Portrait photographer covering Essex and Herts. Children and family Photos by Sue Kennedy

What does the shoot fee include, and how long will the shoot last?

The shoot will last as long as I feel it needs to. That can be anything between half an hour up to an three hours, depending on how it is going. The fee covers my time and expertise, time spent selecting the images to show you and my time in making them look even more fantastic. All in all, this could equate to four or five hours.

I opt for longer shoots because I find that the images are more varied, and if children are very shy or very energetic is allows me time to form a connection.

What should I wear?

The most important thing is to dress in something you feel comfortable in. Choose something that flatters you and suits your personality; this is about the real you, it’s not a fashion shoot! Avoid clothes which are fussy or will look dated in a few years.

Why shoot outside?

My goal is to take gorgeous photos of your family that will last a lifetime and are personal to your family. I also like the backdrop to be varied and the lighting interesting - so it makes sense to use an open air studio and preferably one with some meaning to your family! The best locations are those with textures: woods, old buildings, overgrown fields. Open spaces tend to be visually plain.

I like to work with the early morning or late afternoon light, but it's important to find a time of day that suits you too. In an ideal world we'd pick a time when everyone is rested, well fed and relaxed.

What if the weather is bad?

Don’t worry about the weather! It is what makes your photos unique. Chunky scarves and colourful knitwear look wonderful in portrait photos. As do cheeky toddlers stomping about in puddles or older children kicking up autumn leaves!

When can I see the results?

Viewing your photos takes place a few days after the shoot in the comfort of my studio at Parndon Mill, Harlow. I absolutely guarantee there is no hard sell. Of course I hope you love them and want to buy lots but there is no pressure whatsoever.

The final presentation of your collection is entirely up to you – I offer multiple images in a handmade frame, contemporary acrylics, beautiful albums and a host of other options. Expect to want to spend £300 upwards for a collection of pictures in a frame or an album.

How long does the viewing take?

Your viewing will take one to two hours. This may sounds like a long time, especially for busy parents, but in the long run it saves time. It is better to sit down, see all the images and discuss your options in detail than go back and forth by email or telephone afterwards. You can take as long as you like, I do not pressure any sales, but it does help to make decisions at the viewing and I have a fabulous piece of software that will help you do just that. It is useful, therefore, to discuss and have ideas of what you like to do with your collection of photographs before your viewing.

What happens if one of the children is unwell?

You'll spend the day at home cuddling them! We'll rearrange the shoot. The last thing you want is a memory of how unwell they felt, and I don't want to make my job difficult! Spots, scratches and other blemishes however can be vanished away as required using the latest digital technology. It's not only the top models that get the benefit of 'airbrushing'!