Family Session Tips

Session Details

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First we will take some time to figure out the perfect location or setting for you and your family as well as the best date and time. Then we will discuss any vision you have for the session. If you like to browse Pinterest and find photos or ideas that really catch your eye, please feel free to email, text, or send them to me through Facebook so that it can help me dial down your vision. Be sure to fill out the Pre-Session Questionnaire before your session to help me learn more about you and  your expectations and preferences during this session. 

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Feeling Under the Weather

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If a family member is sick or not feeling well, please contact me to reschedule. I understand that sometimes people get sick and I want you to have the best session possible. If someone is not feeling well, it can affect how they’ll act in front of the camera. Also – no need to worry when your child gets a small scratch or blemish on their face a few days before the photo session. Minor re-touching is included in your pricing.

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What to Wear

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Clothing choices can be extremely important. I suggest clothing for each family member that complements one another and has the same tone, not necessarily color. Please be wary of stripes, plaid, words and logos on your family’s clothing. These things can be a distraction. And bare feet can be great for family sessions too!

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• Coordinate outfits: This doesn’t mean everyone has to match 100%. You want your outfits to complement each other by choosing colors that work well together. If everyone is wearing the same outfit, people could tend to blend in together and there wouldn’t be as much pop and life to the images.

• Use colors & patterns: Colors can bring your images to life. Be sure the colors you choose coordinate with each other. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject(s). Use patterns sparingly. Try to avoid putting multiple people in competing patterns. When thinking about texture, choose different ones such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logos, emblems, and graphics because they can be distracting.

• Be timeless: Pick outfits that are not considered too trendy, but can be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. For example: Jeans – they are a classic look and style, yet you can still incorporate your own style into the outfit with tops and accessories. Still be YOU – that is most important.

• Let your personalities shine: Try not to force children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them as it may cause some anxiety and stress, and in turn affect the ability to capture their personalities during the session. Same for adults. Wear clothing that you feel good in and the pictures will reflect those feelings. 

• Dress for the season & location: If it’s summer and you’re taking photos at the beach, it would look somewhat silly to be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket, right? Or if it’s winter and you’re wearing a bright colored, sleeveless sundress, it would seem a bit out of place. Dress the part and be aware of your location. Make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors and styles. 

• Layering: This may be more difficult in the summer months, but during all other seasons layer your outfits! It will provide more visual interest and allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses.

• Personalize it: Incorporate things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help show who you are. If your family likes to play music together, bring your instruments. If your family enjoys boating, you could plan your session on a boat, near a boat, or just near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is, and who your family is collectively.

• Keep makeup natural, but still have some on: You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will bring you to life in your photos.

• Outfit changes: If time allows it, bring another set of outfits for a little more variety in your shots.

• Shoes: Ladies – If you plan on wearing heals, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops to help you get from point A to point B without any pain – standing for a period of time can cause pain in uncomfortable shoes! If you plan on going barefoot in your session, it’s always a good idea to make sure your toes have either color or no color, not chipped fading color.