Tips and What to Expect
The best advice I can give you is to make sure everyone is well rested, well fed and completely hydrated on the day of your photo session. Believe it or not, bad moods can show up in pictures!
The better you feel, the better you’ll look!!!!
Choosing a Location
Together we’ll choose the best location for your session based on the type of session it is; maternity, infant, baby, kids, family, engagement, bridal, etc. New and fun places are great, so let’s think of ways to show-off your personalities. Downtown/rural buildings, old doors, steps, gardens, parks, campus, coffee shops, and playgrounds make great backdrops. It’s most important that you are comfortable and having a good time. Let us know what’s on your mind!
If we have to shoot indoors (weather/newborns), it’s important to use as much natural light as possible. So, please send me a few photos of your rooms beforehand so we can be prepared (cellphone pics are fine). We want this session to be relaxed and personal, so to keep the focus on you don’t be surprised if we move furniture or decorations. (We’ll put everything back!)
Newborns and Babies
New babies are unpredictable so it is hard to know how they will be during the session, but don’t let this worry you. I understand it all too well and am extremely patient! I will work with your baby’s schedule to make sure your little one feels relaxed and content during the session. If you need to feed, cuddle or rock your baby, go ahead! Feel free to use any props you would like in the photos. Blankets, hats, headbands, buckets, baskets, fabric, rugs, etc. I would be happy to bring extra props to add to the variety. Newborn sessions are usually done between 5-10 days after birth in your home.
Toddlers and Older Children
Children sessions should be fun! Try not to stress about your child’s behavior or worry about them not smiling. I will do anything, including standing on my head, to get a laugh or crack a smile. It is all about fun and getting onto the child’s level-literally and figuratively. I strive to capture their unique personalities in the most natural setting possible. Feel free to bring a doll, colorful toy/stuffed animal, or hat/boots, whatever she/he’s attached to at the time. Props will also keep young children focused, happy and give them a sense of control if they can choose a special prop. Have fun and enjoy your session and your children will enjoy it too! Please make sure your child has gotten plenty of sleep the night before and has eaten prior to the session. (a well-rested and fed child will last a lot longer!)
Families & Couples
Have fun and make sure to laugh…a lot! We’ll get to know one another better prior to our session to ensure a relaxed, fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. I love to capture couples and families naturally interacting and enjoy each other’s company. If you need a break or the kids need a break, take one. You do not want to push the kids over the top! As for clothing, try to choose outfits that flow well together. We’ll work together to select the perfect combinations and make sure that you have enough options.
Maternity
An ideal time for a maternity session is 28-34 weeks. That way, you have that nice round baby bump without feeling too uncomfortable during your session. Tight solid tops are nice to show off your bump, but feel free to bring/wear a variety of styles because you will be glowing in anything you have on!
Clothing Suggestions
Textures, Colors, Personality and Layers
The camera loves bright, happy, youthful clothes. Polka dots, stripes, kid-prints, and fun fabrics with lots of texture like cottons, sweaters, knits, corduroy, and denim. Layering adds depth to an image so try sandwiching short-sleeves over long, or wearing a jacket or sweater, tights or leggings with a dress or skirt. A flowing dress or plain tee and jeans are also nice, simple.
Newborns & Babies
As Newborn Sessions are done in home, just pull out a few changes to have ready. Soft onesies or rompers work nicely but just a diaper w/cover is better. I’ll bring textured wraps and some other accessories to accentuate the main attraction, your beautiful new baby! Babies and toddlers look best in very little. For older babies, a few cute simple outfits, t-shirts or even a diaper with a simple cover works. Keep it comfortable and simple. Changing their clothing too often can spoil a good mood, so I’ll go with the flow.
Families and Groups
Coordinating, but NOT exactly matching. Everyone should be in the same style: all dressy or all casual. Stick with similar or complimentary color tones and fabrics. Moms should stand out (dresses/skirts or fashionable jeans, and heels). It’s important for kids to have at least one small part of their outfit reflect their personalities. Bring that item he’s attached to lately: a hat, or a fun dress/skirt, necklace, or cool shoes. Maybe your little guy insists on wearing a favorite hat or pair of boots nearly everyday; let him bring them along!
Couples
Couples grab a few different outfits coordinating styles and be sure to include a bit of your personalities. Bring a jeans outfit; girls wear colorful tops/jackets, guys with a complimenting color t-shirt or button-up. A dress for her, and dress pants w/button-up and tie for him. Boots, hats, jackets, jewelry, or shoes. Flare it up!