So you booked your family photo session... now what?!
As a family photographer and a mom of 2, I have all the suggestions on what to do leading up to your family photo session!
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First up... it's time to pick your LOCATION! Are you doing your photos in-home or on-location? At a studio? Make sure you nail this detail down. It will help with other choices you have to make before your session! Be sure to choose a location that fits your vibe and is a place that you and your family are comfortable at. Don't want to wear shoes during your session? Choose to stay at home or go to the beach! Want to make sure you're good to go for your session date, rain or shine? Choose an in-home, studio, or indoor location.
Choosing a location is way more than just a pretty place, so be sure to check with your photographer to see if they have suggestions, and to make sure the spot you pick has optimal lighting and will work well in photos. I personally have a ton of locations up my sleeve, and love making suggestions, so if we're working together, please let me know what kind of location you're interested in and I can make suggestions for beautiful spots with great lighting, along with time slots that work well at that particular location.
Next is, you guessed it... OUTFITS. Dun dun dunnnn.... I know I know, outfits are HARD to choose! But I'm here to help so it's not that scary! Did you know that I offer styling as part of your session package? I love creating custom looks for my clients to choose outfit combinations that will photograph well and also be something that you love, not just something you found on pinterest and can't find in a store. Send me a photo of one key piece (usually mom's outfit choice) and I'll plan the rest, complete with shopping links and a style sheet! We can go back and forth as you find those items and like/dislike them, swapping out styles as we go. If we're not working together and you're on your own for this. Be sure to choose outfits that pair well with your location, are in beautiful earth tones or neutrals (these photograph best!) and are comfortable and something that you feel your best in.
After that... RELAX. Seriously though, take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine! Book a spa day, a hair appt, or even a makeup artist for the session day with your favorite girl! Planning a photo session is hard work, and you earned it! Plus, if you're feeling your best for the photo session, you'll look your best in photos... not just physically, it'll come thru in your actions and how free and happy you're feeling. More laid back, more joyful, and more go with the flow.
Speaking of HAIR & MAKEUP - if you need/want someone to doll you up for the session date and it's in your budget, I always recommend a professional for photo day! They know the best products and practices for photo-ready hair and makeup, and will make sure you're looking your best! I have a great vendor list and would be happy to recommend awesome local hair and makeup artists to you for your session - just ask and I'll send it over for you!
Ok... so you have your photographer, location & outfits squared away. You're good to go until session day, right?
Nope!
Just a few more small things.....
The day before your session, you'll want to lay out all of those outfits that you carefully selected, and STEAM them to get rid of wrinkles. Compile shoes, jewelry, and hair accessories. You don't want to be scrambling last minute trying to find that hair bow or your son's missing shoe (I've been there, my son loves to kick his shoes off and you'll find them in different rooms of the house... argh!).
If you have small children, PACK A BAG of snacks, incentives (treats or whatever will encourage them to do what you ask - stickers, suckers, smarties, etc), toys, drink cups, a tablet, wipes, drool bibs, etc. Also, visit this blog post for tips to have a smooth family session with your little ones!
Last thing - Be sure to CHAT with your family about EXPECTATIONS for the session. Talk it up and tell them how excited you are to go play with your photographer at the location you've chosen. Have them practice their smiles, even play pretend photo shoot and have fun with it! Let them know that if all goes well and we have lots of fun, that there is (incentive) in their future! Make it a positive, pump up experience, without threats, but instead, the promise of lots of fun! Talking things up and making the idea of photos exciting makes such a huge difference!
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