I often get inundated with family portraits just before Christmas, which is understandable, but not always ideal. Autumn is the best time to grab your camera, brush that unruly hair and get outside. The harsh summer sun has dipped just enough to give us soft hazy light and a warm afternoon glow. Your kids probably still have a sun-kissed complexion, from a summer spent on the beach, and hopefully an hours worth of co-operation!!

Early morning or late afternoon, are the best times to shoot portraits, but if the sun is still high then seek out some shade. My favourite spots would be a large tree, an old verandah, or inside near a window with plenty of natural light. I'm not a huge fan of dressing your children in all white or blue, however, soft colour are usually more flattering. Let them get messy and be themselves, you want to capture candid moments and not forced grimacing smiles.

As I often say, "it's the small moments that leave big impressions" so less direction and more observation.