Sometimes the hardest part can be finding someone and committing and hiring them! At this point, you have now found me, and I am so excited to show you how to prepare for your photo session and then photograph your session! Now let’s get down to business! I’m going to walk you step by step through the entire process. This really is such an exciting time for you but also can feel stressful and overwhelming, so I want to help take this off your shoulders.
Here we go!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Nervousness: I know you are thinking that you are worried will everyones outfits look okay, will you look okay that day, will everyone be smiling and doing what they are supposed to do?? This is where I say trust the process and ME! I have done this so many times and I know exactly how to get the people in your session engaged and involved. The more we let our family feel our nerves, the more they will be nervous and potentially act out. I will help get their attention and keep them on track and make sure I get beautiful images while I am at it.
In general, try your best to treat it like any other time. That is the best way for me to get candid shots of your family. The more relaxed you are and the more you can be yourselves, the more you’ll love the photos. I will mix up posing and prompts, so don’t feel like you have to come with any of those ideas. I will be your idea factory that day so you can relax!
Fun: Do your very best to treat this as a fun activity. If we go into something stressed, others can feel it, so remember to have fun and just really lean into the session!
WHAT TO DO AHEAD OF TIME
Choose a location: I have a list of spots I love, but also am open to hearing if there is a spot you want! I am always open to doing the shoot at your home also if that is something important to you!
Pick a date: Do you want a fall session or summer session? Do you want to make sure you can have enough time to send cards/invitations out at a certain time. This will all be critical information to decide on, so that you have plenty of time to get the images back from me to use.
Pick a time: As a photographer, I will always recommend doing it at a time that is best for the light! Keep in mind how much time you will need to get everyone ready, get them to the location, and then give us at least an hour for your session!
Communicate: I will give you a beautiful session, but if there is something you are hoping for, please tell me so that I can make sure we achieve that for you!
Prep your outfits: Don’t wait til the day of your shoot to pick your looks! Start thinking now of coordinating outfits, get them ordered and planned, and then get them prepped for the session by ironing them or steaming them ahead of time!
Prep yourself and family: Make sure to get hair cuts a few days in advance and start practicing how you will do your hair or book an appointment to get your hair and makeup done! It’s a fun way to treat yourself also!
WHAT TO WEAR
What to wear and how to coordinate: The most important thing is to feel comfortable and happy in what you are wearing. If you feel beautiful it will shine through. Also think classic styling so that in years to come you love them just as much!
Be yourself: Don’t dress totally out of your normal style, find a style you love and know you will look back in and feel confident and happy!
Color: I always love more jewel tones or softer neutrals for your session! This is huge that everyone is in a similar color wheel so that everyone can coordinate color wise!
How to coordinate: Don’t match too closely so that it will all balance the photos. Go for complimentary colors, patterns so that it all flows nicely!
I have a whole post here dedicated to what to wear! Make sure to check that out!
This whole process can feel overwhelming but I promise you once you are there it will be amazing! I can’t wait to get to meet you and photograph your session!
