Preparing for your photo session

You booked a photo session, now what?

I have been on the other side of this process, and I remember how stressful it can be.

Mom's are almost always the ones to book, plan and prep everyone in the family for a photo session. We find the photographer, plan and purchase all the outfits, and then comes day of.. we are STRESSED!

LET ME HELP!

I have tips & tricks to make the session run smoothly, and I am going to give you guys the tools to help you style a Pinterest worthy looking session, ya know... the session OF YOUR DREAMS! Once you have your session booked, date and location set, there are some things you will want to do. One of the most important it styling. We will figure out what styles fit your family best and the vision you wish for the end product. Colors of the location and what colors in a wardrobe will work to create magical images you will love.

STYLING. It is truly one of the most important aspects of the session. It can make or break a good image. If colors don't compliment one another, if the patterns are too busy, or the colors do not work with the location... it will drastically alter the final images. This is why I help every client with styling their session. I want my clients to express themselves, wear what you like and feels good! I want a mom to feel her most beautiful, the children to be comfortable and adorable. I'll search the web and stores with you, send you links if need be, and even help put together outfits with items from your closets.
DAY OF... so your session is here. You're busting your butt to get your kids showered and dressed, while staying happy. You're crossing your fingers and bargaining with your husband for some smiles and happy faces during the session. I do not want you to stress! This will be a FUN. Kids will be kids... and sometimes they need a break, change of scenery or activity. My style lends more to lifestyle, so allowing them to just BE, with gentle prompts and guiding to do things together, we can remain stress free and happy for our time together. Before we begin I always remind everyone that you DO NOT need to look at me, and I will prompt you to do so when it works. I work my tail off to make the session fun. I encourage play, laughter, snuggles and just an overall fun time together.
BRING SNACKS, this really only applies to those with small children. Keep them handy. They work for situations when children need a break and some sugar, and just something to look forward to. Make sure kiddos are fed prior to the session, and nothing is scheduled around nap or bedtime. We want to avoid sleepy, cranky children.
HAIR AND MAKE UP. Keep it simple. Natural make up, simple hair. Even for children, simple is best. And do not worry about hair getting messy, blowing in the wind or straggling hairs. Braids for little girls, ponytails, or a simply leave it down. Moms, hair down is usually your best option. Hats or accessories are always welcome and a fun addition.
NEWBORN SESSION PREP. Because my newborn sessions are lifestyle sessions, we work with whatever the day brings us. However there are steps mom and dad can take to make our time together run more smoothly.

Make sure baby is fed and changed! This is the absolute most important thing to do. If baby is cranky, it will throw off the entire session.
Make sure the temperature in the home is warm. This will help the babe stay sleepy.
I will bring along some wraps, posing tools and blankets for simple poses. But mom and dad should have a simple outfit planned out. A solid colored sleeper or simple onesie and pants, work best. A timeless, classic and comfortable look.
Mom, Dad, and family... dress comfortably. I cannot stress this enough. In home, lifestyle sessions are an intimate experience. The purpose is to capture the family in their home, safe place and "element". Styling is still important, but for these sessions we want everyone to be cozy, able to move freely and most important, cuddle! We do SO much cuddling during an in home session.
A clean home. Trust me, I get this is hard to accomplish with a brand new babe. But if you can, clean up rooms we will be photographing in. Move and clutter out of the way also. I will sometimes ask and move something during a session, usually because the light is perfect, I want to frame something differently or to capture a special moment from an easier perspective. Do not worry if your house is small, make it work! Cozy and intimate... that is what I strive for.

LASTLY....let's chat husbands! While a lot of focus during sessions that I do is on the mom, wife or woman... I cannot leave out the men. Guys, I truly want you to have fun during our time together. Whether the session is a family session, a newborn session, engagement, wedding or senior session... I ask that you trust me. I really just want us to have fun together, get some good laughs in, and document it. So, crack your best dad jokes, make fart noises, dance with your lady (and your daughters!), snuggle those babies and PLAY!! Chat with me! I LOVE getting to know my clients. If you want to chat about local breweries, family life, hobbies, music... sports even (though... I don't follow any, but I'll listen!). You are a crucial and important part of a session. Share dreams, jobs and goals with me. We may only spend an hour together, and many of you are only along to make your wife happy.. but trust me, these memories will live on long past the moment. Your children, families and loved ones will cherish seeing you in these photos and moments, together. Also, you don't HAVE to look at me (this takes so much pressure off ), so do not feel the need to always " look and smile!"... just be you. Oh... and take your wallet, phone and keys out of your pockets. Trust me... I can work magic in post production, but I can't fix that. Also.... lose the sunglasses.