FAMILY SESSION GUIDE
Photos will always be the most meaningful art you own, so I want you to have the best experience possible. This is a time for you to relax and enjoy yourself while I capture your family in a natural and authentic way.
This guide will help you to prepare for your session and get the most out of our time together. I've included tips on what to wear, how to select and coordinate colours and patterns, easy to add unique, meaningful touches to your images, as well as how to prepare your spouse and kids.
WHAT TO WEAR
One of the questions I'am asked most frequently by my clients is "What should we wear?" And it's no wonder!
You photos are an investment that you have most likely spent some time and money on, and besides adorning the walls of your home and probably your Christmas card, they will be passed down for generations to come. It is understandable that you want to look your best. Here are some tips to hopefully help you feel less overwhelmed.
START WITH WHAT YOU LOVE. Find something that makes you feel beautiful! If you are comfortable in what you are wearing, it will transfer to your photos. Being comfortable and confident in what we're wearing can make a huge difference in how we feel and how relaxed we are in front of the camera.
Here are a few recommended pieces to get you started!
FOR MUM: Dresses are the most flattering, and photograph beautifully. Dresses with movement add an extra touch of grace and elegance to your photos!
FOR DAD: Chinos and button up shirts look sharp, masculine and tailored in photos. Keep in mind that fitted slacks, as opposed to cargo styles, photograph best.
FOR KIDS: Same as mum and dad. Don't forget to accessorise! Little touches like hair accessories, bow ties and braces can add the perfect stylistic touch to your photos.
COORDINATING VS. MATCHING:
Coordinating is far better than matching. Choose colours that look nice together, but don't fall into the trap that you all need to be wearing the exact same blue shirt. Your photos will be far more interesting with some variation!
I always recommend having at least three colour in your palette. Adding in a couple of patterns look nice too!
Add in a solid shirt for one person, maybe some steps for another. Remember, the key is to coordinate, so the colours in your prints and patterns work together.
Neutral colours always photograph beautifully especially in the studio.
If you are having a hard time deciding on a colour palette, let the colours of your home inspire you! Since your home is where your images will be displayed, think about the colours that will coordinate well with your home style.
THINGS TO AVOID: Logos, large patterns, cartoon characters, neon colours.
HOW TO PREP YOURSELF
HOW TO PREP THE KIDS:
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Make sure they are rested
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Make sure they are fed
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Tell them what we will be doing, and make it sound exiting? Consider a reward/something fun afterwards
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Let them be little and know that I will take care of the rest.
HOW TO PREP DAD:
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Make sure he is rested and fed - Haha! But really...rested and fed applies to the grown-ups too!
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let him know that the best thing he can do is to just enjoy his family - and let me do the work. The pressure is off.
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Let him know how much this means to you.
HOW TO PREP YOURSELF:
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Make enough time to prepare on the day of your session, so you don't feel rushed and anxious.
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Let go of your need of perfection. This is the biggest anxiety for most mums. It's ok if your kids aren't "perfect" during our time together.
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Don't worry about your kids not giving me their "real smiles". Most of the time, being told "not that smile, your REAL smile!" only makes it worse...So, don't worry. I will work hard to get them laughing and will be sure to capture them at their best!
The most important thing for you to remember is to just enjoy your family.
