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Welcome!
I'm truly looking forward to spending time with you and your family. Creating special moments and documenting them with you is something I love doing. I wish to provide you with a relaxed, fun, and special session with me. Below is information to help you feel prepared for your photo shoot. Ready?
Your outdoor family session experience
Location
Your session will be held outdoors in a beautiful location with ample natural lighting so as to take your best photographs. I can suggest a few of my favorite places, or if you have any requests let me know, and together we’ll come up with the perfect location.
What is my session time?
For optimal lighting it is best to start 1 - 2 hours before sunset, as the angled light is perfect for gorgeous photos. We will work together to pick the best session time for you.
In the summer months when the sun sets so much later, it can be very helpful to have your kids nap a tad later to help them feel good and rested for your session. It's okay for the kids to have the wiggles beforehand as we will be moving around and playing while we take photos. Try to keep your day low-key and not rushed (if possible). Taking steps early on will help to ensure they have a great time!
What to Wear
Check out my What to Wear page for a few tips.
What will my session be like?
We'll meet up and I'll introduce myself and chat as we walk to our location. Generally we start with the traditional look-at-the-camera photos and then move into family interaction/lifestyle. We'll also move to a second area at our location for a variety of backgrounds and do the same thing there.
Your session will be fun, enjoyable and relaxed. We'll have laughter and silliness and an all-around good time while capturing special moments. I'll guide you through poses that promote interaction between family members so you'll know exactly what to do.
Unless you ask me not to, I also bring a goody box with little trinkets for kids to enjoy after the photo shoot. :)
What if my kid/s misbehave?
I will tell you now - this is a normal fear. You think "I just invested time and money in this photo shoot and I'm afraid my child is going to scream, throw a tantrum, not pay attention, etc and none of our pictures will turn out". Am I right?
Here are some tips. First of all, if your child isn't behaving the way you hoped it's okay. Take a deep breath and try not to resort to stressing out and yelling at your child as it often makes it worse during a photo shoot. I've worked with children my entire life, be it through babysitting, teaching, volunteering/working at schools, my own children, etc... I've seen a lot of chaos. My approach is to distract, deter, and engage in something fun or different. Together we can turn it into a positive experience.
In the end, kids will be who they are and how they feel. It's completely normal, and part of what we're trying to capture is authenticity. We don't want fake smiles. We want to see the natural interaction of your child with the rest of the family. Believe me -- you'll be pleasantly surprised at the photos you receive.
Other steps to help create an environment of success for your child. Let them know earlier in the day that you'll be doing something fun and taking pictures with a new friend (I find when they expect to see the 'picture lady' or whatever you would like to call me) they open up a bit easier. Bring a (clean!) snack and some water in case your child needs a break to relax. Some families will make a little event out of it and grab dessert or go to a playground afterwards for fun. The sky is the limit!
We're going to have a fantastic time together -- I can't wait to see you!
Your in-home newborn session experience
May I say, congratulations on the new addition to your family!
What a special and momentous time. There's nothing as amazing as bringing a new life into your home, even though sleep tends to go out the window. :) The purpose of this session together is to create photos that not only represent and capture this special time, but to provide you with that experience every time you look at them so as to remember what your heart was feeling during this new time together.
First: I will ask you which rooms get the best light in the morning and afternoon. (Note that the master bedroom or any room with a bed is ideal, but a family room with a cozy couch or chair will work just as well). The best start time to aim for is usually around 10:00 - 10:30am for the most ideal lighting. Photographing in a room that is well-lit by natural light is very important to create your beautiful photos. From there, we will then choose a time that works for you and your baby in relation to napping, feeding, etc.
Arriving: Please don’t worry about cleaning - we can easily clear a spot for the photo shoot. I’ve lived with a newborn and a toddler at the same time before, and I know how it goes with these little people! I can’t emphasize how important it is not to stress yourself out over anything. This session is meant to focus on the new life that's part of your family and your sweet connection together - not some baby clothes laying on the bed that we can easily bundle up and put elsewhere. I know it feels counter-intuitive, but I promise you, you'll feel much better without stressing yourself. :)
Baby: I don’t try to make babies sleep, be awake, or put in uncomfortable poses. I want these precious ones to be as natural and comfortable as possible. I suggest you put your baby in clothing you love. I can also take photos of your baby in only a diaper as well, and bare bottom if you like. Feel free to use any outfit/s you like. 1-3 is perfectly fine. I love to capture the sweet authenticity of a new life -- there's something so innocent and perfect about it.
+ Please gather favorite swaddle blankets. Let me know if there a special item you would like to show with your baby!
+ I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she would like about 15 minutes before my arrival. Never try to overfeed.
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Siblings: I always try to do sibling and family shots first, before the sibling loses interest in this new friend-with-a-camera that came into the house. Please prep them by telling them that someone is coming over to take pretty pictures. If the brother/sister(s) are older, they obviously understand this better. I won’t force the siblings to do what they don’t want to do, but I usually start with them holding the precious new baby, once we’ve done the family shot. If you’re uncomfortable with the sibling holding the baby alone due to age, a parent can cuddle in and help hold the baby. I also take a few shots of just the sibling/s as well.
Mom and Dad: I understand what a wonderful whirlwind your life is right now, having been there myself. Please don’t feel like you need to stress over anything. All you need to worry about is being comfortable (and perhaps showering) and leave the rest to me. :)
What to Wear: Whatever is comfortable! Mom, you get to wear what makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Whether that means a flowy dress, something sporty, leggings and a t-shirt, a pretty nightgown, sequins -- do what makes YOU happy. My only request is not to have the family wear the same solid color... such as everyone in solid black shirts. Also, neon shirts will turn your face the same color as the shirt. That doesn't translate into the best of photos. (Unless the focus is what's written on the clothing, such as "big brother" for example, then that's a different story).
Beyond that, go with what feels authentic for you and your family.
We aren’t here to capture perfect pictures, but the perfect connections within your family.
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