As a documentary and lifestyle photographer, I focus on capturing the everyday while creating images that tell a story. My sessions aren’t posed as my goal is to capture your story in an authentic and honest way. I like everyone to be relaxed and to have fun, and for you to just do what you do and be you!

For family sessions, it can be helpful to have an activity or something planned to do together, especially for sessions that place in the home. Not only does having an activity give you something to do (say goodbye to the deer in the headlights stare panicking because you don’t know what to do!), it can also help take the pressure off of having your photo taken, especially if anyone is feeling a bit nervous!

Sometimes though families can find choosing an activity a bit overwhelming. But not to worry, I’ve got you covered!

When you book a session with me, I’ll help in the planning process so your session can run as smoothly as possible. I’ll send you a questionnaire to fill in so I can get to know you a bit beforehand and can tailor the session just for you. Filling in the questionnaire may help spur some ideas for an activity for your session, and I’m always happy to help with suggestions.

My best advice is don’t over think it and don’t over complicate it!

You don’t need to cook a three course meal together, go skydiving or paint a mural. It doesn’t need to be very time consuming, messy or too involved. It can be as simple as reading a book together, having a drink and a snack, or putting on some music and dancing around the living room.

Having too much planned or trying to jump from activity to activity will just stress everyone out. Keep it simple and remember that some of the best moments are the quiet moments.

Think about what is special and meaningful to your family. Think about something that you do together regularly. Think about doing something that you would love to have captured.

A few ideas to get your brains churning:

• Baking

• Reading

• Bubbles

• Sports

• Jumping Waves

• Bathtime

• Puzzles or Games

• Meals (morning pancakes, Sunday lunch, BBQ, etc)

• Pool or Sprinkler

• Skipping Rocks

• Having a Treat (ice cream, cookie, cake)

• Swingset

• Drawing, Painting or Stickers

• Dancing

• Lego

• Sand Toys

• Scooter or Bikes

• Sidewalk Chalk

• Trampoline

• Flying Kites

• Walking to the local park/playground/around the block/along the beach

• Walking the Dog

Another piece of advice: Don’t try and replicate someone else’s photos. If your kids don’t enjoy crafts, bringing out the paints for your session because you liked another family’s photos of them painting together is not the best idea.

Every family is unique. Every family will have their own interests and hobbies. Just be YOU and the natural interactions, connections and smiles will shine through in your photos!

I’m a firm believer that the ordinary is pretty extraordinary. That the little moments are just as important as the big moments (maybe even more so!). That our everyday, real, messy and BEAUTIFUL lives are our stories!

Ready to book your family session and choose an activity to help tell your story? Contact me now and we’ll start the planning process!

Jenny Rusby is a natural light, lifestyle and documentary photographer and specialised newborn photographer, maternity photographer and family photographer. She services all areas of Victoria, including inner Melbourne suburbs such as Richmond, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Malvern East, South Melbourne, Elwood, as well as outer south eastern subrubs, bayside areas such as Morntington, Sorrento and Red Hill. She also services the west of Melbourne and will travel to Geelong on request.