Tips for your Family Session!
Just Relax and have fun!
Let’s just have fun together! Let’s face it, kids will be kids - babies will be babies! We’ll play, we’ll chase, we’ll snuggle, we’ll pick up sticks, we’ll do the airplane and be goofy together! This is real life and these will be the kinds of photographs you’ll remember and treasure.
What to wear:
A far as outfits go, the number one thing is to simply BE YOURSELF! You want to wear something that makes you feel good! If at any time you have questions or want help - just ask!
Compliment and Coordinate
Compliment each other! You want to coordinate your outfits, but not necessarily match. Although I have seen this done and done well, but it’s hard to do and they were mixing textures - so there are exceptions! The general rule of thumb is not to be too matchy matchy!
Pay attention not only to color but also look at patterns, textures, the flow of fabrics etc. Textured fabrics and layers photograph really well! Mix a solid with a texture or mix a neutral with a color. Smaller patterns are better and more flattering!
Keep in mind you’ll be taking photographs with different groupings so make sure those different groupings will look good together as well.
What to Avoid
Avoid clothes with characters, writing, large logos or super bright colors.
Keep in mind, colors can reflect color! A bright coral colored shirt can reflect a coral hue onto your faces causing the coloring to be off. For this reason I recommend wearing more toned down or muted colors.
Season, Weather and Location
Think about location! If you know we are photographing in the city avoid heavily patterned outfits as you may become lost in the business of the city-scape! If we are photographing in your home, cozy, relaxed every day outfits look best!
Think about the season and weather! If we are photographing in the winter - layer, layer, layer. Layers look SO much better than a big bulky coat while still keeping you warm! Or bring blankets to wrap up in! If we are photographing in the summer, something light and flowy works great. If it’s going to rain or possibly rain have fun with it! Clear umbrellas (I have these for you to borrow!) cute rain boots, neutral rain jackets are great options!
Accessories and Shoes
Keep it simple. Add in a bracelet, a fun bold ring, leather watch or a scarf! Bring a hat that can be added or taken out if you’d like! Accessories should be fun, but less is more.
As for shoes, I would avoid heels or running shoes. Wear comfy, but nice looking shoes because we’ll likely be walking a bit! Wedges over heels! Avoid workout shoes. If it’s winter time, wear wool socks and some cute boots! Those toes will get cold!
Be comfortable! You want to be able to move, snuggle, dance! You don’t want to feel restricted or not like yourself.
Ladies If you feel l like pampering yourself, definitely get your hair, make up and nails done, but don’t feel like you have to! If you do not have it done professionally, I recommend going slightly heavier on the make up because it really makes your face pop in photographs! If you are going to have painted nails try and paint them that day or the day before your session - chipped nail polish can be distracting or just go for the natural nail look without any polish! Keep your hair as natural as possible! You want to look like yourself! As for your skin, if you go tanning I don't recommend getting a spray tan the day before or overdoing it because it can cause unwanted lines and look dirty. We don’t want that! Plan ahead as much as possible!
Men Shy away from wearing tank tops and opened toed shoes. Be sure to shave your face before your session, unless your style is to rock that beard then I recommend giving yourself a trim!
How to make your session feel more personal!
These ideas can really make your session feel more like you and also simply make it more fun!
Incorporate some of your favorite food, activities or items.
Do you make pancakes every Sunday morning or a pizza and a movie on Friday nights?
Do you like hiking or biking together? Do you go on picnics? Do you play guitar or sing as a family? Do you like reading books?
Maybe you have a favorite blanket someone made for your family or of course, your pets!! Pets are always welcome in sessions!
Or incorporate your favorite or meaningful location
Maybe this is your home that you brought your babies home to! Does your family frequent the farmers market? Maybe its your family’s cabin or the park where you walk your dogs!
