Family Session Guide
what to expect, how to prepare, styling, and more... All in one place
Hi, friend! I am so honored that you've chosen me to be your photographer - Thank you!
This guide is to help you and your family be ready and equipped for an amazing session! As always, reach out with any questions, for help with styling, etc., I love getting to talk with you!
First Step...
Complete your questionnaire
I am not here to tell my own story about who I think your family is. I want to get to know your family. The answers you provide in your questionnaire help me to know what will be unique and meaningful as I tell your family's story.
To access your questionnaire, just click the "view project" button in your welcome email from me! You'll see it there in your client portal.
The Secret to Authentic Photos
Are you ready for a fun family day that captures the spirit of your family? So am I! But in order for that to happen, we have to work together. There are a few things you need to know ahead of time to ensure a fun and carefree session so be sure to get comfy and read this with all the adults who will be at your session.
I will start off by explaining that I will definitely give your family things to do, help with posing when needed, and direct you during part of the session. But I also like to step back and give families the space to be themselves! Yes, I can tell you to spin with your toddler and to turn in a specific direction because it will look better on camera... and I will do that. But you know the things that make your kids laugh.
You know about the special way that you hold your child every night when you say goodnight. There are certain things every family does that are special to them.
So please bring that to your session. Rub your baby's nose the way you always do while nursing, lay your head on your partner's shoulder as you would while waiting in a long line together. Or whatever it is that feels right to you. These things will help me to capture your story authentically and help you to see your true selves when you look back at the images.
Try and always be touching someone. Be affectionate, give hugs and kisses, caress faces, look into someone's eyes... any kind of connection will translate beautifully in your photos.
Talking to your kids ahead of time
I'm a huge fan of prepping kids ahead of time so that they know what to expect when they arrive to a new situation, so I will always encourage you talk through things with your children leading up to the session. Sprinkling comments like, "I am so excited for our family photos together this week" and, "You are going to look SO cute in your special picture clothes!" will do wonders, and then taking a bit of time to talk about the actual picture taking process can help too.
Here is an example of how to talk about this with your kids:
You can explain how Miss Susannah will have a big camera (you can make a pretend camera with your hands to demonstrate) and is going to take pictures for you to be able to print and hang on the wall or put in an album. (You can take them around your home to point out photos you already have to make the connection more tangible for littles.)
You can talk about how you're going to have fun, you're going to use good listening ears, you're going to snuggle, and you can even practice "picture smiles" (you can employ that pretend camera with your hands and make it a game for practicing their picture smiles.)
Now - By mentioning practicing picture smiles I want to make sure you don't feel like you need to over emphasize that! I don't actually want them looking at the camera all the time. We just want to help them feel comfortable with the concepts and ready and excited for the experience. (And some kids don't need that preparation at all, it is just an idea for if you know your child will feel nervous!)
Let kids be kids
This might be the most important part of having beautiful family photos. Let your kids be themselves! While it may seem obvious, it's not always easy. Here are some tips on how to help your kids have a great time at the session.
This is a no discipline zone. I know that sounds crazy... I am ALL about holding boundaries... but, during the session, try your very hardest not to get mad at or be stern with your child. Unless it's a safety issue, of course. This is so important, especially during the photo session.
You may feel like you need to make sure your kids are "being good" because I'm there, but I guarantee you that I don't care if they are being a little naughty or not holding still perfectly. I actually prefer it because that is usually when the real smiles will come out. If they want to talk about poop and farts or forget to use their manners, please just let it go for this one day. We want happy and natural smiles, and that isn't going to happen if they are getting in trouble.
No threatening to take away their electronic time, no sternly telling them to sit and listen. Please. I will help guide them into the things we are doing but if they aren't into it, we will just try something else. The goal is that the kids have fun and enjoy the experience!
Let's talk about parents' behavior...
Here's a fun little fact for you... 9 times out of 10 it's not the kids who mess up a great photo... it's the parents!
The kids are over there cracking up because little Timmy thought it would be funny to make fart sounds with his armpit. They look happy, they are having a great time. But then you look at the parents and what are they doing? Looking annoyed. Lol. Is that going to be a cute photo now? Probably not. So what can you do?
Look at your kids like they are doing the cutest thing EVER. I don't care if they are throwing your hair in your face or trying to hit dad on the head... it's all adorable, okay?
If you just pretend like everything they do is either hilarious or sweet, all of your photos will be great. It's a proven fact!🤪
Tips for Photo Day
Prep Clothing
Gather the outfits the day before, steam or iron them so they are ready to go.
Be Ahead of Schedule
Add an extra 30-60 minutes onto how long you think it will take to get ready. Plan to show up to the location at least 10 minutes early. Staying calm and happy is a big part of the day doing well so plan it all out ahead of time and have a buffer.
Eat First
Bring the family to the session with full bellies to ensure that no one is hangry. And don't forget to brush those teeth after the meal!
style and select
Online Styling Tool
Style & Select is an interactive & shoppable styling resource that shows you hundreds of photo worthy tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories pulled in from well known retailers to give clients, like you, an easier way to figure out what the wear. You can pick your favorites and shop from the emailed Style Board! My client closet items are located on the results page for you to select from, as well. If you have something you have found online or that you love in your own closet, feel free to upload an image into the custom upload button so you can see how it coordinates with the rest of the families selections.
Once you have selected your favorites, you can then email yourself the styling board and you will have links directly to the retailer for purchasing. I will receive a copy of your results so I can assist with any changes or offer advice.
Click below for instructions and to access the tool!
What to Wear
The clothing that you wear can be the difference between good photos and fantastic photos so I'm here to help you select amazing outfits for your family.
My advice is to start with one person's outfit. Choose the hardest person to dress first and then decide the rest of the outfits based on that.
For women and older girls, I personally love long, flowy dresses because of the movement it creates. But movement can be added with long dusters, too. For babies and smaller girls who will be held most of the session, a romper or something without a skirt is best. Skirts always get squished, anyway.
For boys, overalls, rompers, and suspenders are really cute. For older boys and men, I love Henleys, casual button-ups, sweaters... just stay away from hoodies, turtlenecks, polos, and dress shirts that look like they're about to head to the office.ve chosen.
Textures are your best friend. Rather than getting smooth fabrics, look for things with some texture because it photographs beautifully!
Stick to 1 pattern for a three-person family, 1-2 patterns for four people, 2-3 for 5 people, and so on. Or be unpredictable and stick to all solids, just be sure to get a lot of textured fabric to create interest. I love florals and stripes (just not thin and close together stripes, they create a weird effect in photos).
AVOID: Small patterns with contrasting colors. Patterns that are too trendy that they date your photos. Words, logos, and characters. Neon colors on anything, even the soles of shoes. Athletic shoes (but nice chucks are fine). Matching!
Online Retailer Suggestions:
Women + older girls: Joyfolie, Baltic Born, Pink Blush, Free People, Neuflora
Kids: H&M, Carters, Zara
Men: Asos, Banana Republic, Amazon
Choose a Color Pallette
love warm colors as they work best with my editing, so try to incorporate browns, rust, mustard, creams, or any warm colors into your outfits. You can use cool colors like blue, turquoise, teal, and green to balance out the warmth but use sparingly. And definitely add in tons of neutrals to keep a good balance of color. Examples of some neutrals are cream, gray, taupe, and tan. I don't recommend bright white (it tends to photograph blue), neon, bright blue/purple, or lots of black.
Remember to keep your location in mind when choosing colors. For example, if the location will have a lot of green, then try not to wear much green because you will blend right in.
If you will be hanging your photos in your home, make sure you choose colors that will look good in your space and not clash with your decor.
Here are some color palette ideas to help you!
Look in your own closet, use Style + Select, and feel free to use my Client Closet!
A curated collection of dresses and outfits