Preparing for your Session

What should I wear? 

Whatever you want! I know, that's not helpful, but the truth is that your clothing choice depends on what you're envisioning for your photos. If you want relaxed photos, come in your favorite everyday outfit. More formal? Go for a new dress or coordinating outfits. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you love wearing! When coordinating your outfits, I recommend not all wearing the same thing, but instead choosing like colors and mixing it up. Wondering what colors to choose? Here are some ideas:

• Black is the most flattering color if you feel you are overweight. It hides a lot! 
• Match your eye color. You'd be surprised how much this can do for your eyes!
• Look around your house at where you would like to hang the photos, like your living room, and match the colors of your outfits to your decorations so that your photos will coordinate with your house. 
• When in doubt, neutral colors and earth tones always photograph well. 
• The color red is the most powerful color in photos. If you wear red or red accessories, your eyes will be drawn to those things instead of faces and expressions. However, I have done many beautiful holiday sessions with children and families wearing red, so this is not something to be overly-concerned about. When it comes down to it, you should just wear what you want! 
• Still want help? Check out my pin board on Pinterest for some ideas for family wardrobes. 
What should I bring to my family session? 
• Snacks for young children
• Your child's lovey or favorite stuffed animals/toys (go with it... it is something you will want to remember later! And can sometimes help keep them happy.)
• If yours is an outdoor session, please use bug spray. We may go into fields and areas that have ticks and mosquitos.

For more visual ideas check my pinterest board.

What can I do to ensure my family session goes well?

• The most important thing you can do is relax. Children will be stressed if you are stressed (even newborns can sense stress). We will have plenty of time to get great photos. Think of this as time you get to spend having fun family time.
• Be prepared to be a goofball. I love it when parents bring out their inner silly to help their children smile and laugh. Don't be surprised to find that I can get pretty silly and say silly things to get what I want out of a child. 
• Avoid the "cheese" word. Saying "cheese" makes an unnatural smile. I want to capture smiles that come from their core and radiate into their eyes. Don’t always call them to look to you. When I want them to look at the camera I will call their name. Otherwise, photos of them playing and interacting are amazing! We will get them. 
• Let me know what your children's favorite things are - toys, tv shows, hobbies, etc. I love to talk about these things with them during the session.
• Remember that our goal is not to capture perfection, but instead, a perfect representation of who your children are at this point in time. I want your photos to help you tell a story to your children years from now.

What should I bring to my family session? 

• Snacks for young children
• Your child's lovey or favorite stuffed animals/toys (go with it... it is something you will want to remember later! And can sometimes help keep them happy.)
• If yours is an outdoor session, please use bug spray. We may go into fields and areas that have ticks and mosquitos.