How To Prepare For Your Family Photography Session

HOW TO PREPARE

Before you even start considering what to wear remember to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest before your session; if you are tired it will show. Also, make sure you are hydrated so drink lots of water in the days leading up to the session. On a similar note, avoid alcohol the day before the shoot; it tends to give you red, dry, puffy skin. As for makeup, keep it simple and if you choose to wear foundation make sure it matches your skin and don’t forget to blend it on the jawline. If you wear bronzer, use it sparingly. Moms, give yourself plenty of time to prepare on the day of, let dad get the kids bathed, fed and ready while you take a little extra time to prepare (it helps if all the outfits are laid out the day before the session). The more relaxed and pampered you feel the better the results. Mom’s mood dictates the tone of the entire session so come relaxed and everyone will be happy.

WHAT TO WEAR

Moms should pick their outfit first, ladies tend to care the most about how they look and are the most critical of themselves. You should choose clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in. It’s important to remember to wear clothes that will allow you to twist and bend. My sessions tend to be playful and involve a lot of movement and your clothes have to be able to move with you. I highly recommend flowing fabrics like dresses since they have more movement and are usually super flattering. Keep in mind that short dresses and tight pants can be challenging when we do seated and playful shots. Often people are discouraged from wearing patterns but I don’t want anyone to avoid wearing something they love and feel great in just because it has a slightly distracting pattern. Showing one’s personality through clothing and accessories definitely should outweigh going the more generic route. Do a Pinterest search to get some ideas if you are still stumped. On a separate note, wear comfortable shoes. I often have clients walk short distances on uneven and/or wet ground so if you have a favorite pair of shoes bring them along to slip on just before we start to shoot.

Once mom has her outfit selected use it to coordinate the rest of the family’s clothing. Find clothing in the same tones and complementary colors. Neutrals are always a good choice. Vibrant colors (think fuchsia) should be avoided near the face since they tend to throw off skin tones in images but don’t be afraid to add pops of color. Don’t wear overly matching clothes (leave the trend of everyone wearing white polos and khakis in the 90s). If you want to avoid fights with your kiddos about clothing I suggest choosing three complete outfits that you approve of and then present those great choices to your kids, they will love getting to “choose” their outfit and everyone ends up happy. The most important thing to consider is to dress for the weather, it will show if you’re uncomfortable. For the youngest kiddos bring a change of clothes, spit-up happens. If your children are still in diapers please bring a neutral or coordinating diaper cover and if your your kids are in dresses please put them in a neutral underwear cover. Lastly, I often shoot in areas that may have insects, if you are nervous about bugs please apply bug spray.

WHAT TO PACK

If anyone is tired or hungry it will show, please come to the session well rested and fed. If you bring snacks make sure they are not messy, avoid chocolate, suckers and crackers. I have found that gummies and cheese sticks are the best options. Do not tell kids that they will get rewarded with treats before the session. I only like to bring out treats in a last ditch effort because sometimes kids fixate on the treats and become even less cooperative. You know your kids so if you think it may be helpful to incentivize your crew with ice cream or some other activity after the session go ahead and do it! When you are packing the snacks don’t forget to throw in any touchup items (hair ties, brush, lipstick, change of clothes, etc.). Sometimes young children are nervous about the sessions so it can be helpful if they have something small to hold to reassure them, bonus points if it has sentimental value. Make sure all of these things are packed well in advance.

BEFORE THE SESSION

A stranger wearing a covid mask lugging around a bunch of gear can be quite intimidating for some kids. I will do my best to make them comfortable but it helps if you talk about the photo session in the days leading up to the shoot, don’t forget to emphasize the fun we are going to have (I promise it will be fun). The last few tips I have are for the parents, please remove any bulky items from your pockets (phone, keys, etc.) and when we are doing the formal posed portraits don’t look at your kids…the moment they finally look up and I can grab the shot I don’t want to be looking at the top of your head!

Please be on time for your session, timing is crucial especially during a mini-session. If you are late, that is time we can’t make up, deposits are non-refundable. 

DURING THE SESSION

I do not expect perfectly behaved children and you shouldn’t either. Parents have a tendency to want the ideal formal portrait of their crew and I will try to get that, but I don't want frustrations to bubble up when your little ones don’t cooperate. I will guide you into brief poses but I will also encourage play and movement. I discourage parents forcing kids to smile at the camera, I prefer to create natural smiles…no SAY CHEESE, please. Demanding your children to do something will stress everyone out and will result in terrible images. I have plenty of tricks to get kids to cooperate, please let me use them!

I will often ask my families to interact with each other and to avoid looking into the camera…often these are the favorite images from my sessions because they reflect families being themselves. Have fun, play with your kids and enjoy it. Embrace silly; tickle each other, twirl, laugh, sing, and make silly faces.  Embrace your sometimes-out-of-control children and let me show you how beautiful you are as a family.

AFTER THE SESSION

Once your images have been toned and corrected, typically within 2-4 weeks, you will receive an email with access to a password protected online gallery. I recommend using my lab for the finest quality products at a great value. I deliver high-quality prints, standouts, and canvases that are gorgeous and always true to color. These products are created using top of the line printing technology and materials that are designed to last for generations. Don’t let your images only exist on social media, make sure you display them in your home too!!