Family & Generational Session Prep Guide

Twisted Willow Studio

Creating relaxed, connected portraits that become legacy artwork.

Welcome — Let’s Make This Easy

If you’ve booked a family or generational session or are thinking of booking a session, first of all, I’m so glad you’re here.

This guide is designed to help you feel calm, confident, and prepared before your session. I’ll walk you through what to wear, how to prepare children (and teenagers!), what to expect on the day, and how we’ll create portraits that feel connected and natural — not stiff or forced.

The most important thing to remember?

Connection matters more than perfection.

What to Expect on the Day

Whether your session is in the studio or on location, my approach is relaxed and gently guided.

I don’t expect children to stand still. I don’t expect teenagers to fake smiles. I don’t expect partners to “love photos.”

My role is to guide, direct, and create natural movement so your family can simply be together.

You do not need to manage everything — that’s my job.

 A relaxed family laughing together on location

 A relaxed family in the studio

What to Wear – Coordinate, Don’t Match

Clothing plays a big role in how your final artwork feels.

The goal is not for everyone to match perfectly — it’s to coordinate beautifully.

Choose:

• 2–3 colours maximum

• Similar tones

• Soft, complementary palettes

• Texture over bold patterns

Avoid:

• Large logos

• Bold stripes

• Strong checks

• Polka dots

• Neon colours

• One person in a bright colour while everyone else is muted

If one person wears bright red while everyone else wears soft blue, the eye will go straight to the red — and we want the focus on faces and connection.

A simple way to check: Lay all outfits on a bed together. If they look cohesive there, they will photograph beautifully.

Flat lay of coordinated family outfits in soft tones

Coordinated family outfits in soft tones

Intentional Black – When It Works

Black can look incredibly powerful and timeless — when done intentionally.

If choosing black:

• Keep everyone in similar depth tones

• Avoid mixing very dark black with very pale pastels

• Add texture (knit, linen, layers) to soften it

Black works beautifully in the studio with the right lighting and backdrop.

If you’re unsure, we can absolutely discuss backdrop colours and overall mood during your consultation to ensure everything aligns with your final vision.

Studio portrait with intentional black wardrobe against a dark backdrop

Studio vs On Location Styling

Your wardrobe should complement your environment.

Studio Sessions

Neutrals, creams, soft blues, earth tones, and intentional black photograph beautifully under controlled lighting.

Backdrop colour plays a huge role in your final look . Soft beige feels warm and timeless. Grey feels modern and refined. Dark tones feel dramatic and editorial.

We’ll discuss backdrop options prior to your session if needed.

On Location Sessions

Think about the setting:

Beach:

• Creams

• Linen

• Soft blues

• Barefoot or neutral footwear

Bush or Garden:

• Sage

• Rust

• Warm neutrals

• Earth tones

Urban:

• Denim

• Layered neutrals

• Soft black

• Structured pieces

When wardrobe and location work together, your portraits feel elevated and cohesive.

Outdoor family session with tones that match the environment

Preparing Children (This Is Important)

Children do not need to perform.

Please avoid:

• Hyping them up too much

• Telling them they must behave perfectly

• Promising rewards beforehand

• Giving lollies right before your session

Sugar + pressure often equals overwhelmed children.

Keep routines as normal as possible. Make sure they are rested and fed.Bring simple snacks if needed (nothing colourful or sticky).

I use movement, play and natural prompts to create connection — not forced posing.

Trust the process.

Family Portrait outdoors, smiles and attention from all family members

Teenagers – Completely Normal

Teenagers can feel unsure, self-conscious, or reluctant about photos.

This is normal.

The best thing you can do? Stay relaxed.

The more pressure they feel, the more resistant they become.

I’ll guide them naturally, avoid awkward posing, and create space for genuine expressions. Often, by the end of the session, they are the ones enjoying it most.

No forcing. No fake smiles.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/dcfb2d_c29cfd77443147c1bff0736bcc9e3243/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Family Portraits can even get teenagers to smile.

Generational Sessions

Extended family sessions are incredibly special.

To keep the look cohesive:

• Choose one base tone (cream, navy, beige, grey)

• Add subtle variations

• Keep warm tones together

• Keep cool tones together

Example:

Grandparents – Navy & CreamParents – Soft blue & beigeChildren – Cream & denim

This creates visual harmony while still allowing individuality.

Multi-generational portrait with cohesive tones

Final Preparation Checklist

Before your session:

✔ Steam clothing

✔ Remove smart watches and bulky accessories

✔ Clean neutral nails

✔ Avoid fresh spray tans

✔ Allow extra time so you’re not rushing

✔ Bring a backup layer

Arriving calm changes everything.

The Most Important Reminder

Your children do not need to behave perfectly. Your teenager does not need to smile constantly. Your partner does not need to love photos.

You simply need to show up together.

I will guide the rest.

These portraits are not about perfection — they are about preserving connection for the future.

Generation Portrait with a Legacy inspired

Need Help With Styling?

If you’re unsure about outfits or backdrop choices, please send through photos before your session. I’m more than happy to guide you.

We can also schedule a quick consultation to refine your look and ensure your final artwork reflects your vision beautifully.

Twisted Willow Studio

Creating legacy artwork for your family.