Family

P r e - S e s s i o n T i p s & T r i c k s

If you’re not quite sure what to wear for your session…

don’t worry!

I got you!

  • Keep it simple:
    Neutrals and solids are always a beautiful, safe choice. Bright colors are not only harsh to the overall color palette, but the color will reflect back onto your skin and leave you with a funky tan you did not sign up for! Stick to earth tones, pastels or jewel tones that compliment your skin tone.

  • Be careful with patterns:
    A gentleman in flannel is handsome when paired with a simply dressed partner, but if she’s wearing stripes, it can look too busy. Especially for groups, keeping it to solids (or having only one or two people in subtle, delicate patterns such as florals) is going to give an easier on the eye result.

  • Coordinate with each other:
    Staying within a color palette of either similar hues or complimentary colors will create a beautiful, cohesive look to your photos!

  • Avoid logos & graphics:
    These can be distracting and take away from your photos. Keeping it simple will give you a timeless look!

  • Consider the location:
    Keep the location in mind when choosing your outfits; climate, colors and shoe choices should all be considerations.

Let your natural beauty shine through with simple attire and makeup, then you can’t go wrong!

Remember: the focus is YOU, not what you’re wearing!

S t y l i n g

Worried you’ll look awkward?

Not sure what to do with your hands?

I’m here to help!

P o s i n g

  • Practice beforehand:
    Stand in front of the mirror and practice your smile! Do you like to tilt your head to the side? Do you like to smile wide, showing off your teeth, or softly with your lips closed? You can also look back on favorite photos of yourself and notice what you like about them!

  • Get some inspo:
    Look online for some inspiration, and create a “shot list” of poses you want to make sure we capture!

  • Loosen up:
    You’ll look more comfortable if you’re, well, comfortable! Tension will translate through your body language, so try to relax and enjoy this time together! Posing only looks beautiful if it’s believable - if you feel awkward, you’ll look awkward! Take any posing directions as suggestions and make it your own! If you feel good, you’ll look good!

  • Now about those hands:
    For the gentlemen - if you’re ever unsure what to do with those hands, stick ‘em in your front pockets! It’ll look casual and purposeful.
    Ladies - play with your hair, put your hands in your front pockets, hold onto your partner’s arm!
    I will give you fun prompts and posing suggestions to guide you, but overall I just want you to be comfortable and have fun! Your joy will shine through in photos more than any specific posing instruction.

  • Kiddos:
    I try to get the true portraits done at the start of our session, while the youngsters are still clean and put together. Then I let the kiddos run and play, capturing moments and the love among the family. While the proper portraits are lovely and great for framed prints and family gifts, the favorites are often candid moments caught between laughs and giggles!

B o n u s T i p s!

  • For little ones: use a wet wipe to get any boogies or face messes before your session! Maybe keep a spare in your pocket for touch-ups.

  • Use a lint roller just before your session, especially if you have a dog or cat!

  • Bring a bag for everyone to store phones, keys, & wallets in so your pockets are empty and photo ready!

Overall, the most important thing is to have fun!

After all, the whole reason we are taking photos is to capture memories,

so enjoy the process and you’ll have memories to treasure forever.