How do we prepare for our upcoming session?

I would love to share a few tricks and suggestions to help the session run smoothly! This post will help you with some of the questions you might have.

What do we wear? 

Here are my top suggestions for what to wear:

-Start with one outfit and add on/work from there. 

-Try to avoid mixing patterns, such as stripes and plaids.

-Try to stick to the Neutral/Pastel color palette, as they tend to photograph better

-Avoid neon colors.These colors often reflect onto your skin.

-Try to avoid clothing that have distractive wording or characters.

*MOST IMPORTANT*-Dress Comfortably. The session is laid back and it is important that you feel comfroatable. 

Do we have to wear matching clothes?

When you think of a family shoot, many think of everyone wearing the same exact color..Looks great right? Nope! Matching clothes can be quite overwhelming and everyone tends to blend in with one another when photographed.

I encourage the families to coordinate outfits. For example, choose a color shirt for mom that compliments with dad’s. instead, for example choosing a color shirt for mom that compliments with dads. Choose 2 or 3 colors that you think will work well together. This allows everyone to stand out instead of blending in with one another.

What if it rains?

I have a reliable app, called Dark Sky, that I use to track the weather up to the last minute. I usually wait until the morning of the session to call it off due to weather. For these unpredictable circumstances, I keep a few dates available to reschedule. 

Should we bring anything?

I encourage the moms and dads to bring the child’s favorite comfort toy or book. A photo shoot can be an overwhelming for a child and having an item from home helps make everyone feel more comfortable.. I often start off my sessions with the children and parents laying on a blanket together cuddling or reading a story, this allows everyone to be more comfortable just being themselves.

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Where should we have the session? 

Location is key to any successful family photo. The location should reflect a special place, or special feeling for each family member. Your favorite hiking trail is a great idea, unless you want your toddler daughter in a sundress and sandals, so consider your surroundings, and any obstacles that you may encounter getting to the beautiful destination setting.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching locations. I find that open spaces give opportunity for family members to be themselves, to dance, to explore, to be silly.

*Most important tip*

Be sure everyone is well rested and fed. We can all get a bit cranky when these basic needs are not met. It is important no one shows up to the session on an empty stomach. I encourage everyone has a substantial meal before the session to provide the energy to make it through a fun and potentially active session.

Lets not forget the photo session is meant to be fun! I love to see smiles, hear giggles and feel the love with one another. I encourage games, tickles and silliness…let’s plan to leave the serious faces at home because this photo session is about happiness!