How To Prepare For A Hong Kong City Shoot With Young Kids

As a family photographer, I don’t get stressed out by young kids. Whether they’re running wild or acting totally camera shy, the shoot is about capturing their unique personalities. 

As a mom, however, I also know the experience can be stressful for you - you’ve booked the shoot, carefully selected the outfits, and you really want those photos to be perfect. (And we also don’t want anyone getting lost in the city centre!).

So, here are my 4 tips on how to prepare your little ones for a hong kong city shoot.

TIP #1

Make sure they’re well fed. It’s difficult to calm hangry kids, so do your best to make sure they’ve eaten before the shoot, and bring snacks and water. If we need to take a short break for a quick bite or drink, we will! 

TIP #2

Take their routine into consideration. Scheduling a shoot during your toddler’s usual nap time is not a good idea, so let’s do our best to ensure they’re rested and relaxed before we begin.

TIP #3

Arrive early. Arriving before our meeting time gives your kids a chance to run around and let off steam. It also gives you time to relax so everyone’s in good spirits when we start.

TIP #4

Don’t have any expectations of specific shots. Forget those photos you saw on Pinterest and just let your kids be themselves. With smaller children, it’s best to let them run free and explore - these make for the best photos anyway!

Hong Kong is a magical city, and makes an incredible backdrop for any family photo shoot. As long as you prepare by keeping my 4 tips in mind, you’ll have the best time - I promise!

If you’d like to know more about my “Exploring Hong Kong” shoots, head here. I can’t wait to go on an adventure around the city with you.

A Hong Kong Beach Shoot: How To Choose The Best Outfits

Nothing beats a Hong Kong beach shoot. Picture it: a big sky sprawled over an ocean speckled with white foam, sand dotted with driftwood and seashells, greenery touching the water’s edge - all serving as a background to your beautiful family.

I, for one, am obsessed. 

With gentle hues of blue, white, grey and beige to play with, it’s fairly easy to choose the perfect outfits to wear that will work with your surroundings. But if you’re unsure of what to put on for the big day, don’t stress - I’ve got you covered. Here are my top tips for choosing the best outfits for your Hong Kong beach photo shoot. 

1 | Start with the boss lady’s outfit 

My best advice for mom is to choose a dress or skirt that you already love (for instant confidence!) that’s made from high-quality fabric. A floral or patterned print is an instant winner.

2 | Select 2-3 colours that will coordinate with the main outfit 

Try to select muted versions of the colours you want - anything that’s too bold can be distracting. For those that love pops of colour, though, DO IT. A beach shoot doesn’t need to be all whites and greys, it can also include some of your favourite summer colours. Just make sure your brights don’t also include bold patterns, and avoid colour clashing.

3 | Dress for the weather

We’ll be on the beach, so by all means dress in relaxed clothing and let’s have fun - but remember to bring a sweater in case the weather turns chilly. For a beach shoot, I tend to recommend going barefoot, but if you really want to wear something on your feet, a simple thong or sandal could work, too.

4 | Mix and match 

Choose outfits that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. Instead, focus on coordination. If you’re all wearing white, go for a mix of flowing and tight (but comfortable) dresses, linen shirts with rolled up sleeves, collared Polo shirts and the likes. If you’re going for a more colourful option, choose a maximum of 2 -3 colours and make sure you’re not all wearing the same ones - carefully combine with neutral tones. We want to see your personalities in the shoot, so make sure that whatever you choose to wear, you love. Comfort is key, too.

5 | Consider your home 

Where are you planning on putting your beach photos? If you’ve got a space in your home all ready for them, take a moment to consider the end result. Is your decor cool and minimalist? Warm and eclectic? Colourful? White? It’s important to make sure that what you’re wearing in your shoot reflects the story of your home. If you’re going to be making a book of your photos, do the same. What kind of story are you wanting to tell? 

6 | Say no to trends

This is a tip I give to all of my clients, whether we’re doing a beach shoot or not. You want your photos to last a lifetime, right? Right. So, it’s important to opt for a classic look. Something that you won’t look at in 10 years time and think, whaaaat was I thinking? Go for fitted, comfortable, and simple styles for the whole family

7 | Stay true to yourselves 

Remember, there’s so much beauty in your family’s authenticity, so above all, stay true to your little tribe’s vibe. Be confident in whatever you choose to wear - if you feel good, you’ll look good. The best part about having a photoshoot is the one-on-one time you get to share with your loved ones, so relax and enjoy it!

Are you feeling a little bit better about what to wear to your beach photo shoot? If yes, YAY. If not, let’s chat. I promise it’s not as daunting as you might think, and the resulting photos will be worth all the effort you put into choosing the best outfits for your day in front of the camera.

My Round-up Of 2021: Top Moments & Lessons

What a year! 2021 was both challenging and extremely rewarding for me. Despite the obstacles and uncertainties that we all faced (no doubt brought on by a global pandemic), I was still fortunate enough to do what I love every day - photograph beautiful families in this amazing city. 

Here’s my personal round-up of 2021, filled with the highlights and lessons I’ve learned throughout the year.

#1 MY FAVOURITE SHOOT OF 2021 

It’s almost impossible to choose a particular shoot (every newborn, mom-to-be, and family I’ve met are so individually special - how could I pick just one!), so I’d have to say my favourite project this year was doing school portraits. I loved meeting so many gorgeous children, and the opportunity to photograph them all in a natural, simple way that allowed their true personalities to shine through was very special.

#2 MY MOST VISITED SPOT IN HONG KONG FOR SHOOTS

Without a doubt, this would have to be the Star Ferry. I did more sessions around the city this year than ever before - sadly, this is also because a lot of the families I worked with were leaving Hong Kong. There’s no better way to say goodbye to the city than with an epic family shoot at all your favourite places, though ;) 

#3 TWO LESSONS I LEARNT IN 2021 

It wouldn’t have been a proper year of getting through a pandemic without learning a whole lot about myself and my business. Here are the two main takeaways I’m carrying with me into the new year:

1. That I can actually survive without multiple holidays (LOL). In all seriousness, though, I photographed 256 families this year (crazy!) which left very little time for taking time off. I'm tired, and if this year has taught me one thing, it’s that I definitely need to work on my work/life balance a bit more.

2. This year I updated my website and branding and it made me realise how important it is to have a strong, cohesive identity and presence for my business. I've never felt more inspired or more aligned with everything my business stands for. It feels so good to have a really clear vision to work with going forward - bring on 2022!

The last holiday we did - January 2020 in Siem Reap, for my birthday.

#4 WHAT I LOVED MOST ABOUT 2021 

Gosh, it would have to be every single family and child that I got to meet and have fun with. I really do get so excited for every photo session! 

I count myself lucky every time a family chooses me to document their precious memories, and I don't take that honour lightly. It is an absolute privilege. 

I go into every session wanting to make each family and child feel special because I always want them to leave my shoots feeling happy and totally in love with each other. When I get feedback on how happy I made them and how much they loved their time with me, it's just the best feeling EVER. 

#5 WHAT I’M MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022

 Bye bye, 2021. You were great, but I’m glad you’re over. Here’s what I can’t WAIT to do in 2022: 

1. Hire an assistant so I can take on more shoots (AND so that I have help with all the editing and back end work!)

2. Move homes! (Eeep!) After seven years in the tiny flat we moved into in, Simon and I (and our little clan, of course) are finally moving to a much bigger home - with gorgeous sea views! I’ll also have enough space for my own home studio, which is very exciting.

So, as I say goodbye to another year, I’m filled with so much gratitude for all my amazing clients. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you, to meet your families, and to capture life’s most precious moments. I hope 2022 is a wonderful year for you, and I really hope we get to work together soon. 

If you have any questions or you’d like to work with me in 2022 (yay!), please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

All my love,

Jenna

7 Ways To Boost Your Confidence During A Family Photoshoot

Everyone gets anxious about family photoshoots. Everyone. We’ve all got that one child that refuses to smile for the camera, a tummy roll that never fails to reveal itself, or a goofy husband that doesn’t take the shoot seriously (and irritates the living daylights out of you).

Trust me, I’ve seen it all. And I can’t stress this enough: You don’t need to worry. 

The most important thing is that you feel confident. And to ensure confidence, you just need to be prepared, feel relaxed, and have fun. Want to know how? Read my top 7 tips to boost your confidence during a family photoshoot! 

1 | Let’s Chat

It’s really important for us to all feel comfortable around each other, so before I get behind the lens, feel free to ask me any questions about your shoot. If your kids are currently obsessed with anything, afraid of something, need a little extra-special attention, or even if you have your own concerns, now’s the time to discuss it with me. 

2 | Keep It Comfy & Flattering

Wearing something you don’t feel comfortable in is a big no-no. But I know that you also want to look good, so a flattering outfit is key. To find the perfect balance between comfort and style can be a challenge for most of us, so make sure you check out my what to wear list, and you’ll get an idea of what works. Make outfit choices fun for the kids as well - if they're not happy in what they’re wearing, they won’t hide it as well as you can! 

3 | Be Yourselves 

Every family is unique, and that’s what I love the most about my job - capturing the beauty of these differences. Try not to ‘copy’ your favourite influencer’s latest family photoshoot style, and rather just be yourselves. You’ll find that you feel more confident, look better, and you’ll end up loving the photos a whole lot more. It’s important that you also let the kids be free and natural - they’ll feel more relaxed, and so will you. 

4 | Embrace Every Moment 

Regardless of what comes my way in a family photoshoot, I can work with it. So try not to be too anxious, stressed, or controlling. These shoots are meant to give you a couple of hours to spend time together as a family - laughing, playing and bonding (rare, right?). Embrace it, and you’ll find that everyone enjoys the process a whole lot more. 

5 | Connect With Your Loved Ones

Connection makes for the most beautiful photos. Focus on nothing other than your family and you’ll find that your time at the shoot (and your resulting photos) fall nothing short of spectacular. Put all your devices away, forget about all your deadlines and to-do lists, and just connect with the people that matter most to you. 

6 | Don’t Rush 

Make sure you’re prepared on the shoot day, so that no one is rushing around frantically trying to get ready. Wake up early, make the day fun (maybe some pancakes for breakfast?) and take it slow. Arriving flustered isn’t going to make anyone feel confident. 

7 | Fake It ‘Til You Make It  

A bit of a cliche, but so very true. If you’re feeling a bit nervous on the day, don’t let anyone get wind of it. Smile, relax and tell the kids how excited you are (repeatedly). The more confident you pretend to be, the more confident you will be. Trust the process, and have FUN. 

If you’re still struggling to feel confident for your family photoshoot, why don’t you pop me a message? I am always happy to chat!

How To Get Your Kids Excited About a Family Shoot

You’ve booked your family shoot date with me (yay!), you’ve submitted the pre-shoot questionnaire (well done!), and now - out of nowhere - you’ve got the jitters.

What will you wear? How should you stand? How will the kids respond? What if they turn into little demons on the big day? 

Family photoshoots are nerve-wracking, to say the least. But they really don’t need to be. My foolproof advice? Wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in, don’t even think about how you’re going to stand or smile, and follow these 5 tips to get the kids excited about a family shoot.

#1 Create a positive narrative around the date 

Positivity, positivity, positivity. As a parent, the best way to get kids excited about anything is for you to create a positive build-up around it. Talk about the family shoot with enthusiasm and tell them that they’re going to have a chance to play with each other all day (and YOU!). Ask them to add the date to the family calendar - adding stickers / doodles around it will make it seem extra-special and exciting. I also recommend giving them a heads up a week or two in advance - this gives them the chance to ask questions and time to understand what a photoshoot entails. 

#2 Let them have some choices 

Can you imagine anything worse than your partner/mother/bestie waking you up and telling you that you have to squeeze into your most hated outfit - only to go spend hours in front of a camera? I can’t. And we’re pretty sure your kids (if they’re anything like mine) will hate it too. So, take it from me: let your children help choose their outfits. I know, I know, you’ve got a Pinterest board of clothing in your head - but this makes them feel part of the process, and gives them a sense of control of the day. You don’t have to open their cupboard and let them choose anything (because we all know you will end up with the entire Frozen/Superman cast in your shoot, and possibly an extra character in mismatching stripes). Just give them 1-3 outfits to choose from - and preferably do it before the big day. 

#3 Be excited, naturally

Show them how excited you are. If you’re stressing about what you’re going to wear, or rushing everyone in the morning to get ready, they’ll feed off your energy and easily get cranky. If you’re relaxed and genuinely looking forward to the shoot, there’s a better chance of them doing the same. If you’re worried about feeling rushed, wake up a little earlier and get yourself ready before helping the rest of the family. 

#4 Throw parenting out the window (just this once) 

Make the day FUN. Stop being a parent for just a few hours, and enjoy spending time with your children. Wake them up with a big bear hug, play some music during breakfast, give them their favourite cereal, and come to the shoot ready for a day of bonding (because that’s what photoshoots are all about!). If you start the day trying to get them to eat a fruit salad, brushing their hair with a little too much vigour, or making sure they complete all of their chores before you leave, you might be asking too much of them. Take a break, mama, and just go with the flow. 

#5 Bribery

I’ve saved the best ‘til last. While I usually don’t promote bribery, I’ve gotta admit: it works. Before going down the road of offering presents, though (which can make kiddos anxious to finish the shoot so that they can claim their prize), try telling them that they can choose one of their favourite photos to be printed. You can explain that it will be framed and added to their room, to make it extra-special. In most cases, they’ll take their ‘modelling’ skills a little more seriously if they know they’re going to benefit, too. When all else fails, though, there’s nothing wrong with bringing a couple of treats to throw at them like puppies. 

I know how scary it can be when your kids play up, but take it from me, it happens. If, even after implementing the above 5 tips, your child is still not keen for the shoot, don’t fret. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to make sure that you’ll still get some great photos. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

A Hong Kong Photographer Story: Meet Jenna Louise Potter

Hi! I’m Jenna, and I’m so excited to get to know you and capture your family’s special moments. But, before I start snapping away (because once I get snapping, I get snapping), let me tell you a bit about myself. 

As you already know, I’m a photographer based in Hong Kong. I’ve been living in this beautiful city for over 10 years, and I love it. It’s the city where I met my husband, where I found my passion for photography, and where I’ve had the opportunity to work with the most incredible people in the world. I am so grateful that I found my way to this magical ‘little’ island.

To go back a bit further, I was born and spent my first 5 years of life in a tiny town called Vryburg  in South Africa. (That’s fray-berg, for my non-South-African readers). We then moved to Durban, which is where I went to school and made most of my favourite childhood memories. I was so blessed to come from a gigantic family (I have 36 first cousins, guys!), and have always valued family more than anything. This, mixed with my attention to detail and my ability to find joy in the small things, is what I believe makes my photography unique. 

Speaking of family, I’d love you to meet mine. I’m a wife to Simon and a mom to Flossie (6), Alfie (3) and Vivi (1). I’m also a dog-mom to our rescue, Pepper. We adopted her as a puppy before Floss was born, so you could say that Pepper was actually our first child ;) 

As for my hobbies? I’m a traveller, a (serious) coffee-lover, and a regular Hong-Kong-Saturday-bruncher. While I was a full-time nanny, I was dabbling in all of the above, as well as enjoying photography part-time. My photography business grew, and I was able to turn my passion into a full-time job.

With this big career (and life!) change, it was high time to refresh my business’s look and feel. I wanted my new branding to capture the energy of Hong Kong, the warmth of family love, and the bright, happy moments I’ve been privileged to witness along my photography journey so far. 

Kim of Ruby & Swallow really *got* my vision, and I’m so proud to finally share what we’ve been working on for the past couple of months. Feel free to browse around my new website, check out my Instagram profile, or - of course - contact me if you’re interested in a family or lifestyle photoshoot in Hong Kong. I’d love to get to know you next!