Portrait Session Guide
I find that collaborating with my clients makes the most meaningful photos. The things that matter most to you is the most important thing to me. To make sure we make the most of our time together, feel free to share with me things that inspire you for your upcoming session. Things like activities, places or even songs that resonates with you and your family in this season in life. This will help me get to know you better and capture you in a way that’s true to you.
Posing and Interactions
My goal is to capture natural and real moments for you to look back on in the years to come. During your session, I will guide you through how to pose naturally while also allowing for spontaneous moments to happen. I will give you prompts to help bring out genuine expressions and emotions. Posed shots are so important, but there’s also something truly special about those candid moments. My hope is that you can truly be yourself in front of the camera!
Preparing Children
The following are just a few suggestions to make the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable for the kids.
Communicate in Advance. Talk to the kids about the upcoming photo session a few days in advance. Let them know how exciting it will be, and why it’s important to capture these special moments.
Keep it positive. Emphasize that it will be a fun and playful time where they can show off their personalities and secret talents to a photographer!
Practice practice practice. Encourage your kids to practice some simple poses or their smiles at home. Make it a game and have fun with it! This will help them feel more confident during the actual session. It’s also totally okay for them to not smile or look at the camera. Those candid photos of them will be just as memorable and truly special to have.
Dress them Comfortably. Choose outfits that your kids will feel good and comfortable in. Avoid scratchy fabrics or clothing that restricts movement. When kids are at ease in their clothes, it reflects in their expressions and body language.
Snacks and Breaks. Bring along some snacks or treats to keep their energy up during the session. Play it safe and avoid messy food. I will carve out a few minutes for them to rest, eat and play to keep them happy and full of energy.
Bring Familiar Items. If your kid has a favorite toy or blanket, consider bringing it along to help them feel relaxed. Note that these items may end up in some of the photos so pick an item or two that you wouldn’t mind being in the photos.
Be Patient and Flexible. Kids will have off-days or be a bit shy at first. Stay patient and give them time to warm up.
Clothing and Styling
Deciding what to wear for your session can be overwhelming, so I’m here to give some guidance and help you feel your best. The most important thing with outfits is to choose something that you feel confident and comfortable with over anything else. If you feel good and comfortable, that really shines through in the photos. If you’re open to change at the location, I recommend bringing a couple of outfit options with you. If that’s not an option, feel free to send me photos of the outfits you’re considering and I’ll be happy to give you some guidance.
Neutral outfits are always a great choice as they are timeless and don’t take the attention away. If you’re looking to add some color, it’s best to choose shades that complement your skin tone. Generally, I advise against wearing reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks, unless you have an olive or darker skin tone. It’s best to stick to pastel colors as they can add lightness to your photos. As for patterns, they can add a fun touch to your photos, but most often they can be distracting. I find that it’s best to stay away from patterns and incorporate textures like lace or linen instead.
Now let’s talk shoes. Since we’ll be doing a lot of walking during the session, I usually suggest avoiding heels. If you do prefer heels in some photos, I recommend bringing a pair of comfortable walking shoes as well.
Everything I mentioned is simply here to help give you some guidance. Feel free to express your own personal style and make choices that make you happy!
Pets
Before our session, it's a good idea to give your furry friend a little exercise – not too much, just enough to shake off some extra energy. A quick grooming session might be nice too, if they're up for it.
It’s also helpful to bring a friend to your session – it really does make things smoother to have another person that can keep your pet company when they’re not in some of the photos.
I hope this has been helpful.
If you have any questions, concerns, or if you just want to chat about any aspect of the upcoming session, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for you and your loved ones.
Looking forward to capturing some truly wonderful moments with your family!
