YOU’RE BOOKED! WELCOME!

You’ve chosen a date, and I am so excited to capture you and your family! Here is some valuable information you will need to know before your session with me.

 
 

WHEN AND WHERE? WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM OUR SESSION?

When? Just about all of my family sessions take place about an hour before the sun goes down…so different times depending on the season. I choose this time because the light is low in the sky, allowing me to have more control over shadows, leaving soft light behind. It just makes everyone look better, and who doesn’t want that?! I am open to morning sessions as well, if it works for both of us, but remember that the sun usually rises pretty early, so as long as everyone is willing to be up and at ‘em close to sunrise, we can do that too!

Location…always a top question.

  • I have a handful of wonderful locations where we can hold our sessions. Vineyards, forest, open field…it just depends on what you want.

  • Sometimes people want to have the session at their house their backyard…I am totally ok with that but do have a few suggestions if that is the route we choose. Having the session at your home may seem easier initially because you don’t have to load your whole crew in the car and schlep them up and down the valley, but in reality, especially if your kids are little, there are far more distractions at your own home than somewhere new! Toys on the back porch to play with! Rooms to run to when you’re feeling shy! Look at this game I haven’t touched in six months—-let’s play!! You name it, they will find it. If this sounds all too familiar…let’s choose a site away from your home.

What does a session look like with me?

  • Laid back and fun. We will usually start with some more traditional shots, and then move into playful, engaging poses.

  • Wiggly kids? We have them run and play. Shy ones that don’t want to leave mom or dad’s arms? Some of my favorite portraits of children are taken from this scenario. Sometimes it takes a while for everyone to warm up and that’s ok. It doesn’t matter to me if not everyone is smiling at the camera, or looking at me. What matters is that there is connection and love between the members of your group.

  • Never had your photo taken professionally? No worries. I will direct you, I will fix your hair, and most importantly I will make sure your arms don’t look weird or if the angle is giving double chins!

WHAT TO WEAR?

The dreaded question. What do I get everyone to wear that photographs well??

  • I always suggest sticking to neutral colors. No neon, no logos, no overly bright colors.

  • Not everyone needs to be matching, (I actually think it looks better if you don’t!) but if you can keep everyone wearing the same color “family”, it will create a smooth and cohesive look among the group.

  • If you look through my family portfolio HERE, you will see many examples of past family shoots that nailed the outfit game. They will help give you inspiration for your own photoshoot. I am always happy to look at outfit combos and offer my opinion!

  • While I think picking out curated outfits for the family is visually important for your photoshoot, I also believe in capturing YOUR family as you ARE. If one of your kids wears the same dang rain boots everyday, or has a favorite hat and you want to document it, bring them! I want you and your family to look at these images in the future and have them take you instantly back to that time in your life. The little things are important.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY KIDS?

Sometimes session times are a little later or earlier than is ideal, but I promise its worth it to set your kids and family up for success beforehand!

  • Have the photoshoot be the main event for that day! Especially when there are little ones involved, if they have already had a long day and then they have to focus and follow directions from a stranger…the wheels may fall off quickly.

  • Bring snacks! Everyone needs a break sometimes, and snacks are the perfect quick distraction, and also give them fuel to hold it together for another 15-20 minutes to finish out a session!

  • Make nap time a little later than normal. It will be worth a meltdown or two pre-nap versus during the session because they’re tapped out. If you know your child tends to take some time to wake up or wakes up from naps grumpy, allow time for them to wake up and have a snack before the session begins. If you think they will fall asleep in the car on the way to the session, plan to arrive early so they can wake up and walk around a little bit before we get rolling.

  • I truly believe that the energy of the adults present sets the tone for how the kids are going to feel about the photoshoot! If parents show up frazzled and anxious, chances are the kids will feel those feeling also. Moms, get dressed first so you aren’t running out the door with wet hair and half dressed! Leave your phone in the car, and it will be over before you know it!