Here you will find everything you need to know from picking the perfect location to how the session is going to play out! Please read this all through when you first receive it and a day or two before your shoot! The more prepared you are, the better this session is going to be! And prepare to have a lot of fun, and to make fun.

My goal for your session is creating beautiful images that you will look back on and love. In doing this I spend hours prepping for your session to ensure everything runs smooth and you are at ease.

This prep guide is another step I take in preparing you for your session to help ensure that your images not only capture you in this moment, but also convey your story authentically.

In this guide I will cover; communication, what to wear, posing tips, what to bring, what I bring, what to expect during your session and how I select and edit your final images.

First it is very important to communicate your vision for your images. Do you want images taken at golden hour to give your photos that honey look? Is there a pose you want incorporated during your session? Do you have something sentimental you want to bring to your session? There are never too many details you can share with me to help me have a clear understanding of your vision.

The first thing to remember when it comes to picking a location for your family session is figuring out the vibe you want. Do you want to go on an adventure or have a quiet snuggle session at home? Do you want to splash around at the beach or Lay in the fields. When you know the vibe and style you want, that makes it easier to narrow down your location choices.

My advice to you is pick something you like the look and feel of and that you will enjoy. The more excited you are by their surroundings, the happier you will be. If you don’t particularly Always need to be getting wet, then maybe the River/Water isn’t the right place for you.

If you are booking an in-home session, here are a few tips:

1. Pay attention to the light in your home right after booking, that way we can find the best time of day to shoot.
2. Have your house cleaned. This may seem a little daunting, but it will be less chaotic if your whole house is at least tidied, and that also means that there won’t be piles of laundry in the background… unless you want that! You could even fold your laundry as a part of the shoot! Real life right?!
3. Make sure your kids know well ahead of time that this is happening. Even letting them lead me through their house and showing me their favorite spots helps them feel in control and like they aren’t being forced into pictures.

If you are booking to do a in studio session, here are a few tips:

1. I want to see inspiration images of the look you want to go for.
2. Always either do your hair and make up as well as nails
3. think about wall art! What do you want to see on your wall
4. if your husband or partner is joining, please make sure there outfit is to match yours!

Leave the lighting to me. Almost any place you pick, I will be able to work with. Once we have chosen your location, let me know and then I will help you determine the best time to go so that we can get the best lighting for you (I always shoot around sunset)! Just remember that your location will affect how the light looks. If you want pictures that are brighter with lots of natural light but you picked a movie theater (which is a great choice!) your pictures will be darker and moodier. So just keep that in mind.

If you are still stuck and have no idea what you want then that’s where I come in. As long as you know what kind of vibe you want for your session, I can help you find a place that is perfect for both of you! You are definitely not alone!

What to Wear

This is a question that is asked frequently. For this reason I offer a client closet. I have an assortment of maternity dresses for all shapes and sizes. If you choose a piece from my client closet, Let me know As soon as possible- I always have them cleaned and ready for you the day of your session.

If you have choosing to wear something from your closet you will be responsible for bringing your dress and making sure it is picture day ready.

I will help you stylize your session from choosing your wardrobe and accessories to adding props and even fresh flowers.

Depending on the type of dress your choose to wear you may want to wear nude colored underwear or/a strapless bra. If your strapless bra is not giving you the support you need that ok, I can edit out bra straps if needed.

Do you know about our Client Closet Trade in program?

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If you have little ones and or spouse refer to my Family session guide for good tips for them!

Family session prepguide

Pamper Yourself

There are a few thing your can do to prepare yourself to look your best for you session. I Always highly suggest getting your hair and make up Done for in studio sessions or even outdoors. I can always help with any MUA as needed.

You have so must on your mind and I strive to offer you a stress free session, hiring a hair and make up artist is a great way to show self love and pamper yourself for you special day. I only recommend the best in the area!

While we are talking about papering let’s take a moment to talk about hands and feet, these will show in almost all your photos. Feel free to take this opportunity to treat yourself to a mani and pedi. Neutral colors are always flattering in photos.

In the same topic, your legs might show depending on the dress you wear, so make sure they are prepared in the way you love them. I ofter a full restroom during your session to touch up any hair or make up needed and of course going to the bathroom!

What to Bring

I’m a better-bring-it-just-to-be-safe kind of person so I will usually have a lot of back up stuff with me. However, here are some handy dandy things that you might end up needing!

1. Water bottles (especially for those summer sessions or hiking sessions, it gets hot!)
2. A brush, hairspray, and/or gel. Do you trust your hair to stay how you want it for 1-2 hours? I definitely don’t trust mine but you’re the one who is in front of the camera!
3. On that same note, bring a little makeup bag for touch ups. Make sure to include some type of towel in case anyone gets too sweaty.
4. Comfortable shoes!
5. If we are including Your children. As tempting as it is to leave them at home (or send them away from home), it won’t be that bad, Remember i got little ones- this is my zone!

Posing Tips

I have two posing tips that will change the outcome of your photos. The first one, communicate, if you have something you are self conscious about, let me know. I want you to look at these photos and love them! It’s ok to be a little insecure about your body changing during pregnancy, it’s normal, don’t let those insecurities rob you of this amazing time in your life. Give yourself grace, after all you are growing a human! If you communicate ahead of time I can plan my poses around you and help you feel comfortable and confidant.

The second tip is be yourself. The more comfortable you are in front of the camera the better your photos will look. I will pose you in a way that is faltering to you. While posing, I will either guide you through a pose or mirror for you to copy me. For family poses I will pose you and your spouse first then add in kids since they have a smaller attention span.

We often look at Pinterest and expect our photos to look like something out of a magazine, while I’m in the business of creating cover quality photos, I’m also in the business of creating unique images and my images and poses will vary from couple to couple.

Have you thought about Lifestyle newborn session?

Or a fresh 48?

If you haven't! Lets chat about that too- I offer discounts with booking multiple sessions together at the same time.

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