You’ve booked your family photo session — exciting! Whether it’s on the golden beaches of Byron Bay, among the gum trees of Nightcap National Park, or in the rolling hinterland near Bangalow, this is your chance to capture your family’s story in the heart of the Northern Rivers.

If you’re wondering how to prepare, here’s my guide. It’s less about stiff smiles and more about connection, adventure, and those fleeting in-between moments that make family photography so special.

1. Choose Comfort Over Perfection

When planning what to wear for your Northern Rivers family photo shoot, comfort is everything. Think outfits that feel good and move easily — natural fabrics, earthy tones, and simple layers always photograph beautifully. Neutral colours let the focus stay on your family, while still blending perfectly with the beaches, bushland, or countryside.

2. Keep Kids in the Loop

If you’re heading to a Byron Bay beach photo shoot or a bush session in the Northern Rivers, tell your children they’re going on an adventure. They don’t need to “perform” — just play, explore, and be themselves. The more relaxed they feel, the more natural and joyful the photos will be.

3. Pack Light but Smart

Bring the little things that make life easier — water, snacks, wipes, maybe a favourite toy. They’re especially handy if your shoot is in the Byron hinterland or out in the bush where cafés aren’t close by.

4. Trust the Weather

Living in northern NSW means the weather can change quickly. I’ll always reschedule if conditions are unsafe, but don’t worry about a little wind or cloud cover — some of the dreamiest family photography sessions I’ve captured have been on moody spring days along the Northern Rivers coastline.

5. Let Go of Expectations

Your kids might run wild on the sand at Lennox Head, climb rocks at Broken Head, or pick flowers in a Bangalow paddock. That’s exactly the magic I want to capture. The best family photos are rarely “perfect” — they’re real.

6. Think of It as Time Together

A Northern Rivers family photo shoot isn’t just about the images. It’s a moment away from busy life to slow down and connect. Whether you’re cuddling on a blanket in the hinterland, chasing waves at the beach, or walking a bush trail, I’ll be there to capture the love, laughter, and little details that make your family yours.

By the time your session rolls around, all you need to do is show up, be present, and enjoy the adventure. I’ll handle the rest — camera in hand, chasing that golden Northern Rivers light.

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