The main thing is for everyone to feel comfortable! There is no point forcing yourselves into clothes that you can't relax in or that are not of your usual style. A few suggestions for outfits would be:

• Children in favourite clothes

• Keep families in a similar colour palette (eg. all in neutrals, everyone in white)

• Co-ordinate outfits to make sure no one clashes

• Avoid bold patterns if your home/location is very colourful or detailed

Taking photos at home is a way to remember your life in the then and now. Family homes are lived in so you absolutely don't have to clean the whole house!

• Decide which areas or rooms you want photographs in and tidy them only. Rooms don't have to be impeccable, just hide some of the clutter

• Note which rooms have the best natural light at your chosen time of day and use those

• Try to use neutral coloured linen without patterns

The best time is the one that suits you and your family's routine. I would never expect you to change your nap/feeding/life schedule for the sake of a session. If you are planning to have photos inside, consider the natural lighting and which rooms receive light at different times of day, such as easterly windows in the morning. If you are planning to take photos outside, the best time during summer is after 5PM and in winter is after 3PM.

Backyards, beaches, local parks, botanical gardens, nature reserves and family properties are all easy and free outdoor locations for photography sessions