Everything you need to know about planning your Family Photography Albury Portrait Session
You’ve probably been thinking about booking a family photo session for a while now. But life’s full on. Weekends fly by. Outfits feel too hard. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even the right time to be planning your Family Photography Albury Portrait Session.
Here’s the truth? There’s no perfect time. But there is right now. And that’s more than enough.
I’m Jodie — photographer, mumma, bonus mumma, IVF queen, coffee lover, and the eyes behind Heartfully Captured, a family photographer who’s done it all – on location, studio sessions in home you name it I’ve done it in my 12 years of being a photographer based here in Albury-Wodonga. I work with people who want their photos to feel real — the kind of photos that look like their life actually feels. Looking back at the photos 10 years from now and the images taking them right back to that moment with their loves and how they actually felt… Yep I’m that type of photographer.
This guide? it’s what I’d say to you if you were my bestie and I wanted you to get the best out of your family session with me.
Here’s what we’re covering!
- How to book your shoot without the back-and-forth email drama
- What to wear (spoiler: you probably already own it)
- How the session flows — relaxed, fun, and zero pressure
- What happens after — from sneak peeks to your full gallery
- Why making this a yearly thing might be the best decision for your family’s memory bank
No stiff poses. No stress. Just honest photos you’ll love coming back to again and again.
Let’s make this simple and memorable. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step — starting below with how to book.
Sounds good? Let’s go.
Step 1 – Book Your Session
Step 1 – Book Your Session
Let’s get the ball rolling (and make it super easy)
If you’re sitting there thinking, “We need new family photos, but I don’t want anything stiff, awkward or ‘say cheese’…” you’re in exactly the right place. I’m not here to make you pose — I’m here to help you feel something every time you look at your photos.
So let’s kick this off, the easy way:
- Jump over to the Contact page and tell me a little about your crew. Who’s in your family? What kind of vibe are you after? Is this about documenting the chaos of toddler life, or just freezing time before it all changes again?
- I’ll get back to you within 48 hours with all the next steps — no pressure, just real info that matters to you, making this process simple.
- Once we land on a date that suits you and that I’m available on, a $199 booking fee locks it in.
- You’ll also choose your desired package at this stage, and the balance is due 14 days before your session date. That way, we’re not chatting invoices during the magic — everything’s taken care of ahead of time.
- That’s it. You’re in the calendar and we get to start planning your portrait photography session together.
I only shoot a small handful of families/sessions each month — and not because I’m trying to sound fancy, but because I want you to be the only one I’m holding that week. No conveyor belt services here. Just you, your people, and moments that matter.
And listen — if you’re after those glowy, late-afternoon photos where everything looks like it was dipped in honey? You’ll want to book 6–8 weeks out so we can time it perfectly around golden hour here in Albury. (It’s magic, promise.)
This is your one simple step to ditch the awkward and lock in moments that matter, forever to feel.
Step 2 – Choose a Location That Feels Like You
Before we even get into “where should we shoot?”, I want you to know something important:
It’s never been about the mountain. Or the river. Or the perfect view.
It’s about you!
The way your daughter twirls your hair when she’s nervous. The way your partner looks at you when you’re not even noticing. That quiet, silly chaos that makes your family yours.
Yes, I know all the best Albury-Wodonga locations (and yes, light matters). But the magic is always in your people — not the place. So while I’ll guide you through choosing a spot that feels right, know that your connection is what tells the story.
If you love wide-open spaces, tall grass, golden hour glows, or even your own backyard — we’ll talk it through. Together.
A full guide to my favourite family photo locations in Albury-Wodonga – coming soon!
→ A full guide to my favourite family photo locations in Albury-Wodonga is coming soon. I’ll walk you through pros, cons, and the kind of vibes each one brings. Stay tuned or reach out directly if you want access.
Step 3 – How to Feel Prepared (Without Making It a Big Deal)
I know you know that — family photo sessions can feel like a lot if you let it. The outfits, the timing, the meltdowns (adult and child) — it’s enough to make anyone second-guess it. But this isn’t about that or being perfect, that’s enough to even give me anxiety, and I don’t have room or the time for that.
It’s about real connection, the kind that makes you stop and say, “Ohhh, that’s us.”
So here’s how to make the most of your family photography session — in a way that’s actually doable and totally you, without the pressure.
Let’s talk outfits
You don’t need to run out and buy all new clothes. By all means if that makes you feel good, freaking do it! But to be perfectly honest, what I’ve found more times than most is that what you already have is probably perfect.
Go for comfort, movement, and tones that feel soft and natural earthy always wins and never outdates. Think of how you’d dress together for an outing — something that lets you snuggle up on the grass, chase your toddler, and still feel cute in the photos.
I’ll be sending you a guide, so don’t stress about that. The tips are there, but for now, keep it simple. Avoid harsh patterns, logos, and anything super stiff. If you’re unsure, shoot me a message — I’m here to help.
Permission To Be Seen
This is a big one. Don’t tell your kids they have to smile or behave. Don’t promise rewards for “being good.” Honestly, the most beautiful, natural moments come from kids being exactly who they are. We’re not here for stiff grins and forced poses — we’re capturing how it feels to be in your family, right now.
What if your kid has a moment?
Totally normal. I’m an Albury photographer who specialises in natural family photography — and I’ve worked with all kinds of little personalities. Neurodivergent, sensory-sensitive, shy, wild — they’re all welcome here. We pause, reset, and move gently. No judgment. No rush. My sessions are child-led, meaning if they aren’t into it we move on – movement is everything, and their vibe tells me everything!
Let it be a moment for you, too
You’re in these photos, too. Not just as the one wiping noses, but as the heart of your family. This is your permission slip to be seen. To cuddle your babies, laugh with your partner, and take in just how far you’ve all come as a family, the milestones, the ups and the downs to here.
You’ll never regret showing up in the frame.
A Simple Checklist – For Those That Need That
Quick Prep Checklist (No Stress, Promise)
- ☐ Choose outfits that feel like you (comfy, neutral-ish, nothing too matchy)
- ☐ Pack a few easy snacks (the secret to happy little humans)
- ☐ Bring water + a comfort item if needed (blanket, fave toy, sensory tool)
- ☐ Wipes and a spare outfit — just in case, because #life
- ☐ Don’t rehearse or overhype — just talk about it like a fun outing
- ☐ Trust that the magic happens in the mess — no need to “perform”
Step 4 – What Happens During Your Shoot – (Spoiler: Relaxed AF)
Let’s get one thing straight — this isn’t some stiff, awkward photo shoot where the kids are bribed to smile and everyone’s counting down to when it’s over.
This is about slowing down. Showing up. Feeling something real.
It’s about letting your family be exactly who you are — in the chaos, the cuddles, the “hang on, I forgot the snacks” moments. It’s not about perfect poses or picture-day pressure. It’s about what really matters when you look back years from now.
Here’s what it feels like:
- We ease in. There’s no “start performing now” vibe. You’ll arrive, take a breath, settle in. The kids do their thing. You’re not expected to be anyone but yourselves.
- I gently guide when needed — a soft cue, a game, a moment. But most of the time, I’m simply watching for the magic. It’s already there.
- The energy flows with you. If your child needs space to warm up, if you need a moment to regroup, we roll with it. There’s no rush, no timeline pressure.
- Your job? Just love on your people. Tickle the toddler. Sway with your partner. Watch your little ones run free. That’s what photographs beautifully.
- It’s not always tidy. There might be a scraped knee or a snack break mid-session. But guess what? Those are the moments that carry weight — that say “this was real.”
Clients always tell me after: “That didn’t even feel like a shoot… it felt like the first time we just hung out and soaked each other in for ages.”
If you’re longing for something that feels like you — not curated or posed or picture-perfect… just deeply felt and beautifully remembered… this is it.
Not just a gallery of images — but a memory you made together.
And the best part? You’ll see it all with new eyes when your gallery lands. You’ll remember how it felt. Not just what it looked like.
Step 5 – What Happens After the Shoot: From Gallery to Forever
So you’ve had your shoot. The kids ran wild, you shared a few quiet moments with your partner, and maybe (definitely) we all left with a few grass stains and full hearts.
Now what?
This is where the magic settles in — because what we’ve captured? It’s not just a bunch of images… it’s the proof of this chapter in your family’s story.
Here’s how it all unfolds from here:
- Within 48 hours: You’ll get a few sneak peeks sent straight to your inbox. Just enough to give you a taste (and usually enough to make you cry happy tears).
- Within 2 weeks: Your full gallery is delivered via a private online link. Easy to view, easy to download, easy to share. You can relive the whole session over coffee in your PJs.
- You choose what to do next: I offer digital-only options if that’s what suits you right now — but I’ll also gently show you what’s possible when your photos live off a screen.
- Want prints? An album? A gallery wall? I’ve got you. These aren’t mass-produced packages or online print labs — this is legacy artwork, curated with heart. (Because one day, someone will hold that album and say, “this was us.”)
Let’s be real — how many photos have you lost to old phones, forgotten USBs, or tech fails?
That’s why I believe in turning moments into heirlooms. Something you can hold. Something that holds you.
And the best part? You don’t have to make those decisions right away. I’ll guide you through it all when you’re ready.
Why I Only Take a Few Clients Per Month
Here’s something you should know about me — I don’t stack my calendar back-to-back with shoots.
I take on a limited number of family sessions each month, and it’s very intentional.
When you book with me, I want to be fully present for your story — not rushing to the next family, not editing on autopilot, not forgetting the tiny details that make your session yours. That’s why my time is spacious, my process is thoughtful, and each family gets my full creative heart.
That’s also why my calendar fills up fast
FAQ – Questions You Might Be Wondering & (Answers So You Don’t Have To)
Q: What if my kids don’t want to be in the photos?
No worries at all. That’s totally normal. I don’t expect perfection or forced smiles. Often, the most beautiful shots are the ones after a melt-down or a moment of resistance. It’s about capturing you, even if that includes a bit of chaos, and turning it into something real.
Q: What happens if we have a meltdown or tantrum?
It’s cool — it happens. I’ll give you space, we’ll pause, someone might need to snack or take a breather. And guess what? Those moments? Remind me that life is messy—and real. I’ll make sure we move through it gently and keep documenting the human story unfolding.
Q: What if the weather turns?
Albury weather can be unpredictable, right? If rain or wind takes over, we can reschedule or move to a fallback location. I’ll check in the day before with a wet-weather plan so nothing feels rushed or last-minute. And if it’s drizzing but we’re still game? We get those gorgeous moody light shots, and I’ve got umbrellas to keep things dry.
Q: Can we bring our dog, grandparents, or our friend with the awesome laugh?
Absolutely. The more meaningful people (or pets) the better. Just give me a heads-up ahead of time so we can plan the flow — group shots, individual connection moments, whatever feels important to you.
Q: How long before we get our photos?
You’ll get sneak peek highlights in your inbox within 48 hours — enough to relive the day all over again. The full gallery will land around two weeks after the session. You’ll get a link, you can download, share, order prints — it’s all there.
Q: Where do you deliver the photos?
Everything comes through a private online gallery — it’s simple, secure, and you can access it for a full year. Want physical prints, framed art, or a coffee-table album? I’ve got you — just let me know what you’d love, and I’ll pull together some beautiful legacy options.
Q: Do we need to pay in full up front?
Not at all. Once your session is booked, you can choose to pay in small weekly or monthly chunks if that works better. And when your full collection is ready, you can spread the cost of heirloom products like albums or framed prints over a few weeks too. Because memory-making should never feel out of reach.
Q: Should we book again next year?
If you want to capture how your family grows and changes, absolutely. That’s why I created the Heartfully Member experience—yearly sessions with albums included because your story matters, not just for one moment, but for the whole journey.
Life doesn’t slow down — but I’ll help you pause right now. Let’s capture what’s here before it changes again!
If your gut is whispering, “This is the kind of experience I want for my family” — then trust that. That feeling? It’s usually right.
This isn’t just about ticking off the annual photo box. This is about bottling the heartbeats of your right-now. The freckles, the missing teeth, the way your toddler wraps their arms around your neck and doesn’t let go. This is about real love — the kind you live every day, and maybe don’t see until someone gently reflects it back.
When you book with me, you’re not just getting a photographer. You’re getting a calm presence who knows how to read the room (and the toddler), who can sense when to guide and when to pause, and who genuinely cares about telling your story without pressure, posing, or stress.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Clear communication from the moment you enquire
- Prep guides and wardrobe help so you’re not left guessing
- A relaxed session where you don’t need to “perform” — just be
- A sneak peek delivered within 48 hours so you’re not refreshing your inbox every five minutes
- A beautiful, easy-to-navigate online gallery
- Options to turn your favourite images into albums and keepsakes that actually get seen
And if you’re thinking, “But I’ve never done this before” — perfect. Most of my clients haven’t either. I’ll walk you through every single step. You literally just have to show up and be with your people. I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to book your own relaxed family session in Albury?
→ [View packages & pricing]
→ [Contact Jodie to start planning]
Still marinating on it? That’s totally okay too.
Pop your name on my email list coming soon and I’ll gently land in your inbox with helpful tips, photo prompts, behind-the-scenes peeks, and little love notes that remind you what matters.
You deserve to hold onto these years in a way that doesn’t live in your phone.
Let’s make this happen together!
Jodie x
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