FAQ Families
How do we enquire?
Please send an email to me@tessfollett.com or fill in the contact form.
Can we catch up before our session?
Absolutely, we can organise a phone call chat. It’s important to get to know each other before the shoot.
How long do you photograph for?
My family sessions 90 minutes, pregnancy sessions 60min. If you are interested in ‘Day in the life’ series, these sessions are 6hours.
Do you travel?
Yes… I sure do. I love travelling to new locations. If you live out of Melbourne and would like your session at your family home a small travel fee will apply. If you would like me to suggest a location in Melbourne, I can do that also.
What time of the day do you recommend?
The first thing in the morning for the little ones. If you have older children, I would recommend late afternoon and sunset. That golden light in the late afternoon is always my favourite time of the day. In winter for example 4pm-5pm and in summer 7pm-8pm.
Location
Wherever you feel comfortable. I love photographing you in your home or out and about, somewhere you love. If you’re imagining a family portrait against a white wall in a studio I’m probably not the right photographer for you. At home, beaches, parks, country fields or an urban backdrop are just some of my favourite locations. I would like the location to reflect your family and where you enjoy spending time and how. This is why most of the time there is no place like home. Everyone is relaxed at home and we can always wander out into the backyard or local park to get more outdoor shots if you like. I think it’s pretty special to look back on photographs where the kids first home was. This is another reason why I only shoot newborns at home.
What do I wear?
It’s important that you all look and feel like your real selves, so choose clothes that suit your usual style. Your own style should be as unique as your family. I like to recommend choosing a colour palette of 3-4 colours and mix it up. You want a cohesive feel but without being too matchy matchy. Please no busy patterns, prints or great big logos. Also, white t-shirts and jeans for the whole family is sooo 80s…unless that’s what you’re going for!
The shoot - what happens?
I’ll arrive 15min before your shoot to meet everyone in the family and have a quick scout around the location. Then the fun and games begin. I might break you up into groups or keep the family together, it will be dependent on the children. I give gentle direction but mostly I like to photograph you looking and behaving as natural as possible. Ages 2-6 are very active so it’s always about movement and interacting with others.
How old do you recommend for a newborn session?
The first 2 weeks is the ideal time for newborns, while they are still very sleepy. That way we can wrap them in special blankets and have them sleeping on mum or dad.
8-9months is also a very cute age when babies are sitting up and really showing their personality. I also adore 15months-3years, from their first steps to being very independent, it’s such a fun age to photograph.
Can we bring our grandparents along to our session?
YES!
I would suggest they join us halfway through the session, so we have some dedicated time together, just to focus on your family at the beginning.
What if it rains or my child is sick?
It happens! Unfortunately, some things are just out of our control. I will photograph on sunny days and overcast days but if your session is planned for outside and it’s pouring rain we will reschedule. Also, if your child is unwell. Health always comes first. Please give me as much notice as possible though. There is no fee to reschedule your session, provided it is rebooked within 60 days.
How will we receive our photos and how long does it take?
You will receive an online slideshow (sent via email) 4 weeks after your session, followed by your prints, beautifully packaged and sent via post. How many photographs you receive will depend on the coverage but when booking a 45 min session you would receive approximately 60-80 photographs in total.
Do you retouch our photos?
All my photos are professionally edited to the highest quality for print. I do not whiten, retouch skin or make people look skinnier. I would like the photos to look as natural as possible. That said, if you get a pimple on the day of your shoot, talk to me because I would be happy to edit out on those close-up photographs.
Do you offer albums?
Most definitely, there is something special and tangible seeing your images in print. I offer 8x8inch fine art albums with your choice of fabric or leather cover. These art books include up to 50 photographs chosen by you.
Do you offer other artwork like frames & canvas?
I supply prints, fine art albums and one style of frame. I am currently working on an online print shop for my clients.
Do you have insurance and public liability?
Yes and yes.
How do we lock in a date & time for our shoot:
To start with, fill in the contact form with the date and location you would like as well as any other details that you would like to discuss. Once we’ve settled on a date and time that suits, the next step is to arrange a skype or phone call to talk about the family and to get to know each other a little. We can also discuss clothing options and colours then too. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your session.
How far ahead do I have to book?
Limited sessions are available on weekends as I also photograph weddings. I recommend 6-8 weeks notice. Mid week sessions are photographed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays only.