So you want to capture your beautiful family or child's milestone? Or even treat your self to some portraits of yourself on your own? I am here to help you through the entire process from styling your session to ordering your heirloom products. Below I have provided you with some valuable information to make your Portrait experience as stress free as possible.
What should our family wear to the Session?
Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. What do your dream family photos look like? If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images. If you would like access to some colour pallets please let me know and I can provide you with a link.
When is the best time of day to schedule a Family Session?
Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise. If this is a bad time for your children, we will discuss an alternative. Please don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot. No one wants to be 'Hangry' during their photo session (especially the little ones).
What if some family members do not want to cooperate or look at the camera?
The best photographs are often the ones where everyone is engaged or interacting with each other. Not every picture needs to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. If you are engaged as a family and loving on each other, your eyes will be on your family members and your smile with be natural. These are the images that you will cherish most because they show your families love and connection. Feel free to pick up your children and throw them in the air. Give your wife a kiss on the check. Tell your husband how much you love him and appreciate him for being there for your family. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow the me to capture the emotion and true personalities of your family.
DAD’S! Don't like the camera? I know that many dads aren’t a fan of the family photo session. Understand how important capturing your family is. These memories will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured long after you are gone and they are so important. Please, please, PLEASE dads… cheerfully participate in your family photo session. Once you see your amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.
PARENT’S! Yelling and demanding your young children to look at the camera to smile will only stress your children out (not to mention me!) and will result in strained, unnatural and often unflattering photographs. Step back, and allow me to naturally interact and talk with your children. This will result in natural, gorgeous smiles. Help me to capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily.
Do you offer Studio Family Sessions?
I do prefer to shoot families outdoors. Outdoor sessions are more versatile and gives the opportunity for the children to run around. If weather doesn't permit and we cannot schedule another outdoor session, then we can talk about indoor alternatives.
Should I have my hair and make up professionally done?
Mums are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. I always encourage mothers to have their hair and makeup professionally done. This will prepare mum for her pictures and when mum is feeling pretty and confident, this will reflect on the rest of the family as well. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door. I can provide you with a few recommendations.
Can we bring an activity or have a theme to incorporate into the Session?
Definitely!!! My most successful family sessions have incorporated an activity that the family loves to do together. This gives you something to do with your hands and feet, engages the little ones, and brings an authentic smile to your face. Do you love to read together? Bring some books. Love to play board games or cards? Plan to play a round of Uno or Monopoly during your family photo session. Other ideas include: football, piggy back rides, races, bike riding, hiking, singing, picnics, the ideas are endless. When families are engaged in doing something that they love together, I have the opportunity to take some beautiful and authentic photographs.
