Session & Style Info
What to Expect
You want that Christmas card picture! We all do! Sessions usually begin with more structured posing in order to get that Christmas card shot the grandparents are expecting. As the session progresses, we will loosening up and allow for candid shots, eventually leading to “play/exploring” with your family. We know our littles and even teenagers can be unpredictable. I've found that everyone is more relaxed, has fun, and is less stressed when kids are given the freedom to wiggle and run.
Some children really love the camera and others might not want anything to do with me. Both are okay! Don't have the expectation of your kids putting on their best smiles and showing off for me. It's my job to draw them in and make them feel comfortable.
Tips for our session together
Prepare Your Spouse and Kids
Talk to your spouse and kids about our session. Let them know how things will go and that this will be a fun and engaging experience. Many times families show up stressed. You paid a lot of money on clothing and the photographer and you want everything to be perfect. Your husband wants the kids on their best behavior so that mom is happy. I can’t stress this enough- just come ready to play and love on your kids.
Have Fun
Our session is going to be fun. 99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot can feel a little awkward but you and your family will relax into it and feel confident. I will help you guys do this! I have many prompts up my sleeve to allow everyone to settle in and get comfortable in front of the camera.
My goal of every session is that you drive home with a full heart and a husband that now knows family photos really aren't that bad.
*I do ask that parents keep discipline to a minimum during our session. Redirecting and changing their focus is great for little ones. You are there to engage and interact with your family; to play/joke with them. We will be in a judgement free zone, remember I have my own kids, there isn't much I haven't seen.
Follow Your Child’s Lead
After we cycle through a few different prompts there will be room for you to interact on your own as a family. This is my favorite part of the shoot! This allows me to capture the candid moments and precious faces of your littles. When we let them "lead the session," kids will naturally be motivated to interact and allow me in their space.
If our session is on the river and your kiddo loves rocks, go rock hunting! If our sessions is in a forest setting and your kid is interested in bugs, look for bugs! Engage with your child in a real and natural way and I'll take care of getting the shots.
Bring water and snacks
I can't stress this enough! I know it seems like you'll be back in the car with your water and snacks in no time but I can't tell you how many times I've heard kids (and husbands) asking for water.
Bring snacks. There are a lot of variables in family shoots that are beyond our control. When photographing kids, I’ve learned quickly that every session is contingent on their mood. Snacks are an almost entirely failsafe mood booster for the little ones. Packing a stash of treats to bust out right when the kids need that slice of motivation buys us a lot of precious time and cooperation.
Bring a Towel and/or a Change of Clothes
Look, anything can happen and kids are unpredictable so its best to be prepared. I have had kiddos run into the water fully clothed. You may even decide to jump in! I would love it if you did. With outdoor sessions, its likely kids will get dirty so have an extra set of clothes for them to ride home in is a good idea.
Outfits and Styling Info
Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. Add having to dress a couple of kids and perhaps even your partner, and things can get a little complicated! Please reach out if you are unsure about colors or pieces to add to the family's wardrobe for our session! Here are some tips to get your started-
Comfort Over Fashion
The number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable and feeling good about yourself is everything! Keep your child's comfort in mind too. Is your little one uncomfortable in a stiff button down shirt or an itchy lace dress? Allow them to wear what they're comfortable in. Let your clothing reflect your personality.
Choose Your Staple Piece First
I recommend starting with one piece you love and building on that. This is typically mom's dress/outfit. Looking for beautiful flowy dresses? Check out stores like Joyfolie, Baltic Born, Free People, Anthropologie, Piper and Scoot, Three Bird Nest, and Amazon.
Wear Muted or Earth Tones
Muted tones and earthy colors look beautiful in outdoor photos. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t pull attention away from the main subjects (your faces!). Add in textured fabrics such as corduroy, lace, and knits .
For indoor sessions, I highly suggest light colors. Creams and whites are really stunning and help brighten up the space.
Don't Match, Coordinate
You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together, not by wearing the same color. I find that if everyone is wearing the same color, people tend to blend in together and there isn't much pop and life to the images.
Layer
One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but if it's comfortable, layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses.
Keep Make Up Natural
You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well for touch ups as there may be lots of smooches in store from your partner and little ones!
Stay Away From-
Multiple prints, logos, and bright colors as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you! I do recommend against wearing black, navy, and true red as they do not photograph well.
Styling Inspiration for Newborn Sessions
Styling Inspiration for In Home Family Sessions
Styling Inspiration for Outdoor Family Sessions
AFTER THE SESSION
Your gallery will be available within 2-3 weeks of our session date.
When the images are ready, you will receive an email with the link to your proof gallery and instructions on how to select your images. You also have the option of purchasing additional images or the entire gallery. Your final gallery will be available to you after you've made your selection and final payments have been processed.
After your final gallery is available, you will receive an email with a download PIN. This is required to download your images.
Once you're in your gallery you can download all the images. I suggest saving the images to two separate locations (including a cloud service) as I delete images after 1 year from session date.
You are also able to share the gallery with family and friends!
Another option you have is to order prints, canvases, and holiday cards directly from the Print Store. This is where you will use your print credit. All products are sent to trusted, professional printing companies and will be delivered directly from them to you.
I hope that won't be the end for us! I would love to continue documenting your family as it grows and as your kids get older. Returning families will always receive 10% off sessions.
Lastly, thank you for trusting me and welcoming me in to this special time in your life.