Branding, Engagements, MERGE, Portraits
Family Portraits — Let’s Be Real
The first question I always get: “What should we wear?” Here’s the lowdown:
Family portrait sessions can be a bit stressful, especially if you’ve got little ones or a big group. Trust me, as someone with four adult children, three grandkids, and a career as a professional photographer, I’ve seen it all. But don’t worry—I’m here to share my knowledge and help you prepare for a smooth, enjoyable session that results in beautiful photos you’ll love.
What to Wear?
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Gone are the days of matching outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that works well together. If you’re planning to display these portraits at home, consider your home’s color scheme. If your living room is decorated in warm, earthy tones, you might want to avoid colors like teal and purple.
- Start with Your Outfit: Pick something you feel amazing in. Your confidence will shine through in the photos. Once you’ve chosen your outfit, build everyone else’s looks around it, using complementary colors and styles. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress with pinks, purples, and greens, you could have one child in a green shirt and another in pink, while your partner wears a combination of those colors.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories like belts, necklaces, bow ties, and hats can add that finishing touch. Avoid anything too trendy that might date the photos—think timeless and classic.
Preparing for the Shoot
Preparation is key to a successful session. Here’s how to get ready:
- Hair and Makeup: Consider hiring a professional for hair and makeup. It can be a relaxing experience and ensures you’ll look your best. If you’re doing it yourself, go for a subtle, natural look. Don’t forget to use hairspray if you’re curling your hair, and bring along touch-up items like lipstick and a brush.
- Get Plenty of Rest: A good night’s sleep is essential, especially for the little ones. Well-rested kids are happier and more cooperative.
- Pack Essentials: If you’ve got young kids, bring along non-messy snacks, a favorite toy, or comfort item. It can make all the difference in keeping them happy and engaged.
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and everyone can relax before we start shooting.
Grooming Tips
- Men: A fresh haircut a couple of days before the shoot is ideal. If you shave, do it the morning of the shoot with a new razor to avoid irritation.
- Ladies: Keep your skin moisturized in the days leading up to the shoot, and make sure your nails are tidy. Avoid high-salt foods to reduce bloating, and check your undergarments with your outfit to ensure no straps or lines are visible.
Confidence is Key
The most important thing you can bring to your session is confidence. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little awkward in front of the camera. My job is to help you feel comfortable and guide you through poses so that you look your best.
Should You Bring Props?
Props can add a fun and personal touch to your photos. Whether it’s something as simple as a favorite blanket or something more creative like brightly colored balloons or umbrellas, props can make your session unique to you. If you’re not sure what to bring, think about what makes your family special.
Final Touches
- Teeth: If you want to whiten your smile, start treatments about 2-3 weeks before your session.
- Sunburns and Tan Lines: Avoid them! If you tan, do so at least a week before the shoot.
- Ironing: Iron your clothes the night before and hang them to avoid wrinkles.
After the Shoot
Once we’ve wrapped up the session, you can relax and look forward to seeing your beautifully edited photos. I’ll keep you updated on when they’ll be ready. In the meantime, treat yourself to something special—you’ve earned it!
I can’t wait to capture these moments for you! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. See you at the shoot!
MERGE, Portraits
Top Tips for Successful Holiday Mini Sessions
Welcome, to our guide on making family mini-sessions a blast! What is a better way to spread joy than through capturing and sharing family photos for the holidays?
In this post, we’ll share tips that not only capture beautiful moments of your family’s growth and changes. Let’s dive in!
CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU HAVE FUN WITH
When you choose a photographer that is joyful and positive, you (and your family) will have fun while taking photos and the photo session will be another memory for your family. When you’re having fun, there will be way more photos that you love.
KEEP IT PLAYFUL
I love to give families actions to take instead of freezing a pose and saying cheese. I love to capture candid moments of tickling, chasing, or making funny faces. These shots not only showcase genuine connections but also add a dash of humor to the mix and allow me to photograph the laughter that ensues after.
If your child(ren) is shy, you can always take photos with them in your arms until they warm up!
Wardrobe Coordination
Try to coordinate outfits without being too matchy-matchy. A color scheme or theme can tie everyone together visually. Bright, cheerful colors work wonderfully and don’t forget to consider the location’s backdrop.
I always advise moms to pick an outfit they feel beautiful in and choose the colors in that outfit to pick the rest of the family and kids.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Mini sessions are, by nature, shorter than full sessions. Clients should plan around the best time for their family (see the next tip).
Plan to arrive early so you don’t miss the start time for mini sessions and allow for parking or traffic.
Happy Tummies and Rested Kids
To ensure children have the best chance of enjoying the photo session, parents are encouraged to feed them beforehand. A full tummy equals a happy, cooperative kiddo. Additionally, picking a time right after a nap can make a world of difference. Rested children are more likely to be cheerful and engaged.
Have parents bring along non-messy snacks just in case little ones need a quick energy boost. It’s a lifesaver if they get hungry during the session.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Kids can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to have baby wipes on hand. They come in handy for wiping runny noses, cleaning up dirt on faces, or handling any unexpected messes during the shoot or the drive over.
It’s a great idea to include all essentials like wipes, tissues, a spare change of clothes, and non-messy snacks in your diaper bag or purse for the session.
Professional Hair and Makeup
If your budget permits, consider professional hair and makeup. When you look and feel beautiful, your confidents shines through and it’s such a nice way to include self-care. The key here is to keep it natural, enhancing their features without overpowering them.
I have amazing hair and makeup artists that I can share with you!
Have Fun
Know that kids will be kids. They can be unpredictable and a good photographer will work with them in a way that brings out their playful side to ensure we get photos for mom and dad.
So, relax and have fun. Kids will feel your stress so be prepared but know we will get the shot!
Summary
Family mini-sessions are all about capturing moments of joy, love, and togetherness. Mini sessions allow families to take photos every year to document that growth.
My clients find taking photos every year also includes a family tradition and will create memories all on their own.
FAMILY MINI-SESSIONS?
Looking to schedule Fall or Holiday Photos? I have one indoor session and several outdoor sessions scheduled through November.
You can also book a specific time and date for a full family session!
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MERGE, Portraits
Do you ever look back at old family photos and feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you? There’s something special about being able to relive memories through pictures. However, family photos are often taken only on special occasions, leaving gaps in the story of our lives.
That’s why it’s important to make family photography a priority throughout the year. In this article, we’ll explore why capturing memories through family photos is so valuable. From watching your family grow and change to preserving family history, you’ll learn the many reasons why taking photographs of your loved ones should be a regular occurrence. So grab your camera and get ready to make some memories!
Watching Your Family Grow and Change
As you continue to capture your family’s memories through photography, you’ll also have the opportunity to watch them grow and change over time. From the first steps of a toddler to the graduation of a high school senior, family photos can document the milestones and changes that occur throughout a person’s life.
Whether you display them in a photo album or hang them on your walls, these images allow you to see the growth and development of your family members over the years. And not only can you look back on these images with fondness, but they also provide a tangible way to see just how far you and your loved ones have come.
Reliving Special Moments
In addition to watching your family grow and change, family photos also provide a way for you to relive special moments. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family vacation, or just a fun day at the park, capturing these moments through photography allows you to revisit them anytime you want.
Looking at these images can transport you back in time and allow you to relive the joy and happiness you felt in that moment. You can share these memories with others, passing down stories and details that may have been forgotten.
Not only do family photos help you capture and relive special moments, they also become a way to preserve your family history. Family photos can document the traditions, experiences, and values that are important to your family. They can serve as a visual representation of your family’s unique story, allowing future generations to connect with and learn from their ancestors.
Preserving Family History
Family photos are more than just a way to capture and relive special moments, they also provide a means to preserve your family’s history. These images serve as a visual representation of your family’s traditions, experiences, and values, capturing the essence of your family’s unique story.
By prioritizing family photos, you are creating a legacy that will be cherished for years to come. And while digital photos are convenient, there’s something special about having tangible memories you can hold and pass down to future generations. With this in mind, let’s explore how you can create physical keepsakes that will help you further cherish the memories captured in your family photos.
The ultimate holiday express session experience
Family photo sessions just got a whole lot better! Our holiday express sessions offer 40 minutes of professional makeup and hair styling, sensory play for the kids, and 30 edited photos you’ll love. Book now!
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Creating Tangible Memories
By prioritizing family photos, you are not only capturing precious moments but also preserving your family’s history. While digital photos are convenient, there’s something special about having physical keepsakes that you can hold and pass down to future generations.
These tangible memories can be cherished for years to come and can help you further connect with the memories captured in your family photos. You can turn your photos into physical keepsakes by creating family albums, scrapbooks, or even printing them out and displaying them in your home.
By taking the time to create these physical mementos, you are creating a lasting legacy for your family. Making photography a priority is not just about capturing moments, it’s about creating a meaningful history that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Making Photography a Priority
By now, it’s clear that family photos are an essential part of documenting memories and creating tangible keepsakes. But how do you make photography a priority in your busy life? Here are a few tips to help you prioritize photography:
1. Schedule regular photo sessions: Whether it’s a professional photo shoot or a family outing with your camera, scheduling regular photo sessions can help you capture moments and memories as they happen. Plus, it gives you a fun activity to look forward to as a family.
2. Keep your camera handy: You never know when a special moment will happen, so keeping your camera or smartphone handy can help you capture those unexpected memories. Try to keep your camera within reach, so you’re always ready to snap a photo.
3. Involve your family: Making photography a priority isn’t just about taking photos of your family, but also involving them in the process. Encourage your family to take photos and document their own memories. Not only does this give you more perspectives, but it also helps teach your children the importance of capturing memories.
By making photography a priority, you can create a habit of capturing and documenting your family’s memories. It’s not just about taking photos, but also about creating a legacy that can be passed down for generations. With a little effort and commitment, you can create a meaningful history that will be cherished for years to come.
Summary
As we wrap up, it’s clear that family photography is more than just a one-and-done occasion. It’s an opportunity to watch your family grow and change before your eyes, relive special moments, preserve family history, and create tangible memories. By making photography a priority, you can capture those fleeting moments and hold onto them forever.
So grab your camera, snap away, and remember the words of photographer Aaron Siskind: “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
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