LET’S PREPARE for YOUR PHOTO SESSION

 

Glam Up

  1. Make sure everyone’s nails and hair are clean! If need be, make that hair and nail appointment. You wouldn’t want to see chipped nails or split ends in your photos.

  2. You can do your own make-up or hire someone. I personally would hire someone because make-up artists know how to do make-up for camera. My friends at @pagebeauty are always there to help. Tell them Tim and Co sent you.

Outfit & Props

  1. I personally love neutrals with a pop of color but all shoots are different so feel free to contact me if you need advice. It will also greatly depend on the location. Try to avoid outfits with logos, prints or writing on them. You want your outfit to be classic and something you will still love 10 years later.

  2. Wear comfortable shoes or at least bring flip flops that you can change into.

  3. Do opt for accessories! Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos, and really help the images stand apart.

  4. Brainstorm about specific props, mementos, or special types of images you want captured. Some families bring heirloom quilts, a special stuffed animal, an embroidered keepsake, etc. Some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have these preferences, be sure to brainstorm them in advance and let me know as well!

Prep the Kids

  1. In the lead up to your session, try to build up the excitement with your family. You might plan aspects of the session with them, or talk to them about the fun activity that you’ll do. You might get them excited about where you’ll be going—whether it’s your stoop, the park down the block from you, or somewhere you’ve never been before. 

  2. You can say “we are hanging out with our new friend Tim on Sunday!” or “we are having a photoshoot at the park” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child.

  3. Another idea that some families we know have enjoyed is to spend time before the shoot looking at your own family pictures and telling stories of when you were young. You can use this as a way to show how important and fun it can be to have pictures that are the basis for how we remember and talk about who we are.

What to Bring

  1. Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.

  2. Snacks on snacks on snacks, and if necessary, treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued before you pull out candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!) Also, make sure the snacks/treats won’t stain lips or fingers!

  3. Walkable shoes. We will probably be walking short/moderate distances on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. Walkable shoes are a must! If you just love your wedges, bring them to change into before we start shooting.

  4. A change of clothes for the kiddos, in case anyone gets muddy or dirty. As a photographer, I love when kids interact fully with their surroundings, and I’m thrilled to photograph them playing in water or running through the grass. As a parent, you might not be too keen to let them back into your car, covered in mud. Feel free to bring a change of clothes or shoes. Maybe even a towel. You never know!!

  5. A beer. Just kidding! (kind of!) But seriously, if a beer will loosen up hubby a bit beforehand, I totally support it :)

How to Pose

  1. No need to ‘Cheese’! I’m chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions. No need to coax your children into fake smiles!

  2. Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how we’ll capture the REAL moments.

  3. Not everyone has to be looking at the camera. Actually, I usually encourage my gentlemen to NOT look at the camera. (they seem to prefer that, as well!) I like to especially encourage my dads to focus on their partners and their kids.

  4. When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly.

    Stand close together. Actually, as close as possible :)

  5. Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. And don’t stress if any of the kids get fussy! As a experienced photographer, I’ve seen it all before, trust me. Just snuggle your kiddos and we can still capture beautiful images.

  6. Expect me to move you around to different spots to capture images. The more variety we get, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!

And now you are ready! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this art for you. I truly enjoy our printed portraits at home and I am so glad that I’m able to share this gift with you.

Credits:

https://www.stylishhipkids.com/

https://www.irisandlacephotography.com/