Getting Ready for a Photoshoot

One of the things I've noticed is that many of my potential clients have never had their family's photos done professionally, or it's been a while and they're not sure what to do to get ready, what to bring with them or what to expect. To help calm some of that anxiety and make your special day a success, here are some tips:

What to Wear: One of the hardest parts of getting your family ready for the photo session, in my opinion, is figuring out what everyone's going to wear - it's one of the reasons I haven't had my own family's photos done. I found a wonderful guide here, though, so I might just have to do that soon!

The biggest thing is to make sure that everyone is comfortable - if the kids are scratching at their collars, and itching to get out of their boots, they're probably not going to be making the kind of faces you want captured for your photo books and Facebook walls.

What to Bring: I shoot on location (your choice of location), which means I don't typically bring much with me unless I know that your family has a specific request - please be sure to let me know, or if you have something you think would be a great prop, bring it along! Do you have a string of pearls you'd love to see your daughter photographed with? An Army hat, or pair of boots or an American flag? Want to include the family pet? Let's talk about what kind of photos you're looking for so that we can be sure to have the right props.

It's also not a bad idea to bring a non-messy snack and drinks for the kids; and make sure everyone's fed beforehand, because hungry people are grumpy people. For those with little ones, it's definitely a good idea to bring a spare outfit, a blanket, their favorite toys - the goal is happy kids for great photos!

What to Expect: Once we've set a date, time and location, we'll talk more about what kind of photos your family is looking for - whether you have poses in mind or we create a Pinterest board together.

The day of the session will, I hope, be relaxed and fun. I try to go for natural photos - I like to let the little ones do their own thing, getting on their level and stepping into their world. Don't be nervous about "messing up the shot" - I take plenty of shots, and I can take plenty more if need be!

The BIGGEST Thing? I want your family to have a great time, because that's what makes the best photos - genuine smiles and a happy family.

Communication is key! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me a message or ask during your session.