I have prepared this blog post to help you prepare for our in home newborn photoshoot and assure you it isn’t something that you need to be stressed about.

So let’s dive in, here are my five tips for an incredible in home newborn photoshoot with me:

1. Don’t stress about outfits - I have yours and your baby’s outfit covered!

   If you have booked your In Home Newborn Photoshoot with me, you have full access to my client wardrobe. My client wardrobe includes a number of beautiful items that have been carefully selected to be flattering and photograph beautifully. The last thing I want you worrying about is finding an outfit to wear days after you have given birth. I also bring along adorable and timeless outfits and blankets for your baby.
   
   When it comes to Dad and your other children, I suggest keeping it simple - a nice t-shirt or polo for dad and big brothers and little girls in simple outfits such as a plain dress. You don’t need to buy anything new, what you have available is usually perfect.

2. Feed your baby just before I am due to arrive

   For the session to run as smoothly as possible, we need your baby to be as settled and content as possible. To help, try keep your baby up and plan to feed your baby just ahead of my arrival, so by the time I arrive your baby is ready to be burped, wrapped and settled.
   
   Do not stress if these means you don’t have time to finish getting ready, I will wrap and settle your baby when I arrive, while you finish getting ready. Typically we start taking photos around 20 - 30 minutes after my arrival - there is no rush to do it all ahead of my arrival.

3. Talk me up to your toddlers!

   Is there anything more unpredictable than a toddler? I’ll wait… If you have a toddler or pre-school aged child, you’ll notice that when I arrive I will focus a lot of my attention on them. If I gain their trust, if they know that we’re friends and we’re going to have a lovely time, they will be more likely to participate in the session and follow my light direction.
   
   In the days leading up to our session, talk about me, tell them that I am coming over to take some photos of your family and how fun it will be, and that I love playing and can’t wait to see their favourite toys. There is no need to put any unnecessary pressure on them to smile or perform. My style is very relaxed and we will usually get beautiful and genuine smiles.

4. Don’t worry about mess, or your home being ‘picture perfect’

   Life with a newborn is chaotic, you are adjusting to a new normal in more ways than one. I do not expect you to have an immaculately cleaned and picture perfect home. Before my arrival, have a think about what rooms or spaces in your home get the best natural light and focus on tidying this room. All I need is a little bit of space, next to a window or a door with a good amount of natural light. There is no need to clean and tidy your whole home for my arrival.
   
   Remember, I am there to capture your love, your connection, the beauty of this season in your family story. I am not worried about the dishes in your sink or your unfolded washing.
   

5. Relax, trust me and follow my lead

   Lastly, and most importantly, relax, trust me and follow my lead.
   
   If your baby is unsettled, it’s ok, I am not in a rush to leave. We will take the time to settle your baby together. If your toddler is full of energy, amazing! I will dance around with them while you get ready. I don’t want you to stress about anything at all.

   
   If you are relaxed, at ease and fully present for our session, the result will be incredibly beautiful. Take a breath, soak up this time in your newborn bubble and let the love flow. That beauty and love will shine in your images. I got you x