Plan for your session

Here you'll find helpful tips on booking, choosing outfits, and getting ready for your session!

Is a mini session, half hour, or one hour session best for you?

Obviously, budget is something to consider here, and no matter how long of a session you end up booking, we will make the most of our time together! But there are a couple more factors to consider when choosing how long your session should be.

~ 15 minute mini-sessions are the most budget friendly option. You may think these short sessions are best for families with younger kids, but from my experience, it's the opposite. 15 minute sessions work best with kiddos who are a little older and ready to cooperate, so we can spend the full 15 minutes getting some posed and also some candid photos.

~ 30 minute sessions are perfect for families with younger kiddos. They may take a few minutes to warm up, then we can spend a few minutes doing posed photos with a couple different background options then the last few minutes once we may lose the kiddo's attention, we can just get photos of you guys playing together and candid shots. It's not rushed and really is a good fit for kids 1-6 years old.

~ One hour sessions are perfect for engagement sessions, maternity sessions, senior portraits, and families who are inviting their extended family to join them, so we can include multiple groups. We can usually focus more on candid photos with one hour sessions.

How to plan your outfits

Choosing what to wear for the whole family can be tricky, but there are a couple ways to simplify it!

First of all, consider if you will want to display your photos in your home. If so, try to choose colors that will compliment your home decor. If your living room has blues and grays, choose outfits in that color family.

Generally, lighter, neutral colors photograph better. Light colors like white, cream, light gray, and pastel or muted colors will reflect light really pretty and evenly on skin tones.

The rule of thumb on patterns is to choose one family member to wear a pattern. The other family members can bring out a pop of the same color and wear tone on tone texture or pattern like the Clark family in this photo. They have a pop of the same color, one plaid pattern, and then a tone on tone texture.

Stores & brands to check out for really photogenic options:

- Little Happy (local!)

- Rylee & Cru

- Altar'd State & Tullabee

- Baltic Born

- Joyfolie

(my personal favorite for women and girls dresses)

If you're stuck- send me pictures of your possible outfits and I'll help you!

Day of your session tips

Family photos can be stressful. Choosing outfits, getting everyone ready, last minute wardrobe malfunctions, will the weather cooperate... I get it! Here are just a few tips on alleviating some of those stressful things that may pop up.

Some of those stress factors, you can put on me! If the weather is too hot, too cold, too cloudy- we will reschedule. No problem, just reach out! I want you to be comfortable. I also have a couple of indoor venue options if you'd rather not play the weather game.

Choose your outfits for the whole family at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Lay the outfits out a couple nights before, go ahead and iron if necessary and address any loose buttons or stains then.

Start getting ready EARLY! And bring hairspray and a brush with you.

If you have little kiddos, wait until you get to the location to dress them. Arrive a few minutes early and change them in the car so they don't wrinkle or spill anything on their clothes.

If you plan on bringing treats to bribe them to smile (everyone does it, no shame!) keep in mind that things like m&ms, skittles and suckers can stain their teeth and tongue for a few minutes. Bring puffs or cheerios and save the "good stuff" for in the car after your session!

And yes, I can edit out snot and boogers but that is just really gross up close on my big computer... please bring wipes and tissues to your session! I really appreciate it! :)

**most importantly**

Please try to come to your session with the attitude of capturing memories with your family and not that everyone has to be picture perfect. Don't expect your kids to behave flawlessly- they won't and it's ok, I promise. Don't yell at them and then expect them to enjoy the time and smile genuinely. These photos when you look back at them years later should remind you of a sweet time together, not "that time we were all miserable but smiled anyway." I know that is easier said than done, and I will do everything on my end to make it a stress-free session, but come ready to have fun and enjoy your family!