Family Portrait Prep & Style Guide
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming family portrait session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I honestly still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm so honored to help you create and capture memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've read through this guide you'll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I'll take care of the rest.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to incorporate your pets & how to manage them, and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
A Note About This Guide...
Welcome!
A Note to The Guys
I get it.
Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime.
And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. The most common thing I hear from guys before photos sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don't like taking photos or don't think they'll be good at it.
But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun.
I promise!
“Is there a good time to take photos?”
For your comfort and convenience, family sessions take place at my home studio or on-location at some of my favorite desert spots.
In my experience, one hour is the ideal time frame for a lifestyle family session. Studio sessions begin around 11am and outdoor locations around 1.5-2 hours before sunset.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a 10-15 minute buffer when arriving to the location before we start to do any last minute touch-ups, give the kiddos a snack, or just in case you run into any unexpected traffic. If we'll be doing your session at my home studio, this will also allow you extra time to get dressed. That way your session can start on time without the added stress of time and we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
** Maternity sessions are best photographed at the beginning of the third trimester when mama is between 28-34 weeks. This is typically when you'll still have some energy, your bump will be big enough to show off, and usually not super swollen at this point.
Time & Light
Our dog was a special part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take him/her somewhere else or bring them back home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet's favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.
Fur Babies
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera. I have a large selection of gowns in my Client Closet available for you to borrow at no extra cost!
But if you choose to purchase or rent your own dress, use these tips while shopping...
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors will compliment my style of photography. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright or bold colors - especially since these colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Moms
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Shop Döen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Coven & Co.
Revolve
Red Dress Boutique
Lulu's
H&M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Fillyboo
Gal Meets Glam
Moms
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own.
This is the time to treat yourself and have a chance to relax before your session. Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera.
I work with some of the best hair and makeup artists in the area, who would be so thrilled to get you glammed up for your session. They totally get my style and will treat you like the queen you are. If you need a list of referrals just let me know and I'll send you the list.
Moms
There will definitely be times during your session when we’re your hands will be in focus - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Have your fingernails, toenails, and cuticles clean and manicured with a pale pink or neutral polish.
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on you and your family!
Wear your wedding band and small earrings or a dainty necklace only, if desired.
Moms
Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.
A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley tee shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.
Dads
Dads
ASOS
J. Crew
Zara
Nordstrom
H&M
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Urban Outfitters
Suit Supply
In my experience, every woman—regardless of her shape—has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key.
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos.
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses may have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Flatter Your Features
Quick Tip: Wear bare feet for studio sessions
Don't forget a pedicure if you're going barefoot!
“What do I do with my hands?”
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing!
I’ll guide and coach you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural.
If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you smile or laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place.
I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy our time together!
Posing & Coaching
There’s no such thing as too much white.
Don't be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, or other very pale colors, will ensure that your images are in line with my bright and airy style. White, ivory, cream, and champagne complement all skin tones.
Yes, even if you don't have a tan! White clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the background or how much natural light we have!
Prepping Your Family
Quick Tip: Be sure that little girls wear matching bloomers under dresses.
Skirts, dresses, and rompers...oh, my!
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt.
One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Get ready for laughs and snuggles!!
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned.
Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
Snacks, treats, and lots of smiles!
Before your session, grab a little bag with non-messy snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. I also highly suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session (because we all know what happens when you take it away from them and they tend to be better listeners for me).
✓ Schedule date, time and location with me.
✓ Review Guide for style tips.
✓ Choose your outfits. If borrowing from my Client Closet, schedule an optional wardrobe appointment or let me know what colors, style, sizes you would like me to prepare.
✓ Schedule hair and makeup appointments.
✓ Things to have handy:
- Touch-up makeup
- Water for parents
- Snacks and water for little ones
✓ A close friend or family member to help with pets (if applicable).
✓ If you have a toddler or younger child, small eye-catching items to keep their attention, like toys or snacks.
✓ Get ready for an amazing experience and so many ways to enjoy your photographs even long after your session is over!
Family Portrait Checklist
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your family portrait experience something you'll look back fondly on for years and years.
It's not just about the photos for me. It's about the experience and the memories. I want your session to be a time when you are yourselves, have fun, laugh a lot, and let me take care of the rest!
One Final Note!
