What is the best timing?


When a family member has a long-term illness, your session should be based around when and where they look and feel their best. Comfort is the priority. If they are receiving regular treatment, then a photo shoot could be scheduled in between the sessions. In the case of terminal illness, families have approached me in advance of hospice or palliative care to schedule a photo shoot right after their loved one ceases treatment. I always do my best to accommodate your family, offering sessions from Saturday through to Thursday, with flexibility of rescheduling, where required.


If you family is travelling to be together, the logistics can get tricky. Ideally, book your photo shoot a few days after your family arrives, allowing time for travel delays, travel fatigue/jet lag and for each family to settle in and catch up.


Outdoor shoots are scheduled just after sunrise or before sunset, depending on the duration of your shoot. This is when the sun is low on the horizon and light is soft, golden and most flattering.

Choose a suitable location


For convenience and comfort, you may prefer to have the photo shoot at your own home or property. As part of our pre-planning, I will visit your home or view it via a Facetime call around the same time your photo shoot is scheduled. We check access, direction of sun and available backdrops. If your yard is not suitable or your loved one feels well enough to travel a short distance, I have a list of public and private locations that provide:

  • a drop off point not far from the photo shoot location
  • flat and even terrain suitable for a mobility assistance device (wheelchair, walker, crutches, walking stick)
  • privacy from general public
  • adequate shade from sun or shelter from cold wind.


I can show you photo galleries of family shoots captured at each location, so you can get a feel for what your photos might look like.

Maximise your time together


It's a good idea to talk openly with your loved one who is unwell and tell them why the photo shoot is important to you and your family. A photo shoot can feel overwhelming if they feel like the focus is all on them. In reality though, it is the children and pets that quickly claim the spotlight!


During our planning phase, I learn your family's names and relationships, important connections and sought after shots. There is nothing to discuss on the day as it's all prepped behind the scenes, so your job is just to relax and enjoy each other's company. I use entertaining prompts and games that the whole family can get involved in, which is the perfect way to make fun of each other and have a laugh.


I encourage you to bring along chairs, a picnic and even a bit of bubbly to enjoy while you're not being photographed. You may like to share gifts or old photos. One family brought their guitar and sang a few family favourites. There are no rules — it's your choice.

How to make a booking


You can book an extended family photo shoot here.


If you prefer to chat with me about the options first, please contact me by phone or SMS at 0421 310 580 or submit an online enquiry.


I feel truly humbled to capture such intimate and sensitive family memories. I put my heart into your sessions, knowing that inevitably, my imagery will be a source of great comfort to you and your loved ones — and a connection to the past for generations to come.