Preparing for your photo shoot
Thank you for your interest in a photography session with me. I look forward to our opportunity to collaborate on creating beautiful and timeless images for you. This page shares helpful information to help you prepare and know what to expect. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. I want you to know what is going on during this process.
For me, photography is a labor of love. And family portraits hold a very special place in my heart. It’s why I love capturing the unguarded, fleeting moments as well as the milestones that hold such special meaning for families.
I create timeless images that you will be proud to display in your home as happy reminders of moments you will cherish forever.
Planning for success with your personal consultation
Good planning is the best way to ensure a successful portrait session. I make it easy with a personal phone consultation. Our pre-session chat gives us a chance to get to know each other and to coordinate all the details for the timing and location of your photoshoot. It’s also an ideal time to discuss your specific goals, and how you plan to display and share your family portraits.
All Your Questions — Answered
I’m happy to offer expert guidance for the style of your shoot, what to wear, the ideal location, and the best ways to get the most from your beautiful new family portraits — everything from decorating your home with canvases, to the best options for framing, displaying and sharing your prints.
A fun-filled family portrait session
We’re going to have fun! My sessions are casual and relaxed. You and your family set the pace and tone.
During your shoot, I’ll combine gently posed shots along with capturing spontaneous, unguarded moments as they unfold — no forced smiles or awkward poses here. I also keep the goals we’ve agreed on during our pre-consult uppermost in mind.
The casual tone of my shoots allows everyone to be themselves in front of the camera. That’s when the magic happens.
Preparing For Your Session
• Avoid “the grumpies” by making sure your little ones are well-rested and fed before your session.
• Take any unease out of the session by talking to your kids about how much fun the session will be and that their “job” is simply to be themselves. Don’t make it a chore. Make it a fun event.
• Pack an emergency bag with drinks, snacks, wipes, favorite toys, and any needed props or clothing accessories.
• Work with your kids early on with wardrobe. Support their choices with latitude and gentle guidance to give them confidence, and to make the process more fun.
What to wear - Guidance to help you get your look
Start With Color
The easiest place to start wardrobe planning is with your color palette. Think coordinated, not “matched.” Begin by choosing a mix of complementary neutral colors, punctuated with pops of brighter accent color on individual clothing items and accessories. Or go for a range of shades within your chosen palette individually for each member of your family. Your goal is to create a pulled-together, coordinated look that’s natural without being overly “matchy” or “uniformed”.
Create Interest With Layers & Accessories
Using layers and accessories is a great way to add visual interest and create different “looks” for each family member during your session. Simply adding or removing items like sweaters, vests, or jackets can give you a quick “wardrobe change” between shots.
Carefully chosen accessories like scarves, statement jewelry, or a favorite hat are fun touches of personal style and personality, and they’re a great way to make individual family members the “star” of a particular group of poses.
Timeless, Not Trendy
While the latest fashion trends can be great for your day-to-day look, taking a more classic approach to your wardrobe choices is always best for portraits. Choosing your timeless favorites — pieces that rarely go out of style — will ensure your family portraits don’t have a dated look next season.
A step-by-step guide to booking your session
Before You Book — Let’s chat! A quick initial phone call is the best way to get to know each other, see if we’re a good fit, and go over any pre-booking questions about the portrait process, available dates, and locations.
My Portrait Agreement is a convenient online form that gathers basic information about you and your family. It also details my policies, fees, and other info.
Your Retainer Payment is a non-refundable fee that officially confirms your session reservation. I make it easy to pay online via credit/debit card or check.
Your Session Confirmation includes your payment receipt and a copy of your signed Portrait Agreement.
The Session
The Day of Your Session Is When The Fun Starts! I’ll initially get everyone comfortable with a few poses and shutter clicks, and then we let the session unfold.
I’m always mindful of the goals we set during our pre-session planning.
What to bring to your family session
If you are stumped on what to bring with you to your family photography session, do not stress! These are meant to be fun, and you get to spend quality time with your family. Thankfully, I am here to help!
Bring the snacks. In all seriousness, children will become fidgety and restless. A few tasty treats are jellybeans, cheese and crackers, Goldfish, dried fruit, and gummy bears. Do not bring messy foods such as chocolate or ice cream.
Have a few outfits to bring. You never know when someone will fall in the mud or grass and create a bad stain.
Bring a few props! And these props can include bubbles to blow, a soccer ball, or sparklers. Have some fun!
Bring a small blanket. If you want a few shots lying on the ground, this is a cute surface and allows a barrier of protection from the dirt.
As a photographer, it is my job to help you with your session; if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Together we will create delightful memories that you will have for a lifetime.
Six ways to pump up your kids for a family session
Photographing families is always a unique experience, given the fact each family is entirely different! Parents are typically cooperative, but the kids, on the other hand, well, that can be another story.
Here are fun and fool-proof ways to entertain your children and get them excited about your upcoming family photography session.
Let them choose their outfits! Sure, go ahead and give them a few to select from for obvious reasons. This allows them to have the freedom to pick what they want to wear. Ta-da! Watch how proud they are on session day.
Set an award following your session. Tell them afterward, that you will all go to the movie theater to see a new movie out and grab some popcorn and drinks.
Simply talk about it. Make it a privilege, not a hassle. If you amp them up and let them know how exciting these photo sessions are, they will show up more excited and ready to go.
Show them other family sessions. These could be famous people they see in their favorite shows or movies. They will want to follow in their footsteps.
Maybe they are caught up in the social media world. Let them know you plan on posting them on Facebook or Instagram. Have them check to see how many 'likes' they receive.
As a parent, ultimately, your attitude will carry over to your kids. Just show up smiling, happy, and ready to go. I am sure they will follow suit.