YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WALKING INTO YOUR FAMILY SESSION FEELING PREPARED, RELAXED, AND COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. INSIDE, YOU'LL FIND OUR GOALS FOR THE DAY, WHAT TO EXPECT, HOW TO GET READY, AND HOW WE'LL CAPTURE THIS CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE IN A WAY THAT FEELS TRUE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. USE THESE TIPS TO SHOW UP CONFIDENT AND AT EASE, START TO FINISH.
My goal
The goal of your session is to capture you and your family at this unique point in time.
In 2, 5, 10, 20 years, I want you to be looking back at these photos and remembering how it felt. That means we'll take a less posed approach, and focus more on documentary-style captures.
Instead of having photos that show your family doing something you never do, like getting in to contrived positions and smiling stiffly at the camera, your photos will show your beautiful every day life.
Looking back at your photos in 2 years:
"Remember how we'd pile on to the couch together every Sunday morning when you were this little?"
- You
in-home session prep tips
- Tidy up, but don't worry about a deep clean.
- Think of your home as another family member in your photos, we want its character to be represented accurately.
- Shooting documentary-style means capturing your normal day, so think about what spaces we'll be in: Making breakfast and dancing in the kitchen, playing with your toddler in the living room, snuggling together for an afternoon nap in the bedroom.
Looking back at your photos in 5 years:
"Remember how the playroom never stayed this tidy longer than 5 minutes?"
- You
What to wear
Comfy comfy comfy!
- Dressing in your comfy clothes isn't only for the cozy vibes, it's for practicality's sake. You're going to be more active than you think. Your fancy blouse looks amazing while you're standing still in one spot, but how will it work when you roll around with the tickle monster, or when lying down on the couch with an arm above your head?
- When thinking about what to wear, imagine how often you'll be pulling and adjusting your clothing. If you're constantly worrying about how your clothes are looking on your body, that discomfort will show on your face.
- When in doubt, wear what you feel most comfortable in, and generally, comfy = loose.
- Remember, it's about having images that will represent you at this time in your life. So when you look back in 5 years, seeing you in your favourite cozy-falling-apart cardigan is going to feel more special than that new chic top that you only took out of the closet twice.
Colours
- Earth tones and neutrals will work best. Avoid logos, loud patterns and prints, and bright colours. That being said - you do you! Do you have a favourite plaid sweater that you always wear during your pregnancy? Bring it!
- For kids: avoid logos and character themed clothing. If they insist on having some photos dressed as Spiderman and it'll keep them happy throughout the session, great! But make sure we also having some more neutral options that won't be distracting in the images.
Planning Outfits
- Don't go too matchy matchy with your family. Wear what you'd wear on a normal chill day together. Are you all wearing matching white t-shirts and jeans when you're having out together? Probably not.
- If we're going outside, consider the weather (maybe have an umbrella ready). And don't wear sunglasses.
- Don't forget to do laundry and try on the outfits before the day of your session.
Looking back at your photos in 10 years:
"You were obsessed with those oversized rain boots that year, you could barely walk in them but you wouldn't take them off!"
- You
Hair & Makeup
- Please go light on the makeup. Makeup trends come and go (I too, was a victim of 2016 eyebrows), but you're never going to regret having a more natural looking face, where you might regret having a very heavy makeup look.
- Same goes for your hair, there's no need to spend hours styling your hair to perfection. Your clean, every day hairstyle will keep you most comfortable.
- Be careful about getting your hair cut or coloured the day before! It's best to do this a couple weeks ahead of the session if you'd like.
Looking back at your photos in 20 years:
"We may not have felt it at the time, but we were so young!"
- You
Other get ready tips
Music
- Do you want to listen to music during the session? I'll bring my speaker and music that's ready to go, but think of what kind of music will match the vibe you're going for, and maybe put together a playlist! If we'll have kids in the photos, capturing their dance moves at this age is important!
Food
- On the day of your session, avoid heavy foods that will make you feel lethargic or bloated.
- If your kids are joining, make sure they're as well fed and rested as they can be.
Kids
- Make sure your kids know about the session days in advance. It's best not to surprise them with it, and we want them to get excited about it!
- Reassure them it won't be like picture day at school; they'll still get to play and be silly, l'll just be there with my camera.
Have at Hand
- Water
- No-mess treats (avoiding gummies, chocolate, crumbly cookies)
- Hairbrush
- Change of clothes
- Comfy shoes if we're heading outside
Nervous about being in front of the camera?
- If there's anything you're particularly self conscious about, please let me know. I will shoot and edit with this in mind. However, l also want to challenge your perceptions of your body, and embrace what you see as flaws, which are beautiful.
- The gap in your teeth, your witch's nose, your double chin when you giggle, are all amazing features.
- I want you to look back on photos of yourself fondly, and love and appreciate your looks at this time in your life. It's cliché but it's true: your imperfections make you unique.
Remember these words from Moira Rose:
"One day you will look at those photos with much kinder eyes and say,
'Dear God I was a beautiful thing'."
Got MORe Questions?
Anything not answered in this guide?
Shoot me a quick email!
