how to prep
Family Lifestyle
LET'S GET YOU READY!
You Don't Know What to Wear to Your Photo Shoot?
Trying to figure out what to wear and how to combine textures, colors and even accessories for an entire family can be a bit overwhelming. Below are few tips and suggestions just to help you with the planning process of your family's wardrobe for that day, should you need it, along with a comprehensive checklist that will walk you through every step of the portrait process to help you feel confident and prepared for your session.
Most importantly, BE YOU! Your clothing choices should allow you to be yourself and reflect your family.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOUR SESSION:
1. Be mindful of your hair and nails before your session. I recommend having your roots touched up and avoiding chipped nail polish. These little touches make a big difference in ensuring your photos look polished and timeless.
2. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance. Don’t wait till the last day, trust me! You want to wake up feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out early. Feel free to text me photos of your wardrobe if you’re having a hard time choosing! I’m happy to help.
3. Brainstorm about specific props, mementos, or special types of images you want captured. Some families bring family heirloom quilts, a special stuffed animal, an embroidered keepsake, etc. Some clients know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have these sorts of preferences, be sure to brainstorm them in advance and let me know as well!
4. And of course, make sure everyone gets a great night’s sleep and eats a good meal beforehand.
HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR SESSION:
1. Obviously, dress for the weather! I’m sure this goes without saying :) We want everyone comfortable!
2. Don’t wear matching clothes— no more jeans-and-matching-shirts these days! Instead, wear colors in a complimentary color palette, such as pastels and neutrals.
3. No tennis shoes, T shirts, or slogan shirts!
4. Be careful about undergarments. While I am experienced at photoshop, editing out bra straps or undergarment lines is very time consuming. Choose a wardrobe that properly covers your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
5. If you're going to wear a dress, I recommend to wear medium-to-long dresses because they capture more movement and generally photograph more flatteringly. Rompers and jeans are great too! Short dresses will be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so plan accordingly.
6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. If your dress gets suddenly too short when you bend over, or your pants are too tight to sit down in, maybe opt for more breathable pieces. Be prepared to move!
7. Do opt for accessories! Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos, and really help the images stand apart.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION:
Moms are already super prepared, and you know your family better than anyone on Earth, so you probably have a whole host of tips and tricks for managing your little ones! But here’s a few things you might want to add to your list:
1. Any personal appearance touch-up items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
2. Bring plenty of snacks, and if necessary, treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued of the photo session before you pull out candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!)
3, Walkable shoes, if the session is taking place anywhere but your house. We will probably be walking short to moderate distances, possibly on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. depending on the location. Walkable shoes are a must! If you just love your heels, bring them to change into before we start shooting.
4. A change of clothes for the kiddos, in case anyone gets muddy or dirty. As a photographer, I love when kids interact fully with their surroundings, and I’m thrilled to photograph them playing or running through the grass. As a parent, you might not be too keen to let them back into your car, covered in mud. Feel free to bring a change of clothes or shoes. Maybe even a towel. You never know!!
5. A beer. Just kidding! (kind of!) But seriously, if a beer will loosen up hubby a bit beforehand, I totally support it :)
HOW TO POSE DURING YOUR SESSION:
I will go over all of this beforehand with you, but as a rough crash course, here’s some tips!
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No need to say ‘Cheese’! I’m chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions. No need to coax your children into fake smiles!
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On a related note, children around the ages of 6-10 will sometimes try to “cheese” in the photos, because that’s what they’ve been conditioned to do when they see a camera! Help me create more candid shots by interacting playfully with your children.
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Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how we’ll capture the REAL moments.
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Not everyone has to be looking at the camera. Actually, I usually encourage my gentlemen to NOT look at the camera. (they seem to prefer that, as well!) I like to especially encourage my dads to focus on their partners and their kids.
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When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly.
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Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. And don’t stress if any of the kids get fussy! As a mom of four kids (currently 19-27 yrs old) and as a photographer, I’ve seen it all before, trust me. Just snuggle your kiddos and we can still capture beautiful images :)
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Expect me to move you around to a half a dozen different spots to capture images. The more variety, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!
What to do AFTER your session:
After your session, your work is almost done! You can let your hair down, put your feet up, and relax a little bit. I will be spending the next few days working hard behind the scenes to finish your beautiful gallery.
Once your images are fully edited, you will receive an email with a link to your online gallery, and the PIN to download your images, and instructions to do so. You will receive a Print Release form to print from anywhere and everywhere.
Last step to complete your portrait experience: ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS! I am passionate about printed art because then you can see it and appreciate it in your home every single day. I can’t wait to help you create something beautiful, timeless, and meaningful, just for your unique family.
And that’s it!
Thank you for choosing me to be your trusted photographer. I can’t wait to love on your family and leave you with beautiful artwork you will love for decades to come.