(Sometimes called a viewing session – but far more gentle than it sounds.)
This is the point where everything comes together, with clear guidance so decisions feel easy and confident.
If the phrase “viewing session” makes you feel uneasy, you’re not alone
For many mums, the words viewing session conjure up something uncomfortable – pressure, awkward decisions, or the feeling of being put on the spot. It’s one of those industry terms that doesn’t really reflect how the experience should feel.
That’s why I prefer to call this part of the journey a design consultation.
Because this isn’t about being shown images and expected to decide quickly. It’s about slowing things down, talking things through, and gently designing artwork that will live beautifully in your home – and make you feel proud every time you see it.
So, what is a design consultation?
Your design consultation is a relaxed, guided conversation that happens after your portraits are created.
Together, we look at the images and talk about:
- which ones feel most like your child or family
- how you want your home to feel when you walk into it
- where artwork might live, so it fits naturally into your space
You don’t need to know what you want in advance. Most parents don’t – and that’s completely okay.
My role is to guide, not push. To help you see what’s already there, rather than overwhelm you with options.
Why guidance matters at this stage
When you’re busy raising young children, decision-making fatigue is very real.
A design consultation removes that pressure. You’re not handed a list of products or left to figure it out alone. Instead, you’re supported step by step – with calm reassurance and practical help.
This is often the moment mums feel a surprising sense of relief. Not because they’ve made a purchase – but because something they’ve been meaning to do finally feels finished and cared for.
What it feels like (rather than what it looks like)
Most parents arrive a little unsure.
They leave feeling:
- calmer
- more confident in their choices
- proud that they followed their instinct to do this
- a sense of relief that everything they’ve been meaning to do is now complete.
That sense of relief often has less to do with choosing portraits and more to do with finishing something meaningful – a thought I explore further here.
There’s no rush. No pressure. No expectation to have all the answers.
Just space to pause and choose what will matter most to you in the years ahead.
Many parents find it helpful to know what to expect at each stage. If you’d like a gentle overview of how everything is planned and guided, you can read that here.
Design consultation vs “viewing session”
You may still see the phrase viewing session used elsewhere – including online searches – but here’s the difference:
- A viewing session suggests watching and deciding.
- A design consultation is about conversation, guidance, and care.
The outcome isn’t just selecting images. It’s creating finished artwork that belongs in your home and supports you emotionally, long after the busy days have passed.
A final thought
If you’ve been worrying about this part of the process, let this be your reassurance.
You won’t be rushed. You won’t be pressured. And you won’t be left alone to figure it out.
Your design consultation is simply a pause – one where everything comes together gently and thoughtfully.
Let’s create something that feels right every time you see it.
FAQ’s
For more general questions, the main FAQs may be helpful.
About the photographer: Sue works with parents who want to feel proud of the childhood they’re creating. Her child-led, connection-focused approach reveals the little expressions and moments that matter most.
If you’d like to explore what this could look like for your family, you can start the conversation here →
