7 Tips for your best session yet!

After 75+ family sessions in the last couple of years…I’ve learned a lot about what helps a session run extra smoothly. I’ve also gotten quite a few questions over the years, and I thought I’d share some tips here on the blog in case you’re planning for a family session yourself. See below for my top 7 tips!

1. Pick your location.

First off, pick whether you’d like to do an in-home session or a session outdoors at a favorite family place. At-home sessions typically have more of a story feel to them and on-location/outdoor sessions typically have more of a lifestyle & portrait feel to them. Here are a few sessions to give you an idea of the difference between the two (though the two can overlap if we shoot outdoors at your home!):

Matilda at home // Davis Family // Jacobs Family // Bricker Family  // McGinnis Family// Emmaline: 6 Months

2. Food & Sleep.

Everyone is happier and things run smoother when everyone is well fed and well rested. It makes a world of difference! The best lighting for a session is within 2 hours of sunrise or sunset, so think ahead about nap times & meal times when picking a time that best fits your family.

3. What to wear:

Mom, you get to pick first and go from there! Think coordinating colors rather than matchy, matchy. Don’t worry, no need for jeans and white t-shirts! Pick something that reflects your family and your story. Want some inspiration? I’ve created a board with some outfit ideas. (More outfit inspiration to come soon!)

4. Set those outfits aside.

This is a piggyback on what to wear, but it’s worth noting: pick your outfits a few days ahead and set it aside…no worries about having to wash it last minute or the kids getting things dirty!

5. Don’t stress!

Don’t stress about how your child will act that day, I promise.  When you hire a photographer you trust (this is key!), you get to sit back and let them do the work. Of course, you know your child best! But, I promise their behavior won’t be anything we haven’t seen if they are having a bad day. They are children and that’s beautiful! And don’t worry about yourself, either! Every client I’ve worked with has told me they aren’t good in front of the camera, and I totally understand. It’s not an everyday thing to be in front of the camera, but don’t worry, I’ll take care of you and help you look your best!

6. Enjoy your session!

I know, it seems simple, but this is the most important. It seems like a mute point, but really, don’t get lost in the details and forget to love on your kids well and enjoy having someone else document this season for you. Not only will it actually be a wonderful time for your family, it’ll make the photographs that much better too. And we all want that right?

7. Have your photos printed.

Last but not least, think about how you’d like to enjoy these photographs. Would you prefer to have a book of photos from your session? Or a beautiful wall portrait to enjoy each and every day? Or how about a few prints for that wall gallery? I’m happy to help you in deciding what would be best for family & home!

 

Still have a question about how to prepare for your session or want to learn more about family sessions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to answer it for you!

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