session guide
Below I share some tips for before and during our session!
Choosing a Location
Together we will work to find the perfect location for the session you choose–new and fun places are awesome, and places that hold memories you (and all included) are wonderful! If you have a specific place in mind for your session, let me know what’s on your mind!
If we are photographing indoors, remember that we will need as much natural light as possible. Snap a few pictures and text them to me so I know what I will be working with beforehand. I want these sessions to be as relaxed and natural as possible, so don’t worry about moving anything–if I need to squeeze somewhere to get the perfect shot, I will always put what I move back!
Working with Children
These sessions should be fun! I love working with children–whether they are active, shy, or tend to be a ham in front of the camera, they are always a joy to photograph. These sessions are all about the child(ren), so let’s highly their unique personalities! Bring a doll, toy, blanket, outfit, or whatever the child is currently attached too–adding this special touch both soothes the child and provides for some wonderful photos.
I generally take the child’s lead, but I will definitely look to you if I need help. Please make sure that your child(ren) is well rested and fed before the session–a happy child lasts a lot longer! I like to take a few minutes before each session so we can warm-up to each other.
Please remember that your child’s safety is your responsibility and you should always be within arms reach. A parent must always be present during the session.
Hair, Make-up, and Nails
Hair and make-up should be kept natural, and remember to clean and trim everyone’s nails. And please don’t be offended if I ask your child to remove their bows, pony tails, or other hair accessories (sometimes they get in the way of a good shot).
Illness or Emergency
VERY IMPORTANT: If you, or someone else scheduled for the session, is ill or has experienced an emergency, I am happy to reschedule! Please do not cancel a session if this is the case–rescheduling is always the #1 option! If I am ill or have an emergency, I will work to reschedule sessions but I understand if you choose to cancel completely.
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Clothing Suggestions!
This is probably the BIGGEST question that photographer’s receive from clients–it is a great question, and it is a huge part of making your photos, and your experience, fun and amazing! It can be pretty difficult to come up with a good wardrobe choice for family photography–it can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be!
The days of everyone wearing the same colors and style (white shirt, blue jeans for example) are long gone! These sessions are about capturing your families unique personalities, and we want your clothing to reflect that!
1. PLAN IT OUT.
Think about the look and feel you want your portraits to convey. Do you want vintage, simple, or a more modern look? Do you want to be dressy or casual? I usually lean toward a more casual look, something comfortable but well fitting. Remember to take into consideration your families individual personalities when planning out the clothing for your session–think of who they are separately, and who you all are together. A good way to do this is to start with your outfit, and go from there. Take a moment to lay the outfits out as they will be worn, and snap some pictures! See what they look like, and if you can, send the snaps to your photographer and get their opinion. We are here to help you look your best and have fun during your session!
2. PICK A COLOR SCHEME.
Instead of matching your clothes and colors, coordinate them. Color Palettes or my favorite go to for coordinating colors–there are a lot of resources on the internet for color palettes, and looking at your home may also be an inspiration. Remember to also take the location of your session in consideration when choosing your color palette. My favorite website to get inspiration is design-seeds.com.
3. STEER CLEAR OF FLUORESCENT COLORS.
These colors are very harsh and can cast colors on your hair and skin. They are also rather unflattering, and can draw away from you and your family to where people will just focus on the clothing.
4. WEAR WHAT YOU FEEL GOOD IN!
This is for mum and dad, specifically! It will show in the pictures if you are uncomfortable in what you’re wearing. You know what you love to wear, and what you are comfortable in!
5. CLOTHES THAT FIT.
Baggy clothes are unflattering. I know how difficult it is to buy clothes that fit properly, especially for kids! Keep in mind that a baggy polo shirt or a dress that is a size too big for kiddos won’t photograph well and will look sloppy. Make the clothing looks almost tailored, for everyone in the session.
6. TEXTURES, LAYERS, AND PATTERNS.
Textures and layers add dimension to your photos. Boys could wear a plain tee under a cool plaid/checked shirt, and girls could wear a skirt and tights and a shirt. Adding sweaters and scarves, even a simple hair accessory, can also add a bit of lovely dimension! Limit busy and bold patterns, the simpler the better.
7. STAY AWAY FROM GRAPHICS.
In general, stay away from shirts that have bold graphics, brand names, and words. This can distract the photo from the true subject–you and your family! If you have any questions, always contact your photographer–if the kids want to wear their favorite Super Mario Bros. t-shirt or MLP dress, ask if there can be an outfit change just for them and a few photos taken at the end of your main session.
8. MINIMAL WARDROBE FOR NEWBORN SESSIONS.
My newborn sessions are lifestyle sessions–done in your home, I am there to capture natural interactions between you and baby. Keep your clothing very simple and neutral (solid colours, preferably grey, black, or white–if you want colour, choose muted tones). The focus of these sessions is the baby and your daily interactions with them. Wear what you would normally wear at home–any lifestyle session is meant to be as true to your day to day life as possible.
9. MAKEUP AND HAIR.
Please keep your make-up and hair simple and clean–your hair should be styled naturally. Avoid crazy hairstyles (unless that is part of who you are!) and make sure to get trims or cuts roughly a week before the session. Men should be clean shaven for session (unless their beard is part of who they are, of course!).
10. ENJOY THE MOMENTS.
The biggest thing about this session is showcasing your family, not the clothes or accessories. Yes, coordinating colours and styles is wonderful and helps to bring the entire session together, but in all reality, we need your smiles and your happiness to truly shine in the photos. Don’t stress, your photographer will capture you and your family regardless of all of this–following these tips, and any that your photographer gives you, just brings everything together nicely.
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Personality
Textures, patterns, bold colours, even prints! Grab everything you have and I will help you put outfits together. Layering adds dimension to the images, so think jackets/sweaters, short sleeves over a long sleeve shirt, tights or leggings, even a scarf–simple outfits are also wonderful, like a flowing dress or a plain tee and jeans. Always steer clear of logos and characters (this can always be discussed, please contact me with your ideas!)
Babies
Less is best–simple clothing, minimal patterns, even just a diaper cover are all options. Remember to keep them comfortable in their clothes.
Newborns
A loose fitting diaper and a cover is always preferred, but if you aren’t wanting to do pictures of a nearly naked baby (or even in the buff!) a few simple, unstained, and well fitting outfits are completely acceptable–remember to keep outfit changes to a minimum for newborns! My newborn sessions are lifestyle sessions, which means I work to capture the most natural interactions between everyone involved. Mum and Dad should wear simple clothing, nothing extravagant–grey, brown, black, or white are best.
Families
The days of matching shirts and pants are gone–you are much more unique than khakis and a t-shirt!
**Same style: all dressy or all casual.
**Complimentary or similar tones and colors: color palettes are a wonderful place to start looking for inspiration!
**Variation: this is key, we don’t want everyone in the same colored shirt!
Mum should stand out from the group, Dad should compliment her, and the kids should reflect their unique style (at least one item of their outfit).
Couples
This is about you two, together! Shirts should complement each other in colour and style. Remember to keep it in the same style. Bring a few outfits for possible changes during the session–jeans and dressy are the most often chosen (a dress and a pair of slacks and button up). Shoes, jackets, accessories, and even hats can add a bit of your personalities to this session.
Seniors(Grads)
We are showcasing you and your personality. Choose clothing that reflects your unique style–grab a few different outfits for your session, and make sure they reflect your different sides-! Don’t forget about hats, shoes, and accessories. Remember to bring a few things that mean something to you, and are a part of who you are: if you play an instrument, bring it; if you play a sport, let’s showcase it; bring what makes you unique!
For Newborn Sessions
Babies up to 2 weeks old are preferred, but up to 5 weeks old is acceptable.
**Turning up the heat or turning off the A/C to keep the home warm during the session is recommended, because baby is accustomed to the warmth of the womb. This will help make baby happy and comfortable.
**It is best to limit clothing changes to once, or twice, during the session. Any clothing should be clean and stain free. Most of the time, having baby in a loose diaper (to avoid those pesky lines) and a simple diaper cover or blanket is best for these sessions.
**Please, feed your baby until he/she is good and full. You will likely need to feed baby during the session, which will give me a chance to photograph the room and special items. Don’t be too concerned about a specific schedule–during these sessions, I work around the baby and his/her needs. I am happy to give you, and/or baby, a moment so the baby is calmed.
Because these sessions are done in your home, please send me pictures of the main rooms you want to focus on–cellphone pictures are fine, and you can always text them to me! We will need as much natural light as possible so I may end up opening curtains. Also, don’t be worried if I move things around, I will always put them back!
Please, let me know if you have any suggestions about props, settings, or poses you want to have done!