Preparing for your Family session

Family photos are a big deal, and I want to make sure you have the best experience. Here’s some helpful information to help you prepare for your session:

What to Wear

I want you to pick outfits that reflect your own style, while still picking pieces that are well-suited for photos.
It’s best to coordinate, rather than all matching.
The best advice I have on choosing outfits is to pick one piece for someone in the family and let that “inspire” the selections for everyone else.
There are so many colors and combinations that look great for photos that it’s hard to go too wrong. Avoid bright colors and neon, as they tend to appear unflattering in photographs (and can also make skin tones appear unflattering).
I do not recommend matching outfits. Different colors, patterns, and textures look best when you have a family grouping.
I would also avoid logos or graphics as they can be distracting.
It’s essential to try on everything before the session to ensure it fits well and is comfortable. Be sure you pick options that are easy to sit in and move around. Be sure anything you bring has been pressed or steamed. Wrinkly clothes are very noticeable in photos.
If you need help with outfit selection, I’m here to assist you. Feel free to text/email photos for input.
Your shoes will also be showing in many of the images, so be sure they are clean, in good shape, and coordinate well with your outfit. Some locations require a decent amount of walking, so be sure to consider this when selecting footwear.

Working with Kids

Be sure everyone (adults included) is fed and well-rested prior to the session. I realize this is easier said than done, but it’s a good goal!
Bring snacks and water, but avoid anything that may stain lips, teeth, or clothes.
Mention the session a few days in advance, but in a casual “we’re going to hang out at the park with our new friend, Allison” kind of way. We want them to view it as a fun event to look forward to.
While I’m certainly not opposed to bribery, I find it works best to avoid mentioning it from the start. Often, bribery is used to make a negative event seem more appealing, but we want kids to enter the session thinking of this as a fun and positive experience. If kids start to get tired, upset, or frustrated, it is often the time to bring in a surprise or treat.
During the session, I’m more than happy to take breaks as needed. The session is typically a mix of more traditional posing, playing, and having fun, along with more casual interactions. I will often ask for input from the kids and incorporate their ideas as well.
In any case, don’t stress. Kids are unpredictable, and while sometimes the whole session might feel a bit chaotic, my job is to find the amazing little moments between the chaos.
Don’t encourage the kids to say “cheese” or anything that forces a fake smile. We want to make them laugh, play, or be silly authentically.
Feel free to laugh, play, cuddle, and tickle. That produces some of the best moments!

What to Bring

Makeup for touch-ups, a brush, hairspray, a small mirror, and other essentials.
Anything you might want to incorporate into the photos (a special quilt, a favorite stuffed animal)
Snacks and water.
A favorite toy/animal that I might be able to “borrow” to keep the kids’ attention and make them laugh.
Spare outfits. Although rarely needed, I’ve seen blowouts from babies, kids falling in the mud, and ripped pants. It’s always good to have a backup option, especially when it comes to kids.

Rescheduling

Weather conditions play a big role in the success of a session. If it’s extremely hot, cold, windy, rainy, or overcast, we may need to consider rescheduling. If the weather is expected to be a significant factor in the day’s success, I recommend rescheduling the session for a new date.
In case of illness or injury, I always recommend rescheduling. We want everyone to be at their best.
I try to keep at least one day open per week specifically for rescheduling, so even if my schedule is completely full, I can typically find a new date within a few weeks. While it’s often inconvenient for everyone to try and reschedule, sometimes it’s best not to have a “make it work” moment.