Preparing for your sitting

• Avoid wearing bold patterns, prints, brand logos and loud colours as they distract the eye from facial expressions.

• Do not try to mix too many colours - keep it simple, keep it plain,!

• With Family groups keep it consistent - you want everyone to look as though they are part of a unit, coordinate clothes so that everyone is wearing similar colours and styles.

• Do not have some members wearing formal wear with others wearing casual clothes, similarly don't have one member wearing bold colours and another wearing muted pastels - keeping everyone dressed similarly unites the group visually and creates a harmonious whole.

• Decide what style of portrait you would like before your sitting, whether casual or formal. Casual portraits are best achieved with light backgrounds and light coloured clothing - such as white shirts and blouses in combination with denim jeans. Formal portraits are best achieved with darker backgrounds which complement suits which tend to be dark in colour.

• Try to ensure that young children are well rested before the photo-shoot and try not to make a big deal out of the session as children can pick up stress from you very easily.

• Babies and young children look better with their shoes and socks off for casual shots. They'll feel more comfortable and be more relaxed.

• Keep it light-hearted and fun, with babies and young children, have a favourite toy available to relax them. A natural smile is best achieved through playful interaction not through admonishment.